How to open Xiaomi Redmi 3: unlock the bootloader, reset password and restore the system

Xiaomi Redmi 3, released in 2016, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliable hardware base and support for custom firmware. However, owners often face access problems: a forgotten pattern lock, a locked bootloader after a failed update, or buying a used device with a link to someone else’s Mi Account. In this article, current ways to unlock Redmi 3 (codenamed ido), including official methods from Xiaomi and workaround solutions for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the procedures differ depending on the type of lock, for example, resetting the password of the lock screen is performed through Recovery Mode, and unlocking the bootloader requires confirmation through the Mi Account and waiting for 72-720 hours. We will analyze all scenarios taking into account the features of the firmware MIUI 7-14 and possible pitfalls, such as data loss or a “brick” of the device.

1. Determine the type of lock on Redmi 3

Before you act, identify the reason for the lock, and the choice of method depends on this:

• 🔒 Screen locking (PIN, pattern lock, password – appears when you turn on the phone, without access to the menu.
• 🔐 Mi Account binding – requires login/password input after resetting or firmware (Find Device function).
• 📱 Blocked bootloader - This device is locked in Fastboot mode.
• ⚠️ Soft-brick – The phone turns on but only loads to the Mi logo or reboots cyclically.

To diagnose the problem:

1. Connect Redmi 3 to charging and try to turn it on.
2. If the screen reacts but requires a password, it is a lock screen.
3. If the phone boots to the logo and turns off, a firmware failure is possible after an unsuccessful update via OTA.
4. If you connect to a PC in Fastboot you see the inscription Locked - the bootloader is blocked.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 3 with firmware MIUI Anti-Rollback protection may work over version 8, and trying to flash the older version of the software will lead to a full blink!

2. unlock the screen (PIN/pattern lock)

If you forgot the unlock password, but remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone, use the official method:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message Forgot the password appears.
2. Click on this caption and select Restore via Mi Account.
3. Enter the login and password from the account to which the phone is linked.
4. Follow the instructions to create a new password.

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember it, you’ll need to reset your settings via Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After reset, restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 3s MIUI 9+ After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter Mi Account data if the Find Device function was previously activated!

Bypassing Mi Account Reference (FRP)

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on Xiaomi is implemented through a binding to Mi Account. If the phone is purchased from hand and requires data from the previous owner, you can not officially circumvent the protection - only through agreement with the seller.

• 🔧 Method 1: Fastboot firmware with deletion of frp files (requires unlocked bootloader).
• 🖥️ Method 2: Use of vulnerabilities in older versions MIUI (for example, through ADB mode EDL).
• 📱 Method 3: Flashing to custom software (e.g. LineageOS) if the bootloader is unlocked.

For the method through Fastboot:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flash frp unlock.frp




fastboot reboot

Where unlock.frp is a special file to bypass FRP (can be found on profile forums).

4. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 3

The official unlocking of the bootloader on Redmi 3 is done through Xiaomi's Mi Unlock Tool.The process takes between 3 and 30 days due to the company's security policy.

Steps:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the Mi Account linked to the phone.
3. Connect Redmi 3 in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down + Power).
4. Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

To speed up the process:

• 📱 Link to your Mi Account SIM-A card that has been used on the phone for more than 72 hours.
• 🔄 Regularly sync data in your account settings.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB to check the unlock status: adb shell getprop ro.boot.flash.locked.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, try 2.3.803.1, which is often more stable than new releases.

5. Recovery from the Brick (Soft/Hard Brick)

Redmi 3 with Snapdragon 430 (ido) processor can be restored even after a full breeze through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.

• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware in.mbn format for ido.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Loud Down + Power for 10-15 seconds (should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
3. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL erases all data, including IMEI. After recovery, the communication module may need to be re-activated!

6. Alternative methods and custom firmware

If the official methods do not help, consider installing custom software. Redmi 3 is popular:

• 📱 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) is a stable alternative MIUI.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android.
• 🛡️ Havoc-OS – for lovers of customization.

For installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section 4).
2. Install custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP for ido).
3. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. Fly through TWRP by running Wipe Dalvik/Cache.

💡

Custom firmware can improve Redmi 3 performance, but will deprive you of security updates from Xiaomi.Use only proven builds from the XDA Developers forum or 4PDA.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking Redmi 3, users face typical problems:

If the phone is not turned on after manipulation:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable.
• 📡 Make sure the firmware is suitable for the ido model (not for Redmi). 3 Pro/Prime).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions