How to open Xiaomi Redmi 3: unlock the bootloader, Mi Account and reset password

Xiaomi Redmi 3 is the legendary budget smartphone of 2016, which is still used by many users. However, over time, owners face problems: a forgotten password, a blocked Mi Account, or the need to flash a device with a locked bootloader. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock without losing data (where possible) and taking into account the features of the Redmi 3 model (codenamed ido).

It is important to understand that methods for new Xiaomi devices (for example, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor) are not suitable here. Redmi 3 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 chip and has unique unlock nuances associated with the MIUI version and Xiaomi policy of 2016-2018. If you bought a phone with your hands and it is locked, do not rush to carry it into the service: in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved yourself.

1 Unblocking Mi Account on Redmi 3

The most common problem is that you have a blocked Mi Account after you reset your settings or buy a used phone, and Xiaomi has linked the device to your account, and you can't officially unlock it without the previous owner's data, but there are workarounds.

If the phone asks you to enter the username / password from Mi Account on the first turn on, try:

• 📧 Contact the previous owner – ask them to remove the device from the list of associated in the settings of the i.mi.com account (section “Devices.
• 🔄 Bypass the lock through Recovery mode – works only on older versions MIUI (Until 2018. To do that, hold the Volume.+ + Power, select Wipe Data, then restart. on Redmi 3s MIUI 7-8 this method works in 60% of cases, but on the MIUI 9 and newer lock returns after reboot.
• 🛠️ Use third-party tools like the Mi Account Unlock Tool (requires PC, cable and Fastboot mode) and it's risky to have your phone bricked if you interrupt.

⚠️ If the phone was stolen, Xiaomi could block it. IMEI After trying to bypass Mi Account, check the status of the device by serial number on the site www.mi.com/verify before unlocking.

If none of these methods worked, the only official way is to ask Xiaomi for a check and paperwork, and in 2026, the company sometimes meets the challenge if the phone is legally purchased.

2 Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 3

To firmware custom software or restore the system through Fastboot requires unlocked bootloader. Xiaomi blocks it by default, but for Redmi 3 the process is simplified compared to the new models.

Official method:

1. Link Mi Account to your phone (in About Phone → MIUI version, click 7 times, then Additional → For Developers → Link your account).
2. Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC and log in.
3. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume)− + Nutrition).
4. Connect to your PC and follow the instructions of the program. The waiting time for unlocking for Redmi 3 is up to 72 hours (according to Xiaomi rules of 2017).

Informal methods (for experienced users):

• 🔓 DeepFlash – bypasses waiting, but requires knowledge of commands ADB.
• 📱 Sweep through the modified TWRP Recovery via Fastboot, then manually delete lock files (/data/system/locksettings.db).

⚠️ Warning: Once unlocked, the bootloader will reset all data on the phone, including photos in internal memory. Be sure to back up via Mi Cloud or ADB backup!

3. Resetting of the pattern lock or password

If you forget the screen unlock password on Redmi 3, there are several ways to reset it, the main thing is not to try to enter combinations at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the phone will lock for 30 minutes, and after 20, you will require you to enter Mi Account.

Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

It only works if you have TWRP Recovery installed:

1. Turn off the phone, press Volume++ Power to enter Recovery.
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /data/system/ and delete the files: gatekeeper.password.key gatekeeper.pattern.key locksettings.db locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-shm
4. Reset. Password will be reset.

Method 2: Using Fastboot (with data reset)

If Recovery is standard, you will have to reset your phone to the factory settings:

1. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Volume)− + Nutrition).
2. On PC, run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

4. Unlocking SIM-map (PIN/PUK)

If Redmi 3 asks PIN or PUK-code SIM-The problem is not the phone, it's the carrier, but there's a bug in this model, after 3 failed attempts to type. PIN The phone can be got stuck on the Mi logo.

What to do:

• 📞 Call the operator – call the phone number and passport details to get PUK-Enter it carefully after 10 wrong attempts. SIM-The card will be permanently blocked.
• 🔧 Restart your phone in Safe Mode -- Hold the Power, then hold the Reboot until you have a suggestion to turn on Safe Mode. PIN-request.
• 🔄 Reset your network settings if your phone can’t see SIM post-injection PUK, Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

If SIM-card is blocked permanently, contact the communication salon with the passport for replacement.

5. Unlock after firmware (Bootloop)

If after a failed firmware Redmi 3 stuck on the Mi logo or constantly restarted (bootloop), the reasons may be different: incompatible firmware, damaged boot-partition or error in the boot. EFS-section (IMEI).

Diagnosis:

• 🔍 If the phone vibrates when turned on, but the screen is black, the problem is in the display firmware (persist partition).
• 🔄 If the Mi logo appears and the phone reboots, it is damaged. boot.img.
• 📵 If there is no vibration and no charging reaction, a hardware failure is possible (check the battery).

Decision:

1. Fastboot Fastboot with the official firmware for Redmi 3 (ido version): fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot
2. If the firmware doesn't help, go ahead. EFS-partition (requires backup! without it, the phone will lose IMEI).
3. In extreme cases, use Test Point to force you to log into EDL Mode (requires a soldering iron and experience).

💡

If the IMEI is missing after the firmware, restore it through the engineering menu: dial ##4636##, select Phone Information → Select a radio band → enter IMEI (indicated on the box or under the battery).

6. Hardware unlock (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 3 doesn’t respond to the power button, is not charged or is not detected by a computer, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Battery -- it swells up over time and moves away from the contacts. Try pressing the battery with your hand and plugging in the charger.
• 🔌 porte USB — oxidation or contact break. Check charging on another device.
• 🔧 The power button is a common Redmi 3 problem. If the button is stuck, take the phone apart and clean it with alcohol.
• 📱 Power controller – if the phone does not respond even to charging, a multimeter diagnosis is required.

To disassemble Redmi 3 you will need:

• Plastic spatula or mediator.
• Cross screwdriver (size #00).
• A dryer for softening glue (battery glued).

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling Redmi 3, it is easy to damage the display plume, which is attached with fragile latches. If the screen does not work after assembly, check the connection of the plume and the integrity of the contacts.

If the phone doesn’t turn on even after the battery is replaced, try the EDL Mode resuscitation:

1. Connect your phone to a PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.
2. Close Test Point (under the back cover, next to the USB-port).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Clean All.

💡

If the phone doesn't respond to charging, check the power supply first (should give 5V/2A). Cheap charging often doesn't provide the right current, and the Redmi 3 doesn't turn on.

7. Alternative methods of unlocking

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

1. Circumvention through ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the phone was enabled debugging over USB, you can reset the password through commands:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

2. Use of service codes

Some versions of MIUI on Redmi 3 support hidden commands:

• ##7780## - Reset settings (saves data).
• *2767*3855# - Full reset (remove everything!) Dangerous!

3. Contact the service center

If the phone is locked at Mi Account level and the previous owner is not responding, some services offer a service of unlocking through the phone. EFS" (cost ~1500–3000 ₽). The essence of the method is the firmware of the modified EFS-The downside is that the warranty on the phone is lost.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 3