How to open Xiaomi Redmi 3S: unlock the screen, Mi Account and reset to factory settings

Why Redmi 3S Can Be Blocked and What to Do About It

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 3S (The code name land, even after years, remains a popular device due to its reliability and low price, but owners often face problems with blocking: a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-code tied to Mi Account after resetting or buying a used active-protected phone. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where unlocking is simplified, Redmi 3S It requires a special approach due to the outdated version. MIUI manufacturer's limitations.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to unlock, from standard (via Find Device) to technical (Fastboot mode and firmware via EDL). Particular attention will be paid to bypassing Mi Account without losing data, as this is the most common problem for owners of Redmi 3S 2016-2018 release. All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI 12/14 (if the phone was updated) and original firmware.

Before proceeding, make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery level – at least 50% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 📱 There is a second phone or PC to download tools at hand.
• 🔧 If you are planning a firmware, prepare it. USB-cable (preferably original) and disable antivirus on PC.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

If you remember the data from the Mi Account attached to the phone, it's the fastest and most secure way to do this.

• 📱 Phone locked after resetting to factory settings.
• 🔒 On the screen appears a request to enter the username / password Xiaomi.
• 📧 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, select the Forgot password option?
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Follow the instructions to restore access (confirmation code will be sent to the mail or SMS).
4. After successful login, the phone is unlocked automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased by hand, the previous owner could not unplug the account. In this case, the official method will not work - you will need one of the alternative methods (see below).

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If you don’t have access to the original email, try restoring it through Xiaomi’s support service (https://account.xiaomi.com).Provide proof of purchase (check, box) – this increases the chances of unlocking.

Method 2: Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode

If you don't remember the screen password, but Mi Account isn't tied (or you untied it in advance), you can do a hard reset, which erases all the data on your phone, including photos, contacts, and apps.

• 🔄 Forgotten. PIN-code-key.
• 📱 "A “hang” phone that doesn’t respond to touch.
• 🚫 Devices without a tied Mi Account (otherwise, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu (manage volume and power buttons), select: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
4. After the process is complete, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI for Redmi 3S After a reset, you may need to enter your Mi Account data, even if you have not previously linked your account, due to Xiaomi's policy of protection against theft.

Method 3: Bypass Mi Account via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the phone requires Mi Account data to be entered after reset and you don't know it, you can try removing the binding via Fastboot mode.This method requires a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool. Suitable for Redmi 3S models based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (a faulty cable may interrupt the process!).
• 📁 Archive with Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 3S (You can download it on the official website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) should be displayed in Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) and press Refresh.
4. From the bottom menu, select Clean All (full clean) and click Flash.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Fastboot can cause a phone to blink (completely inoperable) if:

• 🔌 Uses unoriginal cable or unstable power supply PC (laptop on the battery).
• 📁 The firmware is not suitable for your Redmi modification 3S (for example land_global land).
• 🛠️ Interrupt the firmware process (even 99% – the phone may not turn on).

Method 4: Unlocking through EDL Mode (for power users)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore your phone even when there are serious crashes. For Redmi 3S, this method is relevant if:

• 🔧 Fastboot doesn't recognize the device.
• 📱 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 🔒 You need to bypass Mi Account without an official unlocker.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm 9008 drivers installed.
• 📁 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for Redmi 3S.
• 🔧 QFil or Mi Flash Tool with support EDL.
• 🔌 "Shorty" (bar) or testpoint for forced transfer to the EDL (If the phone does not automatically enter the mode).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and connect it to the PC, holding Volume Up + Volume Down + Power (for forced login to EDL).
2. If the phone is not recognized, find the motherboard testpoint (for Redmi 3S it is usually contacts near the battery) and close them with tweezers.
3. In QFil, select firmware and press Download. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
4. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Attention: Working with EDL And test points require expertise in electronics repair:

• 🔥 Damage to the motherboard (with a short circuit).
• 📵 Poose. IMEI (if the firmware is incompatible).
• 🚫 Total loss of warranty (if it is still in effect).

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Firmware via EDL is the only way to restore Redmi 3S if it is not enabled and defined in Fastboot. However, this method requires accurate firmware and accuracy when working with test points.

Method 5: Alternative methods (without PC)

If you don’t have access to your computer, you can try unlocking Redmi 3S with:

1.Find Device Service by Xiaomi

Find Device allows you to remotely unlock your phone if:

• 📱 The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Find Device option is enabled on the phone (checked in account settings).
• 📧 You have access to the Mi Account tied to your phone.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi 3S from the list of devices.
3. Press Unlock and confirm the action.

2. Google Account reset (for older versions of MIUI)

On Redmi 3S with MIUI version below 9.5, after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the option Forgot Pattern appears?. Here you can use Google Account data if it was linked:

1. Press Forgot Pattern?
2. Enter your login and password from Google.
3. Reset the pattern lock or PIN-code.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi removed the ability to unlock through Google Account for security reasons.If your phone was updated, this method won't work.

Unlocking Methods Comparison: Which One to Choose

To determine the best way, assess your situation in the table below:

If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center or a proven wizard. The cost of unlocking the Redmi 3S in 2026 is 800-1500 rubles (depending on the complexity).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking Redmi 3S, users often face typical problems:

1. Mi Flash Tool: The reason: incompatible firmware or unlocked bootloader. Solution: download firmware for your model (land or unblocked bootloader). land_global) Check the status of the bootloader in Fastboot with the command: fastboot oem device-info
2. Phone's not included in Fastboot/EDL: Cause: Damaged USB-Solution: Try another cable (preferably original) and port USB 2.0 PC-only.
3. After the firmware has no network (IMEI reset): Reason: The firmware did not contain modem files. Solution: restore the IMEI via Engineer Mode (code #3646633##) or run the full firmware package.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is no longer detected on the network after unlocking (no signal), do not try to manually edit it. IMEI It's a mechanical menu, it's against the law (IMEI is tied to the device at the operator level and can lead to the locking of the phone in communication networks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions