How to unlock the screen Xiaomi Redmi 3s: from Mi Account to reset via Recovery

Have you forgotten your Xiaomi Redmi 3s password or your child accidentally locked the screen with a pattern lock? The situation is unpleasant, but solvable. This smartphone, released in 2016, is still used by many users, and unlocking it has its nuances. Unlike the new Xiaomi models, which have strict Factory Reset Protection (FRP) restrictions, Redmi 3s can still bypass the lock without being tied to an account - but only if you know the right methods.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to unlock, from official reset via Mi Account to technical solutions like ADB and Fastboot. Importantly, not all methods will work if the phone is on data protection or activated Find My Device. We will also tell you how to avoid data loss and what to do if the smartphone requires confirmation after the reset.

Warning: some methods require proof of ownership (checks, box, tied account).If the phone is purchased from hands without detachment from the previous owner - unlocking may not be possible without contacting the Xiaomi service center.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 🔹 Remember the login and password from the account that was linked to the phone.
• 🔹 The smartphone has access to a mobile network or Wi-Fi (to log in to the account after rebooting).
• 🔹 More than 5 failed password attempts were not made (otherwise the account is temporarily blocked).

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or email.
4. Once successfully logged in, the phone will unlock, but may need to restart.

If you don't remember your account, try to restore access through the official Mi Account website. Use the linked email or phone number. Restore via the official Mi Account website. SMS It works even if it works SIM-The card is on another phone now.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If you can't log in through Mi Account, the next option is a hard reset to factory settings, which will remove all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. On Redmi 3s, Recovery reset works even without being tied to your account, but there are nuances:

• 🔧 After the reset, the phone may require data input from the Mi Account if the account was previously linked.
• 🔧 If Find My Device is enabled, proof of ownership will be required.
• 🔧 On some firmware (for example, MIUI 10+) The discharge is blocked without confirmation.

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off the phone by pressing the power button for 10 seconds.
2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and click Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

On Redmi 3s with firmware older than MIUI 9, a Recovery reset may not require you to enter Mi Account after the reboot - this is a vulnerability that Xiaomi has closed in new versions.If the phone after the reset requests an account, proceed to the next method.

3. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a good way to go if your phone has previously had USB debugging enabled. This is rare, but if you've ever connected Redmi 3s to your computer for firmware or debugging, there's a chance.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and run Command Prompt in the ADB folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is determined, continue. If not, install drivers or try another cable.
3. Delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Warning: On newer versions of MIUI (11+), this method may not work due to a changed password storage structure, and after a reboot, the phone may require the old password to be entered, in which case only a reset will help.

4 Unlocking through Fastboot and firmware

If previous methods failed, the firmware is still running through Fastboot, which is suitable for Redmi 3s with any version of MIUI, but requires:

• 🔧 Computer with Fastboot drivers installed.
• 📥 Official firmware for Redmi 3s (You can download it on the official website).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50%.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power button to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your computer and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with.tgz extension) and launch the file flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
4. Wait for the firmware to finish (5-10 minutes) and the phone to restart.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot's firmware deletes all data and returns the phone to factory status. FRP, After the firmware is installed, you'll need to input data from the Mi Account that was previously tied, and without it, the phone will become a brick".

5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

• 🔐 The phone requires a Mi Account, but you don’t remember the data or it was tied to a previous owner.
• 🛠️ After reset, the error "This device is locked" appears. FRP).
• 📱 The phone will not turn on after a failed firmware.

What you need to unlock in the service:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 📦 The original box with IMEI (must coincide with IMEI phone).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (if the phone is officially purchased).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the complexity. In some cases, you may need to replace the motherboard (if the lock is at iron level), which will cost 5,000-8,000 rubles - it is cheaper to buy a used Redmi 3s.

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Before visiting the service, take photos of the box, check and IMEI of the phone (sticker under the battery) and this will speed up the process of verifying ownership.

How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of a locked screen on Xiaomi Redmi 3s, follow the simple rules:

• 🔑 Use a fingerprint (if the sensor is working) or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
• 📝 Write it down. PIN-code or pattern lock to a safe place (e.g., notes on another device).
• 🔗 Link Mi Account and make sure you remember the login details. Turn on the backup email and recovery phone.
• 🔄 Regularly back up data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

If you are selling or transferring your phone to another person, you must:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
2. Untie Mi Account in the account menu.
3. Delete everything. SIM-memory-cards.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 3s firmware MIUI 10 and newer after the reset may remain binding to Mi Account, even if you untie the account in the settings. To avoid problems with the new owner, perform a reset via Fastboot with a full flashing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 3s

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If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the service.Incorrect firmware or reset can turn Redmi 3s into a "brick" that will be cheaper to throw away than repair.