Unlocking Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 3S: official and unofficial methods

Xiaomi Redmi 3S is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the problem of blocking Mi Account, a branded Xiaomi account. This lock can occur after resetting settings, buying a used phone or simply forgetting the password. Unlike the new models, the Redmi 3S has specific unlock features due to the outdated version of MIUI and the manufacturer’s restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to unlock, including official methods through Xiaomi support and alternative solutions for cases where standard options do not help. 3S — A model released in 2016, where some modern tools (such as the latest Mi Unlock Tool) may not work.

Why Redmi 3S is blocking Mi Account and what it means

The Mi Account lock on Xiaomi Redmi 3S is a theft protection that is activated when:

• 🔄 Resetting settings via Recovery or Settings → Additionally. → Reset;
• 📱 First inclusion after purchasing a used phone (unless the previous owner untied the account);
• 🔒 Several failed attempts to enter a password (account is blocked for 24 hours).

The screen shows a message saying, "This device is tied to Mi Account. Enter the password to unlock." Without input of the right data, the phone turns into a "brick" - you can't even use basic functions. Unlike the new models, the Redmi 3S does not support unlocking through Find My Device (the feature came later), which complicates the process.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the seller has not untie his account, official unlocking is only possible if there is a check or a sales contract. Xiaomi can require proof of ownership of the device.

Method 1: Officially Recovery of Mi Account Password

If you forgot your account password but remember your email or phone number, use the standard recovery procedure:

1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Select the confirmation method: 📧 By email, the code will come to the mail; 📱 Po Po Po SMS — The code will be sent to the phone (if the number has not changed).

Create a new password and confirm the changes.

After successful recovery, enter new data on the blocked Redmi 3S. If your account is tied to a phone number you no longer use, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box with IMEI).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 3S version MIUI 8.5 may not be able to recover from SMS. In this case, use only email.

Method 2: Unlocking with Xiaomi support (for used phones)

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untie his Mi Account, the official way to unlock is to appeal for Xiaomi.

• 📄 Check or contract of sale, indicating IMEI;
• 📦 Original box (it is indicated on it) IMEI);
• 📞 Seller’s contact details (if possible).

Instructions for handling:

1. Go to the support page: mi.com/global/support.
2. Select the "Mi Account" section" → "Unlock Device".
3. Fill out the form by specifying: IMEI: [indicated on the box or settings *#06#] Serial number: [on the box or under the battery] Purchase date: [from the check]
4. Attach scans of documents (check, box with IMEI, passport).
5. Expect a response within 3-7 days.

Xiaomi may request additional data, such as a photo of a phone with the lock screen on, and if the seller agrees to help, ask them to write a statement in support of the detachment of the account from the device.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check if the Mi Account is untied. ask the seller to reset the settings in front of you and make sure the phone does not require a password entry after the reboot.

Method 3: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (for flashed devices)

Mi Unlock Tool is the official utility from Xiaomi for unlocking the bootloader. 3S It is not working properly due to an outdated version. MIUI, But in some cases, it helps to bypass the locking of an account. USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (Not Newer 5.5.224.56 for Redmi 3S)
2. Install Mi USB Driver drivers (you can download it at xiaomiflashtool.com).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Sign in to your Mi Account (if your phone is linked to another account, this will not work!).
6. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

If the utility gives you an error called “Couldn’t unlock” or “Device not supported,” try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (original);
• 🖥️ Launching the utility on behalf of the administrator;
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 3S s MIUI 7 or lower Mi Unlock Tool can lock the phone permanently. Before using, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone.

Method 4: Firmware via EDL (for power users)

If the official methods did not help, there is a radical way - firmware through the EDL-This is an easy-to-use mode, which is suitable for Redmi. 3S any version MIUI, requires:

• 💻 Windows computer;
• 🔌 Cable. USB Type-C (for Redmi) 3S Prime or Micro-USB;
• 📂 Fastboot firmware ROM for Redmi 3S (Download at Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tools for the Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Loud Down + Power 10-15 seconds to enter the EDL (the screen will remain black, but the PC will determine the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select the "Clean All" mode and press "Flash".

Once firmware is in place, the phone will restart in its clean state without being tied to Mi Account, which is important: this method erases all data and can lead to loss of IMEI if the firmware is not properly selected.

Method 5: Alternative methods (bypassing the lock)

If none of the above methods worked, you can try alternative solutions, which do not guarantee 100% results, but sometimes help to bypass the lock:

Method 1: Test Point reset (for Redmi 3S with Snapdragon processor)

The Redmi 3S board has test points that allow you to log into the EDL even without a button combination.

1. Take the phone apart (requires a mediator and a screwdriver).
2. Find a dot on the motherboard that says "TP" or "EDL" (usually next to the battery).
3. Close them with tweezers or a needle, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
4. The phone will be defined as Qualcomm 9008, then run it through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 2: Use of third-party services (at your own risk)

There are services on the Internet that offer Mi Account unlocking for a fee (for example, Mi Account Removal), the cost is from 500 to 2000 rubles.

• 🕵️‍♂️ Fraud (the service can take money and not unlock the phone);
• 🔓 Possible re-blocking after update;
• 📵 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).

If you do, choose forum reviews (like 4PDA) and never send money forward – only pay after you confirm your unblocking.

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Alternative methods (Test Point, third-party services) should only be used as a last resort, and they can lead to a complete loss of phone performance or blocking IMEI.

What to do if nothing helps

If all methods are exhausted and Redmi 3S is still blocked, there are a few options left:

• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi service center (if the phone is warranty or there is a check);
• 🔧 Sell the phone for spare parts (motherboard, screen, battery may come in handy);
• 📱 Use as a “brick” – for example, to teach soldering or repair.

New unlocking methods for older Xiaomi models sometimes appear on forums.

• 4PDA (Redmi 3S theme)
• Xiaomi.eu Community;
• XDA Developers.

If the phone is locked because of theft (IMEI is blacklisted), unlocking is not possible, in which case it is better to hand over the device for disposal.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Mi Account on Redmi 3S