Redmi 3S Unlocking: Official and Alternative Methods of Unlocking

Xiaomi Redmi 3S, released in 2016, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, many users are faced with the need to unlock the device – whether it is resetting the pattern lock, deleting the attached Mi Account or unlocking the bootloader to install TWRP and custom software. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Redmi 3S (code name land), including the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, bypassing account lock and solving typical errors.

It’s important to understand that the process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices is associated with a number of restrictions on the part of the manufacturer. Since 2018, the company has tightened the rules: it now requires an account to be linked to the device and wait 72-360 hours before unlocking. However, for the Redmi 3S (as for the old model), some workarounds still work. We will also consider how to proceed if the smartphone is locked after resetting or buying from hands without wagging the Mi Account.

1.Preparation for unlocking: what to do in advance

Before you start unlocking the Redmi 3S, you need to follow several critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to a device blink (complete failure) or endless waiting cycles for unlock.

First, check the MIUI version on your device. Successfully unlocking the Mi Unlock Tool requires a version that is not newer than MIUI 10 (Redmi 3S is valid for firmware up to V10.2.2.0.MALMIXM). If you have a newer version installed, it will have to roll back. You can do this through Fastboot or Recovery, but note that the rollback will erase all data.

• 📱 Check the device model: go to Settings → The phone. → Model, should be Redmi. 3S (or Redmi 3X, If you have a modification with 3GB of RAM, the code name is land.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. Unlocking through the Fastboot can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the process will lead to a failure.
• 🔐 Unlock your Google account (if you plan to reset). Once the bootloader is unlocked, your smartphone may require you to enter the last synchronized Google account.
• 💻 Install drivers: to work with Mi Unlock Tool you need Qualcomm drivers and ADB. Download them from the official Xiaomi website or through Mi PC Suite.

Critical detail: if you bought Redmi 3S handheld, make sure that the previous owner untie his Mi Account. Otherwise, after resetting the phone will require entering the username / password of the old owner, and unlocking it will be extremely difficult.

Download Mi Unlock Tool (last version)|Install Qualcomm drivers and ADB|Disable antivirus (can block tools)|Create a backup of data (unlocking erases everything)|Check that the PC is enabled debugging mode by USB-->

2.Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable (but also the longest) way to unlock a Redmi 3S bootloader is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which only works if you have access to the Mi Account tied to the device and are willing to wait 3 to 15 days (depending on Xiaomi’s policy).

Algorithm of action:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
2. Link Mi Account: In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link your account. Without this step, unlocking will be impossible.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official en.miui.com/unlock (authentication required).
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off Redmi 3S, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
5. Start unlocking: In the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account, plug in your phone, and press Unlock. If the device is tied for less than 72 hours, a wait message will appear.

The waiting period may vary:

• 🕒 72 hours if the account is first linked.
• 🕓 360 hours (15 days) – if you have previously tried to unlock.
• ⏳ 30 days – with repeated unsuccessful attempts.

Up to 3 days.|Up to 7 days.|Up to 15 days.|More than a month.|Looking for workarounds-->

Common mistakes and their solutions:

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Device not connected” error, try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of your PC or use the original Xiaomi cable.

3 Unlocking Without Waiting: Bypassing Xiaomi's Restrictions

If you don't want to wait 72 to 360 hours, you can try alternative methods to unlock the bootloader. They are suitable for the Redmi 3S, but require more technical knowledge. The risk of the device's "brick" increases, so act at your own risk.

One way to work is to use older versions of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. v2.3.803.1 or v3.5.507.24) that do not check latency, but may not work on newer firmware.

1. Download the old version of the Mi Unlock Tool (see 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).
2. Roll back the Redmi 3S firmware to MIUI 8 or 9 (e.g. V8.5.2.0.MALMIED).
3. Connect your phone to Fastboot and start unlocking through the old version of the tool.

Another method is to unlock through EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This allows you to flash the device around the bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account or paid access to the device. EDL-Detailed instructions for servers:

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking through EDL If you do not have experience with Qualcomm devices, it is better to consult a specialist.

4.Reset the pattern lock and password to Redmi 3S

If you forgot your pattern lock or password on Redmi 3S, you can unlock your device in a number of ways, depending on whether USB debugging is enabled and whether Mi Account is tied.

Method 1: Through Mi Account (if tied)

• 🔑 On the lock screen, press Forgot the password?.
• 📧 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account linked to the device.
• 🔄 Follow the instructions for resetting your password (confirmation may be required by SMS email).

Method 2: Through Recovery (if USB debugging is disabled)

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After the reset, the phone will require data entry from Mi Account if it was tied!

Method 3: Through ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

This command deletes the files with the lock data, and after the reset, the password will be reset.

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If the Redmi 3S has enabled Find Device, it is almost impossible to unlock it without Mi Account data, in which case only firmware through EDL or contacting a service center will help.

5. Delete Mi Account after resetting settings

One of the most common problems with buying Redmi 3S off hand is the previous owner's Mi Account blocked. Once you reset the settings, the phone requires you to enter the login and password from the associated account, and there are several ways to solve this problem, but they all require an unlocked bootloader or access to the EDL.

Method 1: TWRP (if the bootloader is unlocked)

1. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 3S (download from twrp.me).
2. Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete the files: /data/system/miui/device_id.xml /data/system/users/0/accounts.db
5. Restart your phone and the Mi Account lock will be removed.

Method 2: Through EDL (if the bootloader is blocked)

• 🔌 Transfer the phone to EDL-mode (see the instructions in the spoiler above).
• 💾 Flush clean firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with a clean all and lock tick (this will delete all data, including Mi Account).
• ⚠️ Risk: Without an authorized Xiaomi account, the firmware could end in an error.

⚠️ Note: Delete Mi Accounts through third-party services (e.g, DSP Tool or UMT) frequently causes damage IMEI Or the Baseband module. 3S It's a risk of losing the network!

Unlocking of the network operator (SIM-lock)

If your Redmi 3S is tied to a carrier (for example, it was purchased under a contract), you will need an unlock code to unlock the SIM-lock.

• 📞 Official operator (often paid service, requires proof of identity).
• 🌐 Through online services (such as UnlockBase or DoctorSIM), but there is a risk of fraud.
• 🔧 Through the modem part firmware (requires an unlocked bootloader and experience with the QCN-file).

Redmi 3S also uses the following engineering menu:

1. Enter the dialer: ##4636##.
2. Go to the phone information.
3. Click Turn off the radio (if the option is active), then restart the phone.
4. Put it in. SIM-map of another operator and check the network.

If this method does not work, you will need to run the modem part through QFil or Mi Flash Tool. Without experience, it is not recommended - the error will lead to a loss of IMEI.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you unlock Redmi 3S, you're going to have a typical problem, and we've collected some of the most common bugs and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If you have unlocked Redmi 3S stopped turning on (black screen, no reaction to buttons), most likely, there was an error when running the preloader firmware. EDL with an authorized account or soldering of an eMMC chip.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions