Users of Xiaomi Redmi 3S’s budget-friendly but reliable smartphones often face a situation where access to the device is limited, which can be due to a forgotten pattern lock, blocking a password, or binding to a Mi Account created by a previous owner. Owners of this model, released in 2016, still value their autonomy, but software restrictions can turn the device into a useless piece of plastic.
There are several proven methods of bypassing protection, but the choice of a particular method depends on whether the Internet on the device is turned on and whether the debugging mode is activated via USB. It is important to understand that most procedures will lead to the complete deletion of user data. Backup of contacts and photos must be done in advance if there is such a technical possibility, otherwise it will be almost impossible to recover information without special services.
In this article, we will go into detail the algorithms for different lock scenarios. We will look at both standard Recovery Menu recovery tools and more complex methods that require a computer connection. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to damage your Redmi 3S Prime software or the standard version.
Determination of the type of lock and preparation
The first step is to diagnose the problem accurately, because the lock screen can ask for different data, and your strategy depends on it, and if the device requires you to enter your Mi Account password after a reset, then the Find Device function has been enabled. If the request is for a pattern lock or digital PIN-The situation is easier to solve, but requires an understanding of the version of the Android Operating System.
Before any manipulations, you need to ensure a stable power supply. 60-70%, Because interrupting the firmware or reset process can lead to critical errors in the bootloader. USB-cable, preferably original, and Windows computer with drivers installed ADB.
It's worth noting that Mi Account is the most serious obstacle, and it's a cloud-based security that's tied to a unique hardware identifier, and if you bought a phone from your hands and it's locked by someone else's account, you can legally unlock it only by contacting the previous owner to unblock the device through the manufacturer's website.
Resetting settings through Recovery mode
The most common and affordable method of unlocking is to use the built-in recovery menu, which is effective if the phone does not activate Mi Cloud protection or if you know the password from the Google account that you will need after the reset, the process begins with a complete turn off of the smartphone.
To enter Recovery mode on Redmi 3S, you need to press both the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while keeping the volume high. In a few seconds, the main menu will open, where the navigation is carried out by the volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
☑️ Preparation for discharge
In the menu that opens, select a language (usually English or Chinese) and find Wipe Data, which will require confirmation of action, often in the form of re-selecting Wipe All Data, the system will warn you of loss of information, after which the process of cleaning the memory partitions begins, this takes from 10 to 30 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: After performing the reset and reboot, the phone may require you to enter a password from a Google account that was previously synced to the device. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
If you don't remember the data from your Google account, the procedure becomes complicated and requires bypassing FRP protection, which is a separate technical task. For a standard unlocking screen, Google password knowledge is usually enough. Once you enter the data successfully, the phone will start as new, without the old lock passwords.
Use the services of Find My Device
If your smartphone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) and you have geolocation enabled, you can use remote control. Google's Find Device service allows you not only to track your location, but also to complete a cleanup command, and you need any other gadget with Internet access.
Go to the official service page through the browser, entering the data of the same Google account that was used on the blocked Redmi 3S. In the list of devices, select your model. The interface will suggest several actions: “Call”, “Block” and “Clear the device.” We are interested in the latter option.
If you choose to clean, you send a command to your smartphone, and once the device is in communication with the server, it will be forced to reset to factory settings, and the good thing about this is that it doesn't require physical access to the phone's buttons, but it's powerless if the phone is off or in aerial mode.
What to do if the internet is off?
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
For deeper work with the system, including flashing or unblocking the bootloader, the official Mi Unlock Tool is used. This tool is designed for advanced users and requires pre-registration and binding of the Mi Account to the device. Without this preparation, you will not be able to unlock the bootloader.
The process requires you to put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, you need to turn the phone off by pressing the volume button and the power button. The screen will show an image of a hare in a hat-eared android repairing. Connect the device to the PC and start the program.
| Parameter | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of work | Fastboot | Required. |
| Drivers. | ADB Interface | Necessary. |
| Mi Account | Tieted. | I'll be sure. |
| Waiting time | 7 to 15 days. | Depends on the rules. |
The utility will check the status of the account's association. If all the conditions are met, the Unlock button will become active. Pressing it will start the process of unlocking the bootloader. It is important to understand that this action also completely clears the data on the phone for security purposes.
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Before using the Mi Unlock Tool, make sure that the antivirus on your computer does not block the program, adding it to the exceptions.
FRP Protection (Google Account)
In situations where after a reset, the phone requests a Google account that is unknown to the user, you have to resort to methods of bypassing FRP. On Redmi 3S with Android 6.0 Marshmallow version and MIUI shell, there are specific vulnerabilities that allow you to access the settings.
One popular method involves using TalkBack or special combinations in the emergency call menu. USSD-codes or clicking on links through a browser that can be called through Wi-Fi settings (addition of a network with a long name containing a link.
A more reliable but challenging way is to use PCs and FRP reset tools, such as Mi Flash Pro or specialized ADB scripts. These allow you to remove account verification files from the system partition. Redmi 3S often uses a method with system files replaced via an engineering menu if available.
⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP This is a complex procedure that requires accurate entry into the firmware version. Incorrect actions can lead to the "bricking" of the device when it ceases to respond to the onset.
If the software methods don’t work, you can still contact the service center with a check to buy, which is the only legal way to remove the lock if you forget all the data and can’t restore access to your accounts.
Smartphone firmware as an extreme measure
When standard methods fail, there is a complete firmware reflash, and for Redmi 3S (codename prada for the regular version and land for Prime), there are stable global firmware, using the Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool.
You will need to download the firmware image in Fastboot format (extension.tgz), unpack it and select it in the program. The phone translates to Fastboot mode (clampdown volume and power). In the Mi Flash utility, you need to select Clean all mode, which guarantees the removal of all data and locks, except for Mi Account, if it is hard grafted to the hardware.
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Use only original firmware from official sources to avoid malicious code or system failure.
The firmware process takes a few minutes. During this time, you should absolutely not turn off the USB cable. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot can last up to 10-15 minutes, which is normal behavior for the system after a clean installation.
This method is the most radical and effective, replacing the entire software part of the device, eliminating any software errors, viruses and user locks, but it requires careful choice of firmware version, since installing regionally incompatible software can cause problems with communication frequencies.