When Xiaomi Redmi 3S requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account after resetting, it is one of the most common problems for users of budget devices: it is a security mechanism Find Device, designed to protect the owner’s personal data in the event of theft of the gadget. However, often owners forget the login data, buy the device from hand already locked or simply do not remember which email was used in the initial setup.
Ignoring this request makes the phone virtually useless, turning it into a “brick” with limited functionality, where you can not even enter the menu. In this article, we will discuss in detail legal and technical ways to solve the problem, ranging from regaining access through official channels to more complex methods of bypassing the tether.
It's important to understand that the process of unlocking depends on whether you have access to a linked phone number or email, if you have access, it will take a few minutes, and if the data is lost completely, you will need to have a deeper intervention or access to the service.
Official method of access restoration through Xiaomi services
The safest and most correct way is to restore your password through the official account management page, which requires no special skills and ensures that once you log in, you get a fully functional smartphone without the risk of being blocked in the future.
To start, you need to go to i.mi.com or account.xiaomi.com from any other device, whether it's a computer or another phone. In the input field, type in the phone number or email address you assume was used to sign up. The system will prompt you to send a confirmation code.
⚠️ Note: If the SIM card number associated with the account is already lost or not working, standard SMS recovery will become impossible and you will have to use a backup email or answer control questions if they were installed.
After receiving the code and successfully changing your password, go back to your Redmi 3S. Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as mobile internet may not work smoothly when logged in. Enter new data in the appropriate fields.
In some cases, the system may request additional security checks, such as captcha input or Mi Security confirmation on another device if the account has been synced, and don't ignore these requests, as they are critical to verifying your identity.
Removal of binding through the official site if access is available
If you successfully re-established your account, but your phone still doesn't unlock, or if you want to clear your link history completely, you can use the device removal feature, which is especially true if you've changed your SIM card or sold your old device.
Go to your personal account at id.mi.com, select Devices from the menu, which will show you a list of all gadgets that have ever been in your account, and search Redmi 3S (often defined by the model "land" or "prada").
Next to the model name, there's a Remove button or a basket icon, and if you click on it, you untie the device from the activation servers, and then you have to reboot the phone, and when you turn it on, it will request the network again, but if you check the server, it will show that the device is no longer attached to your profile.
- 📱 Go to the account settings on the Mi website.
- 🗑️ Find a section with a list of active devices.
- 🔄 Press the Remove button opposite Redmi 3S.
- ⚡ Reboot your smartphone to update status.
This method works flawlessly only if you remember the username, otherwise, if the account is someone else's or the data is lost irretrievably, you will have to resort to more radical measures, which will be discussed below. Remember that removing the device from the site does not erase the data on the phone itself, it only removes the activation lock.
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If you buy used Xiaomi, always ask the seller to log out of your Mi Account in the phone settings and only then do a reset.
Resetting settings through Recovery Mode: Preparation
Often users try to bypass the lock by simply resetting the settings (Hard Reset).On modern versions of MIUI installed on the Redmi 3S, this action will not remove the link to the account, but only activate the lock screen on the first boot.
To get into recovery mode, turn off the phone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power, but keep the volume down. You will see a menu with several points.
| Item | Appointment | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Normal system reboot | No. |
| Wipe Data | Full reset to factory settings | High (all removed) |
| Wipe Cache | Clearing temporary files | No. |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Mode for PC connection | No. |
Selecting Wipe Data will delete all photos, contacts and apps completely. Use this method only if the data is not important or the phone was bought locked. Use volume buttons to navigate the menu, and power button to confirm the choice.
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
Using the Mi Unlock Tool and waiting for a timer
The official Mi Unlock utility is designed to unlock the bootloader, but often its use is a must before firmware or deep cleaning of the system, which can help in difficult cases of blocking accounts.
You will need a computer running Windows and USB-Download the program from the official website en.miui.com/unlock. Launch it and log in to the same Mi Account you need to unlock (or replace). 7 once to the assembly number in the "About the phone" section".
In the Developer menu, activate OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging. Connect your phone to your PC when it's off by clamping down the volume and power buttons (Fastboot mode).
⚠️ Note: After the first attempt to unlock through Mi Unlock, Xiaomi almost always sets a waiting timer (from 72 hours to 7 days.
If the status in the program shows "Unlocked successfully", then the bootloader is open, which gives you the right to install a custom recavator (TWRP), through which you can already try to delete the system files responsible for verifying the account, but this is a difficult path that requires technical knowledge.