Owners of the popular budget smartphone Redmi 3S often face a situation when the device is locked, which can happen after resetting the settings to the factory, buying the device from hands or forgetting the password from the Mi Account. Android security system called FRP (Factory Reset Protection) was introduced to protect user data, but sometimes becomes an obstacle for the legitimate owner.
The process of access recovery depends on the type of lock: it can be a graphical screen key, a Xiaomi account or Google protection. It is important to understand that unlocking a bootloader and resetting an FRP are technically different procedures that require distinct approaches. In this article, we will discuss in detail the safe and proven methods for regaining control of the device.
Before we start to take action, we need to evaluate the current state of the gadget: Is it on the welcome screen? Is the settings menu available? The answers to these questions will determine the choice of tool. Below we will look at the algorithms for various lock scenarios, based on the features of the Snapdragon 430 processor installed in this model.
Determination of the type of lock and preparation
The first step is to diagnose the problem accurately. If the screen displays a message that says "This device is locked to" and requires you to enter your Google login and password, then FRP Lock is activated. This is the standard protection after a forced reset without first logging out of your account. In the case when the device requires a password from Mi Account after flashing or reset, this is a binding to the Xiaomi cloud service.
There is also a Bootloader lock that prevents custom firmware or Root rights from being installed, and the unlocked bootloader is indicated by the open lock icon when the phone is turned on. To manipulate the system, you will need a computer running Windows, serviceable USB-cable and installed drivers ADB qualcomm.
- 🔋 Charge the device to at least 60% to avoid shutting down at a critical time.
- 💻 Install Qualcomm drivers on PC HS-USB QDLoader 9008 for boot mode.
- 🔌 Use original or quality cable to prevent connection breaks.
⚠️ Note: All actions to unlock you perform at your own risk.Interference in the software part may lead to loss of warranty or damage to system files.
Workplace preparation is a key success factor. Make sure that the antivirus on your computer does not block the work of specialized software. Often activator files or reset utilities are identified by the security software as potentially undesirable, although they are only used to restore access.
Resetting the pattern lock and screen password
If you forget the pattern lock or the digital pin unlock the screen, the easiest way is to completely reset through the Recovery menu. To enter this menu on Redmi 3S, you need to turn off the device completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume.
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item. Once you select, the system can request confirmation by entering the word "yes." This is protection against accidental deletion of data. Once confirmed, the cleanup process will begin, which will take a few seconds.
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
You should also consider that after this procedure, FRP protection will work if you entered a Google account on your phone before the reset, in which case simply deleting the screen password will not be enough, and you will need to bypass the binding, and if you did not add a Google account, the phone will start as new.
Bypassing FRP (Google Account) protection on Redmi 3S
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a major barrier. Redmi 3S with Android 6.0 or 7.0 has specific vulnerabilities that can bypass verification. One method is to use TalkBack or activate settings through the browser. However, the universal solution is often the use of a PC and EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.
To enter the mode EDL On the phone turned off, press both volume buttons and connect USB-The screen will remain black, but in the Windows Device Manager will appear port Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008. This indicates that the device is ready to accept low-level commands. ADB/Fastboot Tools or Mi Unlock Tool.
| Bypass method | Required SOFTWARE | Difficulty | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through TalkBack Settings | Not required | Tall. | No. |
| EDL mode (9008) | Qualcomm drivers, Mi Flash drivers | Medium | Yes (full) |
| ADB team | Platform-tools (ADB) | Medium | No. |
If you use the ADB method, plug the phone in as normal (if you have access to the menu), enable USB debugging, and type in a command to remove Google packets. The command goes something like this: pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.setupwizard. This will disable the check at start, allowing you to add a new account.
What if the port 9008 is not detected?
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
Officially unlocking the bootloader is the only legal way to gain full control of the Redmi 3S. This is necessary to install custom recavators (such as TWRP) and obtain superuser rights.
First, go to About Phone in your phone settings and click on MIUI Version several times to activate the developer menu. Then, in the advanced settings, look for Mi Unlock Status and link your account. After that, you need to apply for unlock through the Mi Unlock app on your PC. The wait can take 3 to 30 days.
- 📱 Make sure that the phone is installed SIM-mobile-internet.
- 🔐 Use the same Mi Account on your PC and smartphone.
- ⏳ Don’t try to bypass the waiting timer by re-submitting your application – it will reset progress.
Once you receive the approval notification, re-start the Mi Unlock Tool, turn off the phone and enter Fastboot mode (clutch Volume Down and Power). Connect the device to your PC and press the Unlock button. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, security features such as Find Device and Mi Pay (if supported) may stop working or work with restrictions.
Use of specialized software for resetting
There are software packages designed for service centers that automate the unlocking process. Redmi 3S often mentions tools like Xiaomi Tool or paid boxes, which allow you to reset FRP, delete Mi Account, and even restore IMEI (which is illegal in many countries if the IMEI is changed to someone else’s).
Free utilities often have limited functionality or require an account with a certain level of access. When using such software, it is critical to choose the right model from the list. An error in choosing a version of the processor or regional firmware can lead to a "bricking" of the device.
One effective method for older models is to exploit vulnerabilities in the fastboot protocol. The fastboot oem unlock command only works if the bootloader is already unlocked or the device is in a special engineering mode. For Redmi 3S, flashing methods through the Fastboot ROM with a pre-unlocked bootloader are also relevant, which completely erases the partitions with the bindings.
Restoring access to Mi Account
If your phone is locked with your Mi Account and you remember your login and password but can’t log in due to a network error or two-factor authentication, try to restore access via i.mi.com. After changing your password on the site, you have to wait 24 hours before trying to enter new data on the device.
In the event of complete loss of access to the mailbox or phone number associated with the account, official unlocking is possible only if there is a purchase check. The check must contain the device IMEI, the date of purchase and the name of the store. The scan or photo of the check is sent to Xiaomi support via a form on the site. After verification, they can remotely untie the device from the account.
Don’t rely on the “magic” codes on the Internet that promise instant reset of the Mi Cloud. In modern versions of MIUI, server-side lock checks occur every time you connect to the Internet. Even if you can temporarily bypass the input screen, the lock will return after you reboot or update the blacklists.
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The only guaranteed way to unblock Mi Account without a password is to have an original purchase check to contact in support.