How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro: from password to bootloader

A forgotten pattern lock, a locked Mi Account or a “brick” after a failed firmware — owners of Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro face these problems even years after the release of the model. Unlike modern smartphones, where unlocking often requires contacting the service center, Redmi 3 Pro (codename ido) has loopholes for self-recovery, the main thing is to correctly diagnose the type of lock and choose the appropriate method.

This article covers all possible lock scenarios, from basic reset via Recovery to bootloader unlocking using official Xiaomi tools. We have focused on data retention — where possible — and warned against common bugs that will turn your phone into a “brick.” If your Redmi 3 Pro doesn’t respond to touch, requires a password when you turn on, or hangs on the Mi logo, here’s a solution.

1. Determine the type of blocking: diagnosis of the problem

Before you start unlocking, you need to understand exactly what is locked in your Redmi 3 Pro. This determines the choice of method and the risk of data loss.

• 🔒 Screen lock: The phone turns on but does not accept the password/pattern lock/PIN. The screen says "Try later" or "Device locked."
• 📱 Mi Account lock: Once reset or flashed, you need a username/password from Mi Account, even if you didn't link it, and it says, "This device is tied to a Xiaomi account."
• 🛑 Locked bootloader: The phone does not boot beyond the Mi logo, with the Fastboot saying "This device is locked."
• 💀 Brick: The device does not respond to buttons, does not enter Recovery/Fastboot, the screen is black or flashes the logo.

The Redmi 3 Pro is not equipped with hardware reset protection via EDL- mode (9008), which allows you to restore the device even in the most severe cases, but this will require special tools and knowledge of fastboot commands.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, unlocking through official methods (Mi Unlock) will require confirmation from the previous owner, otherwise you will have to use workarounds with the risk of losing warranty.

2. unlock the screen without data loss (ADB and TWRP)

If you just forgot your password, pattern lock, or PINBut the phone turns on and asks for unlocking, so you can bypass the lock without resetting to the factory settings. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or installed custom TWRP Recovery.

Method 1: Delete the lock file via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

This is the safest way, but it only works if you have previously activated Debugging over USB in the developer settings.

Install ADB drivers on your computer | Download ADB (Android SDK Platform Tools) | Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable | Run the command line in the folder with ADB-->

1. Connect Redmi 3 Pro to your computer and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Delete the lock files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the lock will be reset. If this method does not work (for example, due to debugging turned off), go to the method with TWRP.

Method 2: Unlock via TWRP (if custom recavers are installed)

If your Redmi 3 Pro has TWRP Recovery installed, you can manually delete the lock files:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files by way /data/system/: gesture.key password.key locksettings.db locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-shm

Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone is stuck on download after deleting files, go back to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).

Recovery|ADB|TWRP|Readed to service |Never blocked-->

3. Unblocking Mi Account after Reset (FRP bypass)

If you reset the Redmi 3 Pro to factory settings (for example, through Recovery), and after turning on the phone requires data from Mi Account, which you did not tie, this is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock. On Redmi 3 Pro it can be circumvented in several ways, but the official way is one – enter the correct username / password.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

If you remember the data from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the program under the same account as on the phone.
3. Connect Redmi 3 Pro in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is bought by hand), you cannot officially unlock it without confirmation from the previous owner, in which case informal methods remain.

Unofficial FRP bypass (for advanced users)

Redmi 3 Pro often uses firmware vulnerabilities or special scripts to bypass Mi Account locks, and one of the working methods is to firmware the modified Recovery via Fastboot:

⚠️ Warning: Using informal bypass methods FRP can lead to IMEI blocking or network issues. The Redmi 3 Pro has a lower risk than the newer models, but it does.

4. Unlock bootloader on Redmi 3 Pro

If you see the words "This device is locked" in Fastboot mode, the bootloader is locked. This is Xiaomi's standard protection that prevents custom recoveries or software from being firmware. On Redmi 3 Pro, unlocking is possible only through the official Mi Unlock Tool, but with nuances.

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking bootloader

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Turn on your phone and go to Settings → Mi Account. Sign in or create a new account. Under Settings → Additional → For developers, activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
2. Connect the device to the Mi Unlock Tool: Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool. Launch the program and log in under the same account as your phone. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down). + Power. Connect to your PC and press Unlock.
3. Expect unlock: On the Redmi 3 Pro, the process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 72 hours — that's Xiaomi's restriction for theft protection. If you get a "Couldn't unlock" or "Wait 360 hours" error, it means: The account is not tied to the phone. Less than 72 hours have passed since the last unlock. The unofficial version of the Mi Unlock Tool is used.

Once successfully unlocked, you can stitch custom recavators (TWRPs) and firmware, but remember: unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device!

1. Reconnect the account in the phone settings.

2. wait 24 hours and try again.

3 Use another USB- cable or port on a PC.

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5. Brick Restoration through EDL (9008)

If the Redmi 3 Pro doesn't turn on, enters the Fastboot or Recovery, and the screen remains black/flashing with the logo, the device has turned into a "brick." In the 90, it can be restored through the EDL- mode (Emergency Download Mode, aka 9008).

Method 1: Sign in to EDL via Testpoint (for power users)

On the Redmi 3 Pro, the EDL is logged in by closing the contacts on the motherboard, a risky method, but it saves you when the phone is completely dead.

1. Remove the back cover and battery (turn it off!).
2. Find a testpoint (usually two metal dots next to the charging connector labeled EDL or TP).
3. Close the contacts with tweezers or wire, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
4. If the drivers are installed correctly, Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 will appear in Device Manager.

You can then flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 3 Pro (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Method 2: Using the EDL- cable

If you don't want to disassemble the phone, you can buy a EDL- cable (costs ~300-500 rubles on AliExpress) that automatically puts the device into 9008 mode when you connect. The next step is the same: firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware via EDL on Redmi 3 Pro with a firmware version newer than MIUI 9 may result in IMEI blocking. To avoid this, use the firmware of the same version as was installed before the brick.

💡

EDL- mode is the last chance to restore the brick, but it requires caution. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center, which has experience with Qualcomm devices.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Unlocking the Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro is a delicate process, and even a small mistake can make the problem worse.

• 🔌 Use of non-original USB- cable: Cheap cables often don't transmit data to Fastboot/EDL. Always use Xiaomi's proprietary cable or quality USB 2.0 cable.
• 🔄 Firmware Interrupt: If you turn off your phone while you're running the Mi Flash Tool or EDL, it turns into a non-renewable brick. Make sure that the laptop is connected to the network.
• 📱 Incompatible firmware: Firmware for the Redmi 3 (not Pro) or global firmware for the Chinese model will lead to a download cycle. Always check the model (ido for Redmi 3 Pro).
• 🔒 Ignoring account anchoring: If you don't link Mi Account before unlocking the bootloader, Mi Unlock Tool will give you an error. This is a requirement of Xiaomi for all devices.
• ⚡ Battery discharge: If the battery is under 30%, the phone may shut down during firmware. Charge it to at least 50% before you start manipulating it.

Another common mistake is trying to unlock the Redmi 3 Pro through services like Deep Flash Cable or DFC, which are designed for new Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 5) and do not work on the Redmi 3 Pro because of a different processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 616).

7. Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If the standard methods don’t work, there are less obvious (and riskier) options left, and they’re worth trying only if you’ve exhausted all the other options.

Method 1: Firmware via SP Flash Tool (for experienced)

The Redmi 3 Pro is built on a Qualcomm chip, but some users have successfully run it through the SP Flash Tool (a tool for Mediatek).

• Special firmware in.scatter format.
• Disable the signature of drivers in Windows.
• Accurate adherence to instructions (an error will lead to a brick).

We do not recommend this method for beginners – it is better to use the Mi Flash Tool or EDL.

Method 2: Feedback with Xiaomi (if the phone is warranty)

If your Redmi 3 Pro is still warranty, you can try contacting the official Xiaomi service with a request to unlock the device.

• Check or confirmation of purchase.
• The account information of Mi, which was linked to the phone.
• Explaining the reason for blocking (e.g., “forgot the password”).

In some cases, Xiaomi is willing to step in and unlock the device remotely (especially if it is about locking the Mi Account after buying it with hands), but the chances are slim – the model has long been discontinued.

Method 3: Fastboot Flashing with Modified Scripts

There are scripts (e.g. XiaomiTool or MiFlashPro) that automate unlocking and firmware.

• You don’t want to manually type fastboot commands.
• You need to flash custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• You need to get around the limitations of the Mi Unlock Tool.

Example of a command for firmware via modified fastboot:

fastboot oem unlock-go


fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




fastboot reboot

But remember: such scripts often contain vulnerabilities and can harm the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions