Xiaomi Redmi 3S, despite its age, remains a popular device due to its excellent price-performance ratio. However, owners often face the need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware or obtain superuser rights, a process that is not without risks, but with the right approach, it allows you to unlock the full potential of the device.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps in preparation and execution, how to get around manufacturer limitations, what tools will be required, and how to avoid turning the device into a brick. Unlocking the bootloader is the first step to complete freedom of action with your gadget's operating system.
It is worth noting that all actions you perform at your own risk, and interference with the software can lead to loss of warranty, although for the Redmi 3S model this is no longer so important, the main thing is to carefully follow the instructions and not miss steps.
Preparation of a smartphone and Mi Account
The first thing you need to do is link the device to your account, and without that step, Xiaomi servers won't let you unlock it, go to your phone's settings and make sure you're logged in to Mi Account.
Next, you need to activate hidden developer functions. Go to the Settings → About Phone menu and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI version. After that, a new Developer menu will appear in the “Additional” section.
In the menu that opens, find Mi Unlock Status and click on it. The system will prompt you to turn on mobile Internet, which is a mandatory requirement for linking a device to an account. Click Add Account and Device.
⚠️ Warning: Once the device is linked to the account, you need to wait from 72 hours to 168 hours (7 days).Instant unlock is only available for select users, most will have to wait.
💡
If the timer shows that it is still a long time, do not try to untie the account and tie again - the timer will reset, and the wait will begin again.
Make sure your smartphone has the latest available firmware. Older versions of MIUI may contain bugs that prevent the unlock tool from working properly. The update often fixes hidden bugs.
Required tools and drivers
To successfully perform the procedure, you will need a computer running Windows. macOS or Linux operating systems will require additional manipulations with emulators, which can complicate the process for a beginner.
The main tool is the Mi Unlock Tool, which can only be downloaded from the official website miui.com/unlock, and the use of third-party versions of the program can lead to data leakage or account blocking.
It's also critical to install the right ADB and Fastboot drivers, and without them, the computer won't see the phone in the right mode, and they usually come bundled with the Mi Unlock installer, but sometimes you have to put them separately.
Where to download the official drivers?
You will also need quality USB-Cheap charging cables often do not support data transmission, which will lead to connection errors. Use the original cable or certified analogue.
The process of unlocking the loader
Once the waiting period has expired and all drivers are installed, you can proceed to the main stage. Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Mi Bunny logo with the inscription FASTBOOT appears.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. Log in to the same Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
☑️ Checklist before launch
Press Unlock in the program, you'll see a warning that all data will be deleted, you'll confirm the action, you'll start unlocking, which will take from a few seconds to a few minutes.
The table below shows the possible statuses of the process and their decoding:
| Status | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocking... 0% | It's running. | Wait for completion |
| Successfully unlocked | Successful unlocking | We can reboot. |
| Error 10008 | Account error | Recheck login/password |
| Waiting 168 hours | It's not been. | Waiting for the deadline |
💡
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and perform a Wipe Data reset. This is normal security behavior.
Solving typical mistakes
Often users encounter a "Couldn't verify device" error, which means that the computer can't see the phone in Fastboot mode. USB-Reconnect or reconnect to another port. USB 2.0.
Another common problem is server authorization error, which occurs when the computer and phone use different accounts or when the phone does not log in to Mi Account before starting the procedure.
- 🔌 Check if the device is displayed in Windows Device Manager.
- 🔄 Restart your computer and run the program again on behalf of the administrator.
- 📶 Make sure that the antivirus or firewall does not block the connection of the program to the server.
If the program is stuck on 50% or 99%, Don't panic. Often times, the process goes on, but the interface doesn't update. 10-15 If you don't make any progress, you can stop the process and try again.
Resetting FRP (Google account)
If you bought a used Redmi 3S and it is blocked by Google account, you will need a reset FRP. It's protection against theft, but it often interferes with legitimate users. FRP Without the password of the previous owner is impossible.
However, there are workarounds that exploit vulnerabilities in the system. - For Redmi 3S Applicable methods through TalkBack or special APK-files downloaded through OTG. It is important to understand that these methods only work on certain versions of Android.
Resets often require you to go to the engineering menu. Try typing ##4636## in the dial box. If the menu opens, you can try changing the testing settings, but this rarely helps with FRP directly.
⚠️ Attention: Reset FRP After resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the lock can return.
Installation of custom Recovery
Once the bootloader is unlocked, it is recommended to install custom recavers, such as TWRP. This will allow you to make full backups of the system and install modified firmware. There are many stable builds for Redmi 3S (codename land).
The firmware is run through Fastboot. Download the file. twrp.img Put it in the folder with your model. ADB-Run the command line and type the firmware command.
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgImmediately after firmware can not be booted into the system in the usual way, otherwise the standard Xiaomi recavers will overwrite TWRP. You need to immediately pinch the combination of buttons to log into Recovery.
- 📱 Press the Loudness up and Power after Firmware.
- 💻 Make sure the firmware file matches the model (land).
- 🔒 Unlocking the bootloader is mandatory before this step.
In the TWRP menu, you can backup your current system (Backup) as a critical step that will allow you to return to the original state in case of any problems with the new firmware.