Unlocking Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: from resetting password to firmware via Fastboot

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (including Pro and Special Edition versions) is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, owners often face lock problems: a forgotten pattern lock blocked by Mi Account after a reset, or the inability to unlock the bootloader to install alternative software. In this article, 5 working unlock methods are relevant for devices on MIUI 7-14 and Android 5.1-11.

It’s important to understand that the methods vary depending on the type of lock. For example, resetting a screen password and bypassing the binding to a Xiaomi account are different procedures that require separate tools. We will analyze each case with the nuances of the Redmi Note 3, including the features of its Snapdragon 650 processor (or Helio X10 in Chinese versions) and a secure bootloader.

Warning: some methods require data loss or the risk of “bricking” the device. If the phone contains important information, first try to restore access through Recovery – this is the safest option.

1. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-code or password, but remember the data from Mi Account, try this method. It works on Redmi Note 3 with official firmware MIUI (It is not custom!) and does not require a PC connection.

Algorithm:

🔄 Turn off the phone. Press the volume up. + Power for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
🌐 Select the language from the menu, then Connect with Mi Assistant (or Connect to Mi Account).
📱 Connect to Wi-Fi, enter data from the Mi Account tied to the device, and after authorization, the phone will prompt you to reset the screen password.
🔓 Restart the device – the lock will be removed and the data stored.

⚠️ Note: If your phone doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi in Recovery, try using mobile data (if you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection) SIM-On some firmwares, the Connect with Mi Assistant may not be available, in which case you can switch to the Fastboot method.

This method does not work if:

🚫 The device was reset to factory settings without a Mi Account detachment (requires bypassing the binding).
🚫 Custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
🚫 No access to the attached Mi Account (forgotten) email/password).

📊 What type of lock your Redmi Note 3 has?

Forgotten password/pattern lock

Blocked Mi Account after reset

We need to unpack the firmware loader.

Another option

2. bypassing the binding of the Mi Account after reset (without an official unlocker)

One of the most common problems with Redmi Note 3 is locking Mi Accounts after being reset via Settings → Factory Reset or Recovery. Xiaomi has introduced this anti-theft protection, but it often works when legally used. The official way to unlock is to wait 72 hours and confirm via SMS, but it doesn't always work.

Alternative methods (at your own risk):

🛠️ Through EDL-Requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account and a special cable. EDL.
📱 Exploiting vulnerabilities MIUI (for example, through ADB It only works on firmware older than 2018.
🔧 Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP) file-editing /data/system/locksettings.db.

The most reliable (but paid) way is to contact Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone, if the device was bought by hand, try to contact the previous owner to unbundle the account through the site account.xiaomi.com.

What happens if you get the wrong Mi Account?

Some methods (e.g., editing locksettings.db) can result in permanent IMEI blocking or inability to update the firmware, in the worst case scenario, the phone will turn into a brick without the possibility of recovery even through EDL.

Mi Account bypass method	You need a PC?	Risk of data loss	Difficulty
Official Wait (72 Hours)	❌ No.	❌ No.	⭐
Firmware through EDL	✅ Yes.	✅ Total reset	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Editing by locksettings.db (TWRP)	✅ Yes.	⚠️ Partial (Settings only)	⭐⭐⭐
Exploitation through ADB (MIUI < 10)	✅ Yes.	❌ No.	⭐⭐

3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) for firmware

If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or HavocOS) or get root rights, you first need to unlock the bootloader. On the Redmi Note 3, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool, but there are nuances:

Link Mi Account to your device: 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate the developer mode). 🔗 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM Unlock and Debugging by USB. 🔄 Link your account to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud (required!

Download the Mi Unlock Tool:

link

Run the unlock:

🖥️ Transfer the phone to Fastboot (clip Volume Down) + Nutrition).
🔌 Connect to the PC, in the utility press Unlock.
⏳ Wait 72-360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy) after the timer, the bootloader will be unlocked.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 3 with Snapdragon 650 processor, unlocking the bootloader erases all data, including photos and apps. backup in advance! Also note that once unlocked, the device will not receive any data. OTA-updates from Xiaomi.

Enable the developer mode (stamp the version of MIUI 7 times)

Link Mi Account to your phone settings

Enable OEM Unlock and USB debugging

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website

Install drivers Qualcomm/MTK (depending on the version of the processor)-->

If the Mi Unlock Tool is unable to unlock or Device is not supported:

🔄 Try using older versions of the utility (e.g. Mi Unlock 3.5.503.24).
📡 Check your Internet connection – the utility requires authorization.
🔧 For the Chinese version (Redmi Note 3) SE) It may be necessary to create a global ROM before unlocking.

4. Unlock through EDL-mode (emergency firmware)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode for firmware Xiaomi phones with a “brick” bootloader, which allows you to restore the device even if it is not turned on or locked at the Mi Account level. However, for Redmi Note 3, this method has limitations:

Since 2020, Xiaomi has blocked unauthorized access to EDL for most models, including the Redmi Note 3. Now, for firmware through EDL, an official developer account with permissions from Xiaomi or an authorized service center is required.

If you have access to an authorized account, follow the instructions:

🖥️ Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (kenzo for Redmi Note 3 Pro, ido for Redmi Note 3) SE).
🔌 Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Hold on. <loudspeaker + Loudness down> and plug in USB-3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the PC identifies the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
📁 In Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware, press Refresh, then Flash.
⏳ Wait for completion (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot with clean firmware.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you an SLA Auth Error, try using the firmware marked "EDL Authorized" or contact the service center. Self-attempts to bypass authorization can lead to IMEI blocking.

5. Install TWRP and reset password through ADB

If the official methods didn't work and the bootloader is already unlocked, you can install custom Recovery (TWRP) and manually delete the lock files.

🔓 Deletion of the pattern lock/PIN-code.
📱 Bypassing some types of Mi Account lock (on firmware older than 2019).
🔧 Getting root rights for further manipulation.

Instructions:

🖥️ Download. TWRP Redmi Note 3 (the version must match the model: kenzo or ido) official builds are available on the website twrp.me.
🔌 Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Power) and connect to the PC.
📁 Please. TWRP The command is fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.6.2-kenzo.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-kenzo.img
🔓 V TWRP Go to Advanced. → File Manager and delete files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm /data/system/gateway.xml
🔄 Reset the device. The screen lock will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (12+) This method may not work due to additional security checks, also after removal. gateway.xml You may have problems with Google Pay and other services tied to your device.

💡

Installation TWRP Cancellation of the warranty and may cause problems with OTA-Use this method only if other methods have not helped.

Alternative methods: from SIM-maps to service codes

If none of the above is right, try the lesser known methods:

📞 Call to locked phone: Call the device from another phone, take a call and in the call menu try to open the settings (works on the phone). MIUI 8–9).
🔢 Service codes: Dial in dial: ##7780## — reset settings (saves data). ##3646633## — engineering menu (can help bypass lock on old firmwares).
💳 SIM-map PIN-code: Insert SIM-card-on PIN-After the reboot, the phone may suggest that you enter PIN card instead of screen password.

These methods do not work on all versions of MIUI and depend on regional firmware, for example, on Chinese ROM (China Stable), service codes are often disabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 3

❓ Can you unlock Redmi Note 3 without losing data?

Yes, but only if you remember the data from Mi Account and use the method with Recovery Mode. All other methods (Fastboot, EDL, TWRP) lead to a complete reset or require a backup.

❓ Why Mi Unlock Tool Writes 168 Hours"?

Xiaomi has introduced a mandatory wait (7 days) for new accounts linked to the device, a security measure that if the phone has already been unlocked, the wait can be reduced to 72 hours.

❓ What to do if you have to go through the EDL phone out?

Possible causes: 🔋 Incorrectly selected firmware (for example, for kenzo instead of ido). 🔌 Interrupted firmware process (disabled cable or PC). 🔧 The firmware is not compatible with the bootloader version. Try repeating the firmware or contacting the service center.

❓ How to find out the model of Redmi Note 3 (kenzo or ido)?

There are 3 ways: Look at the box or under the battery (a sticker that says kenzo or ido). Turn on the phone, go to Settings → About → About Phone → Version of the kernel. If there is kenzo in the title, it is Redmi Note 3 Pro (Snapdragon 650). If ido is Redmi Note 3 SE (Helio X10). In Fastboot, plug into your PC and type in the command: fastboot getvar product

❓ Is it legal to use Mi Account bypass methods?

Legally, it's a gray area. Xiaomi officially prohibits circumvention, but in most countries it's not prosecuted if the phone belongs to you: 🚫 Guarantee voided. 🚫 Accounts may be blocked for suspicious activity. 🚫 On new devices (after 2021), bypassing is virtually impossible without authorization. We recommend that you first try the official methods (wait 72 hours, call for support).