How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 3S if you forget the password from the Mi Account: all working ways

The forgotten password from the Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 3S is a problem that thousands of users face. The smartphone is blocked after resetting settings, firmware or even a normal reboot, requiring you to enter a username and password from your Xiaomi account. Without this data, the device becomes a “brick”: you can neither use the features nor install new applications.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official methods through Xiaomi support to alternative solutions using engineering modes and third-party tools. Importantly, not all methods guarantee data security, and some can lead to complete loss of information or even damage to the firmware. So before you start, read the risks and choose the best option.

Why Redmi 3S requires a password from a Mi Account after a reset

Xiaomi smartphones are linked to the Mi Account through the Find Device feature (similar to Google’s Find Phone), which is activated automatically when:

• 🔄 Resetting settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge;
• 📱 Firmware via Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot;
• 🔋 Extractions SIM-Cards/battery on some versions of the firmware;
• 🔐 Manual lockdown via account.xiaomi.com.

On Redmi 3S (land model), this protection is implemented at the bootloader level, so it is impossible to bypass it in standard ways (for example, through ADB), and after 3-5 failed attempts to enter a password, the device can lock for 24-72 hours.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 3S hand, there is a high risk that the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, in which case unlocking through official methods is impossible - you will need proof of purchase (check, box with a snippet). IMEI).

Official way: unlocking through Xiaomi support

The most reliable, but also the longest method is to contact Xiaomi's support team.

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Choose a Recovery Method: 📧 by email (if linked to an account); 📞 By phone number (if confirmed in your account).

Follow the instructions.

If you don’t have access to your mail/phone, try:

• 📩 Write in support through the form mi.com/support indicatively: IMEI Devices (on a box or under a battery); Proof of possession (check, photo of a box with a serial number).
• 📞 Call the Xiaomi hotline (for Russia: 8 800 700 01 25).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support may refuse to unlock if the device was purchased informally (for example, through AliExpress without warranty.

Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (full reset)

If the official methods don’t work, you can try forced reset via Fastboot mode, which removes all data from the device, but bypasses the Mi Account lock.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11);
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable;
• 📦 Archive with utilities: Mi Flash Tool; Firmware for Redmi 3S (land).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 3S.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. Wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

Download the Mi Flash Tool|Download firmware for Redmi 3S (land)|Install Qualcomm drivers|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Prepare original USB-cable-->

Once flashed, the device will boot in its clean state without being tied to the Mi Account, but this method has drawbacks:

• ❌ All data (photos, contacts, messages) are deleted);
• ❌ Maybe she'll drop. IMEI (fixable);
• ❌ Does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (requires unlocking through Mi Unlock).

Method 3: Bypassing the lock through the engineering menu (EDL Mode)

For advanced users, there is an Emergency Boot Mode (EDL Mode) unlock method that works even on locked bootloaders, but requires:

• 🔧 Smoothing skills (or adapter) EDL);
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm;
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format.

Instructions:

1. Translate Redmi. 3S mode EDL: Open the back cover, find the test points (two metal dots near the battery) and lock them with tweezers and plug them in. USB-cable.

Mi Flash Pro

Flash

Wait until the process is completed (it will take 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly closing test points can damage the motherboard, a method recommended only for advanced users or service centers.

💡

If you are afraid of soldering, you can buy ready-made EDL-Xiaomi cable (about 500-1000 rubles) connects to the phone connector and automatically puts the device in firmware mode.

Method 4: Using XiaomiTool V2 utility (to unlock the bootloader)

If the lock is linked to a locked bootloader, you can try unlocking it through the official Mi Unlock utility or the alternative XiaomiTool V2 tool.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer;
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original);
• 📥 XiaomiTool utility V2;
• 📋 Xiaomi account (even if you forget your password, you need any account to unlock it).

Instructions:

1. Install the ADB and Fastboot drivers.
2. Connect Redmi 3S in Fastboot mode.
3. Start XiaomiTool V2, select the land model.
4. Press Unlock Bootloader and follow the instructions.

After unlocking the bootloader, you can sew the custom recovery (TWRP) and delete the file mi_account It's a handy way, though:

• ⏳ It takes up to 72 hours (Xiaomi official limit);
• 🔓 Requires confirmation through SMS/mail;
• ❌ It may cause loss of warranty.

Method 5: Alternative methods (risky)

If none of the above has worked, there are unofficial (and potentially dangerous) ways to do this:

1. Buying unlock from third-party services: Cost: 500-2000 rubles; Risks: fraud, malware installation; Where to look: 4PDA forums, XDA Developers.

Use of exploits

• For example, a vulnerability in Mi Cloud (not working on all versions)
• Requires knowledge of ADB and Linux.
• Could lead to a ban on the account.

⚠️ Warning: Buying unlocks from third parties is fraught with data theft. Fraudsters can access your Mi Account and related services (e.g. Mi Pay).

💡

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center.The cost of unlocking Redmi 3S in the official centers of Xiaomi is 1000-1500 rubles, but you get a guarantee and data security.

What to do after unlocking: safety tips

After successfully unlocking Redmi 3S, follow the following steps to avoid re-locking:

• 🔐 Create a new Mi Account and link it to your current email/phone;
• 📱 Turn off Find Device in Settings (Settings) → Mi Account. → Find Device);
• 🔄 Backup with Mi Cloud or Google Drive;
• 📋 Write your account information to a secure location (for example, a password manager).

We also recommend:

• 🛡️ Set a PIN or graphical key instead of a password (less likely to forget);
• 📲 Enable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account;
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware (in new versions) MIUI addressing vulnerabilities).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 3S