Xiaomi smartphones have been among the most popular devices on the market for many years due to their excellent price-performance ratio, but the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users. Full freedom of action begins when the owner decides to unlock the bootloader, which opens up access to custom recavators, obtaining root rights and installing alternative versions of Android. For owners of the Redmi 3S model, this process is especially relevant, since the device no longer receives official security updates, and the only way to extend its life is manual modification of the system.
The procedure for removing restrictions from the bootloader requires careful and strict adherence to the sequence of actions, since any error can lead to loss of warranty or, in the worst case, turn the phone into a brick. You will have to interact with Xiaomi servers, use specialized software on the computer and be ready to completely remove all data from the device. In this guide, we will discuss in detail each step of preparation and execution of the operation to minimize risks and ensure successful results.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize that unlocked bootloader changes the security status of the device, making it more vulnerable to malware if used carelessly. However, for enthusiasts, this is the only way to install light custom firmware that can significantly speed up the work of the Redmi 3S in today's environment. Let's take a detailed look at what you need and how to properly prepare the device for modification.
Preparatory stage and necessary tools
The success of the entire operation depends on the quality of preparation, so do not neglect to collect the necessary components before starting the process.You will need the Xiaomi Redmi 3S smartphone with a charged battery at least 60% to avoid a sudden power outage during critical phases.
A critical element is original or quality. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the device. Cheap charging-only cables will be an insurmountable obstacle, as the computer simply won't see the phone in Fastboot mode. ADB Fastboot, which can be downloaded separately or obtained through Google platform tools.
⚠️ Attention: The process of unlocking the bootloader leads to the complete removal of all data from the internal storage of the smartphone, including photos, contacts and applications.
To do this, you will need a Mi Account that must be linked to your device in advance, a mandatory security requirement from Xiaomi to make it harder to steal and flash your devices, and if you don’t already have an account, register it through your phone settings or on the official website, making sure that your phone number is linked correctly.
- 🔋 Smartphone with a battery charge of at least 60% for stable operation.
- 💻 Computer or laptop with Windows and Internet access.
- 🔌 Original. USB-data-line.
- 📱 Mi Account with a linked phone number.
- 📥 Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version.
Setting up developer parameters and linking the account
The first step in software preparation is to activate the hidden menu for developers, which is hidden by default from the eyes of the average user. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After that, a new section will appear in the settings menu "Additional" or "Extended settings", where you need to find "Developers".
Inside the developer menu, you are interested in two key parameters: "Debugging by the developer" USB" And "Factory Unlock." Activate both switches to confirm the system's warnings about potential risks. It's the inclusion of the second item that initiates communication with Xiaomi servers and allows you to link your current device to your Mi Account.
Settings → About Phone → (7 clicks on the MIUI version) → For developers → Debugging by USB (VKL) → Factory unlocking (VKL)Once Factory Unlock is enabled, the system will require you to enter your Mi Account password and confirm your device’s binding, which will start counting down the waiting time, which can range from 72 hours to 7 days (168 hours), depending on Xiaomi’s current security policy and the region, and you can’t interrupt or log out of your account, otherwise the timer will reset.
Getting permission and waiting for a timer
Once the device is tied, the waiting period begins, which is the most difficult psychological stage for many users. Xiaomi's security system artificially delays the process to make sure that the device is owned by a real person, and not by an automated script of the attacker. The waiting status can be checked in the same "Factory Unlock" menu, where the remaining time will be indicated.
There is a myth that you can reduce the wait with paid services or third-party scripts, but in reality, server verification is strictly based on the time of the account’s association. If you try to unlock the bootloader ahead of time, Mi Unlock will give an error indicating the exact time when you can try again. Sometimes, especially for older devices like Redmi 3S, the wait can be reduced to 3 hours or even instantaneously, but you should not count on it.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to reset your phone or log out of your Mi Account during the standby period.This will cancel the binding and you will have to start the process anew, including re-activating and waiting for a full term.
While you're waiting, you can safely use your smartphone as normal, and the only limitation is that you don't have to change your primary account in your settings. If your status hasn't changed after 72 hours, just wait until the full 168 hours (7 days) have ended since your first binding.
Use of Mi Unlock Tool
When the waiting period has expired, you can proceed to direct unlock using the official Mi Unlock Tool utility. Download the latest version of the program from the official miui.com/unlock website and install it on your computer. Launch the program and log in to the same Mi Account that was attached to the phone.
Now you need to put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the Redmi 3S completely, and then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare in a hat-earhead repairing an android, indicating a successful transition to bootloader mode. Connect the phone with a cable to the computer.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
In the Mi Unlock window, click the "Unlock" button, the system will check the device, account and waiting status. If all parameters match, a warning will appear that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action, and the unlock process will begin, which will take no more than a few minutes.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | User actions |
|---|---|---|
| Successfully unlocked | Successful unlocking | You can check the phone. |
| Couldn't unlock (168 hours) | Waiting time has not expired. | Waiting for the timer to end |
| Account mismatch | Wrong account. | Log in to the correct Mi Account |
| Device not found | No device found. | Check cable and drivers |
Solving Typical Errors and Problems
In the process of unlocking users Redmi 3S Often encounter various errors, the most common of which is the "Couldn't verify device". This problem is often associated with incorrectly installed drivers or using unoriginal devices. USB-Try replacing the port. USB on the computer (it is better to use the ports) USB 2.0 at the rear of the system unit) and reinstall the drivers.
Another common error is connected to the network connection. Mi Unlock utility requires stable access to the company's servers, so using corporate networks with traffic filtering or VPN Chinese IP-It is recommended to use a home Internet service provider or distribute the Internet from a smartphone if the fixed connection is unstable.
What to do if the unlock is 99% frozen?
If you get an error saying “Current account is different from the account info on the device,” it means you’re trying to unlock your phone by logging in to an account other than the one that was tied to the developer menu, in which case you either need to log in to the correct account or, if access is lost, wait 30 days to unblock the old account via the server.
Actions after successful unblocking
Once the utility reports a successful unlock, the phone will automatically restart. The first run may take longer than usual, as the system will clear the data sections. On the boot screen, you may notice an open lock icon or the words "Unlocked", which confirms the success of the operation.
Now you have custom recavator doors open, like TWRP, which is necessary for flashing custom firmware and super-user rights. There are many optimized Android builds for Redmi 3S (codenamed prada) that allow the device to run faster and smoother than on stock MIUI.
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, it is strongly recommended that you install TWRP immediately and make a full backup of the clean system (Nandroid Backup), which will allow you to return to the original state at any time if the firmware experiments go wrong.
Keep in mind that with an open bootloader, some banking applications may stop working due to security breaches, and to circumvent this restriction, you will need to use additional Magisk modules and hide the fact that root rights are available, which requires additional knowledge and skills.
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Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action from a warranty perspective, but reversible from a technical side: you can always lock the bootloader back through the Mi Flash Tool if you need to return the device to its original state.