Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi 3S smartphone is a key step for those who want to gain full control of their device. The standard shell MIUI, despite its functionality, often limits the capabilities of advanced users, prohibiting the installation of third-party modifications or deep customization of the system. That is why the Unlock Bootloader procedure becomes mandatory for enthusiasts looking to expand the horizons of the gadget.
The process is not instantaneous and requires strict compliance with all technical nuances, as an error at any stage can lead to software failures.You will interact with Xiaomi servers, use specialized software on your PC and properly configure the phone. Below we will discuss in detail how to safely perform all the necessary actions.
Before you start manipulating, make sure you understand the risks and consequences. Unlocking opens up access to the system partition, allowing you to remove pre-installed software, install TWRP Recovery and obtain superuser rights. However, it also means that standard data protection mechanisms will be changed, and the manufacturer's warranty is in most cases canceled.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first step is to properly set up your Mi Account, which should be linked to your device. Go to your phone's settings, select About Phone, and click on MIUI multiple times to activate Developer Mode, and then the Developer Forward option will appear in the advanced settings, where you need to enable USB debugging.
Next, you should link the device to the account through the "Mi Unlock Status" menu, which is critical, because the server must "remember" your gadget. SIM-card with active mobile Internet, as the binding on Wi-Fi may not work or pass incorrectly.
⚠️ Note: Once an account is linked, the system can report that unlocking is only possible after a certain time (usually 168 hours or 7 days) is a standard Xiaomi security measure, and it is impossible to circumvent the wait by official means.
Don’t try to reset or change your account during the waiting period, otherwise the timer may become zero. Just use your phone as normal, periodically checking the status in the Mi Unlock Status app. Also, download and install the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer in advance so that the system correctly recognizes the smartphone in bootloader mode.
Necessary tools and software
To be successful, you will need a personal computer running Windows, which will need to be installed with the official Mi Unlock Tool, which can be downloaded from the developer’s website, and third-party software is not recommended, as it may contain malicious code or work incorrectly with new versions of MIUI.
Quality USB-cable is another important element of success: Cheap cables designed only for charging will not provide a stable connection for data transmission, which will lead to errors when trying to communicate with the phone. It is better to use the original wire or certified analogue with support for high-speed data transfer.
Also make sure that the smartphone battery is at least 60 percent charged. The unlocking process can take time, and if the device shuts down at a critical time, it can damage the memory partitions. Create a full backup of all important data in advance, as all files will be deleted in the process.
☑️ Checking readiness for unlocking
The table below shows the main components required for the work:
| Component | Requirements | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| PC/Laptop | Windows 7 and higher | Launching the unlock utility |
| USB-cable | Original or qualitative analogue | Stable connection to the phone |
| Mi Account | Authorization on the Xiaomi server | |
| Drivers. | ADB / Fastboot | System recognition of device |
Unblocking application process
Once the waiting period has expired, you can immediately unlock the phone completely, then press down the volume buttons and power buttons simultaneously, and hold them until the Fastboot logo shows a hare repairing an android.
Connect your phone to your computer and start Mi Unlock. Sign in to the same Mi Account you used on your phone. The program will automatically check device status and server resolution. If all conditions are met, the Unlock button will become active.
⚠️ Attention: During the unlocking process, all data on the internal drive will be permanently deleted. This is done for security, so that the new owner does not gain access to the data of the previous one.
Press the unlock button and confirm the action. The process will take a few minutes, the progress bar will show the status of execution. At this time, it is strictly forbidden to disconnect the cable or turn off the computer. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart, and you will see a message about successful unlock.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
An unlocked bootloader is only half the battle. To install modified firmware or obtain superuser rights, custom recovery is required. The most popular and functional solution for the Xiaomi Mi 3S is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
Download the current version of the recovery image, specially assembled for your device model. Using files from other models will lead to the "brickling" of the phone. Place the file in the root of the C disk on the computer for convenience, so that the path does not contain Cyrillic or spaces.
Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (volume buttons "Down» + Power) and connect it to a PC. Open the command line or terminal in the folder with installed ADB-Type a command to flash the image:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-3s.imgAfter a successful recording, it is important not to boot in normal mode immediately, as the standard system can overwrite custom recaveri back to stock. Immediately after the command is completed, press the volume button "Up" and power to get into the recovery menu.
Getting Root Rights and Installing Magisk
Having an unlocked bootloader and TWRP opens the way to obtaining Root rights. Today, the de facto standard is the Magisk utility, which allows you to gain full access to the system while remaining invisible to most applications (SafetyNet pass).
Download the latest version APK-Magisk file and rename the extension to.zip. Download this file to a phone connected to a PC, or copy it to SD-Get in mode. TWRP, Select “Install” and point the way to the archive with Magisk.
Once installed, swipe for confirmation and wait until the process is over. Then click on "Reboot System." After you boot the operating system, look for the Magisk app on the menu. If it opens and suggests you complete the installation (additional files), agree and let the phone restart again.
⚠️ Note: With Root rights, some banking and anti-cheat apps may stop working. In Magisk settings, you can hide root for specific applications through the Magisk Hide or DenyList function».
Now, your Xiaomi Mi 3S has the most capabilities. You can install modules that change the processor, sound, interface, and more. But remember that with great power comes a great responsibility: changing system files can destabilize the OS.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
During the unlock process, users often encounter various errors, one of the most common is the "Couldn't verify device", which occurs when the account on the phone and Mi Unlock program do not match, or if not enough time has passed since the binding.
Another common problem is the error “Unlock failed: Check Mi Account status.” This may mean that Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable or your servers are not available. SIM-Check the Internet connection, make sure that SIM-The card is set and try to repeat the operation later.
If the phone goes into an endless bootloop after installing custom software, you need to reset through TWRP. Go to the recave, select "Wipe" -> "Format Data", type "yes" and confirm. This will remove the encryption and allow the system to boot clean.
In case of serious problems with the bootloader, when the phone does not respond to buttons, you may need to use the Mi Flash Tool utility to return to stock firmware in EDL mode. However, this is already a more complex procedure, often requiring an authorized account.