How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 3 bootloader: The Complete Guide

Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi 3 smartphone often face the desire to unleash the full potential of their device. The standard shell MIUI, although functional, has a number of limitations that prevent the installation of modified systems, complete removal of ads and deep customization of the interface. That is why unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step on the road to customization of the gadget, this process opens access to root rights and allows you to install third-party receptacles such as TWRP.

The procedure is not complicated, but it requires care and compliance with all technical requirements. It is necessary to understand that interference with the system partition of the bootloader always involves certain risks. During the execution of the instructions, all data on the device will be irretrievably deleted, so the preparation for the process should be thorough. We will consider all the stages from submitting an application to the company to the final unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool utility.

It is worth noting that the Redmi 3 is based on the Snapdragon 616 processor, which makes it popular among enthusiasts, but also imposes its own features on the procedure. The success of the operation depends on the correct preparation of drivers, the presence of a Mi Account and a stable Internet connection. Below is a detailed algorithm of actions that will help you avoid common errors and successfully complete the modification of the system.

⚠️ Attention: All actions described in this article are performed at your own risk. Interference with the work of the bootloader can lead to the loss of warranty (if it is still relevant) or, in rare cases, to the transformation of the device into a brick if the process technology is violated.

Preparation of the device and necessary tools

Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to assemble a full arsenal of tools: you will need a Xiaomi Redmi 3 smartphone with a charged battery (preferably more than 60%) and a personal computer running the Windows operating system. Using macOS or Linux is possible, but requires additional dances with tambourine and is not guaranteed by official software. USB-cable capable of transmitting data, not just charging the device.

The next step is to register and link your account. Without a Mi Account, you can't unlock it. Go to your phone settings, select "Mi Account" and log in. If you don't have an account, create it using your phone number or email. Once you log in, you need to activate your developer status. Go to the About Phone menu and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times.

Once you activate the hidden Developer menu, it will have new options to configure. Find the OEM Unlock and turn it on. Then select Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. The system will warn you that the data will be deleted — we agree, as it is inevitable. This is when the IMEI device is linked to your Xiaomi server account.

It's important to wait for the message of successful binding. Sometimes the system may request confirmation via SMS Or you have to wait a certain time (168 hours to 7 days) before you unlock it, and it's a safety measure that's been introduced by the manufacturer, and you can't get around it with standard methods. USB-Debugging, which is also on the menu for developers.

Installation of drivers and software

The computer must correctly recognize the smartphone in different modes of operation. This will require the installation of specialized drivers. PC Suite or use universal drivers ADB/Fastboot. When connecting a phone in normal mode, the system must identify it as a media device or debugging device.

The key element is the utility Mi Unlock Tool, download it should only be from the official website. miui.com/unlock, Once you download the archive, unpack it to the root of the C disk or desktop so that the path to the files does not contain Cyrillic characters, which often causes errors in the program. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.

When you first start, you'll need to log in. Enter the username and password from your Mi Account that was previously tied to your phone. If credentials are entered correctly, the utility will confirm the login. Now you need to turn the smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off Redmi 3 completely, and then press the power and volume buttons simultaneously. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, or the inscription FASTBOOT.

⚠️ Note: If your computer can’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try replacing it. USB-cable or connect the device to another USB-port, preferably directly to the motherboard, bypassing USB-hub.

Connect your phone to your PC with a cable. The Mi Unlock utility should show the words "Phone connected." If the status is "Waiting for phone", check the drivers. In the Windows Device Manager, the "Xiaomi Devices" or "Android Device" section should show the Android Bootloader Interface. If the driver is not automatically up, right-click on the device, select "Update the driver" and specify the driver folder from the unlock utility archive.

Application process and waiting

After successfully connecting your phone in Fastboot mode and logging in, click the "Unlock" button. The system will check the status of the device. In most cases, new accounts or devices that have not previously been unlocked will receive a message about the need to wait. Xiaomi sets a security timer, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), but can sometimes be reduced to 36 hours or, conversely, extended.

You'll see a countdown in the utility window, and it's useless to interrupt this process or try to reset the timer by flashing it over, because the timer is tied to the Mi + IMEI account of the device on the company's server, and during this period you can safely use the phone as normal, and the main thing is that you don't log out of the Mi Account on the device, otherwise the link will fly away and you will have to start the application process again.

There is a myth that activity in the Xiaomi ecosystem (Mi Store purchases, themes, Mi Community activity) reduces latency. Although there is no official confirmation of this, many users note a positive correlation. In any case, after the specified time in the program, you need to reconnect the phone in Fastboot mode and press the Unlock button again.

When the timer expires, pressing the Unlock button again will alert you that all data will be destroyed. Confirm the action. The process will go quickly: the program log will start showing status lines, execution rates, and eventually the green "Unlocked successfully" will appear. The phone will automatically restart, and the process of cleaning data (Wipe Data), which can take several minutes, will begin.

Unlocking through Fastboot mode

If the automatic unlocking through the button in the utility does not work (for example, a 2003 error crashes or the process freezes by 99%), you can try the forced method. Make sure the phone is connected in Fastboot mode. The Mi Unlock program window sometimes helps to reauthorize or reconnect the cable. However, if Xiaomi servers are overloaded, you will just have to wait a few hours and try again.

It is important not to interrupt the unlocking process when the progress bar has already started. If you see percentages, wait for completion. interruption of power or disconnection of the cable at this stage can lead to the failure of the boot partition. In this case, the phone may stop turning on or get stuck in the reboot cycle. Redmi 3 is characterized by the ability to recover through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, but this requires already disassembled phone and a special cable.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will be labeled "Unlocked" with the open lock on the Mi logo, which is a routine behavior that signals that the bootloader protection is off. The device is now ready to install a modified receiver. The Recovery Mode can now be entered using a combination of power and volume buttons.

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Successful unlocking of the bootloader is an irreversible action for the average user. Returning the status of Locked back is extremely difficult and often impossible without contacting the service center with purchase checks.

Installation of TWRP and obtaining Root rights

Immediately after unlocking, it is recommended to install a custom Recovery, for example, TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. Standard Recovery MIUI It does not allow third-party firmware installation or complete system backups. 3 (ido codename: You need to download the current version TWRP In.img format, you need to put the file in the tool folder. ADB/Fastboot computer-based.

Put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type in a command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the serial number is displayed, the link is established, and now enter the command to run the recaveri firmware:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-ido.img

(replace twrp-ido.img with the exact name of your file.) Once you have a successful firmware, you can't just reboot your phone with a button, otherwise the standard MIUI will rewrite the TWRP back to the stock one, and you need to immediately, clamp the power and volume buttons up, enter recovery mode.

Once you're on the TWRP menu, you'll want to allow modifications (Allow Modifications Swider) to be allowed. Next, download the Magisk (formerly SuperSU) archive in zip format to get root rights. Tap the file to your phone (via a memory card or MTP if TWRP sees internal memory) and install it through the Install menu. Once you install Magisk and reboot, you'll have full access to the file system.

Possible problems and solutions

Despite the fact that the procedure is worked out, Redmi 3 users may encounter difficulties. One of the common problems is the error "Couldn't verify. Find me to lock" or endless download after installing a custom recover. This may be due to the incompatibility of the TWRP version and the Android version. Redmi 3 is still running Android 5, 6 and 7 versions, and each requires its own build recovery. Always check the release date of the TWRP file and its compatibility with your version of MIUI.

Another common problem is that you can't connect to Wi-Fi after you unlock and install custom firmware, which is treated by formatting the data partition (not just a wip, but formatting) in TWRP. Also worth mentioning is the driver problem on Windows 10/11. Sometimes the system blocks the installation of old Xiaomi drivers, which helps to temporarily disable the digital signature check drivers when Windows boots.

⚠️ Note: When installing global firmware on the Chinese version of Redmi 3 (or vice versa), you may experience problems with the camera or proximity sensor. Always use firmware specifically designed for your region (Global for Global for Global, CN For China, look for ports marked "Multi-language".

If the phone went into a bootloop (cyclic reboot) after a failed firmware, don't panic. Go to TWRP (if installed) and do Wipe Dalvik/Cache and Format Data. If the TWRP doesn't work, you'll have to return the stock firmware via Fastboot mode and the MiFlash utility in Clear All mode. This will return the device to its original state, but will retain the ability to re-unlock, since the bootloader status has already been changed forever.

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Save the original stock images (boot, recovery, system) of your firmware version before any experiments, allowing you to return to factory state without flashing the entire machine in case of critical errors.

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 3 is a powerful tool that turns an old smartphone into an up-to-date device with a modern version of Android. Following the instructions and exercising caution, you can significantly extend the life of your gadget.