How to return Xiaomi Redmi 3S to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 3S to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to fixing critical system failures. This budget-proven but time-tested device (released in 2016) is still used by many users, but over the years its firmware can become clogged with unnecessary files and the interface can start to slow down. Restoring factory settings solves most software problems, but requires caution: improper actions lead to data loss or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for Redmi 3S (including Redmi 3S Prime models), their pros and cons, and give recommendations for preparing the phone. We will pay special attention to the hidden nuances that are not written in the standard instructions – for example, how to bypass the locking of the Mi Account after a reset or what to do if the phone does not turn on. If you have never performed such manipulations before, do not worry: we will explain each step in as much detail, with illustrations and warnings.

⚠️ Important: Redmi 3S It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor and has a locked bootloader by default, which means that some reset methods (such as via Fastboot) require prior unlocking, otherwise the phone may turn into a brick. If you are not sure about your actions, use only a soft reset via settings or Recovery.

1.Preparing the phone for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start restoring your factory settings, make sure to follow a few key steps, which can lead to loss of important data or problems activating the device after a reset.

First, back up all critical data. Even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, keep your contacts, photos and documents on a separate media. Redmi 3S has only 16/32GB of storage, and some of it's occupied by the system - so transfer the files to:

• 📁 Computer through USB-cable (file transfer mode) MTP).
• ☁️ Cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk).
• 💾 MicroSD card (if it is installed in the hybrid slot, remember that when reset it is not affected by the reset).

Secondly, make sure that the phone is at least 50 percent charged, and interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can have serious consequences, including the need to flash through the phone. EDL-Redmi mode. 3S equipped with a battery of 4100 mAh, but its wear over the years of operation could increase.

Third, remember or reset your associated Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from the Xiaomi account that was on it before, and if you forget the data, delete the account in the settings in advance:

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, and the previous owner did not delete it - after the reset, you will not be able to use the device without its data.

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the phone. ≥50%|Delete your Mi Account (if necessary)|Remember the password from the Google account|Get out. SIM and SD-map (optional)-->

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

If the phone is powered on, not braked and allows you to go into settings, this is the best way. It requires no additional tools and is minimally risky. The instructions are suitable for Redmi 3S on any version of MIUI (including MIUI 12 if you have upgraded).

Step-by-step:

1. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings in newer versions of MIUI).
2. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Once you reboot, the phone will return to the box-like state, and you will only have to go through the initial setting: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to your Google account.

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requests data from Mi Account that you did not delete in advance, do not try to find a password. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.
• ✅ Keeps the possibility of a rollback through Recovery if something goes wrong.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo.
• ❌ Does not delete data from SD-cards (if they are installed).

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Resetting through settings is the only method that does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for beginners.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If Redmi 3S is stuck on the MI logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't react to touch, you'll have to use Recovery mode, which is also relevant if you've forgotten the pattern lock. But there's a nuance here: standard Recovery on Xiaomi doesn't support touch control, just volume and power buttons.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear.

Follow the instructions:

1. Select the Wipe Data button (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
5. Once completed, select Reboot and wait for the reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔹 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🔹 The second is Wipe Data (reset).
• 🔹 Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware via PC).

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data or the phone is giving you a Can't mount error /data — This is a sign of damage to the userdata partition, in which case you will need a complete flashing through the Fastboot or EDL.

On Redmi 3S with custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP), the reset process is different: instead of the volume buttons, touch controls are used, and additional options like Format Data (full formatting) appear in the menu.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device from scratch (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔧 Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm drivers installed and ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 3S (You can download from en.miui.com).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
3. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. Unpack the archive with firmware (.tgz format) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All (complete clean) or Clean All and Lock (bootloader reset and lock).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is successful, the phone will reboot to factory status.

• 🔹 Correctness of installed drivers (use Mi Phone Manager to install automatically).
• 🔹 Integrity of cable and port USB.
• 🔹 Compliance with the firmware model (Redmi) 3S It's coded for lando, redmi. 3S Prime — land).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is an Anti Rollback error, it means you are trying to install firmware older than the one on your phone before, in which case you will need firmware marked Anti-Rollback or contact the service.

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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the phone, try running it on behalf of the administrator or using an alternative utility called XiaoMiTool V2. It automatically determines the model and selects the latest firmware.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi 3S

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Error 1: Phone is not included in Recovery or Fastboot

Reasons:

• 🔋 Battery discharged (even if the phone showed 30%, the real charge could be lower).
• 🔌 Faulty cable or port USB.
• 🛠️ Recovery section is damaged (solved by flashing through Fastboot).

Solution: charge your phone for at least 1 hour, try another cable or port, and if it doesn't work, use Fastboot.

Error 2: After a reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account

This is Factory Reset Protection, or FRP, and if you don't remember the data, you can do this.

• 🔓 Use Xiaomi's official unlock service (requires a purchase check).

Error 3: Reset interrupted and phone not switched on

If the reset process has been interrupted (for example, due to a power outage), try:

1. Charge your phone for 30 to 60 minutes (even if it doesn’t respond).
2. Repeat login to Recovery or Fastboot.
3. If it doesn’t work, flash through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

Error 4: After reset, there is no network or sensors are not working

This may be caused by:

7. Data recovery after reset: is it possible?

If you forgot to back up, the chances of getting back the data are minimal, but they are. Once reset through settings or Recovery, the files are not physically deleted, but only marked as free space, which means that under certain conditions, they can be restored.

Recovery methods:

• 🔍 Recovery programs (DiskDigger, Recuva, 7-Data Recovery. Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP Efficiency: 30-60% (depending on how much data was written after the reset).
• 📱 Specialized utilities for Android (Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData) They can restore contacts, SMS And photos, but paid.
• ☁️ Cloud backups: If you have previously enabled sync with Google or Mi Cloud, data can be returned via the web interface.

⚠️ Important: Do not write new files to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old data, and avoid using programs that promise “100% recovery” – this is often a scam.

Another caveat for Redmi 3S is that due to the F2FS file system (used in MIUI), standard utilities may not see deleted files, in which case only low-level scanning through ADB or specialized services will help.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)