Xiaomi Redmi 3S smartphones, released a few years ago, still remain popular due to their reliability, but over time, the MIUI software shell can accumulate system debris.This leads to slowdowns, sudden reboots or network connection problems, which often requires a radical solution.
Before you take any drastic action, you should understand that this procedure will completely destroy all user information on the internal drive.Photos, contacts, messages and installed applications will be permanently deleted unless you back up your data in the Mi Cloud or on your computer beforehand.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available methods for returning the Xiaomi Redmi 3S to its original state, including how to bypass a forgotten pattern lock. We will look at working with Recovery mode, the standard settings menu and specific commands for advanced users so that you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
The initial preparation phase is critical to successfully complete the process, as interruption power during system file writing can turn the phone into a "brick." Make sure the battery is at least 60-70%, and ideally connect the device to the power source via the original USB cable and adapter.
The second must-do step is to back up important data, as it will not be possible to recover it after formatting with standard means.You can use the built-in Security app or Google cloud services to save contacts, calendar and call history, and photos and documents are better copied to a microSD card or computer.
⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication or binding to Mi Account is activated on the phone, be sure to remember the password from the account, otherwise after the reset, the device will request authorization of the former owner (anti-Theft protection).
Also, you should turn off the lock screen (pin code, pattern lock) if you plan to reset through the settings menu, although in recovery mode this requirement is not valid. Check for a memory card: if it is installed, it is better to remove it before starting the procedure, so as not to accidentally format external files along with the system files.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Reset method through the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Redmi 3S back to factory settings is available right from the operating system, which is suitable for cases where the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the main menu.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the list by finding About Phone. In the menu that opens, select Reset option, which is usually located at the bottom of the list, next to information about the MIUI version and the Snapdragon 430 processor.
The system will offer several cleanup options, but we're interested in cleaning all the data completely. Click on the Clear Everything or Erase Everything button, and then the screen will display a warning that all files will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering the unlock password or a pattern lock, if it is installed.
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Before pressing the final Reset button, take a screenshot of important Wi-Fi and Bluetooth device settings to restore connectivity faster after the reboot.
Once confirmed, the smartphone will restart and the Mi logo will appear on the screen with a progress indicator, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of data accumulated and the speed of the internal memory of the device.
| Parameter | Description of action | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting settings | Returning system parameters to default | Tall (removes everything) |
| Clearing the cache | Delete temporary application files | Low (data retained) |
| Reset via Recovery | Deep cleaning through the loader | Complete removal |
| Wipe Data (ADB) | Command line for advanced | Complete removal |
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the Android operating system does not boot, freezes on the logo or the touch screen partially does not work, you need to use Recovery Mode Recovery mode. This method allows you to perform Hard Reset at the bootloader level, bypassing the damaged operating system.
To enter recovery mode on Redmi 3S, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up Volume Up and Power button. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to hold the volume.
In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and power button (to confirm your choice). Select English (if available), then go to Wipe Data and confirm the choice with the power button.
⚠️ Note: In Recovery mode, the touch screen may not work, so navigation is done exclusively by mechanical volume and turn on buttons.
On the next screen, the system will request confirmation of the operation, often requiring you to select Confirm or Wipe All Data. Once the cleanup process is complete, a Data wiped successfully message will appear, and you can select the Reboot option to restart the system.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Reset via computer and ADB (for advanced)
For users with basic command line skills, there is a USB debugging method that is effective when the phone screen is broken but the system is working, or when the sensor does not respond to clicks in certain areas.
Drivers must be installed on the computer beforehand. ADB platform SDK Platform-Tools. Connect your phone to your PC via USB-cable, making sure that the smartphone screen is allowed to connect from this computer (requires pre-enabled option Debugging by USB developer menu).
Open the command line or terminal in the folder with the ADB tools installed and enter the following command to reboot to Restore:
adb reboot recoveryOnce you get into the Recovery menu, you can use the command to directly start the cleaning process, which is especially convenient for automation or remote control:
adb shell recovery --wipe_dataThis method requires accuracy in command input, as any syntax error can cause the device to simply reboot without performing the right actions. ADB Compatible with the Android version installed on Redmi 3S.
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Use of the ADB allows you to reset the phone even with a partially broken touchscreen, if the system is still able to receive commands through the USB-port.
Problem Solving: The phone is getting stuck or not turning on
The situation where Xiaomi Redmi 3S stops responding to commands and freezes during the boot phase is often solved by a forced reboot or entering Fastboot mode.If a conventional reset doesn't help, the system partition may be damaged and deeper intervention is required.
Try to perform a "hard" reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.If the phone vibrates and shows the logo but freezes again, try entering Fastboot mode (clutching the volume and power down button) and plug the phone into a computer with the Mi Flash Tool installed for flashing.
A common cause of a cyclic reboot is conflicting applications or a failed system update, and in such cases, a reset via Recovery is the only software way to restore functionality without going to a service center.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot – often solved by fully formatting the Data partition through Recovery.
- 🔋 Battery discharge – leave your phone on charge 30-40 minutes before attempting to switch on, even if the indicator does not burn.
- 💾 Overflowing memory – if the phone freezes due to space shortage, the reset will return it to speed, but the data will be lost.
- 🔌 Button problems – if the volume button falls, logging into Recovery can be difficult, try pressing the case slightly in the button area when you turn on.
If after all attempts to reset the phone continues to behave incorrectly, there is a high probability of hardware malfunction, for example, failure of the power controller or flash memory, in which case the software methods are powerless and require diagnostics by the hardware specialist.
Initial adjustment after reset
Once the reset procedure is completed successfully, the Redmi 3S will launch as a new device, welcoming you with a language selection screen, a stage called the initial setup, and the continued stability of the smartphone depends on its progress.
The system will suggest connecting to a Wi-Fi network to activate and check for updates, which may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account or Google Account if you previously had theft protection enabled, a standard security measure to prevent unauthorized use of the stolen device.
Don’t be in a hurry to restore all applications from backup immediately, it is recommended to first configure the system, check the main functions (sound, communication, sensor), and only then gradually install the necessary programs, which will help to determine whether any particular application has caused conflict in the past.
⚠️ Warning: After a reset, the first system start-up can last longer than usual (up to 10 minutes) – this is normal, as applications are optimized and cache created.
Be sure to check the date and time, and update system apps through the GetApps store or Google Play. For the Redmi 3S model, which is based on a fairly old version of Android, it is important not to overload the system with heavy modern applications to keep the performance up.