How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 3S to factory settings: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 3S is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2016. Despite its age, the device is still used by many users due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, produce errors or require cleaning before selling, in which case, a factory reset helps – a procedure that returns the phone to its original state.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to perform a hard reset on Redmi 3S: through system settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. We will analyze each method in detail, point out possible errors and give recommendations for data retention. We will focus on situations where the smartphone does not turn on, the forgotten pattern lock or the system constantly fails.

Before you start, consider: the reset deletes all user data – photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. If the phone is still working, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or using your computer.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Even if your Redmi 3S is malfunctioning, follow a few critical steps before resetting, which will help avoid losing important data and make it easier to set up your phone after the procedure.

Mandatory action:

📱 Save it. IMEI. Type *#06# in the dialer and write both IMEI-code (they will be useful if the network disappears after resetting).
🔌 Charge the battery to at least 50%. If the phone runs out during reset, it can damage system files and "brick" the device.
🔐 Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account. After a reset, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from your Xiaomi account (if it was tied to you).
💾 Copy files to a computer or cloud. Use Explorer (MTP-mode or applications like Mi PC Suite.

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device, it will be blocked by theft protection (Mi Cloud Lock).

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If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, but the screen is working, connect it to your computer and copy the files via ADB (adb pull /sdcard/ command).

The easiest method is to use the built-in reset feature in the Redmi 3S menu. It is suitable if:

📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
⚙️ You need to clean the device before selling or eliminate non-critical failures.

Step-by-step:

Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
Go to Additional (or Advanced Settings depending on the version of MIUI).
Choose Recovery and Reset (or Backup and Reset).
Slip on Settings Reset.
The system will suggest choosing which to reset, marking to erase everything (including internal memory if necessary).
Confirm the action by entering the password from the lock screen.
Wait until the process is complete (it will take 3-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the phone requires data input from the Mi Account, use the same login and password that you had before the reset.

Make sure the battery is over 50 times charged%|

Copy important files to a PC or cloud|

Record IMEI (team *#06#) |

Sign out of your Mi Account (if the phone is sold)|

Remember the password from the lock screen-->

Method 2: Recovery reset (if the phone is not switched on or locked)

If Redmi 3S doesn’t respond to touch, reboots constantly, or you forget your pattern lock, Recovery Mode will help. It’s a built-in recovery menu that’s available even when system files are corrupted.

How to log in to Recovery:

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it is frozen).
Press the Power button and Volume up (+) at the same time.
Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu in English or Chinese.

In Recovery Redmi 3S, you can control the volume (moving) and power (selecting) buttons.

🔹 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
🔹 Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
🔹 Wait for the process to be completed (Success will appear on the screen).
🔹 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?

If the menu is displayed in hieroglyphics, focus on the location of items: 1. The first item on top is Reboot. 2. The second is Wipe Data (reset). 3. The third is Wipe Cache (clearance of the cache). To reset, select the second item, then confirm the action (usually the first subparagraph in the list that opens).

Possible problems and solutions:

❌ Phone is not included in Recovery → Make sure the buttons don't stick. Try to pinch the power. + Loudness down (sometimes an alternative combination).
❌ After reset, the phone asks for a Mi password → Enter the data from the account that was tied before the reset. If you don't remember, restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
❌ Recovery does not respond to buttons → Maybe the touchscreen's damaged. Connect your phone to the charger and try again.

Yes, on Xiaomi|.

Yeah, on another phone.|

No, but I had to.|

No, it's my first time.-->

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires a computer.

🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
📉 The phone is constantly restarted (bootloop").
🔒 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

What you need:

💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
📄 Firmware for Redmi 3S (If you're planning to ask again).

Step-by-step:

Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer. Unpack the archive at the root of the C:\ drive for convenience.
Turn off the phone. Press Volume down (-) and connect it to your computer via USB. Hold the button until the Fastboot appears on the screen.
Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
Check that the phone is determined by entering: fastboot devices If in response you see a serial number - the connection is established.
Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you want to completely reflash the device, download the official firmware for Redmi 3S (codename land) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website and use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

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Fastboot reset erases all data without recovery, including internal memory, and only use this method if other methods have failed.

5.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 3S will launch with the welcome screen, and you will have to go through the initial setup, which includes:

🌐 Language and region choice.
📶 Wi-Fi connection (required if you need to restore backup).
🔐 Sign in to your Mi Account (if tied before resetting).
📱 Recovery of data from backup (if it was created).
⚙️ Setting up the lock screen (PIN, graphical).

Tips for optimal work:

🚀 Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications to Free Memory.
🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
🛡️ Install antivirus (such as Avast or Bitdefender) as the protection is reset.
📁 Move applications to a memory card if there is little internal memory (Settings) → Annexes → Move it to SD).

If the phone is slower than before after reset, check the CPU load in Settings → Battery → Battery Use.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake.	Possible cause	Decision
Phone is not included in Recovery	Button sticking, damaged software	Try another combination (Nutrition + Volume Down). If it doesn't work, use Fastboot.
After reset, asks for a Mi password, but it is not	The phone was linked to the previous owner’s account.	Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).
The reset is interrupted, the phone is not turned on.	Battery discharge or firmware error	Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then reset via Fastboot.
No net after reset	IMEI settings are reset	Restore the IMEI using Engineer Mode (code #3646633##) or SN Write Tool.
Recovery in Chinese	Installed Chinese version of MIUI	Orient yourself by the location of items (see spoiler above) or scrolle through the global firmware.

If none of these methods worked, there may be a problem with the hardware (damaged memory, power controller) in which case, contact the service center.

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If the phone does not see after the reset SIM-Check if the modem firmware has crashed and you can restore it via Fastboot with the fastboot flash modem command].

7. How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid having to reset Redmi 3S often, follow the simple guidelines:

📵 Do not install applications from unknown sources – they may contain viruses that slow down the system.
🔄 Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
📥 Do not fill the memory "to the end" - leave at least 1-2 GB of free space.
🔋 Watch the battery health.If the phone runs out quickly, replace the battery (original for Redmi) 3S — BL-309).
🔒 Don’t forget your Mi Account password. Link your backup email and phone to it to restore.

If you are planning to sell or transfer your phone, you must:

Reset via the settings menu (method 1).
Sign out of your Mi and Google account.
Delete everything. SIM-memory-cards.
Make sure that the phone does not require a password after resetting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can data be recovered after resetting?

If you haven't backed up, it's almost impossible to recover data. If you reset it with Recovery or Fastboot, it's very low, the only chance is if you've used Mi Cloud to sync contacts, notes, or photos, and they'll automatically recover when you log in. You can try programs like Recuva or DiskDigger for files (photos, videos), but you can't be sure if you've already written new data to your phone.

❓ Why the phone has become slower since resetting?

This may be due to several reasons: 🔋 Worn-out battery – if the battery holds less than 50% of the original charge, the phone starts to brake. 📱 An outdated version MIUI — You could have reset your old software. 🧹 Background processes – some system applications (such as Mi Security) can load the processor.Solution: check the CPU boot in Settings → Battery, update the software and replace the battery if necessary.

❓ How to Reset Redmi 3S, If you forget your Mi Account password?

If the phone requires data from your Mi Account after a reset and you don't remember it, there are two options: Restore access via the official website. You need a linked email or phone number. Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box, IMEI). They can unlock the device remotely. ⚠️ Note: Do not use third-party services to unlock your Mi Account – this may result in a complete locking of the device (blacklist).

❓ Can we reset Redmi? 3S data-free?

No, a full reset always deletes user data: 📎 Copy files to your computer before resetting. ☁️ Sync contacts and notes with Mi Cloud or Google. 📱 Use "Slight Reset" (if available in your version) MIUI) — If the purpose of the reset is to eliminate lag or errors, try to clear the cache through Recovery (Wipe Cache) first without erasing the data.

❓ Why does the camera or speaker not work after reset?

This is a typical problem when you damage your firmware during a reset. Solutions: Fastboot your phone with the official firmware (you can download it at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com). Check if the camera/speaker is disabled in Settings → Resolutions. If the problem persists, there may be a hardware failure (e.g., the camera plume has gone).