Reset Xiaomi Redmi 3S to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 3S is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016, still in use by many users.However, over time, the device can start to brake, emit errors or require complete cleaning before selling.Resetting to factory settings solves most software problems, but if executed improperly can lead to data loss or even locking the device.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Account), as well as instructions for saving important files, unlocking after reset and eliminating typical errors. MIUI on the Redmi 3S Possible problems with Xiaomi account.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you dump the Xiaomi Redmi 3S, be sure to follow a few steps to avoid losing important data.The 2016 device doesn't support modern cloud backups, so you'll have to act manually.

First, save contacts. They can be exported to a.vcf file via the Contacts app (Contact Management menu → Import/Export). Second, copy photos and videos to a computer or external drive - the internal memory of Redmi 3S is limited to 16/32 GB, and after resetting, it will be impossible to restore files.

• 📱 Export. SMS: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
• 🔑 Write down account data: logins and passwords from social networks, mail, banking applications.
• 📡 Untie the device from the Mi Account (if you plan to sell): Settings → Mi Account → Get out.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – Recovery reset can take up to 10 minutes.

Important: if Redmi 3S is enabled with the "Device Protection" function, after reset, you will need to enter a password from the previously associated Mi Account, without it, the phone will turn into a "brick".

Make a backup copy of contacts|Copy photos and videos on PC|Write down logins and passwords|Unlock the Mi Account (if necessary)|Charge the battery to 50%+|Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account-->

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

If your smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, use the built-in reset function, which is suitable for eliminating lags, preparing for sale or transfer of the device, runtime is 3-5 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → Recovery and reset.
3. Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait for the reboot (the device will turn on with factory settings).

Once reset, Redmi 3S will offer you to set up your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to Mi Account. If you sell a phone, skip this step, and the new owner will be able to activate the device on their own.

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If the phone requires a password from Mi Account that you don’t remember after reset, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com. In extreme cases, unlocking via Fastboot will be required (see section 4).

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Xiaomi Redmi 3S is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked, use Recovery Mode. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to complete loss of data without the possibility of recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (on some versions - Wipe) Data/Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
7. Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

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

Warning: If after reset via Recovery, the phone requires a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, do not enter random combinations more than 5 times - the device will be locked for 72 hours.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If you lost the Xiaomi Redmi 3S or it was stolen, you can reset remotely via Find Device, which is also suitable if the phone is locked, but you have access to the tied Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
2. In the Devices section, select Redmi 3S (if it is connected to the Internet, its location will be displayed).
3. Click on Erase Data (Erase Data).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Remote reset works only if three conditions are met:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 🔒 The device has not been re-flashed (in this case, the link to the account is reset).

⚠️ Warning: After the remote reset of Redmi 3S You may need to re-authorize your Mi Account when you first turn on. If you sell your phone and don't untie your account, the new owner won't be able to activate it!

Yes, successfully | Yes, but there were problems | No, I didn't try | I didn't know about this possibility-->

5.Typical post-reset errors and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi Redmi 3S may not behave properly. Let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

1.The phone requires a password from Mi Account after resetting

This means that the device was tied to a Xiaomi account and the Find Device feature is active.

• 🔑 Enter the correct password (if you remember).
• 📧 Restoring access to your account via account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is bought with your hands), contact the previous owner or use Fastboot to unlock (PC required).

2.The smartphone does not turn on after reset

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Battery is dead (plug in charge and wait 15 minutes).
• 🔄 Resetting process interrupted (repeat procedure via Recovery).
• 💥 Firmware damaged (reflashing through Mi Flash Tool required).

3. "This device is locked" error appears

This means that the phone has activated Bootloader Lock.

• 📲 Go to the site. en.miui.com/unlock and request unlocking.
• 🖥️ Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a PC and original cable).
• ⏳ Expect 72–168 hours (unlock time depends on Xiaomi policy).

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If Redmi 3S resets the error "This device is locked", do not try to sew it through unofficial tools - this can lead to a complete blocking of IMEI (the phone will become unusable for calls).

6.How to recover data after reset

If you didn't back up before reset, the chances of getting it back are minimal, but there are. Let's look at the methods available.

1. Reconciliation of contacts

If your contacts are synced with Google Account:

1. Sign in to your Google account on your phone after the reset.
2. Open Contacts and wait for automatic synchronization.

2. Photo and video recovery

If the files were not permanently deleted (for example, through Recovery), try:

• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and use programs like Recuva or DiskDigger.
• 📱 Set it on Redmi. 3S Dumpster application (if installed before resetting).

3. SMS recovery

If you have used SMS Backup & Restore:

1. Install the app again from Google Play.
2. Restore messages from a previously created backup (the file is stored in the device memory or on Google Drive).

⚠️ Warning: Do not write new data to your phone immediately after a reset if you plan to restore files! New data can overwrite old data, making it impossible to restore them.

7. Alternative Resetting Methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use advanced tools, which require PC skills and can result in loss of warranty or permanent damage to the device.

1.Dumping via Fastboot

Suitable if the phone does not respond to buttons, but is determined by the computer.

fastboot oem edl


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

2. flashing through the Mi Flash Tool

Complete erasure and installation of clean firmware.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 3S (e.g. here).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down).
4. Connect the device to the PC and follow the program instructions.

3.Dumping through ADB

If you have USB debugging enabled:

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data




reboot

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware or tools to unlock Bootloader may result in a lock IMEI. Xiaomi Redmi 3S 2016 is particularly vulnerable to such errors due to an outdated version of the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 3S