How to return to the factory settings Xiaomi Redmi 3S: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 3S — One of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016, which is still used by many users, and over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give out errors or require resale - in such cases, a factory reset becomes the optimal solution. However, an incorrect reset can lead to a blockage. MI-account loss, loss of important data, or even “bricking” of the device.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current reset methods for the Redmi 3S (including the Redmi 3S Prime and Redmi 3X models), taking into account the features of MIUI 8/9/10 firmware and modern versions. You will learn how to avoid typical errors, save contacts before reset and what to do if the phone does not turn on after the procedure.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you reset Redmi 3S to factory settings, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from data loss and unexpected problems:

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Backup app in Settings → In addition or third-party services like Google Drive/Mi Cloud. Particularly important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) SMS/MMS (apps SMS Backup & Restore Photo/Video (transfer to PC or cloud)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%.Reset at low charge can be interrupted and lead to a load cycle.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the data from MI-After resetting, Xiaomi will require login/password input if Find Device was previously activated.
• 📶 Disable all accounts: Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account (if any) This will make it easier to set up after a reset.

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, additionally:

• 📲 Out. SIM-card and microSD (reset does not affect the memory card, but it is better to be safe).
• 🔄 Turn off Autosynchronization in Settings → Accounts.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 3S customized recovery (for example, TWRP), A standard menu reset may not work, in which case use the method via Fastboot (described in section 4).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a good method if the phone is switched on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI on the Redmi 3S:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Additional Settings → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting (on some firmware - Erase all data).
4. If required, enter a password/pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone settings.

The process will take 3-7 When you restart, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like when you bought it. MI-Enter your account or the device will remain locked.

Battery charge checked (>50%)

Contact backup and photo taken

All accounts are disabled (Google, Mi)

SIM and microSD (optional) removed

I remember the password MI-account (if it was linked to)

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 8: After reset, the error "This device is locked" may appear.This means that Find Device was previously activated and now you need to enter data MI-If you have forgotten your password, use the unlock instructions at the end of the article.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 3S is unresponsive, hovers on the logo or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press the button combination: Volume up (+) + Power Hold until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use Volume for navigation and Nutrition for selection.
4. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (Chinese firmware may call it ).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

Once reset, the phone will reboot to its original state. If the process has been stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes, repeat the procedure or try the method through Fastboot.

adb reboot recovery

To do this, connect your phone to a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled (if the phone is at least somehow responsive).

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Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 Custom Recovery is installed (for example, TWRP), And the standard reset doesn't work.
• 📱 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔄 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection breaks).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Teams.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down (-) + Power until the image of a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the driver.
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the commands are executed, the phone will restart to its original state. If you want to completely reflash the device (for example, after a crash), download the official firmware for Redmi 3S (codename land) from the Xiaomi website and use the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete all data without recovery, including the contents of internal memory. If you need to save photos, first remove the memory card (if the data was on it).

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, but it is guaranteed to work even on bricked-up devices, and use it if other methods have not worked or the phone is not responding at all.

How to Reset Redmi 3S Without Losing Photos and Videos

If your goal is to speed up your phone, but you don't want to lose your media, there's a workaround that works only if:

• 📁 Photos/videos are stored on a memory card (not in internal memory!).
• 🔓 You know the password from MI-account (if it was linked to the account).
• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.

Algorithm of action:

1. Transfer all important photos/videos from internal memory to microSD or PC.
2. Perform a partial reset via the menu: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset, but do not confirm immediately.
3. Before confirmation, remove the memory card – so the data on it will remain intact.
4. Confirm the reset. After the reset, insert the map back.

If you don't have a memory card and your photos are stored in internal memory, use Google Photos to automatically sync before resetting, and you can download files back from the cloud after you restore factory settings.

What to do after the Redmi reset 3S demand MI-account

One of the most common problems after reset is the appearance of a window requesting data. MI-This happens if the Find Device function (similar to Find My iPhone) was activated before. Without entering the username / password, the phone will remain locked.

Solutions:

• 🔑 Enter the account that was linked to the phone. If you forgot your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 If your account is not yours (the phone is purchased by hand), try contacting the previous owner.
• 🛠️ If you have your phone but you don't remember the data, use the official unlock tool: Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi. Sign in with the same account as your phone. Connect Redmi. 3S Fastboot mode and follow the instructions.

If the phone is purchased from hand and it is impossible to contact the previous owner, the only thing left is:

• 📄 Provide purchase documents (check, contract) to the Xiaomi service center for unlocking.
• 💰 Buy an unlock code from third-party services (risk of fraud!).