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

Why would you need to reset Redmi 3S to factory settings?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 3S to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to its previous performance. Over time, even budget models like the Redmi 3S (released in 2016) begin to slow down: apps open long, the system emits errors com.android.phone, and the battery dies in a few hours.

First, software failures. If after the MIUI update the phone stopped working correctly (for example, Settings do not open or the launcher constantly crashes), reset is often the only solution. Second, preparation for sale - no one wants to transfer personal data to the new owner. Third, the Redmi 3S could get into the hands of another user, and you want to start with a clean slate. Finally, reset helps get rid of viruses or poorly installed firmware if the phone "blocked" (hangling on the Mi logo).

But it's important to understand that resetting removes all the data from internal memory, including photos, contacts and messages. Even if you restore some files through the Mi Cloud, some settings (such as Wi-Fi passwords or accounts in games) will have to be re-entered, so before the procedure, you should weigh all the pros and cons.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you return the Xiaomi Redmi 3S to factory settings, follow a few critical steps. Ignoring the preparation can lead to data loss without recovery or even a device “brick” (if the reset is interrupted at half the process).

One is to back up. Use the built-in MIUI Backup tool (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset) or third-party applications like Titanium Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contacts – export them to the file VCF sync with your Google Account.
• 📷 Photos and videos – copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔑 Passwords – save a list of Wi-Fi networks and logins from applications (for example, through the use of a password). 1Password).
• 🎮 Gaming data – link accounts to Google Play Games or social networks.

Two, check the battery power, make sure it's at least 50 percent, and if the reset is interrupted by a discharge, the phone may stop turning on, and it'll take a recovery. EDL-mode (and this is already a service case), also disable the protection with a pattern lock or PIN-code (Settings) → Lock screen → Password), otherwise, after reset, you may need to enter an old password to unlock.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 3S You have a Mi Account linked to your Find Device function, and after you reset, your phone may need to enter your login and password from that account to activate!

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Create a backup copy of contacts and files|Disable the pattern lock/PIN|Remember the data from Mi Account (if tied)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in reset function in MIUI, which is suitable if the phone turns on and you can go to Settings, which requires no additional tools and takes only 5-10 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Additional section (or About Phone in new MIUI versions).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Reset settings (in some firmware – Delete all data).
5. Enter the lock password (if requested) and confirm the action.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process. Animation with the Mi logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't interrupt the process, this can damage system files. Once completed, Redmi 3S will boot into a "out of the box" state, and you will be asked to set up the language, Wi-Fi and account.

⚠️ Note: If after a reset, the phone requests a password from Mi Account and you do not remember it, restore access through account.xiaomi.com. Attempts to bypass the security without an official unlocker can lead to a lock. IMEI.

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

If the Xiaomi Redmi 3S doesn’t load beyond the logo, freezes in the reboot cycle or doesn’t respond to touch, Recovery mode will help. This is a built-in recovery menu, available even when corrupted system files. Importantly, the Redmi 3S defaults to stock Recovery (official), but if you installed custom (for example, TWRP), the steps may differ.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press and hold the volume button (+) and the power button at the same time.
3. When the Mi logo appears on the screen, release the power button, but keep holding Volume Up until you see the Recovery menu.

In stock recovery, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you see Chinese characters instead of English, focus on the location of the points:

• 📱 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🗑️ The second is Wipe Data (reset).
• 📥 Connect with MiAssistant (for PC).

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If the phone still doesn’t turn on after resetting via Recovery, try flashing it through Fastboot (Method 3) or contact the service.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have installed custom firmware and want to return stock MIUI.
• 🐢 The phone is extremely slow even after resetting via Recovery.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and phone is locked after reset.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-All data will be deleted, including firmware, so download the official data in advance. ROM for Redmi 3S (codename lando) from en.miui.com.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the volume down button (-) + power button to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
2. Connect Redmi 3S to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For complete flashing (if you want to restore the system), use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file ROM.zip]

But remember, a bad firmware can turn a phone into a brick. If you're not sure, go to the service.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems.-5 Mistakes in Redmi resetting 3S and the way in which they are addressed:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery.

The reason: the wrong button combination or key sticking. Solution: try to pinch Volume Up + Power for 15-20 seconds. If it doesn't work, plug in the charging and try again (sometimes helps with a dead battery).

2.After reset, the phone requires an old password.

This is FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection). If you forget the password from Mi Account, restore it through the official website. Bypass locking without password is possible only through EDL-mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

3.The reset is interrupted and the phone is not turning on.

If the reset process has been interrupted (e.g., the battery has gone down), don't try to re-enter Recovery - this can make the problem worse. Connect the phone to charge for 30 minutes, then try flashing it through Fastboot.

4. There is no Wipe Data item in Recovery.

It probably has custom Recovery installed (like TWRP). In this case, select Wipe → Format Data → type yes. Be careful: this will delete all internal memory, including files in the /sdcard folder.

5. After reset, there is no network or sensors are not working.

This may indicate firmware damage.Solution: Sweat your phone through the official ROM via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions at xiaomi-flash.com).

⚠️ Note: If after the Redmi reset 3S no longer defined by the computer, check the Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008. their absence may block access to EDL-The regime needed to restore the bricks».

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If the phone after reset behaves unstable (reboots independently, does not see) SIM-The card, most likely, is a hardware problem: a worn flash memory or a damaged motherboard, in which case the reset won't help, it needs repairs.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven’t made a backup, the chances of returning files depend on what type of reset was done:

• 📱 Reset via Settings/Recovery: The data is deleted logically and can be tried by programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (root required).
• 🔧 Fastboot reset: data deleted at low level, recovery unlikely.

For recovery:

1. Install Dr.Fone or Recuva on your PC.
2. Connect Redmi 3S in MTP (File Transfer) mode.
3. Select the file type (photos, videos, messages) and start the scan.
4. Save the files found on the computer.

Important: don't write new data to your phone before you recover, which reduces your chances of success. Also remember, you can only recover files that were stored in internal memory. SD-cards (if inserted) usually remain intact.

If you need to restore contacts, check:

• 🔄 Sync with Google Account (open contacts.google.com).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions