Unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 3: 5 proven ways (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 3, released in 2016, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, owners often face the need to unlock: whether it is a forgotten pattern lock, a tied Mi Account after buying a used device or the desire to flash alternative software. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Redmi 3 (codenamed ido), including official methods from Xiaomi and workarounds for complex cases.

It is important to understand that the bootloader procedure on Xiaomi requires confirmation of the developer account, and resetting the pattern lock or Mi Account can lead to data loss. We will describe each step in detail, specify the risks and provide alternatives for devices with a damaged screen or without access to the original account. If you plan to sell the phone, be sure to delete all the anchors in advance to avoid problems with the new owner.

1. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 3

Officially unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only way Xiaomi supports custom firmware installation, requiring the device to be linked to the developer account and waiting for confirmation (usually 72-168 hours).

• 📱 Step 1: Activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Return to the main settings menu – a paragraph for developers will appear.
• 🔗 Step 2: Link the device to your Mi Account. Enable the Developer Menu OEM-unlocking and debugging USB, Then log in to Mi Account (required via settings, not the app!).
• 🖥️ Step 3: Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.222.54 and later) and install Xiaomi drivers for PC. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down) + Power with the device switched off).
• ⏳ Step 4: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account and click Unlock. If you receive a waiting message, wait for the specified time (usually 3-7 days).

Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader will be open to customized recaps (TWRP) and firmware installations. However, note that on some versions of MIUI for Redmi 3 (e.g. global 9.6.3.0), unlocking can lock the device for 72 hours even after the process is successfully completed.

Developer mode activated|The device is tied to the Mi Account|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version|Installed drivers Xiaomi for PC|Data backup made.-->

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 3 with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, the official unlocking of the bootloader will not be possible without its data).

2. Reset the pattern lock without loss of data

Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-The code is one of the most common problems. Redmi 3 has a number of reset methods, but most of them delete user data. USB and there is access to the PC, you can try to bypass the lock without resetting:

• 🖥️ Method 1 (ADB): Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key Then restart the device. This method only works if debugging was enabled before locking.
• 📱 Method 2 (Mi Account): On the lock screen, click Forgot the password? and log in to the associated Mi Account. SMS email.
• 🔄 Method 3 (Fastboot): If debugging is not enabled, only reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase gesture.key Attention: This method will delete all data on the device!

If none of these things worked, and the data on the phone is critical, you can try extracting it through TWRP (if the recovers are installed) or contact the service center. On Redmi 3 with the unlocked bootloader, the chances of saving the data are higher.

3. deletion of Mi Account without data of the previous owner

When buying a used Xiaomi Redmi 3, many people encounter a tied Mi Account that blocks access to the phone's functions. Officially delete an account only if you know the username / password of the previous owner.

The most reliable way is to use EDL-The power download mode is used for this:

1. Take the phone apart and close the testpoint (on the Redmi 3 board, these are the contacts near the battery, designated as EDL).
2. Connect. USB-Cable – PC must identify the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Download the firmware for Redmi 3 (e.g., from here) and run through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect closure of testpoint or interruption of firmware in EDL-It can turn your phone into a hard brick, and if you're not sure about your skills, you can see a specialist. ~1500–2500 rubles.

4. Unlock via TWRP (for power users)

If your Redmi 3 has a custom recapverie installed TWRP, The process of unlocking is simplified. TWRP possible:

• 🔓 Delete the pattern lock files (gesture.key, password.key).
• 📂 Reset settings without data loss (Format Data option without wiping internal memory).
• 🖥️ Sweep through the modified boot.img bypass Mi Account.

Instructions for deleting Mi Account via TWRP:

1. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm /data/system/miui_daemon_log
4. Reboot the device. Mi's account will be deleted, but the data will be saved.

To install TWRP on Redmi 3, you will need an unlocked bootloader. Download the current version of the recovery on the official website. Note that some versions of MIUI may need to disable the firmware signature verification (dm-verity) after installing TWRP.

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If after installing TWRP, the phone loads into a recavator instead of the system, swipe through the modified boot.img with the dm-verity check disabled. For instructions, look at the 4PDA forum in your model topic.

5. Alternative methods for complex cases

If standard methods do not help, consider the following options:

• 📞 Reset via service code: Dial in the dialer number ##7378423## (It doesn’t work on all versions. MIUI). In the service test menu, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
• 🔧 Firmware through SP Flash Tool: Suitable for Mediatek-based devices, but Redmi 3 is built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430, so the method doesn't apply.For Qualcomm, use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 💻 Use of the DDC-cable: For devices with damaged screens or broken buttons, it allows you to connect to your phone through the phone UART-port on board and execute commands manually.

For devices with a damaged display, you can also try connecting the mouse through OTG-Adapter — Redmi 3 supports this feature out of the box. If the screen is completely black, but the phone is turning on (vibrates, makes sounds), try flashing it blind through Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 3 with version MIUI 10.2.2.0 may work Anti-Rollback protection, which blocks firmware of older versions of the software. Before downgrad check the current version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 3 users often face typical problems.

If there is an error when running through the Mi Flash Tool flash_write_failed, try:

1. Disable the antivirus on the PC.
2. Launch the program on behalf of the administrator.
3. Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
4. Switch to clean all and lock instead of clean all.

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At Xiaomi Redmi. 3 with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 430 You can not use the firmware from Redmi. 3S/Prime (Land codenames are different devices with incompatible iron!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions