Xiaomi Redmi 3: instructions for unlocking, firmware and configuration

Xiaomi Redmi 3, released in 2016, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliable hardware base and the ability to install modern custom firmware. However, over time, owners face typical problems: slowing down, system errors or having to unlock the bootloader to install alternative software. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to work with Redmi 3 – from basic configuration to complex firmware manipulation, given the changes in Xiaomi policy and the requirements of 2026.

The feature of the model is a closed bootloader by default, which makes it difficult to install unofficial firmware. In addition, the smartphone supports only MIUI until version 12 (based on Android 7.1), but enthusiasts have adapted LineageOS 14.1 and other custom builds for it. If you bought a used device with a blocked Mi Account or want to “resurrect” an old device, here you will find proven solutions.

Important: all the instructions below are relevant for Xiaomi Redmi 3 (codename ido) and its modifications (Redmi 3 Pro, Redmi 3S/Prime).

1.How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 3 in 2026

Unlocking a bootloader is the first step to install custom firmware or obtain root rights. Since 2017, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it now requires official permission through a Mi Account tied to the device, a process that takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting, but can be circumvented legally.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Attach Mi Account to your phone: Settings → Mi Account → Add account. Use a valid email (not temporary!).
• 🔗 Go to the unlock page and log in.
• ⏳ Fill out the form with IMEI (you can find it by command *#06#) and wait for SMS with confirmation.
• 🔓 Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.55 and later) and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was purchased hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, unlocking through the official tool is not possible, in which case you will need to bypass EDL- mode (see section 3).

Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader will remain open even after resetting, but Xiaomi may block the account for suspicious activity (for example, if you unlock more than 3 devices per month).

2. Resetting settings to factory: when you need and how to do it correctly

Hard reset solves most software problems: lags, application errors, viruses, or locked screens. Redmi 3 has three ways to reset — through the settings menu, Recovery, and Fastboot.

Method 1. Through settings (if the phone is turned on):

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Reset and confirm the action.
3. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Method 2. via Recovery (if the phone doesn't boot):

• 🔄 Turn off your smartphone, then press Volume++ Power before the Mi logo appears.
• 📜 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
• 🔄 Confirm the reset and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone requires a password from the old Mi Account after reset, then Find Device has been enabled, in which case only firmware via EDL (Section 3) will help.

Reset does not delete files from the memory card, but erases:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data;
• 📞 Contacts, SMS, call logs;
• 🔧 Settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts.

3. Firmware through EDL: When it's the only way out

EDL- is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to restore your smartphone even when your firmware is damaged or your bootloader is locked. On the Redmi 3, it is activated by closing test points on the board or using a special cable. It is risky, but sometimes the only way.

When you need an EDL:

• 🔒 Phone blocked by Mi Account after reset;
• 🤖 The device does not turn on or is stuck on the logo;
• 📉 Firmware is corrupted (bootloop, DM-Verity errors).

Instructions for firmware through MiFlash:

1. Download the MiFlash Tool and the official firmware for Redmi 3 (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers (search for QDLoader HS-USB Driver).
3. Transfer the phone to EDL: Open the back cover, find test points near the charging connector. Lock them with tweezers and connect the USB- cable to the PC.

MiFlash

Refresh

COM-port

Flash

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly closing points or interrupting firmware can permanently disable the memory module (eMMC). If you are not sure, contact the service center.

Once the firmware is running through EDL, the bootloader will remain locked, but the phone will work. Unlocking will require repeating the procedure from Section 1.

4. Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others

Official support for MIUI for Redmi 3 has long been discontinued, but enthusiasts have adapted for it modern firmware based on Android 7-10.

• 📱 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) is a minimalist firmware without excessive software.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 10) – interface as on Google Pixel
• 🔧 Havoc-OS is a flexible setup with many chips.

Installation requirements:

• ✅ Unlocked loader;
• ✅ Installed custom Recovery (e.g., TWRP 3.3.1);
• ✅ Battery charge >70%;
• ✅ Backup data (firmware erases everything!)

Step-by-step:

1. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS for Redmi 3) and GApps (Google Services Package, select arm64 → 7.1 → pico).
2. Reboot your phone to TWRP (click Volume++ Power).
3. Make Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Install the firmware, then GApps, and restart.

After installing custom firmware, do not update via OTA - this can lead to bootloop. It is better to download updates manually from the official firmware site.

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Before installing custom firmware, check reviews on the 4PDA or XDA forums – some builds may not support dual-SIM or have problems with the Wi-Fi module.

5 Battery Optimization: How to Restore Self-Defense

Older Redmi 3 batteries (with a capacity of 4100 mAh) lose up to 30-40% of capacity in 5-7 years of operation. If the phone runs out in a few hours, the problem can be both the battery and software optimization.

Steps to extend autonomy:

• 🔋 Turn off the background activity of applications: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
• 📵 Transfer the network to 2G (if not 4G): Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred network type.
• 🌙 Activate a dark theme and reduce the brightness of the screen to 50%.
• 🚫 Remove unused apps (especially social media and instant messengers).

If the optimization didn’t help, check the battery status:

1. Install the Battery Info app.
2. If you look at the Health parameter, if it's below 70 percent, you should change the battery.

Replacing the battery with Redmi 3 will cost 800-1500 rubles (independently) or 2000-2500 rubles in the service. the original Xiaomi batteries for this model are no longer produced, but suitable analogues have Baseus or Remax.

⚠️ Warning: When replacing the battery yourself, use a plastic blade to detach the plume - metal tools can damage the contacts.

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If the phone suddenly turns off at 20 to 30 percent charge, that's a sure sign of battery wear, and put the replacement off, and soon the device will stop turning on at all.

6. Solving typical problems: camera not working, no network, overheating

Over the years, Redmi 3 has been showing up with the "diseases" that are common in budget smartphones, and let's look at the most common and ways to eliminate them.

📷 Camera problems (black screen, launch error)

Reasons:

• The camera plume is damaged (often after falls);
• Software failure (especially after the update);
• Lens contamination.

Decisions:

1. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth.
2. Install an alternative camera app (such as Open Camera).
3. If the camera doesn’t work at all, take the phone apart and check the plume (or contact the service).

📶 No network or often missing signal

The culprits may be:

• 📡 Faulty communication module (antenna);
• 🔄 Failure in network settings;
• 📱 Outdated firmware.

Action:

• Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click Power, then hold "Switch off"). If the network appears, the third-party app is to blame.
• Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.
• If nothing helps, run the phone with the official firmware (section 3).

🔥 Overheating and spontaneous resets

Most often caused by:

• 🔋 A worn-out battery;
• 🧹 Pollution of the charging socket;
• 🎮 CPU overload (games, heavy applications).

How to eliminate:

• Clean the charging connector with a toothpick (turn off the phone first!).
• Turn off background sync: Settings → Accounts → Disable auto sync.
• If overheating is accompanied by bloating of the battery - immediately replace it!

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If the phone is warming up even in plain, check the CPU boot in the CPU Monitor app. If the kernel is constantly running at 100%, the "hang" application or virus is to blame.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 3