How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 3S: a safe guide with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 3S

root-right

Magisk

SuperSU

In this article, we will analyze the current ways to obtain root rights on Redmi. 3S (codename land) under control MIUI 8/9 Android 6.0/7.0. Special attention will be paid to security: how to avoid "brick" (turning the phone into a "brick"), what versions TWRP It's compatible with the device, and what to do if the banking applications stop working after the root. If you're a beginner, don't skip the preparation section, because every step is important here.

⚠️ Warning: Procedure violates Xiaomi warranty and may cause data loss.Widevine stops working on some firmware after root L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+). If the phone is used to pay via Google Pay, the root will block this feature.

Ready to start? Then we'll start preparing.

1.Phone Preparation: Backup and Allowed Settings

Before any manipulation of the system, be sure to save important data. Root rights erase the internal memory of the phone, and unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or physical copying to the PC via MTP.

Then turn on USB debugging and unlock OEM Unlock:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
  2. Return to the main settings menu, open Additional β†’ for developers.
  3. Activate the switches: πŸ”§ Debugging by USB (USB Debugging) πŸ”“ Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking) πŸ”„ Allow unlocking of the bootloader (Mi Unlock Status – link Mi Account)

⚠️ Note: If Mi Unlock Status is missing, your firmware does not support official unlocking).

Make sure your phone has enough charge (at least 60%) and the original charge is on hand. USB-Using uncertified cables may interrupt the unlocking process.

πŸ“Š What kind of firmware are you using on Redmi? 3S?
Stock MIUI (Chinese/Global)
LineageOS (Pixel Experience)
I don't know what it costs.

Unlocking the bootloader: official and alternative methods

Without a bootloader, you can't install TWRP or Magisk. Xiaomi offers the official Mi Unlock Tool, but it doesn't work on all firmware. Let's look at both.

The official way (via Mi Unlock Tool):

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.56).
  2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator, log in to the Mi Account to which the phone is linked.
  3. Connect Redmi 3S in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power).
  4. In the utility, press Unlock and wait until completion (usually 3-5 minutes).

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" or "Wait 72/168/360 hours" error, then your account is not tied to the device for long enough, so you can either wait until the specified time or use an alternative method.

Alternative method (via EDL):

If the official method doesn’t work, you can unlock the bootloader through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which requires additional tools:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows PC 10/11 (Qualcomm driver)
  • πŸ”§ Mi Flash Unlock (not to be confused with Mi Flash Tool!)
  • πŸ“± Phone with a discharged battery (less than 50%) – this makes it easier to enter EDL

⚠️ Attention: Method through EDL It's risky, because if you make a mistake, your phone can turn into a brick, and you can only use it if you can't officially unlock it.

How to enter EDL mode on Redmi 3S?
For the entrance EDL Turn off the phone, then press the Volume Up buttons. + Loudness down + Meals for food 10-15 The screen will remain black, but the PC will define the device as QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) which is a custom recovery that allows you to flash Magisk, backup and restore the system. Redmi 3S is suitable for TWRP 3.3.1-0 or later, but it is important to choose the right option for your model:

Redmi 3S modelCode nameTWRP referenceNotes
Redmi 3S (2/16GB)landOfficial websiteSupports MIUI 8-10
Redmi 3S Prime (3/32GB)landXDA DevelopersRequires a patch for Android 7.0
Redmi 3XlandoOfficial websiteNot compatible with land-based firmware!

To install TWRP via fastboot, execute the following commands:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.3.1-0-land.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-0-land.img

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically reboot to TWRP, where you need to immediately backup the Boot and System partitions so that you can then restore the phone if you make errors.

Check the code name of the model (land/lando)|Download the correct version TWRP|Data backup completed|The battery is charged to 60%+|Drivers. ADB/Fastboot PC-mounted-->

4. Getting Root Rights: Magisk vs SuperSU

As of 2026, Magisk is the only recommended way to obtain root rights to Redmi 3S. It supports root hiding from banking applications (SafetyNet) and is regularly updated. SuperSU is outdated and may cause conflicts with new versions of MIUI.

Installation of Magisk via TWRP:

  1. Download the latest version of Magisk ZIP (e.g. Magisk-v26.4.zip).
  2. Transfer the file to your phone or flash drive.
  3. In TWRP, click Install, select the downloaded file and swipe for confirmation.
  4. After installation, reboot to the system.

⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MI, So Magisk is in conflict with the firmware core. TWRP, plough Magisk-uninstaller.zip Try another version (for example, Magisk-v25.2).

To check the root rights, install the Root Checker app. If the status of Root Access: Yes, everything went well.

πŸ’‘

If Google Pay or banking apps stop working after the root, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate the Hide Magisk option in the Magisk settings.

5. Solving problems after getting a root

Even if you successfully install root rights, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”„ Phone shutdown: Reason: Incompatible version of Magisk or damaged kernel. Solution: boot into TWRP, Swipe the Boot backup or reflash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
  • πŸ“΅ No network or SIM-The card is not identified: Reason: modem partition is damaged when you run the firmware. TWRP file modem.img stock-stack.
  • πŸ”’ BankID/Sberbank Online is not working: Reason: SafetyNet trigger Solution: in Magisk activate MagiskHide and add banking apps to the hideout list.

If the problem is not solved, try a full reset via TWRP (Wipe β†’ Format Data), but note that this will delete all data, including files on internal memory.

πŸ’‘

Before experimenting with root rights, always check the compatibility of Magisk versions and firmware. For Redmi 3S, Magisk 25.2-26.4 is optimal based on MIUI 9-10.

6. Alternative Rooting Methods (without TWRP)

If TWRP seems difficult to install, you can get root rights in alternative ways, which are less reliable, but are suitable for beginners:

Method 1: Through the KingRoot app (without PC)

KingRoot automatically exploits vulnerabilities in the system, but has risks:

  • βœ… Does not require unlocking the loader.
  • ❌ Often installs advertising software.
  • ❌ root rights may disappear after updates.

If you decide to try:

  1. Download KingRoot APK (version 5.3.7).
  2. Install by allowing installation from unknown sources.
  3. Launch the app and click Try to Root.

Method 2: Through ADB (Temporary Root)

For a temporary root (before restarting), connect your phone to your PC and do:

adb shell


su

This method is suitable for one-time tasks, such as uninstalling system applications via ADB.

⚠️ Warning: Alternative methods often leave "traces" in the system that prevent further rooting through Magisk. TWRP + Magisk.

7.How to remove root rights and return stock firmware

If you don't need the root rights anymore, or if you want to sell the phone, you can bring the device back to its original state.

  1. Delete Magisk: In Magisk Manager, click Uninstall β†’ Complete Uninstall. Reboot your phone.
  2. Stock Recovery: Download the official firmware for Redmi 3S from MIUI Downloads and run it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
  3. bootloader Lock (optional): Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and press Lock Bootloader. note that this will reset the phone again!

After these steps, the Redmi 3S will return to factory condition and the warranty (if any) will remain valid.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi 3S

Can I get a root without unlocking the bootloader?
Technically, yes, through vulnerabilities (such as DirtyCOW), but such methods are unreliable and only work on older versions of MIUI. For 2026, the only stable way is to unlock the bootloader + TWRP + Magisk.
Why isn't the camera or fingerprint sensor working after the root?
This is due to the damage to the drivers when you run the firmware. Solution: Sweeve the stock core (boot.img) from the official firmware through TWRP, then re-install Magisk.
How to update MIUI after getting a root?
Updates over the air (OTA) will not work. You need to: Download the full service package (.zip) from the official site. Sweep it through TWRP (no wipes!). After the update, re-swipe Magisk.
Can I get a root on Redmi 3S with Android 8.0+?
Officially, Redmi 3S hasn't received an update to Android 8.0. If you have custom firmware based on Android 8+, check for TWRP and Magisk compatibility for your kernel. Often a patched kernel is required.
How to hide the root from games (PUBG, Genshin Impact)
Use the MagiskHide Props Config module and enable the Hide Magisk option. For some games (such as Genshin Impact), you additionally need to disable Google Play Services in the Magisk settings.