Owners of a popular smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 3S often face the need to update the operating system to improve the performance and security of the device. Despite the fact that this device was released several years ago, enthusiasts continue to maintain its relevance by installing new versions or even custom firmware based on pure firmware. The process of upgrading the software allows you to extend the life of the gadget, eliminate critical vulnerabilities and gain access to new interface functions that were not available on the stock version. MIUI or even custom firmware based on pure Android. The process of upgrading the software allows you to extend the life of the gadget, eliminate critical vulnerabilities and gain access to new interface functions that were not available in the stock version.
However, the update procedure does not always go smoothly, especially when it comes to changing the regional firmware version or switching to a more recent one Android through third-party repositories. The user needs to clearly understand the difference between an OTA update “over the air” and manually installing a system image through recovery mode. Incorrect actions can lead to data loss or, in the worst case, to turning your smartphone into a “brick,” so it is important to carefully study all the steps before starting work.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for upgrading your device, from the simplest to the advanced ones that require the use of a computer. You will learn how to prepare your phone, where to look for verified firmware files, and what nuances are hidden in the process of unlocking the bootloader. A competent approach will allow you to safely get the most out of your Redmi 3S in modern conditions.
Assessing the current version and compatibility of the device
Before starting any manipulations, it is critical to determine what version of the software is currently installed on your device. Go to the menu Settings → About the phone and carefully study the line MIUI version. There are various modifications for the model Redmi 3S (code name land), and installing firmware from another model, for example, from Redmi 3 Prime or Redmi 3X, can lead to inoperability of the communication modules or fingerprint sensor.
You also need to check the type of installed firmware: Global (global), China (Chinese) or Developer (developer). Switching between these types, for example from Chinese to Global, often requires a complete data wipe and unlocking the bootloader. If you try to simply “roll” the global firmware over the Chinese one without meeting special conditions, the installer will throw an error and abort the process.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery charge level is at least 60%. Interruption of the process of recording system partitions due to low battery is one of the most common causes of device failure.
It is also worth considering the hardware limitations of the processor Snapdragon 430installed in this model. Installing too heavy modern shells can slow down the interface, so the choice of version Android should be carefully considered. Sometimes it is better to stay on the stable version of MIUI 9 or 10 than to try to install unofficial Android 11, which will be unstable.
Preparatory stages before installation
The success of the operation depends 90% on the quality of preparation. The first step is to create a complete backup of all important data, since in most cases, especially when changing the firmware version, the internal memory will be completely cleared. Use the built-in application Mi Backup or synchronize contacts and photos with cloud storage Google Drive or Mi Cloud. Do not rely on luck - the loss of photos and correspondence is irreversible.
Next you need to free up space in the internal storage. The firmware file for Redmi 3S can occupy from 1.5 to 2.5 GB, and the system requires additional space to unpack the archive before installation. It is recommended to delete unnecessary videos, messenger cache and unused applications to ensure a reserve of free space of at least 4-5 GB.
- 📱 Download the required firmware file from the official website or a trusted resource like XDA Developers.
- 🔌 Prepare a high-quality USB cable and a computer with ADB drivers installed (for advanced methods).
- 💾 Copy the firmware file to the root folder of the internal memory or to a microSD card, if used.
- 📶 Turn off the Internet on your phone before starting manual installation to avoid conflicts with background downloads.
An important aspect is to enable USB debugging and Permission to install from unknown sources if you plan to use third-party tools. Go to Settings → For developers (if the item is hidden, click 7 times on the build number in the “About phone” section) and activate the necessary switches. This will open access to deeper system settings.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for firmware
Updating via the standard menu (OTA and Recovery)
The safest and easiest way to get a new software version is to use the built-in update mechanism. Go to the section Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version icon. The system will contact the servers and check for new packages. If an update is available, the phone will prompt you to download it and install it after rebooting. This method guarantees the safety of user data and the integrity of system partitions.
However, it often happens that the server does not see updates for a specific regional version or you want to install a more recent build manually. In this case, you can use the local update function. The previously downloaded firmware file with the extension .zip must be placed in the phone's memory. Then in the update menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
After selecting the archive, the system will check its checksum. If the file is suitable for your model and current version, the installation process will begin. The screen will go dark and a logo MI will appear with a progress indicator. Do not press the control buttons under any circumstances at this time. The process may take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the device's flash memory.
⚠️ Attention: If you receive a "Cannot update" or "File is corrupt" message when you select a file, this means that the versions are incompatible. Try downloading another assembly or use the method with an unlocked bootloader.
If the automatic update does not arrive, try changing the region in the settings (for example, to India or Singapore), check for the update, and then return your region.
Manual installation via Recovery mode
If the standard method does not work or you want to perform a “clean” installation to eliminate system errors, you must use the Recoverymode. To enter this mode, turn off the smartphone completely, and then press the Volume Up and Powerbuttons simultaneously. Hold them until the logo appears, then release the power button while continuing to hold the volume.
In the recovery menu, control is carried out with the volume buttons (up and down) and the power button (confirmation). Select a language (usually only English and Chinese are available), then go to Wipe Data. Here it is critical to select the Wipe All Dataoption to completely clear the userdata and cache sections. This action will delete all your files, so make sure you have a backup.
After cleaning, return to the main menu and select Install (or Install Update.zipif the file is renamed accordingly). Find the firmware file in the list that you previously copied to the device memory. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to complete. Upon completion, select Reboot to reboot into the system.
| Action | Control buttons | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Enter Recovery | Vol + + Power |
Loading the recovery menu |
| Navigation | Vol + / Vol - |
Moving through menu items |
| Confirmation | Power |
Selecting an action or entering a submenu |
| Cleaning data | Select Wipe All Data |
Full reset and deletion of files |
What to do if the phone is stuck on the logo?
If after rebooting the device endlessly shows the MI logo, try entering Recovery mode again and performing Wipe All Data. If this does not help, you will need to flash it via Fastboot mode using a computer.
Unlocking the bootloader and custom firmware
For those who want to go beyond the capabilities of the official MIUI shell, the only way is to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader). The official procedure requires submitting an application through the website miui.com/unlock and waiting from 3 to 15 days. After obtaining permission, you must use the utility Mi Unlock Tool on the PC to remove the lock.
An unlocked bootloader opens the door to installing custom recovery, such as TWRP. With its help, you can install modified firmware, for example LineageOS, Pixel Experience or lightweight versions of MIUI without unnecessary water. This allows you to get more recent versions Androidwhich Xiaomi no longer officially releases for the model Redmi 3S.
However, this path is fraught with risks. An incorrectly selected recovery or firmware version can lead to loss of VoLTE function, Bluetooth not working, or rapid battery drain. In addition, unlocking the bootloader makes it impossible to use banking applications without additional manipulations to disguise root access (for example, through Magisk Hide).
- 🔓 Unlocking will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and erase all data from the device.
- 🛡️ Some applications (banks, protected games) may refuse to work on unlocked device.
- ⚙️ Installing custom software requires command line skills and an understanding of the structure of Android partitions.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and conditions for unlocking the bootloader may be changed by Xiaomi. Always check the latest requirements and instructions on the official MIUI forum before starting the procedure.
Solving typical problems after updating
After successfully installing a new version of the system, users may encounter a number of unpleasant phenomena. Increased battery consumption is often observed in the first 2-3 days. This is a normal situation: the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. Let the phone charge overnight and the situation should stabilize.
Another common problem is the lack of a network or incorrect Wi-Fi operation. If you changed the firmware region (for example, from China to Global), make sure that the correct frequency ranges are selected in the settings. In rare cases, it is necessary to reset the network settings through the menu Settings → Advanced settings → Recovery and reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.
If the phone starts to get very hot or slow down, perhaps the new version of the shell is too heavy for the processor Snapdragon 430. In this case, consider rolling back to a previous stable version or installing lightweight custom firmware. It is also worth checking whether conflicting applications are installed that are not compatible with the new version. Android.
The stability of the system after the update depends not only on the firmware version, but also on the mandatory performance of a full data reset (Wipe) when changing the software type.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can Is it possible to officially update the Redmi 3S to Android 11 or 12?
No, official support for the model Redmi 3S by Xiaomi has ended with version Android 6.0 (MIUI 9/10). To get newer versions of Android, you need to install custom firmware through an unlocked bootloader.
What is Fastboot ROM and how does it differ from Recovery?
Fastboot ROM has an extension .tgz and is installed via a computer in fast boot mode, completely erasing the disk. Recovery ROM has an extension .zip and is installed directly through the phone menu, often allowing you to save data (if you do not Wipe).
Is it safe to install firmware from unofficial sites?
There is always a risk. Download files only from trusted resources, such as the XDA Developers forum or the official portal miui.com. Files from dubious file hosting services may contain malicious code or be damaged.
Why did some applications disappear after the update?
When changing the firmware region (for example, from Global to China or vice versa), some Google system applications or Xiaomi services may be deleted or replaced. They can be reinstalled through the store Play Market or GetApps.
How to return to the factory firmware if something went wrong?
You will need to download the official Fastboot firmware for your model, install ADB drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility on your PC. Then switch the phone to Fastboot mode (buttons Vol - + Power) and flash the device with the option clean all.