The smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 3S, released in 2016, has long remained the standard of the budget segment due to its successful combination of price and performance. Many users still use this device and naturally wonder about software support. Initially, the gadget was supplied with an operating system Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which was quite relevant for that time.
However, the life cycle of budget devices is often limited by official updates. Owners of Redmi 3S can count on an official update to Android 7.0 Nougat in conjunction with the shell MIUI 9 or MIUI 10. Further development of the system by the manufacturer was stopped, but enthusiasts found ways to extend the life of the device using custom solutions.
In this article we will look in detail at which software versions are available for installation, how to check the current build and whether it is worth switching to unofficial firmware to get a more recent one. Android. We will also look at the risks and benefits of manually flashing this device.
Official support and MIUI versions
The Company Xiaomi traditionally supports its devices with security updates and new shell features for 2-3 years. For the model Redmi 3S (code name land), the official line of updates ended with version MIUI 10. This means that it is impossible to get Android 8, 9 or 10 officially through the update menu.
Users who bought a smartphone immediately after the release could observe the evolution from the “six” to "sevens". It is important to understand the difference between the kernel version Android and the shell version MIUI. Users often confuse these concepts, expecting new Android functions, receiving only an updated interface.
The stability of official firmware is their main advantage. All drivers, communication modules and cameras are optimized specifically for these software versions. An attempt to install a more recent system may lead to unstable operation of the communication modules or camera.
Before any manipulation with the firmware, be sure to back up your contacts and photos to your computer or cloud storage.
To check the current software version, you must go to the device settings. The path looks like this: Settings → About phone → MIUI version. Clicking on the system logo will start a search for available updates on the manufacturer's servers.
⚠️ Attention: Official update servers for Redmi 3S may no longer contain the latest packages, since the device has been transferred to obsolete (EOL) status.
Possibilities of custom firmware (Custom ROM)
If the official paths have been exhausted, the developer community enters the scene. There are many custom firmwares available for Redmi 3S, based on Android 8.1 Oreo, Android 9 Pie and even Android 10. The most popular projects are LineageOS, Xiaomi.eu and various assemblies based on AOSP.
Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader). This is a mandatory procedure that erases all data from the device. Without an unlocked bootloader, installing a third-party Recovery (for example TWRP) and subsequent firmware flashing is impossible.
The main advantages of switching to a custom build include:
- 🚀 Getting a more recent version Android with new features security.
- 🧹 No pre-installed adware and unnecessary services Xiaomi.
- 🎨 Possibility of deep customization of the interface and system fonts.
- ⚡ Optimization of performance by removing heavy MIUI add-ons.
However, switching to Versions higher than Android 7 have their technical limitations. The processor Snapdragon 430 may not work correctly with new camera drivers in Android 10. The quality of pictures often drops compared to stock firmware.
Bootloader unlocking process
The first step to installing a new system is to obtain the rights to change the system partition. The company Xiaomi has implemented a strict unlocking procedure that requires linking your account Mi Account to the device.
You will need to download the utility Mi Unlock Tool to your computer. After enabling developer mode and allowing OEM unlocking in your phone settings, you need to link your account to the device. The system will issue a risk warning that needs to be confirmed.
There is an important nuance that beginners often forget about. After linking your account, you must wait a certain period of time (usually from 7 to 15 days) before the utility allows unlocking. Trying to do this earlier will result in a timer error.
What to do if the timer does not reset?
If you reset your phone or signed out of your Mi account before the timer expires, the timer will reset. You need to link your account again and wait for the full period again.
The unlocking process is carried out in the Fastbootmode. To enter this mode, you need to turn off the phone and hold down the key combination Volume Down + Power. By connecting your smartphone to your PC, you can initiate the procedure through the app.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and irreversibly deletes all user data from the internal memory.
Installing TWRP Recovery and firmware
After successful unlocking, the standard recovery menu is replaced with a custom one, most often it is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This allows you to install ZIP archives with firmware, make full system backups and clean up partitions.
The Recovery image is installed via a computer using the command fastboot. The image file should be renamed to recovery.img and placed in the ADB tools folder. The input command looks like this:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgImmediately after flashing the Recovery firmware, you cannot reboot the system in the usual way, otherwise the stock recovery will return. You need to hold down the combination Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP. Only after this can you start installing a new OS.
Before installing new firmware, be sure to clean the partitions Data, Cache and Dalvik. This will prevent file conflicts and errors when the system first starts, known as a “bootloop”. data-i="103">TWRP installed
☑️ Preparation for flashing
Comparison of Android versions on Redmi 3S
The choice of operating system version depends on your needs. If you need maximum stability for calls and mobile data, it is better to stay on the official firmware. If you want to experiment and use new applications that require a fresh API, you should look towards custom builds.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of different software versions for this model. Pay attention to the balance between performance and functionality.
| Android version | Shell / Type | Stability | Performance | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 Marshmallow | MIUI 8 (Stock) | High | Average | Excellent |
| 7.0 Nougat | MIUI 10 (Stock) | High | Good | Excellent |
| 8.1 Oreo | LineageOS 15.1 | Average | High | Good |
| 9.0 Pie | Xiaomi.eu / AOSP | Average | High | Satisfactory |
| 10 Q | Custom assemblies | Low | Average | Problematic |
As can be seen from the table, as the version of Android increases, the quality of the camera tends to decrease on this hardware. This is due to the fact that image processing algorithms in new versions of Android are not optimized for the old sensor and drivers Snapdragon 430.
The best choice for daily use on Redmi 3S is Android 7.0 with MIUI 10 shell or custom firmware based on Android 8.1.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When operating an outdated device on new software versions, specific errors may occur. One of the most common problems is rapid battery drain. New versions of Android require more resources for background processes, which is critical for a 4100 mAh battery, which could already degrade over years of service.
Also, users often encounter VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling not working on custom firmware. These functions depend on the modem part (Radio), which must be flashed separately or a compatible version of the kernel must be selected.
To solve performance problems, you can use kernels with the function of undervolting or overclocking the processor. However, this requires in-depth knowledge and carries the risk of overheating the device. It is safer to use applications to control frequencies in user mode.
⚠️ Attention: Details of the modem and communication frequencies may vary depending on the regional version of the smartphone (Global, China, India). Flashing the wrong radio module can lead to network loss.
If the fingerprint scanner stops working after the update, try clearing the application data com.android.keyguard or reflash the partition persist from a backup copy. Damage to this partition is often found when custom software is installed incorrectly.
Use applications like Greenify or Naptime to aggressively kill background processes on older versions of Android, this will significantly extend battery life.
Conclusion and recommendations
To summarize, we can say: that Redmi 3S is a device with great potential for modding, but with clear hardware limitations. Officially, the smartphone stopped at Android 7.0, which still allows you to comfortably use the main instant messengers and browsers.
The transition to Android 9 or 10 makes sense only for enthusiasts who are ready to put up with possible camera and communication bugs for the sake of fresh interface. For the average user who needs a reliable phone for calls and YouTube, it is better to stay on the latest stable version MIUI 10.
Remember that data security on older versions of Android is decreasing every year. If you use a smartphone for banking transactions, make sure that the system version receives security patches, or consider replacing the device with a more modern one.
Is it possible to update Redmi 3S to Android 11 officially?
No, official support for the device by Xiaomi has ended on version Android 7.0 with MIUI 10 shell. Updating to Android 11 is possible only through installing custom firmware (Custom ROM), which requires unlocking the bootloader and carries risks.
Why did the phone start to heat up after the update?
New versions of Android may be too heavy for the Snapdragon 430 processor. The reason may also be file indexing after the first launch or background processes. Try resetting to factory settings after the update.
Is it safe to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 3S?
The unlocking procedure is safe for hardware, but it completely deletes all data from the phone. This also makes the device vulnerable to data theft during physical access if a strong lock screen password is not set.
Where can I download drivers for Redmi 3S to my computer?
Official ADB and Fastboot drivers are included in the Android SDK Platform Tools. For boot mode (USB Drivers), it is better to use Qualcomm universal drivers or the Mi PC Suite utility, which installs them automatically.
Will the warranty be returned after flashing?
No, unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware is a violation of the warranty terms. Moreover, the fact of unlocking is recorded on Xiaomi servers and is visible in service centers, even if you return the official firmware.