The Xiaomi Redmi 3S (codename land), along with its carrier-specific twin the Redmi 3X, was a massively popular budget smartphone launched in 2016. It was a game-changer for the entry-level market, bringing features previously reserved for more expensive devices, such as a fast and reliable fingerprint scanner and a premium metal body. Powered by the efficient octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset and a huge 4100 mAh battery, the Redmi 3S was a true compact workhorse with incredible battery life. For owners looking to restore this classic device, this page provides official fastboot ROMs for China and Global, the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM, and the TWRP recovery.
Important: You must verify your device is a Redmi 3S / 3X (land). This firmware is not compatible with the original Redmi 3 (ido), which uses a different processor. Flashing the wrong firmware will hard brick your phone.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Redmi 3S / 3X (land)
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430
- Display: 5.0″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 4100 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), MIUI 8
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V10.2.2.0.MALCNXM | 6.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | land |
| Global | V10.2.2.0.MALMIXM | 6.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | land |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V10.1.1.0.MALCNFI (Based) | 6.0 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | land |
| TWRP (Custom Recovery) | 3.1.1 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | land |
How to Flash Official ROM (Mi Flash Tool)
This is a quick checklist for this device. For a complete tutorial on installing drivers, unlocking the bootloader, and troubleshooting, please read our master guide:
Read Our Ultimate Guide to Mi Flash Tool
Use this method to unbrick your phone or restore official MIUI firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Install TWRP & Flash Custom ROMs
Use this method to install the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM or other community-developed ROMs.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s limited stock recovery. It is the essential tool that allows you to install custom software (.zip files), create full backups of your system (a “Nandroid”), and perform other advanced maintenance. The official ROMs on this page do not require TWRP.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: This is a mandatory first step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Flash TWRP:
- The TWRP download is a .zip file. Extract it to find the recovery
.imgand scripts. - Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Run the included flashing script or use the command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-filename.img
- The TWRP download is a .zip file. Extract it to find the recovery
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
- Install Custom ROM:
- In TWRP, it’s recommended to first perform a Factory Reset via the “Wipe” menu.
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu .zip ROM file to your phone’s storage.
- In TWRP, tap “Install,” select the .zip file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
- Reboot your system once complete.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Redmi 3S / 3X (land)
The land is a classic device with some well-known quirks. Pay close attention to these points.
- Hard Brick Recovery (EDL Mode): The most common critical issue with the Redmi 3S is a “hard brick” (Qualcomm 9008 mode), where the device is completely unresponsive. This usually happens from a bad flash. The only reliable way to recover is via EDL Mode. This requires opening the back cover and shorting two specific test points on the motherboard while connecting to a PC, which forces Mi Flash Tool to detect it for flashing.
- Model Confusion (land vs. ido): Before flashing, ensure your device is the Redmi 3S (land), which has a Snapdragon 430 CPU. Do not flash ROMs for the original Redmi 3 (ido), which uses a Snapdragon 616. This is a common mistake and will cause a brick.
- Fingerprint Sensor on Custom ROMs: The Redmi 3S used fingerprint sensors from two different suppliers (FPC and Goodix). While this is not an issue on official MIUI, some older custom ROMs might not support one of the sensors. If you flash a custom ROM and your fingerprint scanner doesn’t work, check the ROM’s support thread for a specific patch or version for your sensor type.
- Unbricking a Locked Bootloader: If your device is bricked but the bootloader is still locked, the EDL Mode method is your only option. It can flash official firmware even on a locked device, restoring it to a bootable state.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between the Redmi 3S and Redmi 3X? They are almost identical and share the same land codename and firmware. The Redmi 3X was a specific version for the China Unicom carrier and had minor cosmetic differences, but the core hardware is the same.
Q2. What was the final official update for the Redmi 3S? The device launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and did not receive an official major Android OS upgrade from Xiaomi. The MIUI 10 builds provided on this page are the last official software updates released for this model.
