The Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime (codename land) 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 an early official Global Fastboot ROM to unbrick the phone or revert it to its factory software.
Important: You must verify your device is a Redmi 3S / 3S Prime (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 / 3S Prime (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 |
Fastboot ROM
| Region | Build | Android | Release Date | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | V8.1.1.0 | 6.0 | 2016-11-08 | Download | land |
How to Flash
For a step-by-step process, drivers, and troubleshooting, read our Ultimate Mi Flash Guide.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the firmware (.zip 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).
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Redmi 3S (land)
The land is a classic device with some well-known quirks. Pay close attention to these points to avoid issues.
- 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 Issues: The Redmi 3S used fingerprint sensors from two different suppliers (FPC and Goodix). While this is not an issue on official MIUI, some custom ROMs might not support one of the sensors. If you flash a custom ROM and your scanner doesn’t work, check the ROM’s support thread for a specific patch.
- 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, 3S Prime, and 3X? They all share the same land codename and firmware. The standard 3S came with 2GB/16GB. The “Prime” version was a higher-tier model with 3GB/32GB. The “3X” was a version for a specific Chinese carrier with minor cosmetic differences.
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. Its final official MIUI version was MIUI 10.2.
