Have you encountered issues with your Xiaomi Redmi 3S, such as sensor malfunctions or software corruption? Many users face situations where standard fixes don’t work, often due to deeper system partition problems. If you’re struggling with a Redmi 3S exhibiting such issues, flashing the device using EDL (Emergency Download) mode and Mi Flash Tool can be a powerful solution to restore your phone to its optimal state.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of flashing your Xiaomi Redmi 3S using the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode. This method is particularly effective for resolving persistent software problems that regular updates or factory resets cannot fix. Please be aware that this process will erase all data on your phone, so ensure you have backed up any important information beforehand.
Disclaimer: Flashing your phone’s firmware is an advanced procedure and carries inherent risks. While this guide aims to provide clear and accurate instructions, we are not responsible for any damage or data loss that may occur during the process. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Prerequisites: Tools and Downloads
Before starting the flashing process, you need to download the necessary tools and files. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
-
MIUI ROM Flashing Tool (Mi Flash Tool): This is the official tool from Xiaomi for flashing ROMs. Download it from the official MIUI website: http://en.miui.com/a-234.html
-
Redmi 3S Fastboot ROM: Download the correct Fastboot ROM for your Redmi 3S. Ensure you choose the Stable ROM version for general use unless you have specific reasons to use a Developer ROM. You can find the ROM on the same MIUI ROM flashing tool download page or the Xiaomi official website.
-
Qualcomm USB Drivers: Your computer needs to recognize your phone in EDL mode. Download the Qualcomm USB drivers. A reliable source for these drivers is typically GSM USB Driver websites; you can search for “Qualcomm USB Driver” or specifically for your device model if available. Please exercise caution and download from reputable sources to avoid malware.
Example source (use at your own discretion and verify safety): https://gsmusbdriver.com/xiaomi-redmi-5a (While linked for Redmi 5A in the original text, ensure to find drivers compatible with Redmi 3S if different)
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Unlocked Bootloader: Your Xiaomi Redmi 3S bootloader must be unlocked to flash a ROM. If your bootloader is locked, you need to unlock it first. Follow the official Xiaomi bootloader unlocking guide: https://en.miui.com/unlock/
Step-by-Step Guide to Flash Redmi 3S with Mi Flash Tool
Once you have downloaded and prepared all the necessary files, follow these steps to flash your Xiaomi Redmi 3S:
1. Extract Files and Install Drivers
a. Extract ROM and Tools: Extract the downloaded Fastboot ROM ZIP file. Inside, you will likely find another compressed folder – extract that one as well. Extract the downloaded Qualcomm driver ZIP file.
b. Install Qualcomm Drivers: Run the installer from the extracted Qualcomm driver folder to install the drivers on your computer.
c. Install Mi Flash Tool: Extract the Mi Flash Tool ZIP file and open the extracted folder. Run the MiFlash.exe application to open the flashing tool.
d. Install Mi Flash Tool Drivers: In the Mi Flash Tool interface, locate the “Driver” button (usually in the top-left corner) and click “Install”. This will install necessary drivers bundled with Mi Flash Tool. Restart your computer after driver installation to ensure all drivers are loaded correctly.
2. Prepare the ROM for Flashing (Persist Partition – Optional but Recommended)
In some cases, especially when dealing with sensor issues, including the “persist” partition during flashing can be crucial. The “persist” partition contains important calibration data and settings for sensors and other hardware components. If it’s corrupted, flashing it can resolve sensor problems.
Note: These steps are based on the original article’s experience and may not be necessary for all ROMs or Redmi 3S variants. Check your ROM files first.
a. Locate flash_all.bat: Navigate to the extracted Fastboot ROM folder. Find the flash_all.bat file and open it with a text editor like Notepad.
b. Check for “Persist” in flash_all.bat: Examine the script for any lines mentioning “persist”.
* **If "persist" is present:** Proceed to step 2c.
* **If "persist" is absent:** Add a line to include the "persist" partition. Typically, you would add a line similar to the other `fastboot flash` commands, usually above the line containing `flash system`. For example, add this line:
```batch
fastboot flash persist images/persist.img
```
Save and close the `flash_all.bat` file.c. Edit rawprogram0.xml: Go to the images subfolder within the ROM folder. Find and open rawprogram0.xml with a text editor.
d. Locate “persist” entry in rawprogram0.xml: Search for a line containing label="persist". It might look like this originally:
```xml
<partition ... label="persist" filename="persist.img" .../>
```
Edit this line to explicitly include the `filename="persist.img"` attribute if it's missing or ensure it is present and correct:
```xml
<partition ... label="persist" filename="persist.img" .../>
```
**Important:** Do not copy and paste the entire line from here, as other values might be specific to your ROM. Just ensure `filename="persist.img"` is correctly specified within the existing `<partition label="persist"...>` tag.e. Edit crclist.txt: In the images folder, open crclist.txt.
f. Calculate CRC32 Checksum for persist.img: Go to an online CRC32 checksum calculator website (e.g., https://emn178.github.io/online-tools/crc32_checksum.html). Drag and drop the persist.img file (from the images folder) into the designated area on the website to calculate its CRC32 checksum. Copy the resulting checksum value.
g. Add “persist” entry to crclist.txt: In crclist.txt, add a new line at the bottom in the format persist 0x[CRC32 checksum value]. Replace [CRC32 checksum value] with the checksum you copied in the previous step. Use lowercase characters for the checksum value. For example:
```text
persist 0x1a2b3c4d
```
Save and close `crclist.txt`.3. Boot Redmi 3S into EDL Mode
a. Power off your phone: Ensure your Xiaomi Redmi 3S is completely powered off.
b. Enter EDL Mode: The method to enter EDL mode can vary slightly. A common method for Redmi devices is:
* Press and hold both the **Power button** and the **Volume Down button** simultaneously.
* Continue holding until you see the **Fastboot** screen (the screen with the Mi Bunny logo and "FASTBOOT" text).
* **Immediately** after the Fastboot screen appears, quickly enter the EDL command via ADB (explained below).c. Connect to PC: Connect your Redmi 3S to your computer using a USB cable.
d. Open Command Prompt (CMD) or Terminal: On your computer, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
e. Navigate to Fastboot Tools: Change the directory in your CMD/Terminal to the folder where the Fastboot tools are located within the Mi Flash Tool installation directory. The path is typically something like: MI-FLASH[Version]MiFlash[Version]SourceThirdPartyGoogleAndroid. For example:
```batch
cd C:Program Files (x86)XiaomiMiFlashSourceThirdPartyGoogleAndroid
```
*(Adjust the path according to your Mi Flash Tool installation location)*f. Verify Device Connection: Type the following command and press Enter:
```batch
fastboot devices
```
If your device is recognized in Fastboot mode, you should see a device ID listed.g. Enter EDL Mode Command: Immediately after seeing the Fastboot screen on your phone (step 3b), quickly type the following command and press Enter:
```batch
fastboot oem edl
```
The Fastboot screen on your phone should disappear, and the screen will likely turn black. This indicates that your phone has entered EDL mode.4. Flash ROM using Mi Flash Tool
a. Open Mi Flash Tool: Open the Mi Flash Tool application on your computer if it’s not already open.
b. Select ROM Folder: In Mi Flash Tool, click the “Select” button (usually the leftmost button). Browse to and select the extracted Fastboot ROM folder (the main folder, not the images subfolder). Click “OK”.
c. Select Flash Mode: In the bottom-right corner of the Mi Flash Tool interface, ensure you have selected “flash_all.bat”. Do not select “flash_all_lock.bat” if you want to keep your bootloader unlocked and avoid potential issues with flashing persist partition. “flash_all.bat” typically does not relock the bootloader.
d. Refresh Device: Click the “Refresh” button in Mi Flash Tool. If your phone is successfully in EDL mode and drivers are correctly installed, you should see a device listed in the device list, usually identified as a COM port (e.g., “COM[number]”).
e. Flash the ROM: Click the “Flash” button to start the flashing process.
f. Wait for Flashing to Complete: The flashing process will take some time (several minutes). Do not disconnect your phone during flashing. You might see a “hello packet” error message during the initial connection attempt. If this happens, repeat steps 3b and 3g quickly and try flashing again. This error is often due to a time limit between entering EDL mode and initiating the flash.
g. Flashing Success: Once the flashing process is complete, the status in Mi Flash Tool will turn green, and you will see a “flash done” or “success” message.
5. Reboot Your Device
a. Disconnect from PC: Once flashing is complete, you can disconnect your phone from the computer.
b. Reboot: Press and hold the Power button until your phone vibrates and starts to reboot.
c. First Boot: The first boot after flashing can take a longer time than usual, so be patient. Wait for your phone to boot up completely.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully flashed your Xiaomi Redmi 3S using Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode. This process should resolve many software-related issues, including sensor problems caused by corrupted partitions.
If you encounter any difficulties or have questions during the process, please refer to online forums and communities dedicated to Xiaomi devices for further assistance. Remember to always download ROMs and tools from official or trusted sources to ensure the safety and security of your device.
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of flashing your Xiaomi Redmi 3S. By following these steps carefully, you can effectively restore your device’s software and resolve persistent issues. Remember to back up your data and proceed with caution when performing flashing procedures.
Image: Example of a Xiaomi device in Fastboot Mode, a step before entering EDL Mode for flashing.
Image: Screenshot of the Mi Flash Tool interface showing device connection and flash progress.
