How to Sweat Xiaomi Redmi 5A With a locked bootloader: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 5A

riva

lock-up

bootloader

Xiaomi

Redmi 5A

This article will not just list the steps, but explain why each step is important, what risks are fraught with informal methods, and how to avoid “bricking” the device. We will look at both the official Mi Unlock Tool path and alternative solutions for cases where standard methods do not work. 5A more often.

We warn you right away, it's not easy, if you've never worked with fastboot, ADB Or custom recovery, you better see a specialist, but if you're willing to take a chance, go ahead!

Why is the bootloader locked and can it be unlocked?

The blocked bootloader is a protection against unauthorized firmware changes implemented by Xiaomi to prevent the installation of pirated software or malicious modifications. 5A It is automatically blocked when:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings via Recovery.
• 📱 Recast to the unofficial version MIUI.
• 🔧 Updates via fastboot without unlocking.
• 🚨 Activate Find Device (if you have Mi Account attached).

Officially unlock the bootloader through the utility Mi Unlock Tool, but there are pitfalls:

• ⏳ Wait 72-720 hours (up to 30 days) after linking your account to your device.
• 📵 A stable Internet connection and original USB-cable.
• 🔐 Mi Account must be confirmed by phone number and email.

On the Redmi. 5A (2017 model) has a loophole: if the device was released before May 2018, you can bypass the wait through a vulnerability in the system. EDL-However, this method requires special equipment (Qualcomm). HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and risks turning phone into a brick if it fails.

If you bought a Redmi 5A b/u, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account. Otherwise, unlocking the bootloader will be impossible without his data!

Preparation for unlocking: what to do before the firmware

Before you start unlocking, follow the mandatory steps, otherwise you risk losing data or locking the device permanently.

1. Create a backup copy of:

• 📁 Save photos, contacts and files on your PC or in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🔑 Export. SMS And the log of calls through apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 If you play games with a device-based connection, write down IMEI (dial *#06#).

2. Install the necessary tools:

• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (last version from official website).
• 🔌 Qualcomm drivers and ADB/Fastboot (download SDK).
• 📡 Check that the PC is enabled debugging by USB (In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).

3. Check the status of the loader:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect to your PC and enter in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is blocked.

⚠️ Note: If your fastboot phone displays as unauthorized, confirm PC permission in Device Manager (reconnection may be required).

Is Mi Account Linked to Phone?|Is backup created?|Drivers installed ADB?|Is debugging on-line USB?|Is there an original cable?-->

Official unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool: step-by-step instructions

This is the safest method, but also the longest. Follow the instructions carefully - an error at any stage will reset the waiting timer.

Step 1. Linking your Mi Account

1. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers → Mi Unlock status.
3. Click Add Account and Device.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Step 2. Waiting for unlocking

• 🕒 A timer will appear after the binding (usually 72-720 hours).
• ⏳ Timer resets when: Reset phone to factory settings. Untie Mi Account. Attempt to unlock through unofficial tools.

Step 3: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

1. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on PC (on behalf of the administrator).
2. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
4. Connect to the PC and press Unlock in the program.
5. Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot automatically).

⚠️ Warning: If a Couldn't verify device error occurs, check: Are you using the original Xiaomi cable? USB And if you're allowed access to the data, if the phone's connected to others. USB-ports (e.g. hubam).

After successful unlocking, you can sew the device through fastboot or install custom recovery (TWRP).

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If the unlock timer is reset, try linking your account back over the mobile internet (not Wi-Fi) – sometimes it speeds up the process.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (if Mi Unlock is not working)

If the official method is not available (for example, due to a phone tied to an account), you can try workarounds, these methods do not guarantee 100% success and can lead to loss of warranty or breakage of the device.

Method 1: Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)

• 🔧 Qualcomm is required HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (check in Device Manager).
• 📥 Need firmware in.mbn format for Redmi 5A (search the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 💻 Tools: Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + Meals for 10-15 seconds to enter the EDL.
3. Connect to the PC – the device must be determined as QHUSB_BULK.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

Method 2: Bypassing the vulnerability (for older versions) MIUI)

• 🕰️ It only works on older firmware. MIUI 9.5.
• 🔓 Uses an exploit in fastboot to bypass account verification.
• 💀 Risk: 30% chance of ‘bricking’ with wrong commands.

⚠️ Note: If after the scaling of the EDL If you don't turn on your phone, try flashing the persist partition again, 60 percent of the time, it solves the problem.

Xiaomi Redmi firmware 5A post-unlock

When the bootloader is unlocked, you can install any firmware: official MIUI, Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or patched through Magisk. Let's look at each option.

Installation of an official MIUI via Fastboot

• 📥 Download the latest version MIUI Fastboot ROM for riva from the official website.
• 🖥️ Unpack the archive in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔄 Transfer your phone to fastboot and connect to your PC.
• 🚀 In Mi Flash Tool, select a folder with firmware and click Refresh → Flash.

2. Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

• 🔧 First, stitch TWRP Recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp-riva.img fastboot boot twrp-riva.img
• 📁 Download firmware (for example, LineageOS 16 for Redmi) 5A) GApps (if you need Google services).
• 🔄 V TWRP make a Wipe → Format Data (required!), then go through it. ZIP-firmware.

3 Rooting through Magisk

• 🔐 Download the latest Magisk ZIP GitHub.
• 📲 Flow through TWRP post-fixing.
• 🔄 Reboot – Magisk Manager will appear in the application menu.

⚠️ Warning: After firmware custom OS does not work: Official updates over the air (OTA). Xiaomi's Find Device feature, some banking apps (due to lack of certification) to get it back, go through the official search engine. MIUI Fastboot ROM Mi Flash Tool with Clean All option.

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Even after successfully unlocking the bootloader, Xiaomi can block an account if you suspect an unofficial firmware.To avoid problems, disable Find Device and do not use one account on multiple devices.

Common mistakes and their solutions

At the firmware of Redmi 5A Users often face the same problems. Here's how to solve them:

1. Couldn't verify device in Mi Unlock Tool

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-cable (must be original).
• 🖥️ Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• ⏳ If the timer is reset, wait another 72 hours.
• 🔄 Reinstall Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. the phone does not turn on after firmware (black screen)

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (plug in to the RAM for 30 minutes).
• 🔄 Try to log in to fastboot (Loudness down). + Food) and re-sew.
• 📡 If it doesn't help, run through EDL (see section above).

3. Anti Rollback error in downgrade firmware

• 🚫 Xiaomi Redmi 5A It has protection against rollbacks to older versions. MIUI.
• 🔧 The only solution is to run the same or newer version.
• 📅 Check the Anti Rollback version in the firmware name (for example, ARBv1).

4.The touchscreen does not work after installing custom firmware

• 🖱️ The problem is that the kernel is incompatible.
• 🔄 Go back in TWRP and run through the original boot.img.

⚠️ Note: If the firmware stopped working IMEI or Baseband, which means the modem partition is damaged. EDL firehose-hardened.

How to avoid “bricking” the device: expert advice

The main reason for “bricks” is negligence when working with fastboot or EDL. Follow these rules to minimize the risks:

1. Always check firmware compatibility

• 📌 The firmware should be for riva (model Redmi). 5A).
• 🔍 Check the compatibility table on 4PDA or XDA.
• 🚫 Never install firmware from other models (even Redmi). 4A or Redmi 5).

2. Watch the battery charge

• 🔋 The charge must be at least 60% before the firmware.
• ⚡ If the battery runs out during the process, the phone may stop turning on.

3.Do not interrupt the firmware process

• 🖥️ Don't turn it off. USB-cable.
• 🔌 Do not pull the cord when the words Waiting for device appear.
• 💻 Close all unnecessary programs on PC to avoid hanging out.

4. Make a backup before experimenting

• 📁 Save persist, modem and EFS-partition TWRP.
• 🔑 Write it down. IMEI Serial Number (in case of recovery).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 5A For sale purposes, please note: after unlocking the bootloader, some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) Customers often check the status of the bootloader through fastboot oem device-info!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions