Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, also known as Redmi Note 5 in the global market, is still a popular device among enthusiasts of modifications of Android. Despite the age of the model, the development community continues to release current builds of custom firmware that allow you to significantly expand the functionality of the gadget. The key step on the way to obtaining root rights or installing an alternative operating system is unlocking the bootloader.
This process opens up access to low-level device management, allowing you to change the system partitions that are protected by the manufacturer by default. However, the procedure is not without risks and requires careful attention to detail, as incorrect actions can lead to the failure of the device. You will have to go through several stages of preparation, including linking an account and waiting for a certain period.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at each step required to successfully unlock BL on Redmi 5 Plus.We will look at working with Mi Unlock, installing the necessary ADB and Fastboot drivers, and answering frequently asked questions. Careful adherence to the algorithm of actions minimizes the likelihood of errors and allows you to safely modify your smartphone software.
Why you need to unlock the bootloader and what risks exist
An unlocked bootloader gives the user full control of the device, allowing customized recaps like TWRP to be installed and system files modified. This opens the door to installing lightweight versions of Android, removing system debris, and deep customizing the interface. Without this procedure, any attempts to write to the system partition will be blocked at the hardware level.
However, it is worth noting that the removal of security restrictions has consequences for the stability of the gadget: some banking applications and services that use Google Pay or its analogues may refuse to work on a device with unlocked BL due to violations of security protocols, and in most cases, the warranty from the manufacturer is canceled after such manipulations.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader results in the complete removal of all data from the internal drive of the smartphone. be sure to back up important information before starting the process.
The user must be aware of the responsibility for their actions, because interfering with the bootloader is an advanced operation. Although the risk of turning the phone into a brick when following the instructions is minimal, it is not zero. It is important to have an original cable and a serviceable computer on hand to emergency restore the system in case of a failure.
Preparation of a smartphone and Mi Account
The first and most important condition is that you have an active Mi Account that you need to link to your device. SIM-card with mobile internet working, because the system must confirm the phone number. Go to the settings of the smartphone, select the About section and click on the version MIUI several times to activate the menu for developers.
Once you activate the hidden menu, go to “Advanced” and find “Developers” where you need to enable the “OEM Unlocking” option, and when you enable this feature, the system will alert you to the risks and require confirmation via SMS or voice call, which is a measure of protection against device theft.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the account
It is important that the USB debugging mode is also activated in the developer menu, although it is less often required for the Fastboot itself, but it will come in handy to install drivers. Make sure that the smartphone battery is at least 50% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment. All these settings create the necessary connection between your account in the Xiaomi cloud and the specific hardware of the phone.
Installation of ADB drivers, Fastboot and Mi Unlock utilities
To interact with your computer in bootloader mode, you need to install specialized drivers. Windows often has problems with automatically installing drivers for Fastboot mode, so it is better to use a universal installer or manually update the driver through the Device Manager. You will need Qualcomm drivers and standard Android ADB Interface drivers.
The official unlock utility is called the Mi Unlock Tool, and it should only be downloaded from the official website miui.com/unlock. Once you download the archive, unpack it into the root folder of the disk, such as C:\MiUnlock, to avoid problems with path encoding or access rights. Launch the program and log in to your Mi Account, the same one that is tied to the phone.
| Component | Appointment | Where to download |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool | The main program for unlocking | Official MIUI website |
| ADB/Fastboot Drivers | Drivers for PC and phone communication | |
| USB Cable | High-quality cable for data transmission |
If your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try replacing it. USB-cable or reconnect it to the port USB 2.0, located on the motherboard (back of the system unit). USB-Hubs often cause unstable connections that interrupt the verification process. Successful driver installation is displayed in Device Manager as "Android Bootloader Interface" without exclamation points.
Application process and waiting for unlocking
Once you have your account tied in your phone settings, Xiaomi’s system imposes a time limit on unlocking, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases can be extended to 30 days. Mi Unlock will immediately tell you to wait and start countdowns when you try to unlock.
During the waiting period, you can continue to use your smartphone as normal, the main thing is not to leave the Mi Account and do not reset the settings to the factory. SIM-The card, the timer might reset and the procedure would have to be re-started, a security measure designed to make life harder for attackers who stole the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to trick the system by changing the date on your computer or phone.The timer is run on Xiaomi servers, and any manipulation of time on the local device won’t speed up the process.
After the specified time, reconnect the smartphone in Fastboot mode and press the Unlock button in the utility. The program will recheck the binding status and, if the deadline expires, allow unlocking. In some rare cases, the status can be updated earlier than the specified date, so it makes sense to check the ability to unlock once a day.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Step-by-step instructions for unlocking via Fastboot
When the wait period has expired, you can start the final stage. Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the image of the hare repairing the android appears, or the FASTBOOT inscription on the screen.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable and start the Mi Unlock Tool. The program must identify the device and show its status. Press the Unlock button, confirm the data loss warning and wait for the process to be completed. The progress bar will fill up, and the phone will automatically restart, starting the data cleanup.
fastboot oem unlockThis command is used manually through ADB, but in the Mi Unlock utility everything happens automatically. During the process, the phone can reboot several times and the screen may go out - this is normal behavior.
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Use the original cable from the kit or a quality analog with thick wires. Cheap charging cables often have no data lines, which leads to connection errors.
Solving Common Errors and Problems When Unlocking
One of the most common errors is the message "Couldn't verify device" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device." This means that the utility on the PC and phone used different accounts, or the link in the phone flew off. Check that the "Developers" settings display the status "Added" and the same Mi ID.
Another common problem is that it freezes by 50% or 99%, often due to an unstable Internet connection or a lockdown of Xiaomi servers by the provider. Try using mobile Internet (distribution from your phone) instead of Wi-Fi, because you can use it. IP-Mobile address less frequently blocked by filters.
| Mistake. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Code: 10007 | Network problems | Change the network, disable VPN/Proxy |
| Code: 10013 | Wrong account. | Reconnect the account in the settings |
| Device not found | No drivers. | Install Fastboot drivers manually |
If the utility produces a software version error, try upgrading Mi Unlock to the latest version. Older versions may not support new security protocols embedded in MIUI updates. Restarting the program on behalf of the administrator and running in Windows 7 or 8 compatibility also helps.
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90% of unblocking errors are due to an incorrect account link or poor internet connection, not a phone malfunction.
Actions after unlocking: installing TWRP and Root
After successful unlocking, the bootloader remains open, allowing you to install custom recovery. For Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince), the best choice is TWRP Recovery. You can download the current version of the.img file on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum, making sure that it is designed specifically for the Snapdragon 625 processor.
To install, put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the ADB tool folder and type a command to run the recovery firmware. Importantly, once you install the TWRP, you can't boot into the system immediately, otherwise the stock recap will overwrite the custom.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-vince.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x.x-vince.imgOnce you’re uploaded to TWRP, you can make a full backup of your current system (Boot, System, Data) to your memory card or computer, a lifeline that will return to the original state in case of a failed firmware, and only after you’ve created a backup, it’s recommended that you format the data to remove encryption and set up SuperSU or Magisk rights.