What to do if Xiaomi Redmi 5 is blocked: a complete guide to unlock

Your Xiaomi Redmi 5 suddenly locked and you can’t access data?This is a situation familiar to many users – a smartphone may not be available after several failed attempts to enter a password, a firmware failure or activate the Mi Account protection. Unlike the new models, the Redmi 5 (released in 2017) has specific unlock features that require separate consideration.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, from official (via Xiaomi account) to technical (using Fastboot or Fastboot). EDL-Important: some methods result in a complete reset, so if you have important files on your phone, try the options first without deleting the information.

Before you start, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery level (at least 30%, otherwise the risk of shutdown during the process)
  • πŸ“Ά Availability of a stable Internet connection (for methods with authorization)
  • πŸ”§ Access to a computer (for methods with Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool)

πŸ“Š How often do you block your smartphone?
Never.
1-2 times a year
More often than 3 times a year
Forgot my password right now.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If Redmi 5 has Xiaomi account binding activated, the easiest way to do this is to use Find Device, which works even if you have forgotten your pattern lock or your device. PIN-code, but remember the details to log in to Mi Account.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in with the same account as you on a blocked Redmi 5.
  3. In the Find the device section, select your smartphone.
  4. Click Unlock the device and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the device, you will need to enter code from SMS Google Authenticator, please note that you may need to re-enter your password when you turn on the next time you unlock it.

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If i.mi.com doesn’t identify your device, try updating your page or using your browser in incognito mode, sometimes changing your account region to China in your profile settings helps.

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (without computer)

If you don't remember the Mi Account data or the Find Device feature doesn't work, the next step is to hard-reset through Recovery mode, which will delete all the data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the system.

How to get into Recovery Mode on Redmi 5:

  1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in Chinese (even if you had Russian firmware).

Further action:

  • πŸ“± Select Wipe Data (usually the second one on top) using volume buttons.
  • πŸ”˜ Confirm the choice of the power button.
  • πŸ”„ Wait until the process is completed (may take a while). 2-5 minute).
  • πŸ“± Return to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?
If the menu is displayed in hieroglyphs, focus on the location of the items: 1. The first item is Reboot 2. The second is Wipe Data 3. The third is Cache Clearance.

⚠️ Note: After resetting via Recovery, Redmi 5 may require re-authorization in Mi Account if previously activated the function "Device Protection" (Device Protection"!

3. Unlock via Fastboot (from computer)

If previous methods did not work, you will have to connect the smartphone to the PC and use the Fastboot mode. This method requires installing Xiaomi drivers and special utilities, but allows you to bypass the lock even without access to Mi Account (in some cases).

Tools required:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers)
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original)
  • πŸ“¦ Firmware Archive for Redmi 5 (Fastboot version)
  • πŸ› οΈ The Mi Flash Tool

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
  2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\redmi5).
  3. Press on the phone turned off Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-out of a hat will appear).
  4. Connect Redmi 5 to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh - the device must be determined.
  6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

Install Xiaomi | Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi 5| Unpack the archive to the root of the C| Disable Antivirus (can block Mi Flash Tool)| Charge the phone at least 50%-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data without recovery, including files in internal memory. If the phone has Mi Account protection enabled, you may need to enter your login/password when you first turn on.

4. bypassing the Mi Account lock (for experienced users)

One of the most difficult cases is when Redmi 5 requires authorization to Mi Account after a reset and you don’t remember your account details. It’s not officially possible to get around this protection, but there are informal methods that can help (at your own risk!).

Ways of circumvention:

  • πŸ”“ Through EDL-Requires a special cable and Mi Flash Pro (risk of turning the phone into a brick").
  • πŸ“§ Restore access to Mi Account: If an email or phone number is linked, try to restore the password on account.xiaomi.com.
  • πŸ› οΈ Change the firmware region: Sometimes it helps firmware global version MIUI over-Chinese (or vice versa).

⚠️ Note: Mi Account circumvention methods may violate Xiaomi’s user agreement, the company has the right to block an account or device if such actions are detected. IMEI or inoperability of the communication module after incorrect firmware in EDL.

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If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center or a proven wizard.The cost of unlocking the Mi Account in 2026 is from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the region.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If the independent attempts are unsuccessful, the most reliable (but also the most expensive) way is to contact the official service center. Xiaomi provides a service to unlock devices upon presentation of proof of purchase (check, box, warranty card).

What will be required:

  • πŸ“„ Proof of purchase (preferably with the serial number of the device)
  • πŸ†” Passport of the owner
  • πŸ“± Redmi 5 itself is blocked

Cost and time (current for 2026):

Type of lockdownCost (β‚½)Date(days)Data retention
Forgotten password/PIN800–15001–2No.
Blocking Mi Accounts1500–30003–7No.
Firmware failure1000–25002–5Partially.
Hardware reset (EDL)2000–40005–10No.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial service centers may offer unlocking cheaper, but the risk of fraud or damage to the device is much higher.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problems of unlocking Redmi 5, follow the simple rules:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock (configure in Settings). β†’ Lock screen).
  • πŸ“ Write it down. PIN-a code or pattern lock in a secure location (e.g., Google Password Manager).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up your data through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“§ Link your Mi Account to your current email and phone number to restore access.
  • 🚫 Do not install unofficial firmware unless you are sure of its security.

It is also recommended to disable the β€œDevice Protection” feature if you are not actively using Mi Account. To do this, go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Device Protection and deactivate the option. However, remember that this will reduce the security of your data when you steal your phone.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you unlock Redmi 5, users often face typical problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Cann't verify device in Mi Flash ToolDrivers not installed or loader blockedInstall drivers manually through Device Manager or unlock the bootloader through the official website
Phone is not defined in FastbootProblems with the USB cable or portTry another cable/port or turn off others USB-device
After reset, requires an old passwordData residues in /dataRepeat the reset via Fastboot with a full cleanup (Clean all)
Anti-rollback check when running a firmwareThe firmware is older than the current version of MIUIDownload a newer firmware version or use an Anti-rollback patch

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be a hardware failure (such as memory damage), in which case only diagnostics in the service center using specialized equipment (such as UFi Box or EasyJTAG) will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Redmi 5 without losing data?
Yes, but only if you remember the Mi Account and the Find Device feature is active. Otherwise, reset via Recovery or Fastboot, all data will be deleted. If the phone has backups enabled Mi Cloud, you can restore contacts, photos and notes after unlocking.
What if the phone asks for an old PIN after unlocking?
This means that the reset was not completely done. Try: Repeat the reset via Recovery by selecting Wipe All Data; Swipe the device through Fastboot with Clean all option; If nothing works, contact the service center for a full flashing through EDL.
How to know if Redmi 5 is tied to Mi Account?
If you turn on your phone after a reset, you see a window asking you to enter your username and password from Mi Account, the device is tied, and you can check this before you lock it in the settings: Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Device Protection. If the option is active, the reset will lead to a request for account data.
How much does it cost to unblock in unofficial services?
The cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, but the risks are high: the use of unlicensed software that may contain malicious code, loss of warranty (if it is still valid), the possibility of damage to the device during unqualified repairs, we recommend contacting only certified service centers.
Can I unlock Redmi 5 via ADB?
Theoretically yes, but only if the phone is debugging on. USB (USB Debugging) and you've previously authorized the computer. ADB If the debugging has been enabled, you can try the commands: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb reboot, however, on newer versions MIUI This method often fails due to increased protection.