Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi 5: 5 proven ways to unlock

Forgetting the pattern lock on a smartphone is a frustrating situation, but it is not a hopeless one. Especially when it comes to the Xiaomi Redmi 5, which is still popular with users due to its reliability and budget price. Unlike new devices with biometric unlocking, Redmi 5 owners have to rely on classic protection methods, and their forgetfulness can turn into a headache.

Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access - from simple (via the linked account Mi Account) to radical (full reset settings).The main thing is not to panic and not try to find the key at random: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the system will lock the device for 30 seconds, and after 20 - can require you to enter a password from the Xiaomi account or completely delete all data.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of unlocking Redmi 5, including those that allow you to save photos, contacts and other files, and learn what mistakes users often make when trying to restore access, and how to avoid them.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Redmi 5 is linked to your Mi Account and your device has internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) enabled, this will be the fastest and most secure solution, prompting you to automatically enter your account details after several failed unlock attempts.

What if the prompt doesn't appear? Restart your phone, wait for the lock screen to appear, and enter the key at random 5 times. Then you will see the Forgot Password button? or Unlock via Mi Account. Click on it and follow the instructions:

• 📱 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Xiaomi account.
• 🔑 Get it. SMS or a confirmation code letter (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 🔓 Enter the code and create a new pattern lock or PIN.

If the buttons Forgot your password? No, check the network connection. Sometimes it helps to connect to another Wi-Fi point or reboot the router. Also make sure that the device does not turn off the Find the device service in the Mi Account settings.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't remember the Mi Account data or the device isn't connected to the Internet, this won't work. Don't try random combinations - after 10 failed attempts, the system can block the account for 24 hours.

2. Reset pattern lock through a call (does not work on all firmware)

This method is based on a vulnerability in older versions of MIUI that allowed you to bypass the lock screen through an emergency call.It can work on Redmi 5 with firmware up to MIUI 10, but on new versions, it is likely to be blocked.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter the combination ##4636## (the test menu will open).
3. Return to the home screen via the Home button (if it is active).
4. Go to Settings → Protection and Lock → pattern lock and turn it off.

If nothing happens after you enter the code or the test menu doesn't open, then the vulnerability has been closed in your firmware version. Don't try other combinations, this can cause a system failure.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

If previous methods have failed and the data on the phone is not critical, you can use Fastboot mode. This method requires connecting Redmi 5 to your computer and using the Mi Flash Tool utility or ADB commands. Importantly, this method will delete all data from the device, including photos, messages and applications.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume Down buttons before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect Redmi 5 to your PC via USB-cable.
4. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official Xiaomi website).
5. In the program, select Clean all and lock (full reset with bootloader lock).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed.

Once rebooted, the phone will be like new — without a pattern lock, but without your data. If you need to save files, try the ADB method first (described below).

4.Save data before reset (ADB method)

If Redmi 5 has USB debugging enabled (Settings → Developer → USB debugging), you can copy important files to your computer before resetting.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 USB-cable (original or quality).
• 🔧 Google's Platform Tools (you can download it here).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Copy files (such as photos): adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Redmi5_Backup\
4. After backup, reset via Fastboot (see previous section).

If USB debugging wasn't enabled in advance, it won't work, so you'll only have Hard Reset with data loss.

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Before using ADB, check if USB debugging is enabled. If not, try unlocking your phone through Mi Account or contact the service center.

5 Hard Reset – Last Chance

If no other way has worked, it's a hardware reset, which deletes all the data, but it gets back access to the phone. On Redmi 5, it's done through Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot.

The phone will reboot in factory condition, and you just have to reconfigure it, like you did after you bought it.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 5 firmware may require data entry from Mi Account after Hard Reset (protection) FRP). If you don't remember your username/password, the phone will turn into a brick, and only the official Xiaomi service will help.

Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Download the latest firmware for Redmi 5 (in case of recovery)|Prepare data from Mi Account (if enabled) FRP)|Save. IMEI phone (in case of network problems after resetting)-->

6. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If you have exhausted all options and your phone is still locked, you should contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is especially true in cases where:

• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is enabled FRP-defence.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons or does not turn on after a failed reset.
• 🔧 Requires flashing with data storage (may not on all models).

The cost of unlocking the service depends on the complexity of the work, on average it costs 1000-3000 rubles (2026), the official centers of Xiaomi can be found on the manufacturer’s website at the link.

Before the service visit:

• Check if they are working with the Redmi 5 (some centers are abandoning older devices).
• Bring a check or a box from your phone (this will speed up the process of verifying originality).
• Make sure that the device is not important data – after the intervention of the masters, their recovery is unlikely.

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Official service is the only legal way to unlock Redmi 5 with the service on FRP-protection if you do not remember the information from the Mi Account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make things worse by trying to unlock Redmi 5 using the wrong methods.

• 🔋 Discharge the phone during reset – if the battery sits down during Hard Reset, the device may stop turning on.
• 🔌 Using unoriginal cable – this leads to failures when connecting to a PC via a ADB or Fastboot.
• 📥 Download firmware from numbered sites – such files often contain viruses or are not suitable for your model.
• 🔑 Attempts of hacking through third-party programs – most of the “unlockers” from the Internet either do not work, or block the phone completely.

To avoid problems:

• Always use original cables and chargers.
• Before reset, charge your phone to at least 70%.
• Download firmware and utilities only from the official Xiaomi website.
• If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions