How to disable screen lock on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all working methods

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Is it a code on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5? Or just want to remove the lock because it gets in the way? In this article, all the proven ways to disable the protection, from standard settings to radical methods like reset to factory settings.

Important: the procedure differs depending on whether you remember the current password or not. If access to the device is completely lost, you will need to reset via Recovery or use the Mi Account. We will analyze each option in detail, taking into account the features of the MIUI firmware for Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred).

Warning: Some methods will result in data being deleted. If there is important information on the phone, try to restore access through Find Device first (see section below).

1. disable the lock through settings (if you know the password)

The easiest way is to remove the protection from the settings menu, which takes less than a minute, but requires knowledge of the current pattern lock, PIN-code.

Instructions:

  1. Unlock the screen in the standard way (enter password/key).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Screen Lock and Password.
  3. Select Delete Password (or Delete pattern lock).
  4. Confirm your current password again.
  5. Now, when you turn on the screen, you won't get a lock.

⚠️ Note: on some versions MIUI When you delete the password, you may still have a request to enter when you first turn on after you restart.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for disabling the lock

Done: 0 / 4

2. reset the pattern lock via Mi Account (if you forgot the password)

If you have linked your Xiaomi account (Mi Account) to your phone, you can reset the lock via Find Device. This method works only when you have active Internet on your phone (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

Step-by-step:

  1. On your computer or other phone, open i.mi.com.
  2. Sign in with the same account as Redmi Note 5.
  3. Select your phone from the list of devices.
  4. Press Find the device. β†’ Unlock.
  5. Confirm the action. SMS-code (will come to the tied number).
  6. Wait for notification of a successful reset (can take up to 5 minutes).

After that, the phone will automatically unlock, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted.

What if the Device can’t see the phone?
Make sure that Redmi Note 5 includes: - Mobile Data or Wi-Fi - Geolocation (in security settings) - Sync with Mi Account If the device is turned off or discharged, the method will not work.

3.Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode

If previous methods failed, it would be hard to reset through recovery mode, which would delete all the data on the phone, including apps, photos and settings.

How to Sign In to Recovery on Redmi Note 5:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
  3. Hold until the Mi logo appears, then let go.
  4. Select a language and go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  5. Confirm the action (Confirm).
  6. After reset, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.
Resetting methodDo you need a password?Is the data deleted?It works without the Internet?
Through settingsYes.No.Yes.
Mi Account (Find Device)No.Yes.No.
Recovery ModeNo.Yes.Yes.
Fastboot (ADB)No.Yes.Yes.

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware MIUI After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you don't remember your account details, the phone will become a brick, in which case only the firmware through Fastboot will help (see next section).

πŸ“Š What Resetting Method Have You Tried?
Through settings
Mi Account (Find Device)
Recovery Mode
Fastboot/ADB
I haven't tried it yet.

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can delete the password file through Fastboot, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB.

Instructions:

  1. Install Platform Tools on your PC (from Google).
  2. Turn off the Redmi Note 5 and press Volume Down + Power to log in to the Fastboot.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
  4. Run the command to delete the password: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase locksettings
  5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the lock will be reset, but all user data will be deleted. FRP-protection, but requires an unlocked bootloader.If the bootloader is locked, you first need to unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool.

πŸ’‘

Before using Fastboot, check if Bootloader is unlocked. To do this, type in the Fastboot command fastboot oem device-info and find the Device unlocked: true string.

5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If all of the above methods have not worked, try these options:

  • πŸ”§ Update the firmware through Mi Flash: run the phone with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. This will delete all data, but bring the phone back to life. You can download the firmware on the official Xiaomi website (select the version for whyred).
  • πŸ“± Service center: if the phone is warranty, contact an authorized Xiaomi service. Provide a check and documents - they will unlock the device without losing data (in some cases).
  • πŸ”‘ Specialized services: there are paid online services (for example, Mi Account Unlock), which remotely remove the lock for 10–30$. Risk of fraud is high – only use proven resources.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use magic programs like Miracle Box or UFi Box without experience. EMMC-Memory and the phone will stop turning on.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use a fingerprint: Redmi Note 5 has a fingerprint scanner – set it up in Settings β†’ Screen locking β†’ A fingerprint. It's faster and more reliable than a fingerprint. PIN-code.
  • πŸ“ Write down passwords: Keep backups of graphic keys or PIN-codes in a secure place (for example, in Google Keep with encryption or in a notebook).
  • πŸ”„ Enable backup: activate sync with Mi Cloud (Settings) β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Synchronization. This will help to recover data after resetting.
  • πŸ“± Set up Smart Lock: in Settings β†’ Screen locking β†’ Smart Lock can be added to β€œreliable devices” (such as smartwatches) or places (home/work) where the lock will be automatically disabled.

It is also useful to periodically check whether your Mi Account is linked to your phone. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ All Options β†’ Mi Account Status. If there is no status or it says β€œNot tied”, be sure to add an account – this is your main way to unlock in emergency situations.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to avoid data loss is to back up your phone regularly to your Mi Cloud or computer, and even if you have to reset your phone, you can restore contacts, photos and notes in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remove the screen lock without losing data?
Yes, but only if you remember the current password/key, in which case go to Settings β†’ Screen Lock and Password β†’ Delete Password. If the password is forgotten, all unlock methods (except the service center) will result in deletion of data.
Why does Recovery ask for a password from Mi Account?
This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is activated if a Xiaomi account was linked to your phone, so to remove a request, enter the data from that account. If you don't remember the password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
Can I unlock Redmi Note 5 via Google Account?
No. On Xiaomi phones with MIUI, the Google unlock feature (as on pure Android) is disabled. Use only Mi Account or the methods described in this article.
Will a reset via Find Device work if the phone is turned off?
No. To work Find Device, the phone must be on, connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi/mobile data) and have a battery charge of at least 10%. If the device is turned off, first charge it to at least 30%.
How to unlock your phone if you forget your password and Mi Account?
In this case, only radical methods remain: Firmware via Fastboot (delete all data); Contact Xiaomi service center (a purchase check may be required); Use of paid unlock services (the risk of fraud).