How to open Xiaomi Mi 5: unlock the bootloader, reset password and restore the system

The Xiaomi Mi 5, released in 2016, remains a popular device among Android enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware (Snapdragon 820, 3/4 GB of RAM) and support for custom firmware. However, over time, owners face the need to unlock the bootloader, reset the pattern lock or restore access to the system after unsuccessful manipulations. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the Mi 5 – from the official anlok via Milock Tool to bypassing lock via Fastboot and Recovery modes.

It’s important to understand that the procedures for the Mi 5 are different from the newer Xiaomi models, for example, this smartphone does not support unlocking through the Mi Account without first tethering the device (unlike the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 10). It also has old rules for the anloka bootloader, which Xiaomi has tightened for later devices. If you bought a Mi 5 b/u with a locked bootloader or a forgotten password, this will help you regain control of the gadget.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (minimum 50% to avoid bricks).
• 🔌 Availability of original USB-cables (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 with Windows Defender disabled (it blocks Xiaomi drivers).

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

The official method from Xiaomi requires that the Mi Account account be linked to the device before blocking. If you buy the Mi 5 b/d, the seller must provide the username / password from the associated account - otherwise unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool will not be possible.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24 for the Mi 5).
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (go with the utility).
3. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
4. Connect the Mi 5 to your PC and start MiFlashUnlock.exe.
5. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is tied to your phone.
6. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ If you have a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, you will be able to:

• The account is not linked to the device (you need to contact the previous owner).
• The device was unlocked earlier (check status via the fastboot oem device-info command).
• Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable (try using a VPN).

Enable debugging on USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times)|Link Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi account|Download Mi Unlock Tool and Qualcomm Drivers|Disable driver signature verification in Windows|Prepare original USB-cable-->

2. Reset the pattern lock or password without loss of data

If you forgot your password or pattern lock on the Mi 5, but the bootloader is unlocked, you can reset the lock via TWRP Recovery without deleting user data. This method only works if the device has a custom Recovery.

Instructions:

1. Download the TWRP archive for Mi 5 (version 3.0.2-0 or later).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
3. Fly the recavers through the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-0-gemini.img fastboot boot twrp-3.0.2-0-gemini.img
4. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
5. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/password.key /data/system/locksettings.db
6. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 5 has data encryption enabled (FBE), This method will not work – you will need a complete reset via fastboot with data loss.

3. Unlock through EDL-mode (for locked devices)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore the Mi 5 even with a damaged system or a locked bootloader, which requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices) or bypass through test points.

Step-by-step instructions for Mi 5:

1. Download the firmware for EDL (for example, gemini_global_images_V12.0.1.0.QAACNXM).
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL: Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC. Or short the test points on the board (disassembly required).

MiFlash

MiFlash.exe → Select → Specify Firmware folder → Clean All → Flash

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If MiFlash issues an error called “SLA Auth Error,” download the patched version of the utility (e.g. MiFlash 2020.3.14.0) or use QFil to run the firmware in EDL.

4. bypassing the lock Mi Account (if the phone is tied to someone else's account)

If the Mi 5 requires a previous owner to enter data (“This device is locked”), it can only be officially unlocked with the username/password.

How to delete Mi Account:

• 🔧 Through TWRP: Delete the files /data/data/com.xiaomi.account/ and /data/system/users/0.xml.
• 📱 Through ADB: If debugging is enabled, do: adb shell su rm /data/data/com.xiaomi.account/* reboot
• 🔨 Through EDL: Sweep through the clean firmware with the removal of the userdata partition.

⚠️ Note: Deleting your Mi Account without the owner’s permission may violate Xiaomi’s user agreement, which is only intended to restore access to your device if you forget your account details.

Official Mi Unlock Tool |Reset via TWRP|Firmware in EDL|Backpass Mi Account |Other way-->

5. Recovery after a failed firmware ("brick")

If the Mi 5 doesn't turn on (black screen, no logo vibration), it's likely that the firmware or bootloader is damaged, and then the firmware via Fastboot or EDL will help.

Algorithm of action:

1. Check the charging response: if the indicator is on, it is a software problem.
2. Try to log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
3. If Fastboot is not available, use EDL (see Section 3).
4. Fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot

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If after firmware Mi 5 stuck on the logo MI, So you don't match the bootloader and the firmware. MIUI, before the failure.

6. Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the standard methods do not help, you can try:

• 🔓 Deep Test Mode: Activated via ##6484## in the dialer (not working on all firmware).
• 🔄 Downgrade MIUI: The old version of the firmware (for example, MIUI (9) may bypass the locking of new assemblies.
• 🛠️ JTAG-Unlocking: Requires soldering equipment and knowledge of circuitry (suitable for "hard" bricks).

For Mi. 5 Snapdragon-powered 820 The unblocking method is also available via the Firehose Programmer (file) prog_emmc_firehose_8996.mbn). This method is used in service centers to recover devices with damaged eMMC memory.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking the Mi 5, users face typical problems:

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If the Mi 5 is not defined in Fastboot, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC or disable all others USB-device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions