Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed Vince) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face lock problems. Forgotten password, failure after firmware or activation of Mi Account protection all require different approaches. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to unlock, including official and alternative methods, taking into account the current restrictions of 2026.
It's important to understand that Redmi 5 Plus runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, which affects the available unlock methods. For example, this device does not work with a universal way through Fastboot using fastboot oem unlock commands - it only works on models with Snapdragon 8xxx and later. Instead, you will have to use a combination of hardware buttons, service codes or specialized software.
Before you start, check: (1) Battery level (minimum 30% to avoid crashes). (2) Data backup β unlocking often results in a complete reset and file deletion. (3) MIUI version (relevant to firmware methods). You can find out from the Settings β About Phone β MIUI version.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the data from your Xiaomi account, this is the most reliable method, it works even on a locked screen, but requires an Internet connection.
Algorithm of action:
- On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password? on English firmware).
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- Confirm the login via SMS or email (depending on your account settings).
- Follow the system's instructions for resetting the lock password.
β οΈ Note: If the device was purchased from hand and tied to someone elseβs account, this method will not work, in which case you will need to unlock through the Xiaomi service center with the provision of a purchase check.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)
The method is suitable if:
β You donβt remember your password or are tied to your Mi Account (or are willing to lose it).
β The device does not respond to touch, but is turned on.
β We need to reset the settings to the factory.
Instructions:
- Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
1. charge the phone at least 50%
2. Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if any)
3. Prepare Mi Account data (if you plan to link again)
4. Make sure there are no important unsaved files on the phone
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β οΈ Warning: Some Redmi 5 Plus firmware may require you to enter the Mi Account that was previously tied after resetting via Recovery, and if you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a brick.
3. Unlocking through EDL Mode (for power users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a flashing mode that allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader.The method requires a PC, USB Type-C cable and specialized software.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
- π The original cable. USB (Faulty cable is a common cause of errors).
- π¦ Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
- π Fastboot firmware ROM Redmi 5 Plus (you can download it on the official website).
- π§ Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (manually installed).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Volume Down at the same time and connect the USB cable to the PC. The screen should remain black - that's normal.
- In Windows Device Manager, check if the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device has appeared. If not, install the driver manually.
- Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh. The device must be determined.
- Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is in error?
Warning: Incorrect firmware through EDL can lead to loss of IMEI or network problems. If the phone does not catch the network after firmware, IMEI recovery will be required through the engineering menu (#4636###).
4. bypass Mi Account through Test Point
If you reset your phone and you don't remember Mi Account, you can try Test Point, a special mode to bypass protection, which doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, but it often works when other methods are powerless.
Instructions:
- π§ Disassemble the phone by removing the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade or mediator will be required).
- π Find two contacts on the motherboard that are labeled Test Point (usually located next to the battery connector).
- π± Connect your phone to your PC through USB and close the contacts of Test Point with tweezers or screwdriver.
- π₯οΈ On PC, run the Mi Flash Tool and flash the device in mode EDL (as in the previous method).
β οΈ Warning: Disassembling the phone will void the warranty and damage the plumes. If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better contact the service center. MIUI (12+) Test Point may be blocked.
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Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws - this will help to collect the phone back without errors.
5. Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
Officially unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to gain full control of the device.
- β³ Waiting 7-30 days (Xiaomi blocks unlocking for new accounts).
- π± The phone must be linked to Mi Account and have internet access.
- π After unlocking all data will be erased.
How to unlock the bootloader:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Turn on the phone Developer Options (7 times tap the Assembly Number in Settings β About phone).
- Activate OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
- Link Mi Account in your phone settings.
- Reboot to Fastboot (clip Power + Volume down).
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool by following the program instructions.
β οΈ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will become vulnerable to malware. Install only verified firmware and do not use the device for payments until official software is installed.
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Unlocking the bootloader is the only way to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on the Redmi 5 Plus.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | PC required | Data resetting | It works without a Mi Account. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | β No. | β No. | β No. | βEasy |
| Hard Reset (Recovery) | β No. | β Yes. | β οΈ Partially. | ββMedium |
| EDL Mode | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes. | βββHard |
| Test Point | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes. | ββββExpert |
| Mi Unlock Tool | β Yes. | β Yes. | β No. | ββMedium |
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- π phone is stuck on Mi logo after reset: Try going to Recovery and reset again. If it doesn't work, run the device through Fastboot.
- π Mi Flash Tool doesn't see device: Check Qualcomm drivers, try another cable or port USB.
- β³ Mi Unlock Tool Shows βWait 7 Daysβ: Waiting for Time Is Xiaomiβs Restriction for New Accounts.
If neither method worked, there are two options: 1) Contact Xiaomi Service Center with documents on the phone. 2 Buy a box to unlock (for example, UFi Box or Z3X), but it is expensive and requires skills.