How to open Xiaomi Redmi 5: unlock the screen, Mi-account and password reset

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, many users face the problem of locking the device — whether it is a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Redmi 5 (including Redmi modifications). 5A Redmi 5 Plus, considering the features of its firmware and hardware platform.

It is important to understand that unlock methods depend on the type of lock and version. MIUI. For example, on older versions (up to) MIUI 10) Fastboot workflows without account binding, and new ones require proof of ownership. We'll look at solutions for all scenarios, from software tricks to hardware resets through EDL-regime.

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code without loss of data

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the data from the Mi Account, the safest way is to use the built-in recovery function. MIUI 9-14 and does not require resetting.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔄 Enter the wrong key/password 5 times in a row until the message “Repeat in 30 seconds” appears».
• 📧 At the bottom of the screen will appear the button “Forgot the password?” – click on it.
• 🔑 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device.
• 📲 After authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new pattern lock or PIN.

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone is not connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), the "Forgot Password?" button will not appear, in which case connect to the network through the notification panel (if available), or use alternative methods.

If you don’t remember your Mi Account data or your device isn’t connected to the network, go to the next section with unlock methods via Fastboot or Recovery.

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Before you try to unlock, check if the device has enabled the “Find Device” option (Settings → Mi Account → Find Device). If so, you can remotely unlock your phone via i.mi.com (proof of ownership required).

2. Reset password via Mi Recovery (Save data)

Redmi 5 with MIUI 10-12 has a hidden password reset function through the stock recap that does not erase user data.

• 🔓 The option “Data Protection when blocking” is not activated on the device (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Additionally).
• 📱 Original Recaveri (not customized) TWRP).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 30%.

Instructions:

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. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Password.
4. Confirm the password reset. Once the device restarts, it will request a new PIN or pattern lock.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13+) This method may require you to enter the old password after you reboot, and you will need to reset it completely via Fastboot.

Turn off the phone.|Check the battery charge|Prepare original USB-cable|Make sure there is no custom recap-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (full reset)

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to resort to a full reset via Fastboot mode, which erases all data on the device but guarantees unlocking the screen, and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi5_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean all mode (full reset).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

Once the device is rebooted, it will unlock, but all data (photos, contacts, apps) will be deleted, and if Mi Cloud Backup was enabled before the lock, some of the data can be restored after logging into the account.

4 Unlocking a tied Mi Account after a reset

One of the most common problems with Redmi 5 is blocking the Mi Account after a FRP-lock, which happens if the device was tied to a Xiaomi account and requires authorization after a reset, which is not legally circumvented, but there are legal ways to prove ownership.

Options for a solution:

• 📩 Restore your account: Go to account.xiaomi.com and reset your password via email or phone. If your account is not yours (e.g., a handheld phone), ask for your data from the previous owner.
• 📄 Proof of purchase: If you lost access to your account but the phone is officially purchased, contact Xiaomi with a check or warranty card.
• 🔧 Passage EDL: On some versions MIUI (before MIUI 11) you can delete the account link via EDL-The mode is using the Mi Account Unlock Tool utility, but this requires an authorized developer account.

⚠️ Note: Buying Mi-account “scumbags” on third-party sites (for example, offers like “unblock for 500 rubles”) often leads to fraud. Xiaomi officially does not provide account unlocking services to third parties – all manipulations with FRP-lock are performed at the user’s risk and fear.

If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner has not untied the account, the only legal way is to contact him and ask him to remove the device from the list of trusted in Settings → Mi Account → Devices.

Hardware methods: disassembly and closure of contacts

On Redmi 5 (as on other Xiaomi smartphones on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 platform), there is a hardware method of resetting a password through the circuit of testpoints on the motherboard, which is used in service centers and requires disassembling the device.

A brief guide (for experienced users only!):

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-card.
2. Remove the back cover (need a mediator or plastic shoulder blade).
3. Disconnect the battery plume, then find two TP-marked contacts on the board (usually next to the charging connector).
4. Close the contacts with tweezers or screwdrivers, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
5. The phone will go into EDL 9008 mode, after which you can flash it through the Mi Flash Tool with a full reset.

Risks of the method:

• ⚡ Possibility of damage to the board with neat closure.
• 🔋 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 📱 It does not work on devices with a damaged Qualcomm platform.

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If you are not sure about your soldering skills, it is better to contact the service center - the cost of unlocking Redmi 5 is 800-1500 rubles (2026).

6. Alternative methods: ADB and custom firmware

If Redmi 5 has USB debugging enabled (Settings → Developer → USB debugging), you can try unlocking the device via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which only works if the debugging has been activated before locking.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and enter: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
3. Reboot the device. Once you turn on, enter any pattern lock or PIN.

If USB debugging wasn't enabled, the alternative is to install a custom recavator (TWRP) and run a modified kernel, but it requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader (Bootloader).
• 📥 Downloaded firmware TWRP For the Redmi 5, the rosy model).
• 🖥️ Fastboot Utilities and Command Line Knowledge.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and can cause a brick (breakdown) of the device. Redmi 5 with a blocked bootloader will first need to obtain permission to unlock through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting).

7. Contacting the service center: when it is justified

If all of these methods have failed or you are afraid of damaging your device, it is wiser to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 The phone is blocked by the previous owner’s Mi Account and it is impossible to contact him.
• 🛠️ Device disassembly is required (for example, to close testpoints).
• 📱 Errors like “This device is locked” or “Couldn’t verify device” appear on the screen".
• 🔋 The device does not turn on after unsuccessful manipulations with the firmware.

The cost of unlocking in the service depends on the complexity:

• 💰 Resetting the pattern lock/PIN: 500–1000 ruble.
• 💰 Deletion of Mi-account (with confirmation of purchase): 1000-1500 rubles.
• 💰 Hardware repair (closing contacts, flashing through EDL): 1500–2500 rubles.

Before the service visit:

• 📄 Prepare a check or a warranty card (if saved).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is at least 50 times charged%.
• 📱 Write it down. IMEI Devices (under the battery or via command *#06#).

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Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Avoid “gray” workshops offering undocumented unlocking – this can lead to data loss or device deterioration.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 5