How to Open a Blocked Xiaomi Redmi 5: All Ways to Unlock in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to reliable stuffing and support for updates to the market. MIUI 12.But what to do if you forget the pattern lock, PIN-Unlike the newer models, the Redmi 5 does not support fingerprint unlocking bypassing the lock screen, and a standard Recovery reset requires confirmation of the Mi Account. In this article, the current ways of unlocking for 2026, including bypassing the lock screen. FRP (Factory Reset Protection and Access Restoration without Data Loss.

It’s important to understand that the methods vary depending on whether a Xiaomi account is linked to the device, whether USB debugging (ADB) is enabled, and which version of MIUI is installed. We’ll look at the options for all scenarios, from the simplest (if you remember the data from Mi Account) to the most complex (if the phone is bought from hand and tied to someone else’s account).

We warn you right away: some methods require a connection to a PC and install special utilities (Mi Flash Tool, ADB). If you have never worked with firmware, you should contact the service center. But if you are ready to act on your own, follow the instructions carefully: errors when unlocking through Fastboot can turn a smartphone into a brick.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest and most recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works even if you forget the lock screen password, but remember the account details.

1. On the locked screen, tap “Forgot your password?” (or a similar inscription at the bottom of the screen).
2. Select “Unblock with Mi Account”.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and the password.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If you do it right, the phone unlocks without resetting.

• 🔹 The account must be linked to the device before locking. If the phone is bought with hands, this method will not work.
• 🔹 On some firmware (especially custom) the option “Forgot your password?” may not be available.
• 🔹 If you changed your Mi Account password after setting up your phone, additional confirmation may be required.

⚠️ Note: If you try to unlock the message "This device is locked. Can't verify account", then the account is not tied or the phone was reset via Recovery without leaving Mi Account.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (with Mi Account Confirmation)

If you can't unlock your account, the next step is to reset your settings through Recovery, which will delete all the data from your phone but keep the system running, and Importantly, after the reset, you'll need to enter data from the Mi Account that was tied to the device before the lock.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 5 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 and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar, depending on the version of Recovery).
5. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

After the reboot, the phone will prompt you to enter data from Mi Account, and if the account is not tied or you do not remember the data, the error "This device is associated with a Mi Account" will appear, in which case, proceed to the following methods.

Turn off phone |Clamp Volume up + Power |Wait for Recovery |Select Wipe Data |Confirm reset-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You don’t remember the data from your Mi Account.
• 🔧 The “Find Device” function is disabled on the phone (search for the device).
• 🔧 Ready to use PC and utilities Mi Flash Tool or ADB.

This method will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 5 (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Script.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared.
2. Connect Redmi 5 to your PC via USB.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
4. At the bottom, choose Clean All (full reset) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always works).
5. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly selected firmware or interrupted process can lead to a brick (completely inoperable) device. If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "Anti Rollback", then you are trying to flash the older version. MIUI, In this case, you will need a special anti-Rollback patch.

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass on Redmi 5

If, after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter data from the Mi Account it was previously associated with (even if it is someone else's account), you will need to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

Method 1: Emergency Call (for MIUI 9–11)

1. On the lock screen, tap “Emergency Call”.
2. Dial ##4636## and the test menu will open.
3. Go to Usage Statistics → Settings (cog at the top).
4. Turn it on. USB-Debugging and connecting the phone to the PC.
5. Download the utility. FRP Bypass APK through ADB Install it: Adb install frp_bypass.apk
6. Launch the application and follow the instructions for resetting FRP.

Method 2: Mi Assistant (for MIUI 12+)

• 📱 Connect your phone to your PC and launch Mi Assistant (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 🔗 Select "Unlock" FRP» Follow the instructions (Mistry Account authorization is required).
• ⚡ If the utility doesn’t help, use it. SP Flash Tool with custom scatter file for bypassing FRP.

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If after bypassing FRP, the phone asks to re-enter Mi Account data, try rolling back to an older version of MIUI (for example, from 12 to 11) via the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Unlock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If the Redmi 5 pre-enabled USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps to unlock the developer options), you can unlock the phone without losing data through ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Check the connection: Adb devices should show the name of your device.
3. Delete the lock files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Once you reboot, the lock will be reset, and Importantly, this method only works if the debugging was on before you lock your phone, and if not, move on to other ways.

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USB debugging should be enabled ASAP. If you forget your password and didn't turn on this option, the ADB method won't work.

6. Alternative methods (service centers and paid services)

If all of the above methods do not help, there are two options:

1. Official Xiaomi Service Center

• 🏢 Provide a check or box from your phone (to confirm possession).
• 🔑 Specialists will remove the lock through service utilities (cost) ~1000–2000 ₽).
• ✅ Data retention guarantee – no (usually complete resetting).

2. paid online services (at your own risk)

• 🌐 Sites like UnlockJunky or DoctorSIM offer remote unlocking. IMEI.
• 💳 Cost: 500-3,000 ₽ depending on the complexity.
• ⚠️ Risks: fraud, data loss, blocking IMEI.

⚠️ Warning: Some "masters" offer unlocking through change IMEI This violates Xiaomi’s license agreement and can result in a loss of warranty or network lock (if the phone is tied to the operator).

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of the blocked Redmi 5 again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional unlocking method.
• 📝 Write your Mi Account data to a secure location (for example, a password manager).
• 🔄 Make backups regularly through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🚫 Do not buy handsets without resetting to factory settings (risk of linking to someone else's Mi Account).
• 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB and maintain access to ADB lock-in.

If you often forget passwords, set up Smart Lock in Settings → Lock and Protection → Smart Lock. This feature will automatically unlock your phone in trusted places (such as at home) or when you connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network.

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MIUI 12+ has a "SMS Recovery Password" feature, activate it in the lock settings to get the unlock code to the associated phone number if you forget your password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 5