How to open a smartphone Xiaomi Mi 5: all ways to unlock in 2026

Xiaomi Mi 5, released in 2016, still remains a popular device due to the powerful “stuffing” (Snapdragon 820 processor, 3 GB of RAM) and high-quality AMOLED-But even a reliable device like this can cause trouble, like a forgotten password, a blocked Mi Account, or a firmware failure. If you're having trouble accessing the Mi 5, don't rush to bring it to the service center, and 80 percent of the time, you can unlock it yourself.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for unlocking Xiaomi Mi 5 – from the simplest (via the Mi Account) to advanced (using Fastboot and ADB). Particular attention will be paid to the ways that allow you to save user data (photos, contacts, messages) – this is critical for devices without a backup. You will also learn how to bypass lock if the phone does not respond to touch or hovers on the Mi logo.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 🔹 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔹 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 🔹 On the lock screen there is a button "Forgot your password?" (appears after 5 failed attempts to enter).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message “Try again in 30 seconds” and the button “Forgot your password?” appears.
2. Click on the button and select Unblock via Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If after logging into your Mi Account, your phone requires confirmation via SMS, But you don't have a SIM card, use a backup email. Also note that if you change your account region (for example, from Chinese to global), this method may not work - you will need to reset via Fastboot.

2. Reset the pattern lock via call (only for Android 6-7)

This method works on Xiaomi Mi 5 with firmware based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or 7.0 Nougat (MIUI 8-9). The essence of the vulnerability is the ability to bypass the lock screen through an emergency call. Importantly, the method does not work on new versions of MIUI (10 and above) and can be fixed after security updates.

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, click "Emergency Call"**.
2. Enter any number (e.g. 112) and press the call button.
3. Immediately after dialing, click the Home button (physical or touch) – this will return you to the lock screen, but with an active notification interface.
4. Swipe the notification bar down and click on the Settings icon** (cog).
5. In the settings, go to About Phone → MIUI version and tap the version number 7 times to activate the developer mode.
6. Return to the additional settings → For developers and include “Debugging by” USB»** (USB Debugging).

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

After completing the command, restart the device - the pattern lock will be reset. ⚠️ Note: This method doesn't work on the Mi 5 with newer firmware MIUI 9.5 (released after October 2017) and can cause system failure if the process is interrupted. ADB.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (full reset)

If the previous methods didn't work, and access to the phone is critical, you'll have to use Fastboot mode, which will result in a complete data reset, but it'll unlock the device, which is suitable for cases like:

• 🔧 Password/pattern lock is forgotten and Mi Account is not tied.
• 🔧 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after failed update.
• 🔧 The screen does not respond to touch (the sensor does not work).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Archive with Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).
• 📱 Firmware for Mi 5 (Fastboot version, not Recovery!).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot (the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared).
2. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Unpack the Mi Flash Tool and firmware into separate folders.
4. Launch MiFlash.exe, click Select** and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select the “Clean all” mode and click “Flash”.

Make sure the battery is 50 times charged%+|Download the firmware for your model (gemini)|Disable antivirus on PC|Use the back. USB-port (for stability)|Do not disconnect the cable until the process is complete.

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⚠️ Note: Fastboot erases all data, including files in internal memory. If the phone has been enabled File-Based Encryption, it will be impossible to recover data after reset. Also avoid firmware from third-party developers (such as LineageOS) – they can lead to a bootloader lock.

4. Bypass of locking through EDL (emergency mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is Qualcomm's "hidden" service mode, which allows you to flash the device even when the bootloader is damaged. The method is suitable for the Xiaomi Mi 5 with a "brick" (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons) or if the Fastboot is not available. However, to activate the EDL you will need:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account (for official firmware).

How to log into EDL:

1. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and click Flash**.

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If the phone is not detected in the mode EDL, Try to use another one. USB-port or disable driver signatures in Windows (via gpedit.msc).

⚠️ Attention: Entrance EDL If you close the contacts, you need to disassemble the phone, which cancels the warranty, and if you don't have the right firmware in this mode, you can finally kill the device. If you're not sure about your skills, you better contact the service center.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If independent attempts were unsuccessful, the official service remains: Xiaomi provides a document unlocking service (passport + purchase check) in authorized centers. The cost varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the region and the complexity of the case.

What you need to know:

• 📄 Without a check or warranty card, unlocking can be refused.
• ⏳ Term of execution - from 1 to 5 working days.
• 🔒 Data on the phone will be deleted (if there was no backup).
• 🌍 In some countries (e.g. China), unblocking via the service is not possible without a Chinese Mi Account.

The service centers can be found on the official website, and check by phone before you visit to see if they are unlocking the Mi 5, as some centers refuse to work with older models.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

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If the phone has data encryption enabled (MIUI 10+), the only reliable way to unlock without losing files is to use a tied Mi Account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 5, users often face typical problems:

1. The “Couldn’t verify device” error in Mi Flash: occurs when using unofficial firmware or if the Mi Account is not authorized to unlock the bootloader. The solution is to use the original firmware and link the account to the device in advance (in the Mi Unlock Status settings).
2. Phone is not defined in Fastboot: check the cable (better use the original), try another one USB-port or shut down others USB-PC devices. Also make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed correctly.
3. After the firmware was installed, the phone is stuck on the logo, which may indicate that the firmware is not compatible with the bootloader version, so the solution is to flash the device again by selecting Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool.
4. The sensor doesn't work when you unlock it: it's often a hardware problem (the plume is broken or the matrix is damaged) and try connecting the mouse to an OTG -- if it works, the sensor problem is.

⚠️ Note: If you unlock through Fastboot or EDL The phone requires a password from the previous Mi Account (even after a reset), which means that the device was tied to the account with the “Find Device” function enabled** (Anti-Theft), in which case unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service with the provision of purchase documents.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions