How to open a blocked Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but its owners often face the problem of locking, PIN-A code, a password from a Mi Account, or an accidental activation of security can all turn a phone into a brick. FRP-With protection and sophisticated encryption algorithms, the Redmi Note 5 can still be unlocked without going to the service center.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to open the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, including data-saving techniques and forced reset. MIUI, For example, if you forget your Mi Account password but remember the pattern lock, you have a better chance of success. + Account-based linking will require radical measures.

Before you start, answer the key question: Do you need to save data on your phone? If so, start with the soft ways (sections 1-3). If not, move to hard reset (sections 4-5). Also note that some methods require a PC, USB Type-C cable, and basic ADB or Fastboot skills.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you have a Redmi Note 5 You are attached to your Xiaomi account and you have access to it. email/The phone is the most reliable method, and it works even with a forgotten pattern lock or a computer. PIN-code, but requires an internet connection (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap “Forgot your password?” (or a similar inscription at the bottom of the screen).
• 🔑 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account. If you do not remember - restore through the official website.
• 📧 The attached email or phone will receive a confirmation code, enter it in the appropriate field.
• 🔓 After authorization, the system will offer to reset the pattern lock or create a new one.

Important: if the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and also note that after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, Mi Account can be temporarily blocked (for 30 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn’t untie your Mi Account, unlocking through this method is not possible).

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If you have two-factor authentication enabled in your Mi Account, prepare backup codes or access to the Google Authenticator (Authenticator, Authy) application in advance.

2.Use of Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

This is a good idea if you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the data from the account Mi. The method works on Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 9-12 and does not require a connection to the PC, the essence is to temporarily disable the file with the lock key via Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Select English (or another language) from the menu, then go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Find /data/system and delete files: gesture.key password.key locksettings.db locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-shm
5. Reboot your phone (Reboot → System)

Once you reboot, the pattern lock will reset, but all the data will remain in place. However, this method does not work on MIUI 13 and later - in the latest versions of the firmware, access to File Manager in Recovery is limited.

3. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging) and access to a computer. It's one of the few ways to get around a lock without losing data, but it requires pre-preparation.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (If not included, the method will not work).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone appears in the list – move on to the next step.
3. Delete the files with the lock key: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset. If the su command is not working (no root rights), try an alternative option:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't turned on before the lockdown, it won't work» ADB through third-party utilities – this can lead to complete data loss or device blink.

4. Hard reset via Recovery (data loss)

If previous methods failed, you'll still have a full reset (Wipe Data) that will delete all the data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps, but will return access to the system.

• 🔒 Forgotten and pattern lock and password from the account Mi.
• 📵 Phone is not connected to the Internet (no access to recovery via Mi Account).
• 🖥️ There is no way to use ADB or Fastboot.

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Recovery menu appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot → System.

The phone will reboot to “as after purchase” and you will need to go through the initial setup, including linking to your Mi Account (if it was previously).

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method is suitable if the reset via Recovery did not work (for example, due to a damaged firmware) or the phone is locked at the FRP level.

• 🖥️ Computer with Fastboot installed and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C.
• 📄 Stock firmware for Redmi Note 5 (you can download on the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
2. Connect to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock Attention: this will delete all data and reset the settings!
4. Fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

Once flashed, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be erased, a technique that also helps if the Redmi Note 5 is stuck on the Mi logo or not turned on after a failed update.

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Unlocking via Fastboot is the most reliable way to “brick” or FRP-blocking, but requires technical skills and leads to complete data loss.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock the Redmi Note 5, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔌 The phone is not determined in ADB/Fastboot: Check the cable (use the original one), install Xiaomi drivers USB Driver, try another port. USB.
• 🔒 After the reset, you need an old Mi Account: FRP-The solution is firmware via Fastboot or contacting a service center with proof of ownership (check, box).
• ⚡ Phone discharged during unlocking: Charge it at least before 30% If your phone doesn't turn on, use Quick Charge charging (5V/2A).
• 📱 Recovery menu not opening: Try another button combination: Volume up + Loudness down + Power. If it doesn't work, it might be the firmware that's damaged).

Another common mistake is to try to use third-party unlocking software (such as the Mi Account Unlock Tool), which most of these tools either don’t work or contain malware. Official tools from Xiaomi are the only safe way.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions