How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vinci) opens up access to the advanced features of Android, from uninstalling system applications to installing custom firmware. However, the process requires care - a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a "brick." In this article, we will discuss three officially supported methods for obtaining root in 2026, taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/13 and Xiaomi's requirements for unlocking the bootloader.

It is important to understand that Redmi 5 Plus refers to devices with a locked bootloader by default.This means that before installing TWRP or Magisk, you need to go through the official unlock procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool. Unlike the old instructions, which used workarounds (for example, exploits to bypass waiting), now Xiaomi has tightened control. We will tell you how to minimize risks and avoid typical errors, such as Fastboot Error 0x80004005 or getting stuck on the MI logo.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, make sure your Redmi 5 Plus meets the key requirements. First, check the MIUI version: only global or Chinese firmware (but not EEA or India) will be suitable for unlocking. The version can be found in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have custom firmware installed, it must be rolled back to stock via Fastboot.

Second, be sure to link your Mi Account to your device, and without that, the Mi Unlock Tool won't be able to send you an unlock request.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and log in.
• 🔗 Enable data synchronization (even if you don’t plan to use it).
• 🔒 Activate the option Find the device in the security settings.

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If you have two-factor authentication in your Mi Account, temporarily disable it before unlocking.Some users have experienced a Couldn't verify device error because of the Mi Account's unblocking. SMS-confirmation.

Also prepare a computer with Windows 7/10/11 (Mi Unlock Tool does not work on macOS or Linux and the original USB-Using poor-quality cables can cause a connection to break down during the unlock process, which can lead to the blocking of Mi Account on the Internet. 30 days.

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi’s official tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 5 Plus. Download the latest version of the utility from the official website (avoid third-party sources to avoid viruses). Note that since 2023, Xiaomi has increased the wait time to unlock to 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts. If your account was created long ago and previously unlocked devices, the wait can be reduced to 7 days.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and run the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
4. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete. If a waiting message appears, turn off the phone and try again after the specified time.

Mi Account tied to phone|Version. MIUI global|USB-debugging is on|Xiaomi drivers installed on PC|Battery charged. >50%-->

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will have Unlocked on its screen. You can now start installing a custom recap. Attention: unlock resets all data on the device! Backup in advance via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Stock MIUI with Magisk|LineageOS|Pixel Experience|Another custom |Until decided-->

3. Install TWRP Recovery on Redmi 5 Plus

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the customized recovery required to install Magisk (the root tool). For Redmi 5 Plus (vinci), use the official TWRP build from the development team. Download the latest.img file from twrp.me.

Installation via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-vinci.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-vinci.img

Once the commands are executed, the phone will automatically reboot to TWRP. It is important to prevent the Recovery from being replaced with stock!

• 🔧 Go to Wipe. → Format Data and enter yes (this will remove data encryption).
• 📁 Copy the file. Magisk.zip (Download from GitHub to your phone via MTP into TWRP.
• 🔄 Reboot to Recavator again (Reboot) → Recovery).

Critical error: If after installing TWRP, the phone is stuck on the MI logo, you missed the formatting step.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to reboot the device to the system! Return to Fastboot (clamping Volume Down) + Power) and repeat installation TWRP fully formatted.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. TWRP:

1. In TWRP, click Install and select the downloaded Magisk.zip.
2. Swipe to confirm installation.
3. Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).

After download, check for root using the Magisk Manager app (download APK from GitHub). If Installed: 26.4 (26400) (or newer version) (or status), root is installed successfully. Use the Root Checker app from Google Play to check whether it works.

If Magisk is not determined after the reboot, the possible causes are:

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Magisk allows you to hide root from applications (e.g. banking) using MagiskHide. However, some applications (e.g. SberBank Online) can Detect root even with hiddenness enabled.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, Redmi 5 Plus users are experiencing errors.

Error 1: Fastboot Error 0x80004005

Reason: MIUI version does not comply with the Mi Unlock Tool.Solution: Sweeve the official global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.

Mistake 2: TWRP doesn't see internal memory

Reason: Encryption is enabled. Solution: Run Format Data in TWRP (as described above).

Error 3: After installing Magisk, the phone won't boot

Reason: conflict with Magisk modules or damaged boot.img Solution: reinstall Magisk via TWRP, pre-deleting /data/adb folder.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is no longer defined in Fastboot after unlocking the bootloader, check the drivers on your PC. Use the Mi Flash Tool for forced flashing in mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).

6. Alternative methods of obtaining root

If official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool is not available (for example, due to account locking), workarounds can be used, however, these methods do not guarantee 100% success and can lead to IMEI blocking.

Method 1: Exploitation to bypass waiting

Some users have successfully used DOWNGRADE + EDL:

• 📉 Swipe through the old version MIUI (e.g. 9.6.3.0) via Fastboot.
• 🔓 Use Mi Unlock Tool 3.5.501.24 (old version) to unlock without waiting.
• 🔄 Return to the current firmware after unlocking.

Method 2: Unlocking through EDL

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device without unlocking the bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for example, through the Xiaomi Authorized Service Center service), this method is risky and can lead to a loss of warranty.

7 What to do after getting root

Root rights are a great opportunity, but they need to be careful.

• 🛡️ Install Magisk Manager and update it through Settings → Updates.
• 🔄 Create a full backup through TWRP (Backup → Select the Boot, Data, System sections).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates MIUI, avoiding root loss.
• 🔧 Install Magisk modules for advanced features (e.g, ViPER4Android sound-wise).

We also recommend:

• 📱 Use Titanium Backup to Backup Applications and Data.
• 🔒 Set up MagiskHide to hide root from banking apps.
• 🔄 Check Magisk updates regularly and TWRP.

Remember: with root rights, you lose the ability to receive OTA-To update the firmware, you'll have to manually download the full.zip package and stitch through the TWRP. There is also an increased risk of security vulnerabilities if you do not follow Magisk updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi 5 Plus