Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) is still a popular budget smartphone with good hardware, but the capabilities of its MIUI firmware are limited by the manufacturer's policy: obtaining root rights opens access to fine-tuning the system, removing embedded software, installing custom firmware and Magisk modules. However, the process requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and fraught with the risks of "bricking" the device.
In this guide, we will look at the current ways to obtain root rights for the Redmi 5 Plus in 2026, given the changes in Xiaomi policy (including mandatory binding of the Mi Account account and unlock restrictions). The instructions are suitable for all versions of the device: 3/32 GB, 4/64 GB and global / Chinese modifications. If you are a beginner, carefully read the sections on risks and preparation!
Why do I need to get root rights to Redmi 5 Plus?
Root access turns your smartphone from a closed-box to a fully managed platform, and here are the key reasons why Redmi 5 Plus users are taking the plunge:
- 🚀 System garbage disposal: Ability to uninstall pre-installed applications MIUI (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, etc., which take up space and consume resources.
- ⚡ Performance optimization: Using Magisk modules to overclock the processor (Snapdragon 625), disable unnecessary services and improve battery life.
- 🔧 Deep Customization: Set theme design at the system level, change fonts, animations and even replace MIUI on AOSP-Firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 📱 Backup: Full backup of all data (including apps with settings) via Titanium Backup or Swift Backup.
- 🔒 Permission control: Blocking applications from accessing the Internet, geolocation, or kernel-level contacts (e.g., via AppOps or AFWall)+).
But it’s not all that rosy: with root rights, you lose the official Xiaomi warranty, and some banking applications (like SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger, and the risk of malware infection increases if you install modules from unreliable sources.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
An unprepared device is the main enemy of successful unlocking, and skipping at least one item from this section can lead to soft-brick (the device is turned on but not booted) or hard-brick (the full “brick”).
Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, SMS)
Charge the battery to at least 70%
Make sure that MIUI is not newer than 12.5 (for stable unlocking)
Disable Find My Device and sync Mi Account
Download and install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC
Prepare. USB-cable (original, without damage)-->
Pay special attention to the MIUI version. Since MIUI 13, Xiaomi has tightened the unlock requirements, and Redmi 5 Plus recommends using firmware not newer than MIUI 12.5 (stable branch). Check the version in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a newer version installed, you will have to roll back through Fastboot.
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased with root rights (for example, on AliExpress marked "Global") ROM"), Attempting to unlock can result in Mi Account blocking. Check the bootloader status with the command fastboot oem device-info - Device unlocked: false means that the bootloader is blocked.
Also, prepare a PC running Windows 10/11 (Linux/macOS will require additional settings).
- 🖥️ Android SDK Platform Tools (required to be the latest version).
- 🔌 Xiaomi drivers for Fastboot (you can download from the official website).
- 📱 Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi
Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader legally, but the process has become more complicated due to the binding to the Mi Account.
- Create and confirm a Mi Account (must link phone number!).
- Enable USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone, tap 7 times on the MIUI Version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Link your account to your device: In the same developer menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link your Mi Account.
- Wait 168 hours (7 days) Yes, Xiaomi has introduced a mandatory delay for new accounts!
After waiting:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Sign in and follow the instructions. If you see a "Couldn't unlock" error, try again in 24 hours.
⚠️ Note: If you are using the Chinese version of Redmi 5 Plus (with firmware for the Chinese market), unlocking may require a Chinese phone number to confirm your account.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock 50% | It took 168 hours to get the account linked. | Wait or use workaround methods (see next section) |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | The account on the PC and the phone do not match | Reconnect the account in the phone settings |
| Device is locked. Relock timer 72 hours | Failed attempt to unlock | Wait 72 hours and repeat |
| Mi Flash Lock State: locked | The loader is locked at the EFS level | Use it. EDL-Regime (requires an authorized account) |
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% error, try disabling the antivirus on your PC and running the tool on behalf of the administrator. USB-Port (better to use) USB 2.0).
168 hours of waiting: alternative methods
The official wait of 7 days is the main inconvenience for users, and fortunately there are workarounds, but they require technical training.
Method 1
A more reliable but complicated method is to unlock through EDL-It works even if it is an emergency download mode:
- 🔄 The device got stuck on the logo MI post-fast-fast.
- 🔒 The loader is locked at the level EFS.
- ⏳ No need to wait 168 hours.
This will require:
- Download firmware for Redmi 5 Plus in.tgz format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers (instructions here).
- Connect the phone to EDL-mode (clasp Volume upwards) + Loudness down + USB-plug-in).
- Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option (this will reset all data!).
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-Mode without an authorized Xiaomi account (for service centers) can lead to blocking IMEI. This method is recommended only by experienced users!
Install TWRP Recovery and Get Root Rights
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start installing the custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) Recovery. For Redmi 5 Plus (vince), use the official or unofficial build from OrangeFox:
- Download the latest TWRP.img for vince from the official website.
- Move the file to the platform-tools folder and rename it to twrp.img.
- Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
- Connect the device to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Immediately after the firmware, run: fastboot boot twrp.img (this will load TWRP without overwriting the system).
TWRP requires:
- Backup of Boot, Data and EFS (Backup menu)
- Download the latest Magisk.zip from GitHub and transfer it to your phone.
- Switch Magisk.zip through Install to TWRP.
- Reboot to the system.
After the reboot, check for root rights using the Magisk Manager app or command in the terminal:
suIf there is a request for rights - the root is installed successfully!
💡
Don't flash Magisk through Fastboot! This will result in looped bootloop. Use only TWRP or patched boot.img.
Solving Typical Problems After Getting Root
Even if you successfully install root rights on Redmi 5 Plus, you may have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone stuck on MI logo | Incompatible version of Magisk or TWRP | Swipe boot.img from stock firmware through Fastboot, then repeat the Magisk installation |
| SafetyNet (banking applications) is not working | Magisk doesn't hide the root | Enable MagiskHide in the settings and add apps to the Hidden List |
| No net (IMEI reset) | EFS section damaged when firmware | Restore the backup EFS use QCN-Restaurant (requires an authorized account) |
| Camera or sensors are not working. | Incompatible custom firmware | Swipe stock firmware through Mi Flash Tool with clean all option |
If Google Pay or Netflix stop working after installing the root rights, you must:
- Update Magisk to the latest version.
- Install Universal SafetyNet Fix and MagiskHide Props Config.
- In Magisk settings, enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList.
- Add problematic apps to DenyList.
Important: On the Redmi 5 Plus with firmware newer than MIUI 12.5, MagiskHide may not work due to changes in the kernel, in which case only a rollback to an older version of MIUI will help.
How to get everything back: root removal and bootloader lock
If you need to return the device to stock (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow this instruction:
- Download the latest stable firmware for Redmi 5 Plus from the official website.
- Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all_lock.bat (loader-lock).
- Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and start flash_all_lock.bat.
- Wait for the process to be completed (the device will restart automatically).
After this procedure:
- 🔄 The loader will be blocked.
- 📱 All data will be erased.
- 🔒 Mi Account will be removed from the device.
- ⚠️ SafetyNet will be tested again.
⚠️ Note: If you block the bootloader on a device with Magisk installed, but without a stock boot.img, The phone will turn into a brick. Always stitch the original boot before locking!