Unlocking Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 5A: from password recovery to bypassing protection

A forgotten password from the Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 5A can turn a smartphone into a useless “brick”: the lock is activated after resetting settings, firmware or even accidentally entering the wrong password 5 times in a row. Unlike modern Xiaomi models, where unlocking often requires contacting a service center, the Redmi 5A (codename riva) is still amenable to self-recovery - but with reservations.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official recovery via email to bypassing protection with the help of engineering modes and third-party tools. It is important to understand that since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and some methods (for example, through the use of security tools). EDL-The mode stopped working without an authorized developer account. 5A There are still loopholes – the main thing is to act on instructions and avoid common mistakes.

Why is Redmi 5A blocked by Mi?

The blocking of Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 5A works in three cases:

• 🔒 Resetting settings via Recovery or Fastboot without first logging out of your account.
• 📱 Install custom firmware without decoupling the device from the Mi Account (even if the firmware is official).
• 🔑 Multiple incorrect password entry (5)+ attempts) when trying to unlock the screen.

Unlike newer models (like the Redmi Note 12), where locking is tied to a hardware identifier, Redmi 5A is implemented at the firmware level, which means that bypassing is possible, but requires technical manipulation. For example, if you bought a used phone with a linked account, official password recovery will not help - you will need to reset via Fastboot or EDL.

Method 1: Officially Recovery of Mi Account Password

If your phone is yours and you remember the email or phone number associated with your account, use the standard recovery procedure:

1. Go to the Mi Account password recovery page.
2. Enter the email or phone number specified during registration.
3. Confirm your identity via SMS or code letter.
4. Create a new password and save it to your password manager (like Google Password Manager or KeePass).

When you change your password, unlock your phone by entering new data. If this method doesn't work, the reason may be:

• 📧 Remote Account (Xiaomi clears inactive accounts over 2 years old).
• 🔄 Shift. email/Numbers without updating the data in the Mi Account.
• 🚫 Blocking an account for suspicious activity (for example, frequent login attempts).

💡

If you don’t remember an email, try to restore it through your Gmail/Yandex Mail email history by asking for “Mi Account” or “Xiaomi.”

Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)

If the official recovery didn’t work, but you have access to Fastboot mode, you can try resetting the lock without completely resetting the settings.This method works on Redmi 5A with firmware up to MIUI 12 (newer versions require authorization).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and install the Mi Flash Tool drivers (download from the official website).
3. Download the Mi Account Unlock Tool (check reviews on XDA to avoid malware).
4. Launch the utility, select the port of your device and press Unlock.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of utilities require disabling the driver signature check in Windows:

Press Win + X → select Command Prompt (Administrator) → enter bcdedit /set testsigning on and restart your PC.

Download the Mi Flash Tool|Install the drivers ADB/Fastboot|Download Mi Account Unlock Tool from a trusted source|Disable driver signature verification (if necessary)-->

Method 3: Bypassing the lock through EDL-mode (for advanced)

EDL-The Emergency Download Mode is an engineering mode that allows you to stitch through your phone without the standard restrictions. 5A It can be activated only hardware (closing contacts on the board) or through special commands if the bootloader is already unlocked.

Important: This method requires soldering skills or boxing (like a UFi Box) and misconduct can lead to a full blink of the device. If you're not sure, contact the service.

Instructions for experienced users:

• 🔧 Hardware method: Disassemble the phone, find test points EDL (usually USB-port) and lock them for 5-10 seconds when connecting to a PC.
• 💻 Software method: If the bootloader is unlocked, use the command: fastboot oem edl
• 📥 In Mi Flash Tool, select a firmware file riva_global_images... Click Flash (select the clean all option).

Method 4: Delete Mi Accounts via TWRP (if installed)

If your Redmi 5A already has custom recovery TWRP installed, you can manually delete your account binding, which only works on an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Load to TWRP (press the Power button + Volume up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the files: /data/system/mi_account_db /data/system/miui_activation_info.xml
4. Reset the phone. The lock should disappear.

⚠️ Note: If after deleting files, the phone is stuck on the download, reset through TWRP (wipe → Format Data. This will delete all data, but unlock the device.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not work, the official way remains – contact the service center. Xiaomi provides the service to unlock the Mi Account if you have:

• 📄 Check of purchase (even if the phone used, try to request a check from the previous owner).
• 🆔 Document confirming identity (passport).
• 📱 IMEI Devices (you can find out through the sticker under the battery or command *#06#).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region, in some cases, the service may refuse if:

• The phone is listed in the database of stolen devices.
• IMEI is modified (checked through Engineer Mode).
• The account is blocked for fraud.

💡

Official unlocking in the service is the only legal way if the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unlock a Mi Account on Redmi 5A, users often face typical problems:

1. Error "Couldn't verify device" in Mi Flash Tool: Solution: Use an older version of the utility (e.g. Mi Flash 2018) or disable the antivirus.
2. Phone is not defined in Fastboot: Solution: Check the drivers (install Mi) PC Suite or try another one USB-cable (original).
3. After firmware is run through EDL, the phone does not turn on: Solution: Repeat firmware with the clean all and lock option (but this will block the bootloader).

⚠️ Warning: Never use "miracle utilities" from unknown sites that promise to unlock in 1 click. Most of them contain viruses or spyware. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions