How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 if you forget your password: all working ways

Forgetting your smartphone password is a frustrating situation, but it's fixable, especially if you're talking about the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred), which, despite its age, remains popular among users, and the key is not to panic or try to find a combination at random: After 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 30 minutes and then may require input. PIN-code from the Mi Account.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways of unlocking, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (using Fastboot or ADB). Each method has its own nuances: somewhere you will need access to your computer, somewhere you will need stored Xiaomi account data, and in some cases you will have to sacrifice user files.

⚠️ Important: If the device has enabled data encryption (Settings option) → Additionally. → Encryption, then after resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, all files will be permanently deleted, restore them even through specialized programs (like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare). 4uKey) fail.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and most secure method is to use a Xiaomi account linked to the device, which works if:

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the phone.
• 🔄 The device was not fully encrypted (otherwise, after unlocking the data will be erased).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times (to activate the recovery option).
2. The message will appear “Forgot the password?” – click on it.
3. Select "Recover through Mi Account" and enter the linked email/phone + password.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously untied your Mi Account or logged out in settings, this will not work, and it is not available if the smartphone was purchased with your hands and the previous owner did not delete your account (you will need to contact him to untie it).

2. Recovery Mode reset (without password but with data loss)

If Mi Account is lost and unlocked, hard reset remains, which deletes all data, including photos, messages and installed apps, but returns access to the device. On the Redmi Note 5, the reset is performed via Recovery Mode, a special recovery mode.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu (management is carried out by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (some firmware may call it Factory Reset).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).
6. Reboot your device with Reboot → Reboot to System.

Once reset, the smartphone will launch as a new one, with factory settings, and you will need to reconfigure the language, region, and link your Mi Account (if you plan to use Xiaomi services).

Make sure the battery is at least 50 times charged%|Download important files to your computer (if you have access)|Prepare. SIM-re-activation card|Remember the data from Mi Account for re-assignment

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3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🖥️ You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 There is. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 You are ready to work with the command line.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 5 and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run the reset to factory settings: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmwares may require additional fastboot oem unlock after fastboot erase userdata. If you haven't done it before, this step will end in error.

4.Use of ADB (if debugging was included)

If Redmi Note 5 previously activated debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer options), you can try to reset the password through ADB. This method does not delete data, but requires preliminary preparation.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line and check the connection: Adb devices
3. Delete the password file (only works on some firmware): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb reboot

After rebooting, the lock screen should disappear. If not, try entering any password (sometimes the system resets it to a blank value).

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If the adb device command issues a "device unauthorized" error, a window should appear on the smartphone screen asking for permission to debug, unlock the phone (if possible) and confirm access.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the above methods worked (for example, the device is encrypted, and you do not remember the data from Mi Account), you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

What will be required:

• 📄 Checks or documents confirming the purchase (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
• 💳 Willingness to pay for the service (cost varies from 1000 to 3 000 rubles).

Xiaomi service centers are available in all major cities of Russia. Find the nearest one on the official website or through Yandex.Maps. Before visiting, check by phone whether they are engaged in unlocking passwords - some centers refuse such orders.

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Official unlocking at the service center is the only way to return access to encrypted data if the password from Mi Account is forgotten.

6. Alternative methods (with caution!)

There are dozens of magical ways to unlock the Internet, from using Tenorshare 4uKey to running the SP Flash Tool.

• 🚫 Require an unlocked bootloader (which is difficult to do on a locked device by itself).
• 💸 Paid (license cost often exceeds the price of repair in the service).
• 🔧 Risky (mistakes can turn a smartphone into a brick").

If you do decide to experiment, here is a brief overview of the tools:

⚠️ Attention: Programs like 4uKey They are often marketed as “universal” but do not work with encrypted devices (and the Redmi Note 5 encrypts the default data on the latest versions). MIUI). Before buying a license, check the reviews for the last month – Xiaomi’s locking algorithms are regularly updated.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 5