How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A: the full guide

The situation of the owner being unable to access their device is one of the most stressful in the digital world.The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A smartphone, despite its age, remains popular, and the problem of a forgotten password or a blocked Mi Account is a regular occurrence.There are several layers of protection, each requiring a different approach to bypassing.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to restore access to the Android system based on the MIUI shell, you will learn how to proceed if the device is simply blocked by the screen, and what to do if you are linked to the company’s cloud service. It is important to understand that most methods will lead to complete deletion of data.

Before we take action, we need to assess the risks. A full Hard Reset permanently deletes all photos, contacts and apps if they weren't synchronized. We'll look at both the software methods through the menu and the more complex options using a computer and special utilities.

Types of locks in the MIUI system

Understanding the nature of locking is key to success. - Redmi Note 5A There are several layers of protection that you can't confuse, and the first level is the local lock, which includes a pattern lock, a digital key. PIN-A code or a complex password. This type of security is stored locally on the device.

The second, more serious layer is the Mi Account, where if you logged in to your Xiaomi account and enabled Find Device, the phone will require you to reset your account with a login and password, which is a theft protection that is hard to get around without the owner's data.

⚠️ Note: Attempts to select the Mi Account password by brute-force will lead to a temporary lock of the account by the Xiaomi security server.

There's also a bootloader lock, which doesn't give you access to the system, but it doesn't usually interfere with the normal operation of the phone unless you're planning to flash it back. The first two types are important for the average user. The third type is IMEI lock, which is only solved in a service center or through special services.

Reset screen lock via Recovery Mode

The most common way to remove a forgotten pattern lock or password is to reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which works if the phone does not activate or remember the Mi Account, and requires an accurate hit on the menu, as the touch screen often does not work in this mode.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off the Redmi Note 5A smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power can be released, and the volume button can continue to hold until the menu appears.

In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then you should confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data and then Confirm. After the process, select Reboot.

The first download after reset can last up to 5-7 minutes. Don't panic if the screen is lit for a long time with the logo. The system conducts the initial configuration of files. If after turning on the phone requires a password from the Mi Account, then the "Find device" protection was active.

Bypassing the Mi Account (Mi Cloud)

If, after resetting, the device requires a password from the account it was synced with, the standard methods are powerless. This is server-based binding. The official way is to restore access through i.mi.com from any other device.

Enter the phone number or email associated with your account. SIM-If you have a card in your hand, the code will come instantly, if you lose your number, you will have to answer secret questions or use a backup email.

There are paid Mi Account deletion services, but they are often temporary or require reflashing with system files, and these methods can cause the Redmi Note 5A to run unstable or make calls.

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When buying used Xiaomi always ask the seller to log out of the Mi Account in the settings and perform a full reset with you. Buying a password is the risk of getting a brick.

Google Find My Device Service

If the Redmi Note 5A has been blocked and the Internet has been turned on and a Google account has been activated, you can try using the standard Android tool, which allows you not only to find the device, but also remotely perform a data reset.

Go from your computer or other smartphone to android.com/find. Sign in with the same Google account that was used on the locked phone. If the device is online, you will see it on the map and control menu.

Select the option to Clear Device. This action will delete all data, including the pattern lock and application passwords. However, as with Recovery, this will not remove the Mi Account binding if it was installed. Once cleaned, the phone will reboot and be as new as the accounts.

⚠️ Note: To work this method, the phone must be on, connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi, and geolocation must be active on it.

This is a good way to do this, because it doesn't require physical access to the smartphone buttons, which is useful if the volume buttons are locked or malfunctioning, but if the phone is off or in flight mode, the command will only be executed after the next connection to the network.

Unlocking via Fastboot and PC

For more advanced users, Fastboot mode is available. In this mode, you can interact with your phone via your computer using console commands or special utilities. To log into Fastboot on the Redmi Note turned off. 5A Press the volume down button and connect USB-cable.

And you'll see a picture of a rabbit fixing a robot on the screen, which means that the phone is ready to receive commands. You'll need a driver installed. ADB/Fastboot The fastboot device team must show the serial number of the device.

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot

This command (example) is used to flash the recovery partition if the standard resins are damaged. However, you can't simply erase the password through Fastboot because the data partition (userdata) is protected. You either need to unlock the bootloader or exploit vulnerabilities (exploits) of specific versions of the processor, which is a complicated procedure.

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Fastboot mode does not unlock the phone by itself, but is a necessary tool for flashing or installing a custom rebound (TWRP) with which to reset your password.

Prevention and backup

To keep the "how to unlock" problem from getting up again, it's important to set up a backup. MIUI has a built-in "Mi Mover" tool and cloud storage. Regularly sync contacts and photos with Google Photos and Mi Cloud.

Write your passwords in a secure location or use a password manager. The pattern lock is often forgotten precisely because we use simple but obscure figures. The complex alphanumeric password is more secure, but it is harder to remember without writing it down.

Remember to check periodically if your account is active and if your phone number is tied, and changing a number without decoupling from old services is a common cause of losing access to devices after several years of operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)