How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-The code for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5? is a nasty but solvable situation. This smartphone, launched in 2018, is still popular today for its reliability and performance, but its security system can be a problem if you don't remember the login details. Unlike the new face unlock models, the Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred) relies on traditional protection methods – and it’s both a plus and a minus.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to unlock, from official (via Mi Account) to radical (full reset via Fastboot). It’s important to understand that some methods will lead to data loss, so first check whether the phone is connected to a Xiaomi or Google account. If so, the chances of returning access without a reset are much higher.

⚠️ Warning: Methods using ADB or Fastboot requires an unlocked bootloader. OEM Unlock in the developer settings, these methods will not work without prior preparation.

Before you start, prepare:

• 🔌 Charged phone (minimum 50% – unlocking may take time).
• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 📋 Data from your Mi Account or Google account if your phone is linked to it.
• 🔧 USB-cable (preferably original – cheap cables may not transmit data).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi Note 5 was tied to a Xiaomi account, it’s the easiest and safest way to get back access, and it works even without an internet connection on your phone, so you need to keep your account active.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click "Forgot Password?" (or Forgot Password).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Reset the screen lock password and install a new one.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi, you may need to connect to your computer via Mi. PC Suite for Identity Confirmation.

What to do if you don’t remember your Mi Account?

• 🔄 Try to restore access through the recovery page.
• 📧 Check the mail or SMS — Maybe there's a backup code letter.
• 🛠️ If you do not restore your account, go to other methods (but the data will be lost).

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If you previously synced contacts with Mi Account, they will automatically reset on your phone once unlocked.

2 Unblocking through Google Account (if sync is enabled)

This method only works on Redmi Note 5 with Android 8.1 Oreo or older if sync with Google has been activated previously. On newer firmware (MIUI 12+), the feature can be disabled by default.

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message "Repeat in 30 seconds" appears.
2. At the bottom of the screen will appear the button "Forgot the pattern lock?" - click on it.
3. Select Sign in via Google and specify details from the account that was linked to the phone.
4. After successful authentication, set a new password.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI This method is disabled because of security policy, and if you don't have a "Google Sign in" button, go to the next one.

Why is Google not using the login?

• 🔒 The phone was not linked to a Google account.
• 📱 Installed custom firmware without Google services.
• 🔄 The last reset removed the link to the account.

3. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the previous methods didn’t work, it’s hard to reset through recovery mode, which will delete all the data on the phone, including photos, messages and apps, but will return access to the device.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi Note 5:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds.
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu.

Further action:

• 🌐 Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
• 🔧 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔄 Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
• 📱 Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked to the phone (protection) FRP). If you do not remember the username / password - the phone will become a "brick" without the possibility of using it.

Turn off the phone from charging.

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.

Prepare the original. USB-cable (in case of errors)

Download Xiaomi drivers on PC (if you need Fastboot)

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4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the bootloader on your Redmi Note 5 has been unlocked before, you can try resetting the password via Fastboot.This method requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with ADB.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Platform Tools installed (ADB and Fastboot).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📄 Permission to unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked – the method will not work).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: erase userdata and erase frp commands will completely delete user data and reset the Mi Account protection. Once rebooted, the phone will be like new, but without being linked to the account.

5.Use of ADB (if USB-debugging was included)

If the phone has been activated before USB-debugging (in the developer settings), you can delete the file with the password through ADB. This method does not cause data loss, but only works when the key condition is met – the debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line and check the connection: adb devices (the device should be displayed).
3. Enter commands to delete files with a password: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboottings.db-shm

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is not rooted, the su command will not work, in which case skip it and try to delete files without superuser rights (but the chances of success are lower than the previous one).

Why can't ADB work?

• 🔌 USB-The debugging was not included in advance.
• 🔒 The phone is not rooted and there is no right to delete system files.
• 📱 A firmware with enhanced protection is installed (for example, MIUI EU).

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔐 The phone is linked to Mi Account, the data from which is lost.
• 📱 The device does not respond to reset via Recovery.
• 🛠️ Reflashing or repair of hardware is required (for example, after unsuccessful manipulations with Fastboot).

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (checks, warranty card).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 🔧 Phone box (if saved - there is a serial number).

⚠️ In informal services may offer to “bypass” the lock for an additional fee, but this is fraught with risk:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔒 Installation of unlicensed software.
• 📵 The risk of damaging the phone with unqualified intervention.

How much does it cost to unlock in the service?

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Official service is the only legal way to unlock if all other methods fail, but it can cost more than buying a used phone of the same model.

Unlocking methods comparison: which one to choose?

🔹 The easiest way is Mi Account or Google (if the phone is tied).

🔹 The most reliable: Fastboot (but requires preparation).

🔹 Last Chance: Service Center (if nothing helps).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 5