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

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is a situation that thousands of users face every year. Unlike modern models with biometric authentication, Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred) relies on classic security methods: PIN-If you typed the wrong code too many times, the system could lock the device for 30 minutes, an hour, or even require a reset, but don't panic: there are at least 5 proven ways to get back to your phone, and we'll go through each of them in detail.

It is important to understand that unlocking through a Hard Reset will result in complete data loss if backup to Mi Cloud was not enabled. So first, try the methods that save information: restore via Mi Account, use ADB or Fastboot. If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account, the chances of successful unlocking without losing data are much higher.

In this article you will find:

• 🔓 Step-by-step instructions for all unlock methods (with photos and commands).
• ⚠️ Critical warnings about possible risks (e.g. blocking) FRP post-discharge).
• 📊 Comparative table of methods on speed, complexity and data safety.
• 💡 Alternative solutions if the standard methods do not work.

1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Redmi Note 5 was linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), this is the most reliable and quickest way to return access without losing data. PIN-code, but requires:

• 📧 Access to email or phone number linked to Mi Account.
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20% (so that the phone does not turn off during the process).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? if English is spoken).
2. Choose the method of recovery: via email or SMS.
3. Enter the confirmation code received by mail or phone.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset your password or pattern lock.

If the option Forgot the password? is not displayed, it means:

• 🚫 Mi Account is disabled (check other methods).
• 🔄 The device was reflashed with unofficial firmware (requires a reset via Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: If after unlocking via Mi Account, the phone requests a re-entering of the password, this may indicate activation of the protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, you will need to enter the account details of Xiaomi, which was tied before the reset.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset is a complete factory reset, guaranteed to unlock the Redmi Note 5, but deletes all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only if:

• 🔐 You don’t remember the data from your Mi Account.
• 📱 There is no important information on the phone (or it is synced to the cloud).
• 🛠 Other methods didn't work.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery Mode menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

If after the reset, the phone requires data input from Mi Account, this means that FRP protection has been activated.

• Enter the email and password from the account that was linked to the phone.
• If you don’t remember the data, try to restore access through the official Xiaomi website.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 5 firmware may have a "This device is locked" error after Hard Reset, which means that the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account and you will need to enter a username/password or contact a service center to unlock it.

3. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the phone has been enabled with Developer Mode and USB Debugging. This is rare, but if you previously connected the Redmi Note 5 to your computer for debugging, there is a chance to return access without losing data.

What you need:

• 🖥 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
4. Delete the password file (for the pattern lock): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key Or for PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After rebooting, the lock screen should disappear. If not, try entering any password (sometimes the system resets the check).

⚠️ Note: This method only works if the debugging is done USB It was turned on before the phone was locked, ADB will not be able to connect to the device.

4 Unlock via Fastboot (if Mi Account is forgotten)

If you don’t remember Mi Account data and Hard Reset causes the “This device is locked” error, you can try resetting the protection via Fastboot mode.This method requires unlocking the bootloader, which is officially supported by Xiaomi, but takes up to 72 hours of waiting.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect the phone to the computer.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

• Confirmation via SMS.
• Wait 72 hours (if the account is new)
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
• Once you unlock the bootloader, reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase frp fastboot reboot.

This method removes FRP-This is a lock and allows you to bypass the requirement to enter data Mi Account after reset, however, it is only suitable for experienced users, since the wrong commands can lead to a "brick" (breakdown) of the device.

5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

• 📞 Call in support of Xiaomi: Number for Russia: 8 800 775-66-88 (For other countries, check the official Xiaomi website. Employees can help reset your password remotely if your phone is linked to your account.

If you decide to flash, use only official firmware from the Xiaomi site. Unofficial builds may contain viruses or disrupt the device.

💡

Before you visit the service center, try to remember if you have linked your phone to a Google account. Sometimes, after a reset, Redmi Note 5 asks for data from Google Account, not Mi Account, in which case restore access through Google.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid having to deal with a forgotten password, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use biometrics: Set up a fingerprint or facial recognition in Settings → Lockdown and protection → Add a print.
• 📝 Write down passwords: Keep your code backups in a safe place (such as in Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
• ☁️ Enable Backup: Activate Sync with Mi Cloud in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware: New versions MIUI Frequently correcting errors with locking.

We also recommend turning off automatic locking if you often forget passwords. Go to Settings → Lock and Protection → Autolock and select Never or increase the time to lock.

💡

If you use a pattern lock, avoid too simple combinations (such as the letters "L" or "Z"), which are easy to pick up by brute force, which jeopardizes the security of your data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 5