How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 5: all ways to reset the lock (even without a password)

Xiaomi Mi 5 is the legendary smartphone of 2016, which is still used by many users. but what to do if you forget your password, pattern lock or the key. PIN-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, including official methods through Mi Account, Fastboot and Recovery modes, as well as alternative solutions for complex cases.

It's important to understand that some methods will lead to total loss of data -- photos, contacts, messages. So try to remember your password first, or use backups. If access to your phone is critical and data is not available, then unlock.

This article is relevant for Xiaomi Mi 5 based on MIUI (including global and Chinese versions) and Android 6.0-8.1. For new models (Mi 10/11/12), methods may differ due to changes in the firmware and security policy of Xiaomi.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If a Mi Account was tied to the Mi 5, you can unlock the phone through Xiaomi’s website, which works even if you don’t remember the lock screen password, but requires access to the email or phone number associated with the account.

How it works: After 5 failed password attempts, the system will offer an unlock option via Mi Account. If that doesn't happen, go to account.xiaomi.com and follow the following steps:

• 🔑 Enter the email or phone number associated with your account.
• 📧 Confirm the entry through the code from SMS letter.
• 🔄 On the device management page, find the locked Mi 5 and select the option to Unlock the screen.
• 📱 Wait 1-5 minutes – the phone unlocks automatically (requires an Internet connection).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work if the phone is disabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
• ❌ Requires proof of identity (SMS/email).
• ❌ On some firmware (Chinese versions) MIUI) may be offline.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Mi 5 with your hands, the previous owner may not have deleted his Mi Account.In this case, unlocking through the account is impossible - you will need a reset via Fastboot (see section 3).

2. Reset the pattern lock via call (only for older versions of MIUI)

This method worked on MIUI 7-8 (Android 5.1-6.0) and allowed you to bypass the pattern lock through an emergency call. On newer versions of firmware, the vulnerability was fixed, but if your Mi 5 has not been updated for a long time, try:

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter the combination ##4636## (the test menu will open).
3. Return to the home screen via the Home button – sometimes this will unlock access.
4. If it doesn’t work, try entering any number and click Add to Contacts, then go to Settings → Security and disable the pattern lock.

🔹 Chance of success: ~30% (depending on version) MIUI). Nana MIUI 9+ This method doesn't work.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (full reset)

If previous methods didn't work, you'll have to hard reset through Fastboot mode, which will delete all the data, but you'll get back to the phone, you'll need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed, and a USB Type-C cable.

📌 Preparation:

• 🖥️ Download Platform Tools (from Google) or Mi Flash Tool (from Xiaomi).
• 🔌 Install drivers for Xiaomi Mi 5 (can be used via Mi) PC Suite).
• 📱 Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Food to enter Fastboot (screen with rabbit in a hat-eared hat).

🔧 Resetting instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be like new – you will need an initial setup.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Mi 5 firmware may require re-assignment of Mi Account after being reset via Fastboot.If you don't remember your account details, the phone will lock again (FRP-In this case, you will need to firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (see section 5).

Download Platform Tools|Install drivers ADB|Charge the phone. >50%|Prepare original USB-cable|Make a backup copy (if available)-->

4 Unlocking through Recovery Mode (no PC)

If you don't have a computer, you can try resetting with Recovery, which also erases all data, but doesn't require a Fastboot.

🔄 How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Recovery menu appears (Chinese firmware may have hieroglyphics).
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

🗑️ Resetting settings:

• Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar).
• Confirm the action (Confirm or Yes).
• After reset, select Reboot System.

⚠️ Important: On some versions MIUI Recovery requires you to enter your Mi Account password even to reset it, and if you don't remember it, it won't work.

5. flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (extreme case)

If the phone is locked at Mi Account level (so-called. FRP-locking, and you don't remember your account, the only way out is to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool, which will delete everything, including the account binding, but requires you to download the official firmware and computer.

📥 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11.
• 🔌 The original cable. USB Type-C (Poor cables can interrupt firmware).
• 📦 Firmware for Xiaomi Mi 5 (download from the official website). Choose the version of Fastboot (file.tgz or.zip).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi5_Firmware).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers.
3. Sign in to Fastboot on your phone (Loudness down + Power).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Don't turn off your phone while you're firmware! This can lead to a blink (complete failure).If the process is stalled during the Waiting for device stage, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you a Critical error, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or temporarily disabling the antivirus. Also check that the firmware is downloaded for the Mi 5 model (codename gemini).

6. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don’t work, try bypassing the lock through ADB or TWRP. These techniques require technical skills and can disrupt the phone if used improperly.

🔌 Unlocking through ADB (if debugging is on):

If USB Debugging was previously enabled on the phone, you can delete the lock files via ADB:

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




reboot

After the reboot, the screen lock will reset.

🔄 Installation TWRP and:

1. Download TWRP for Mi 5.
2. Install with Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
4. Reboot.

⚠️ Risks:

• ❌ Wrong firmware TWRP may lead to a brick.
• ❌ On the new versions MIUI post-installation TWRP The anti-rollback can work (the phone will be locked forever).
• ❌ Without a backup, the data will be lost.

💡

Use TWRP or ADB only if you are confident in your actions. It is safer for beginners to use official methods (sections 1-3).

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all of these methods, but your phone is still locked, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center. 📍 Find the nearest authorized service. 💰 The cost of unlocking: ~1 500–3 000 ₽ (depending on the region). ⏳ Time: 1-3 days.

🔹 Pros: warranty, no risk of damaging the phone.

🔸 Cons: expensive, takes time.

Buy a new phone.

If the Mi 5 is outdated and unlocking is expensive, it might make sense to consider buying a new model.For example, the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 offer modern specs at an affordable price.

💡 Tip: Before buying used Xiaomi, always check if the previous owner's Mi Account is tied to the phone. ask the seller to reset settings with you.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 5