How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 5A: all working methods in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 5A is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its owners regularly face the problem of locking. Forgotten password, failure of the pattern lock or tied account Mi Account can turn the phone into a “brick”. In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to unlock, including methods without losing data and using official tools from Xiaomi.

It's important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, if you've never linked a device to a Mi Account, resetting through Recovery Mode will be easier than if you're tethered. But if the phone is locked after you've firmware or reset, you'll need more complex manipulations, and we'll describe each scenario in detail so you can choose the best option.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi 5A is tied to your Mi Account, it’s both a problem and a solution. Xiaomi provides an official way to unlock through the web interface, but with limitations: the method only works if the phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) and you have access to the mail or phone number associated with the account.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 On the locked screen, tap the button Forgot the password? (or similar inscription depending on the version). MIUI).
• 🔗 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
• 📧 A link or code will come to the mail / phone to reset the password.
• 🔓 Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously confirmed your account through SMS/email, Xiaomi may require additional verification (such as a passport scan) in which case it will take until the device is unlocked. 72 hours.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without Mi Account)

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, the most reliable way is to reset via Recovery Mode, which removes all data from your phone but is guaranteed to unlock the device, and is suitable for Redmi 5A on any version of MIUI (including older builds).

Step-by-step:

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

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After the reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account if the phone was previously tied. №4 (unlock via Fastboot).

Turn off the phone from charging

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged

Prepare original USB-cable (in case of errors)

Download Mi Flash Tool (if you plan to install the firmware after resetting)-->

3. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the phone is debugging over USB and has access to a computer. This is one of the few ways to unlock Redmi 5A without losing data, but it requires pre-preparedness.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables may not transmit data).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).

Instructions:

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

After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If not, repeat the steps or try an alternative command:

adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db

4 Unlock via Fastboot (if Mi Account is required)

If you reset your phone with Recovery and you don't remember it, you'll be able to unlock it through Fastboot, which involves running the phone with the official Mi Flash Tool, but it's nuanced:

Pros:

• ✅ It works even if you forget your Mi Account password.
• ✅ You can install any version. MIUI (including global firmware).

Cons:

• ❌ All data is deleted.
• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader, which takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website and the firmware for Redmi 5A (e.g. here).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) and press Refresh to detect the device.
5. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is not unlocked, the firmware will end in an error.To unlock Bootloader, apply through the official Xiaomi website (you will need a tied Mi Account).

1. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably on the back of the PC).

3. disable the antivirus (it can block the drivers).-->

5. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If the standard methods didn’t work, try one of these options:

Unlocking through EDL Mode (9008) is the last resort that is used if the phone is not turning on or stuck on the logo.

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account (to download firmware in.mbn format).
• 🔌 Cable with support EDL (common USB may not work).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect firmware in mode EDL This method can turn a phone into a brick, and it is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1. "This device is locked" error in Fastboot

Reason: Bootloader not unlocked Solution: Apply for unlock via official website and wait SMS-Confirmation (may take up to 30 days).

2.The phone is not detected in the Mi Flash Tool

Reasons:

• 🔌 Unoriginal cable (use a cable from the kit).
• 🖥️ No driver (install Mi Phone Manager for automatic installation).
• 🔄 Incorrect mode (check that the phone is in Fastboot, not Recovery).

3.Once reset, an old Mi Account is required

If the phone was tied to Mi Account and you reset through Recovery, the system will require you to enter your previous account data.

• 📧 Restore access to your old account (via email or phone number).
• 🔧 Swipe your phone through Fastboot with complete data erasure (see method) №4).

1. Is the phone untied from the Mi Account (ask the seller to reset the settings with you).

2. is there no lock operator (if the phone was bought on credit).

3. Does Fastboot Mode Work (Put Volume Down) + Power with the phone turned off).-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions