How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus: The Complete Guide to 2026

Owners of the Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus often face the need to unlock the device — whether it is removing the binding to the Mi Account, removing the bootloader lock to install custom firmware or bypassing a factory reset after a failed update. This model, released in 2016, is still popular thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM, but its software limitations can create problems.

Unlike newer Xiaomi devices, where unlock procedures are unified, the Mi is a great choice. 5 Plus requires a special approach due to the specifics of the firmware MIUI 8/9 In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool to bypassing locks through the Mi Unlock Tool. EDL-We will pay special attention to the risks (for example, the “brick” of the device when you do not act correctly) and nuances that are rarely mentioned in standard instructions.

If you have purchased a used device with a previous owner’s account attached or want to install LineageOS/Pixel Experience, this guide will help you avoid typical errors. And for those who have never worked with ADB or fastboot, we have prepared step-by-step screenshots and video examples (links in the relevant sections).

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Unlocking

Before you start unlocking, you have to follow the necessary preparatory steps, which can lead to data loss, inability to restore, or even physical failure of the device.

✅ Check the version. MIUI. Outdated firmware (below) MIUI 10) may not support modern unlock methods. Update the device via Settings → The phone. → System Update: If your phone is locked, use the Mi Flash Tool to force firmware (instruction in Section 4).

✅ Backup. Even if you plan to unlock the bootloader, all data will be erased. Use Mi Cloud (unless your account is blocked) or third-party utilities like this. TWRP (If you already have it installed, Google Account will be suitable for contacts and photos.

Record the IMEI of the device (on the box or under the battery)

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (link in section 2)

Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Unlock Tool)

Download the official firmware for your model (for example, miui_MI5Plus_V12.0.1.0.QNGCNXM)

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⚠️ Note: If the device has Find Device enabled, unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool will not be possible until it is disabled. This option is tied to the Mi Account and requires you to enter a password.

2. Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

The most secure and recommended way Xiaomi uses is the Mi Unlock Tool, but it has strict restrictions:

• 📌 Requires a Mi Account link (account must have been created at least 72 hours ago).
• 📌 The device must be allowed to unlock in the settings (path: Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status).
• 📌 Maximum number of unlocks from one account – 1 time in 30 days.

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
2. Log in to Mi Account on your phone and in the utility on PC.
3. Put your phone into fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect the device to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Press Unlock.

Typical errors and decisions:

• 🔴 Cann’t unlock – check if your account is logged in for more than 72 hours.
• 🔴 Current account is different from the account info on the device – log in to the same account as your phone.
• 🔴 The utility “hangs” by 50% – wait until completion (can take up to 10 minutes).

Official Mi Unlock Tool Officially

TWRP/Castom Recovery

EDL-mode (emergency firmware)

No, it's my first time.

Another method-->

3 Unlocking Mi Account without password: bypassing the binding

If you bought the Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus with hands and can’t contact the previous owner, you can delete the Mi Account in three ways:

1. Password recovery – if you have access to the email/phone associated with your account.
2. Reset via TWRP – if custom recovery is installed.
3. EDL-mode - for devices with a blocked loader.

⚠️ Note: Methods 2 and 3 require an unlocked bootloader (see Section 2). If the bootloader is locked, the only option is to contact Xiaomi Service Center with proof of purchase (check, contract).

Method 1: Remove via TWRP

1. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reset the device.

Method 2: EDL bypass (power users only!)

This method requires an authorized EDL account (e.g., through Xiaomi Authorized Unlock) and a dedicated cable.

4. firmware through Mi Flash Tool: recovery of the "brick"

If the Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus stops turning on after a failed unlock (black screen, red light flashes), it can be restored via the Mi Flash Tool. This method is also suitable for forced firmware updates if the device is not fully activated. OTA-updates are not available.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for the Mi 5 Plus (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi5Plus\flash).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
4. Transfer your phone to fastboot (or EDL if the device doesn’t respond).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.

⚠️ Note: If you see an error flash_write_failed, try:

• 🔹 Use a different version of the Mi Flash Tool (e.g. 2017.4.25.0).
• 🔹 Switch to Clean All (complete reset).
• 🔹 Check the integrity of the downloaded firmware (MD5 must be consistent with the official).

Critical information: On the Mi 5 Plus, the firmware of MIUI 11 and later can cause problems with the NFC module. If you care about NFC, use firmware based on MIUI 10 or lower.

5. Install Custom Recovery (TWRP) and Root Rights

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can install TWRP and get root access, which will open up opportunities for:

• 📱 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Removing system applications (bloatware).
• 🔄 Backup through Nandroid Backup.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download. TWRP for Mi 5 Plus (version) 3.6.2_9-0 or newer).
2. Transfer the phone to fastboot and connect to the PC.
3. The command is fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.6.2_9-0-natrium.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-natrium.img
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (this will remove encryption).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12+ installation TWRP may result in loss IMEI. To avoid this, make a backup section before firmware. modemst1 and modemst2 team:

adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1


adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2

6.Alternative methods: FRP bypass and factory dump

If the Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) enabled, after resetting via Recovery, the device will require you to enter the Google account data that was on it previously.

Method 1: Through ADB (if debugging is enabled)

1. Connect your phone to your PC and do: Adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1
2. Reset the device.

Method 2: Using a button combination (not all versions of MIUI):

1. On the welcome screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter the code: ##4636## → Go to Usage Statistics.
3. Click on the settings icon in the upper right corner and reset the settings.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader):

fastboot erase frp


fastboot reboot

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If none of the methods worked, try flashing the device through the Mi Flash Tool with the "Clean All and Lock" tick, which will remove the FRP, but block the bootloader again.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

In the process of unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus, users face typical problems, and we have collected them in a table with solutions:

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If after unlocking the phone stopped charging or quickly discharges, check the integrity of the partition. battery_stats.bin. It can be reset via adb shell dumpsys battery reset command.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions