How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: official and alternative ways

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vinci) is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the need to unlock its bootloader. Without this, you can not install custom software, get root rights or even just reset the pattern lock if you forgot your password. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking, from the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool to workarounds for devices with a blocked Mi Account.

It is important to understand that the procedure of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi involves risks, from loss of warranty to full “bricking” of the device. We will describe each step in detail, including unique nuances for the Redmi 5 Plus model that are not found in the instructions for new smartphones (for example, problems with the Qualcomm 9008 drivers or the Couldn’t unlock error on older versions of MIUI).

1.Preparation for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, make sure all the preconditions are met, and ignoring them is the main cause of failure and error in the process.

First, check the firmware version of your Redmi 5 Plus. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. The device should run MIUI no older than 12.5 (newer versions may require additional steps). If you have Global ROM installed, the unlocking process will be easier than in China ROM.

Second, link your Mi Account to your device. Without that, the official unlock tool (Mi Unlock Tool) won't work. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Make sure your account settings include Sync and Find Device.

• 📱 Check the device model: Redmi 5 Plus should be codenamed vinci (you can find out in Settings) → The phone. → Model).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60% – unlocking can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the process will lead to a failure.
• 💻 Prepare a PC: You will need a Windows computer 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux The official tool is not working).
• 🔌 Cable USB: Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap analogues can cause connection errors.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 5 Plus was purchased hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, official unlocking will not be possible without the previous owner's data.

2.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

This is the most reliable method approved by Xiaomi, but it requires compliance with all conditions.

Step 1: Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the latest version of the utility from the official Xiaomi website (choose the Global version, even if you have Chinese firmware).

2. Unpack the archive and launch the file miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.

3. In the program window, log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.

Step 2: Connect Redmi 5 Plus to Fastboot

1. Turn off the phone.

2. Press the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears (the Mi Bunny robot with the inscription FASTBOOT).

3. Connect your phone to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (check out the version!)

Phone is linked to Mi Account (Sync enabled)

ADB/Fastboot drivers installed (if not, download from Xiaomi)

Phone in Fastboot mode and connected to PC

Antivirus disabled (it can block the utility)

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Step 3: Start unlocking

1.In the Mi Unlock Tool program, press Unlock.

2. Confirm the action on the phone (if a request appears).

3. Wait for the process to be completed. This usually takes 5-10 minutes, but older versions of MIUI can take up to 72 hours of waiting (this is normal – this is how Xiaomi checks the device).

If it's a success, you'll see a message called Unlocked successfully, and you can now exit the Fastboot and start installing custom software.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a Couldn't unlock error. Try again after 360 hours, it means you've tried to unlock the device before and didn't wait for the end of the standby timer.

3. Alternative methods of unlocking (if the official method does not work)

If the Mi Unlock Tool is giving out errors or the device is tied to someone else's account, you can try workarounds, which are less reliable and can lead to data loss, but sometimes this is the only way out.

Method 1: Unlocking through EDL Mode (for advanced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device around the bootloader, but requires special equipment and knowledge. For the Redmi 5 Plus, this method works, but there are nuances:

• 🔧 You need an authorized Xiaomi account to download firmware in.mbn format.
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm chips).
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” the device with incorrect actions.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (vinci) in EDL format (for example, from the XDA Developers forum).
2. Install the Qualcomm 9008 driver (can be found in the firmware archive).
3. Transfer your phone to EDL mode: adb reboot edl If ADB doesn’t work, use the hardware method: close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (disassembly of the device is required).
4. Sweep through the file. prog_emmc_firehose_8953.mbn via Mi Flash Pro.

Method 2: Bypassing locks through Deep Flash Cable

If the Mi Unlock Tool requires waiting (e.g. 72 or 360 hours), you can use a modified version of the Mi Unlock Tool. USB-A cable that emulates authorization:

1. Buy or make your own Deep Flash Cable (you need a 300k Ohm resistor between D+ and D- contacts).
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode via this cable.
3. Run Mi Unlock Tool – the program “thinks” that the device is authorized, and allows unlocking without waiting.

⚠️ Note: Using Deep Flash Cable may result in a Mi Account being blocked for suspicious activity.

4 Unlocking without data loss: is it possible?

Many users are wondering if it is possible to unlock the Redmi 5 Plus without resetting to factory settings. Unfortunately, the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool always leads to the deletion of all data (including photos, messages and applications).

There are two ways to keep some information:

• 📲 Backup via Mi Cloud: If sync was enabled before unlocking, contacts, notes, and some settings can be restored after it.

If you forget your password and can't debug, the only way out is to unlock it with a full reset, and then you can try to recover data with programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but success is not guaranteed.

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Before unlocking, remove the microSD card from the phone and SIM-This will speed up the process and reduce the risk of data loss on external media.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, Redmi 5 Plus users often face problems.

Mi Unlock Tool does not see the device

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Driver problems: Install Mi Phone Manager – it will automatically install the drivers you need.
• 🔄 Wrong Mode: Make sure your phone is in Fastboot, not Recovery.
• 💻 Antivirus conflict: Disable Windows Defender or add Mi Unlock Tool to exceptions.

Current account is different from the account info on the device

This means that the Mi Account on the phone and the software are different.

• 🔄 Reauthorize in your phone settings and in the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📱 If your phone is locked, try resetting your account password through Xiaomi’s website.
• ⚠️ If you have a foreign account, see the section on alternative methods.

Error: Device is locked. Wait XX hours

This error appears if you have previously tried to unlock the device and did not wait for the end of the timer.

• ⏳ Wait for the specified time (usually 72-360 hours).
• 🔧 Use Deep Flash Cable (see above).
• 📱 Try unlocking from another Mi Account (but it can lock the device permanently).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a timer error, don’t try to get around it by reconnecting multiple times, it will only increase the latency, it’s better to wait until unlocked or use alternative methods.

6.What to do after successful unlocking?

When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new opportunities, but you also have risks. Here's what you should do first:

Step 1: Install a custom recaveri (TWRP)

Unlocked bootloader allows you to install custom recavers, for example, TWRP. This will give access to backup creation, custom software firmware and root rights.

For Redmi 5 Plus, TWRP 3.3.1 or later is the right option. Download the image twrp-3.3.1-vinci.img and run it through Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.3.1-vinci.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-vinci.img

Step 2: Firmware custom software

With the unlocked boot loader, you can install:

• 📱 Global firmware (if you had a Chinese version).
• 🔄 Castomy ROM LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS.
• 🔒 Modified cores to improve performance.

Important: Always back up TWRP before firmware!

Step 3: Getting root rights

To obtain the rights of the superuser:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (e.g. Magisk-v26.1.zip).
2. Reboot to TWRP and file it.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Rooting may disrupt banking applications (due to SafetyNet).To get around this, use the Magisk module called Universal SafetyNet Fix.

7. Security after unlocking: how to avoid problems

An unlocked bootloader makes the device vulnerable to malware and unauthorized access.

• 🔒 Set a strong password on the lock screen (at least 8 characters).
• 🛡️ Use an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender).
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware, even if it is customized.
• 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources.

If you plan to sell or transfer the phone, be sure to lock the bootloader back.

1. Sweep through the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Enable the Clean All and Lock option in the utility settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions