How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: from MI-account to bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus

vince

MI-account

5 Ways to Unblock the Right Ways

Many instructions on the network are outdated or do not take into account the nuances of a particular firmware. MIUI 12.5 changed the reset algorithm through Fastboot, and unlock services MI-Accounts now require confirmation SMS We tested all the methods on Redmi 5 Plus with the latest software and collected only working solutions.

If you bought a used phone with a previous owner's account attached or you forgot your password, don't rush to bring the device to the service. In 80% of cases, you can unlock yourself with a computer and 30 minutes of time on hand, the main thing is to follow the instructions clearly and not miss the steps of compatibility check.

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1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

Forgotten pattern lock is the most common problem. Redmi 5 Plus has 3 official ways to reset your screen lock without losing data, but they only work if you had debugging enabled. USB tied MI-account.

If debugging has been activated, connect the phone to your PC and use the command:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

Once the device is restarted, the pattern lock will reset, which only works on firmware below MIUI 11, which is SELinux protected in newer versions of gesture.key.

If the debugging is disabled, but the phone is tied to MI-account:

  1. On the lock screen, enter any wrong key 5 times until the button β€œForgot the password?” appears.
  2. Enter your login and password from your own MI-account.
  3. Follow the system instructions for resetting the lock.

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If the β€œForgot password” button does not appear, try entering it. PIN-code SIM-cards (if inserted) – sometimes this will unlock access to the reset menu.

If none of these things work, you'll only have to reset hard through Recovery, but keep in mind that all the data on the phone will be deleted.

  1. Turn off Redmi 5 Plus.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10 seconds.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

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2. Retirement of the binding MI-post-reset account

After resetting the settings via Recovery or Fastboot Redmi 5 Plus may require input from the previous MI-This is the Mi Cloud Activation Lock protection, which works if the phone was tied to a Xiaomi account.

Officially remove the binding can only be if:

  • πŸ”‘ You have a login/password from the previous owner’s account.
  • πŸ“„ There's a check or a box of IMEI (Calling for support for Xiaomi).
  • πŸ’³ The phone was purchased officially (there is a warranty card).

If you don't have access to your account, you have unofficial methods, and the most reliable is using them. EDL-Emergency Download Mode with firmware via Mi Flash Tool:

  1. Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (code vince) from en.miui.com.
  2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers.
  3. Connect the phone in mode EDL (clamp up the volume + Loudness down + USB-cable).
  4. Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.
What happens if you break the firmware in EDL-mode?
Interruption of the process in EDL-The mode can lead to the "bricking" of the phone, it will cease to turn on and will not be determined by the computer, in which case you can restore the functionality only with the help of a programmer or in a service center.

An alternative is to use bypass services like Mi Account Unlock Tool, but they often require payment and do not guarantee 100% results. Be careful: many of these sites spread viruses under the guise of "unlockers."

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3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

To install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtain root rights to Redmi 5 Plus, you need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires confirmation through the MI-account.

Step-by-step:

  1. Tie the phone to MI-account in settings (Settings) β†’ Xiaomi account).
  2. Activate debugging over USB (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – press 7 times, then return to Additional β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging over USB).
  3. Install the Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com/unlock.
  4. Open the utility, enter your own MI-account and connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down) + Nutrition).
  5. Wait for the check (can take up to 72 hours) and press Unlock.

Important nuances:

  • πŸ”— MI-The account must be older than 30 days, otherwise unlocking will not be available.
  • πŸ“± The latest version should be on the phone. MIUI (Update through Settings β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ”„ After unlocking all data on the phone will be erased.
πŸ“Š You have already unlocked the bootloader on Xiaomi?
Yeah, you.
Yeah, in the service.
No, I'm afraid of "bricking."
I tried it, but it didn't work.

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, try it.

  1. Change. USB-cable (original or high quality cable required).
  2. Disable the antivirus on the PC.
  3. Try another computer (preferably with Windows 10/11).
  4. Wait 72 hours – sometimes Xiaomi blocks the unlock due to suspicious activity.

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FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is Google’s protection that is activated after resetting if a Google account was tied to the phone. On Redmi 5 Plus, it works if the device was running Android 6.0+ and sync was enabled.

To bypass FRP without password:

  1. On the Wi-Fi settings screen, click on the password entry bar and select "Add Network".
  2. Enter any text, highlight it and click "Share".
  3. Select β€œGmail” and the sign-in window will open where you can add a new Google account.
  4. After logging in, go to Settings β†’ Restore and Reset and perform a data reset.

If this method doesn’t work, use the SP Flash Tool with FRP Reset File firmware for Redmi 5 Plus.

  1. Download the firmware from the GSM Official Forum website.
  2. Install Mediatek VCOM drivers.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC (without the battery if it is removable).
  4. In the SP Flash Tool, select the scatter.txt file and click Download.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for discharge FRP

Done: 0 / 5

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Note: Firmware via SP Flash Tool can cause loss of IMEI. Before the procedure, save the original NVRAM using MTK Droid Tools.

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5.IMEI recovery after failed unlock

If the loader or firmware is missing after unlocking IMEI (The phone does not catch the network, it can be restored through an engineering menu or special utilities. On the Redmi 5 Plus (Snapdragon 625), this is suitable for a method using the use of a special method. QCN-file.

Instructions:

  1. Download the QPST Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
  2. Enter the phone in Diag mode with the command: adb shell su -c "setprop sys.usb.config diag,serial_cdev,rmnet,adb"
  3. In QPST, select Restore and download a QCN backup (if any) or generate a new IMEI through EFS Tools.

If there is no backup, you can use the engineering menu:

  1. Type on the keyboard ##4636##.
  2. Go to β€œPhone Information” and select β€œSelect Network”.
  3. If the IMEI is displayed as "Null/Null", enter the correct values through the MTK Engineering Mode.

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Note: Introducing an incorrect IMEI may result in a network lock by the operator, using only the original values specified on the box or under the battery.

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6. Alternative methods of unlocking

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

    2.Using boxes (UFi, Octoplus, Sigma)

      3.Firmware through Test Point

        MethodDifficultyRisk of "bricking"CostTime.
        Reset via Recovery⭐Low.Free of charge.10 minutes.
        Mi Unlock Tool⭐⭐Medium.Free of charge.1-3 days
        EDL-regime⭐⭐⭐High-pitchedFree of charge.30 minutes.
        SP Flash Tool⭐⭐⭐Very tall.Free of charge.20 minutes.
        Service centre⭐Low.1000–3000 β‚½1-3 days

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        Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

        Can I unlock Redmi 5 Plus without losing data?
        Yeah, but only if you had it on. USB Debugging or phone tied to MI-In this case, you can reset the pattern lock through the account. ADB or restore access through your Xiaomi account (FRP, Blocked loader) data will be erased.
        How long does it take to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool?
        Minimum waiting period - 72 hours from the moment of binding MI-If the account is new (less than 30 days), unlocking will not be available. After sending the request to unlock, it may take an additional 24-48 hours for verification by Xiaomi.
        What if the phone does not turn on after unlocking the bootloader?
        There was probably a firmware error. Try: Charge the phone (hold power). + Volume up 30 seconds. Swipe your phone through Fastboot with the original firmware. Use EDL-If nothing helps, contact the service - it is possible that the boot area (boot or recovery) is damaged).
        Can I unlock it? MI-account without previous owner?
        Officially, no. But there are informal ways: EDL-Reflashing (removes account binding) contacting the seller for account details (if the phone is purchased used) using paid services like Mi Account Unlock (risk of fraud!). ⚠️ Warning: Buying β€œunblocked” accounts on questionable sites often results in a device being blocked again.
        How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi 5 Plus?
        Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot. If the bottom of the screen says "Unlocked" - the bootloader is unlocked. If "Locked" - locked. You can also check the command: fastboot oem device-info In the answer, look for the line Device unlocked: true/false.

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        πŸ’‘

        Before any unblocking, back up your data via Mi PC Suite or TWRP (if installed).Even "safe" methods can lead to loss of information!