Xiaomi Redmi 5A (codenamed riva) is still popular with users due to its reliability and low price, but many people face the need to unlock it – whether it is a forgotten pattern lock, binding to a Mi Account account after a reset or wanting to install custom firmware. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where procedures are complicated, the Redmi 5A is still open even without official permission from the manufacturer.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking, from the official unlocker of the bootloader to bypassing the Mi Account through the engineering menu. It is important to understand that some methods require technical skills, and the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick.” So before you start, be sure to check the status of the battery (at least 50% of the charge) and prepare all the necessary tools.
If you have purchased the Redmi 5A handheld and it is blocked by the previous owner, first try to contact the seller to unbundle the Mi Account. This is the safest way, otherwise you will have to use alternative methods, which we will describe below.
1 Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 5A
Unlocking the bootloader is the first step to install custom firmware, gain root rights, or restore the phone after a major crash. On Redmi 5A, this can be done officially through the Mi Unlock Tool program or informally with exploits.
The official method requires a device to be tied to a Mi Account and wait 72-360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).The informal methods work faster but are risky - they can lead to a loss of warranty or software failures.
Steps for official unlocking:
1. Activate the Developer Mode:
Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
2. Attach the device to the Mi Account:
In the same menu for developers, select Mi Unlock Status and link your account.
3 Download the Mi Unlock Tool:
The official utility is available at [enmi.com/unlock](https://en.miui.com/unlock/) (authorization required).
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:
Turn off Redmi 5A, press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
Connect to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
If the utility gives you a Couldn't unlock error, check:
- 🔹 Mi Unlock Tool (should be the last version).
- 🔹 Internet connection on PC (utility checks account status).
- 🔹 No binding to another Mi Account (if the phone is used).
Informal methods (e.g., via EDL Mode) require specialized equipment (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and knowledge of fastboot commands.
2. Resetting of the pattern lock or password
If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, and the phone is not tied to Mi Account, you can use the standard reset via Recovery Mode. 5A It works even without an unlocked bootloader.
Resetting instructions:
1. Turn off the phone.
2.Put Volume up + Power before the Recovery menu appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4.After reset, the phone will reboot to its initial state.
Important: This method will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps. If Find My Device was enabled on the phone, you may need to enter your username and password from Mi Account after reset.
Save important data on the PC|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Make sure you are not tied to your Mi Account|Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->
If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, go to the next section.
3.Mi Account bypass on Redmi 5A
Mi Account binding is one of the most common issues when buying used Xiaomi phones, and Redmi 5A can be bypassed in a number of ways, but none of them guarantee 100% success due to regular security updates.
Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu (for firmware up to MIUI 12)
1. In the activation menu, click Add Wi-Fi network.
2 Enter any network name, then press and hold the text field.
3. In the menu that appears, select Share and send the text to Notes or the Browser.
4. Open the browser and go to:
https://account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword5. Try resetting your password through a linked email or phone.
Attention! This method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI. If you get an error after you go to the browser, try an alternative method.
Method 2: EDL Mode (requires PC)
This method will require:
- 🔧 Cable USB Type-C (original).
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 5A (Fastboot version).
- 🔧 Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Algorithm:
1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the Test Point contacts (located under the back cover, next to the battery) and connect the cable to the PC.
3. The phone will be determined as QHUSB_BULK — install the driver.
4.In the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Flash.
Where to find Test Point on Redmi 5A?
On MIUI versions newer than 12.0.3, EDL Mode bypassing may not work due to enhanced Anti-Rollback protection.
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If the phone doesn’t turn on after flashing through EDL Mode, try pinching Volume Up + Power for 20-30 seconds for a forced reboot.
4 Unlocking via Fastboot (alternative method)
If the official Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t work, you can try unlocking the bootloader via fastboot commands.This method is suitable for power users and requires an ADB/Fastboot installed on the PC.
Step-by-step:
1. Connect Redmi 5A in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the commands in turn:
fastboot oem device-info
fastboot oem unlock-go4. If a warning appears, confirm the unlock on the phone (volume button).
This doesn't work on all firmware. If the unlock-go command isn't supported, try:
fastboot flashing unlock💡
The fastboot oem unlock-go command only works on older versions of the bootloader. On newer firmware, Xiaomi blocks this method.
5. Unlocking with Custom Recovery (TWRP)
Installing TWRP allows you to bypass some of the limitations of MIUI, including resetting Mi Account and installing unofficial firmware.
How to install TWRP:
1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi 5A (e.g. from [twrp.me](https://twrp.me/)
2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Enter in the command line:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.img4. After downloading to TWRP, reset via Wipe → Format Data.
Warning! Installing TWRP on a locked bootloader will result in a phone blink (completely inoperable).
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Before installing TWRP, check the firmware version. MIUI 13+ may require a patch to bypass dm-verity checks.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
When you unlock Redmi 5A, users often encounter typical problems, and we've collected the most common bugs and ways to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock Tool | The device is not tied to the Mi Account or has not been 72 hours | Repeat the account binding in Settings → Additional → For developers |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | Lack of drivers or damaged cable | Install Qualcomm drivers and try another one USB-port |
| After reset, a Mi Account is required | Find My Device feature included | Use the EDL Mode bypass method or contact the previous owner |
| Invalid IMEI after the firmware | The modem or nvram partition is damaged | Restore IMEI with Maui META or SN Write Tool |
If none of the methods worked, it is possible that the phone has an Anti-Rollback firmware installed, in which case unlocking without official permission from Xiaomi becomes almost impossible.
💡
On the Redmi. 5A firmware MIUI 12.5+ Bypassing Mi Account through the engineering menu only works 30 percent of the time. EDL data-wise.
7.IMEI recovery after unlocking
Once the bootloader is firmware or unlocked, the Redmi 5A may lose IMEI, resulting in a network loss, and can be restored using specialized tools.
Method 1: Through Maui META
1 Download and install Maui META 3G (available on 4PDA forums).
2. Connect the phone in Meta Mode (clip Volume Up + Volume Down + Power).
3. In the program, select IMEI Download and enter the original IMEI (indicated under the battery).
Method 2: Using the SN Write Tool
1. Download the SN Write Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
2. Create a.qcn file with your IMEI (can be generated via QCN Rebuilder).
3. Connect the phone in EDL mode and flash QCN.
Attention! Incorrectly entering IMEI can lead to a network lock by the operator. Always use the original values!