Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vinci) is still a popular budget smartphone among customization enthusiasts, despite its release in 2017. The main obstacle to installing custom firmware, root rights or alternative recoveries is a locked bootloader. Since 2026, Xiaomi has tightened unlock requirements: it is now mandatory to link Mi Account to the device 72 hours before request, and the approval period can reach 360 hours (15 days).
In this article, we will provide you with the latest instructions for unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi 5 Plus, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy, including the avoidance of typical errors (for example, Couldn’t verify device or Current account is different from the account info on the device).
Important: the procedure voids warranty and can lead to a device blinking if you do not do the right thing. If your goal is simply to remove the bloatware or change the fonts, consider alternatives like ADB-commands unblocked.
1.Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking
Failure to follow at least one of these points will result in a Mi Unlock Tool failure or a soft smartphone breeze.
- 🔋 Battery charge ≥ 60%.Discharge during the process, Redmi 5 Plus can go into mode EDL, repair-required.
- 📱 Version. MIUI not older than 2 years old, obsolete firmware (e.g, MIUI 9) block unlock. Update via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔑 Mi Account Linking: The device must be logged into one Xiaomi account for at least 72 consecutive hours (checked by the time of last login to Settings) → Mi Account).
- 🛠️ Disable protection. Deactivate Find Device (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device) and Data Protection (Settings) → Additionally. → Confidentiality).
- 🖥️ Drivers. ADB/Fastboot. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools and drivers for Redmi 5 Plus (download from the official Xiaomi website).
Xiaomi in 2026 tightened the check: if you previously used a device without reference to Mi Account, the system can request confirmation via SMS to the number associated with the phone on the first turn on.
⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi 5 Plus from hand, ask the previous owner to remove the device from your Xiaomi account via the web interface.Otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without resetting via the web interface. EDL (requires an authorized service center account).
2.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool
The only way Xiaomi supports is to use the Mi Unlock Tool utility. Download the latest version (at the time of 2026 - v6.5.224.30) from the official website. Avoid third-party sources: viruses or modified unlock rules that lead to the ban of the account are often found in fake versions.
Algorithm of action:
- Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some versions. MIUI — It's okay). 🔌 Debugging by USB.
Connect Redmi 5 Plus to your PC via the original cable (important!), select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator, log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
The utility will suggest going to Fastboot. To do this, turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
Connect the device to your PC in Fastboot mode and press Unlock in the utility. If all conditions are met, the waiting time (usually 168-360 hours) will start counting.
Once the request is approved (the notification will come to the mail associated with the Mi Account), repeat steps 4-5. Unblock it will take ~10 seconds. Successful completion will confirm the words Unlocked successfully and the green tick in the utility.
A tied Mi Account ≥72 hours|Find Device and Data Protection Disabled|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Version. MIUI older 2 years|Battery charge ≥60%-->
3. Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the correct instructions, Redmi 5 Plus users will encounter errors, and below is a table of the most common problems and how to fix them:
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | The device is not tied to a Mi 72+ account for 72+ hours or is used by another account. | Wait 3 days from the first binding. Check that Settings → Mi Account displays the same email as the Mi Unlock Tool. |
| Current account is different... | The previous owner did not delete the device from his account. | Contact the previous owner or contact the Xiaomi service center for a reset via EDL. |
| Device is locked. Relocking... | Unstable USB connection or interrupted process | Use the original cable and USB 2.0 port (not 3.0!). Repeat the process from the beginning. |
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device | There are no Fastboot drivers or antivirus conflict. | Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface). |
If this device is not supported, check the code name of your Redmi 5 Plus with the command:
fastboot getvar productIf you don't, you have a different model (like the Redmi Note 5, called whyred).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% locked?
4. Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the official method doesn’t work (for example, due to the account ban or lack of access to the original owner), there are workarounds. They require deep knowledge and carry risks!
Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
Suitable for devices with corrupted firmware or blocked account.
- 🔧 Authorized account EDL (You can buy it on forums like this. XDA or 4PDA).
- 💻 Mi Flash Pro and firmware for vinci in.tgz format.
- 🔌 Cable USB supportive EDL (Usually, the contact is closed on the board).
Instructions:
- Put your phone in EDL mode (close test points or use the adb reboot edl command if ADB is available).
- Connect to a PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Refresh, then Flash.
Method 2: Exploitation through a vulnerability in MIUI
For some versions MIUI 10–12 There are exploits that allow you to unlock the bootloader without waiting. miunlock_bypass.sh (However, Xiaomi regularly closes such vulnerabilities, so the method is unstable.
⚠️ Note: Using unofficial unlocking techniques can lead to hard brick (irreparable damage) if the firmware is not selected correctly. For example, the firmware for Redmi Note 5 (whyred) is incompatible with Redmi 5 Plus (vinci) and will disable the device.
fastboot flash persist persist.imgIt'll help to restore it. IMEI and data of the communication module in case of failure.-->
5. What to do after unlocking?
Successful unlocking is just the first step. Now you can:
- 📱 Install TWRP. For Redmi. 5 Plus the current version — TWRP 3.7.0_9-0 (download from the official website:
- 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk. Download the latest version Magisk-v26.4.zip and pass through TWRP.
- 🔄 Install custom firmware. Popular options for vinci:
After installing custom firmware, be sure to swipe through Disable Force Encryption (if you don't want to encounter encrypted data after rebooting).
We also recommend:
- ⚡ Shut down. AVB 2.0 (Android Verified Boot) or else the device will boot with an Orange State warning:
- 🔄 Make a backup. EFS (section IMEI and modem data):
💡
Once unlocked, the Redmi 5 Plus bootloader will be reset to factory settings automatically. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted!
6 Risks and how to minimize them
Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible process that entails several critical consequences:
- Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking will void warranty obligations, and even if you return the stock firmware, the service center can determine the status of the bootloader by log.
- Security vulnerabilities: An unlocked bootloader allows attackers to access the device via Fastboot if the phone falls into the wrong hands.
- Problems with OTA-After installing custom recavator stock updates MIUI They'll stop installing. They'll have to manually update.
- The modules may not work smoothly: 📷 Dual camera (due to closed Xiaomi drivers). 🔊 Widevine L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+). 📶 VoLTE/VoWiFi (firmware).
To reduce the risks:
- 🔒 Use Magisk instead of SuperSU – it supports MagiskHide to hide root rights from banking apps.
- 🛡️ Install Universal SafetyNet Fix to pass SafetyNet (Google Pay).
- 🔄 Regularly do backups through TWRP (especially before experiments with a kernel or modem).
7. How to get it all back (loader's creek)
If you need to return your device to stock (for example, for sale or warranty repairs), follow the following steps:
- Download the Redmi 5 Plus (vinci) stock firmware from Xiaomi’s official website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
- Unpack the firmware into a folder with no path gaps (e.g., C:\MIUI\vinci).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
- Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh. The device should be defined as COMX.
- At the bottom, select clean all and lock (this will return the bootloader to the locked state) and press Flash.
The process will take ~5-10 minutes. Once you restart, it's completely stocked, but:
- 🔄 All data will be deleted.
- 🔒 The bootloader will lock and it will take 168-360 hours to re-unblock.
- 📱 Possible problems with activating Find Device – you may need to re-assign your account.
⚠️ Note: If the device does not turn on after the relocation or hung on the Mi logo, then the firmware was chosen incorrectly (for example, for another model or region). EDL logged-in.