Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: a complete guide with nuances

Introduction: Why unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 5?

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a measure of protection against unauthorized firmware changes. However, for experienced users, unlocking opens up a wide range of options: installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), obtaining root rights through Magisk, removing embedded MIUI software or even restoring the device after software failures.

The Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still popular today due to its balanced features and the active support of the development community. But the process of unlocking the bootloader on this device has its own peculiarities: the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool is unstable, and alternative methods require caution. In this article, we will discuss current unlock methods in 2026, typical errors and ways to bypass them.

We warn you right away: the procedure is fraught with risks. Wrong actions can lead to complete loss of data or even a "brick" (turning your phone into a "brick"). If you are not sure about your skills, you should consult a specialist.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the preconditions are met, and ignoring them is the main cause of unblocking errors.

📱 Check the device model: unlocking is only suitable for Redmi Note 5 (whyred!

Pay special attention to the item with the account Mi. Many users experience the error "Couldn't verify device" precisely because of non-compliance with this condition. If you recently dropped your phone or changed your account, wait 3 days before trying again.

Make a backup of the data | Make sure to model whyred| Charge the phone >60%| Install Mi Unlock Tool| Link the Mi Account to the device-->

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be deleted from the phone, including photos, contacts and installed apps.Use Mi Cloud or local backup via adb backup.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the safest way Xiaomi has approved, but it doesn’t always work — especially on older versions of the firmware or after multiple attempts to unlock.

Steps:

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version no lower than 5.5.224.30 for Redmi Note 5).
Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.

Connect your phone to your PC

File Transfer (MTP)

Mi Unlock Tool

Follow the instructions of the program

Fastboot

FASTBOOT

Press "Unlock"

If it went well, you'll see a message saying "Unlocked successfully." The phone will automatically reboot. You can now install custom firmware.

What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?

1. Make sure that Qualcomm drivers are installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (downloadable XDA Developers). 2. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 3. Disable the antivirus – it can block the utility. 4. Reinstall Mi Unlock Tool to folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Unlock\).

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Couldn’t verify device	Mi Account not tied to 72-hour device	Wait 3 days or use an alternative method
Current account is different from the account info on the device	Different accounts on PC and phone	Sign out on both devices and log in again
Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50%	Xiaomi servers are overloaded or the old version of the tool	Update the utility or try it later
Device not connected	Problems with drivers or cable	Install the driver manually through Device Manager

Official Mi Unlock Tool Officially|Alternative means (EDL, Fastboot)|I haven't tried it yet.|I closed the question in other ways.-->

Alternative methods: when the Mi Unlock Tool does not work

If the official method didn’t work, you can try to get around the restrictions through Fastboot or EDL (Emergency Download Mode) modes, which are more risky and require technical skills.

Method 1: Unlocking through Fastboot (for experienced)

It will require:

🖥️ PC with installation ADB Fastboot (downloaded as part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).
📄 File. unlock_bootloader.flag (You can create it manually through a notebook).

Instructions:

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
Open the command line in the folder with ADB and execute: fastboot oem edl If the command doesn’t work, try: fastboot oem unlock
If you receive a confirmation request, agree to the Volume Up button.

💡

If the fastboot oem unlock command returns the error "FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')", then the bootloader is still locked. Try repeating the official method or using EDL.

Method 2: Unlocking through EDL (extreme case)

EDL (9008) allows you to flash the device at a low level, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account or a special cable.This method can lead to blocking IMEI if something goes wrong.

Procedure:

Download the firmware for Redmi Note 5 in.tgz format from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
Unpack the archive and find the file. prog_emmc_firehose_8953.mbn (for the Snapdragon processor 636).
Connect the phone to EDL mode: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 port appears in Device Manager.

Mi Flash Tool

firehose

Clean All

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized Xiaomi account, the phone will require official repairs.

Checking the status of the loader: how to make sure that everything worked

Once unlocked, it is important to check if the bootloader is unlocked, and this can be done in several ways:

🔍 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info Search for the lines: (bootloader) Device unlocked: true
📱 Through the phone menu: after unlocking in Fastboot mode, an inscription will appear UNLOCKED rabbit-plate.
🛠️ Through apps: install Bootloader Status Checker from Google Play (not working on all firmware).

If the bootloader is unlocked, but when installing custom firmware, errors occur (for example, "Error: failed to verify whole-file signature"), then the device has activated anti-Rollback protection. MIUI pre-installing custom software.

💡

An unlocked bootloader does not automatically allow any firmware to be installed. Always check compatibility with your device's Anti-Rollback version.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, users often face difficulties.

1 Mi Unlock Tool says 'Add account and device'

Reason: Mi Account is not tied to the device or has been tied less than 72 hours ago.

Decision:

Make sure that you have one account on your phone and Mi Unlock Tool.
Go to Settings → Mi Account → Security and check that the device is displayed in the trusted list.
If you have a new account, wait 3 days or use another account that is already linked to your phone.

2.The phone is not identified in Fastboot

Reason: There are no drivers or problems with USB-port.

Decision:

Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
Try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
Turn off all others. USB-PC-based.

3. Once unlocked, the phone does not turn on

Reason: Unlocking process is interrupted or incompatible firmware is installed.

Decision:

Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power) and flashing the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
If your phone doesn’t respond, use EDL mode (see section above).
Contact the service center if your own actions did not help.

What to do if IMEI is missing after unlocking?

This is a rare but possible problem with the use of informal methods. IMEI You can use the engineering menu: 1. Type on the keyboard ##4636##. 2. Go to Phone Information and check status IMEI. 3.If IMEI No, no, use the utility. SN Write Tool (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).Warning: Incorrect recovery IMEI This can lead to a network blocking!

What to do after successful unblocking?

Now that the bootloader is unlocked, you're going to have a lot of new opportunities, but you need to be careful.

📦 Installation of custom recavery: the most popular option — TWRP. Download the version for whyred from the official website and browse through Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img
🔄 Custom firmware: The Redmi Note 5 is well suited to LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS. Make sure the firmware supports Anti-Rollback 3 (for the first time). MIUI 10+).
🔐 Getting root rights: Install Magisk through TWRP. This will allow you to modify system files and use modules, for example, to block ads.
🔄 Restoring the official firmware: If something goes wrong, you can always go back to the MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

Remember: custom firmware may contain bugs. Before installing, check the feedback on forums (XDA, 4PDA) and back up through TWRP (Backup → System + Data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi Note 5

❓ Can I unlock the bootloader without losing data?

No. Unlocking the bootloader through any method results in a full reset of the phone (factory reset).All data, including photos, messages and apps, will be deleted. We recommend backing up in advance through Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (if you already have root).

❓ Why Mi Unlock Tool Writes 168 Hours Even After 3 Days?

This is a Xiaomi server error. Try these steps: log out of your Mi Account on your phone and Mi Unlock Tool; reboot your phone and PC; log in again and try again; if it doesn't work, use another Mi Account that hasn't been used to unlock before. Alternative methods can be tried at the very least (see section above).

❓ Can I unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 5 with a damaged screen?

Yeah, but it's more complicated. You'll need to: Connect your phone to your PC and control it through ADB (for example, to include USB Debugging. Use it. OTG-- a cable and mouse to navigate the menu (if the touchscreen works) - at the very least, flash the device through the menu. EDL, But it's risky without visual control, and if the screen is completely out of order, you should go to the service center.

❓ Will Google Pay work after unlocking the bootloader?

No. Unlocked bootloader and/or root rights violate Google Pay security requirements. App will either refuse to work or will not support contactless payments. Solutions: Use Magisk with Magisk Props Config module to mask the unlock status (does not work on all firmware); Install alternative payment systems, such as Samsung Pay (if supported by a bank); Return the official firmware and block the bootloader back (but this will delete all data).

❓ Can I lock the bootloader back after unlocking?

Technically, yes, but it is highly discouraged. When you lock the bootloader after installing custom software, the phone may stop turning on (hard brick). If you need to return official status (for example, for warranty repairs), follow these steps: Scroll down the official MIUI firmware via Mi Flash Tool with Clean All option. In Fastboot mode, follow the command: fastboot oem lock, note that after that the phone will be reset to factory settings. Important: Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can store unlock information even after the hardware lock is back.