Unlocking the bootloader Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus: the official method and circumvention of restrictions

Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus is the flagship smartphone of 2016, which is still popular among customization enthusiasts. However, to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or restore a “brick” requires unlocking the bootloader. The process of official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is complicated by time constraints, server errors and model features. In this article, the current instructions for the Mi 5 Plus (codenamed natrium), including solutions to typical problems and alternative methods.

It’s important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings, deletes all data and cancels the official warranty. Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the requirements for accounts — now it is mandatory to link the phone number to Mi-account and wait 168 hours (7 days) after the first device is attached. If you bought a smartphone “from hand”, the previous owner could not untie your account — this will require additional actions.

Why you need to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus

The factory bootloader Xiaomi blocks:

• 🔧 Install unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.).
• 🛠️ Obtaining superuser rights (root) through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔄 Restore the device via fastboot in case of software failures (“soft brick»).
• 📱 Use of alternative cores (custom kernels) to overclock or improve autonomy.

Without unlocking, you are limited to stock MIUI firmware, even if it is outdated or contains unnecessary software. For example, for the Mi 5 Plus, the latest official version of MIUI is 12.5 based on Android 10, while custom firmware offers Android 13-14 with advanced features.

However, unlocking has disadvantages:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔒 Vulnerability to malware in case of incorrect installation of custom components.
• 📵 Risk of “bricking” when errors during firmware (requires experience with fastboot and EDL).

Pre-unblocking requirements

Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the conditions are met:

Critical note: if you buy the Mi 5 Plus hand-held, ask the seller to untie the device from its Mi-account in the Settings menu → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, you will have to wait 30 days from the moment of changing the account to link yours.

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Enable debugging by USB in Settings → For developers

Install Xiaomi USB Drivers on PC

Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool (at least 5.5.224.30)

Disable the antivirus (can block Mi Unlock)

-->

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking the loader

The process consists of three steps: preparing the device, waiting 168 hours and unlocking directly. Let's take a look at each step in detail.

Step 1: Enabling the Developer Mode and Account Linking

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to activate the developer menu.

2. Go back to the basic settings and open Additional → For developers. Activate:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB (Allow access when connecting to the PC).
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (The most important point - without it Mi Unlock will not work!).
• 🔄 Factory Unblocking (if there is such a point).

3. Link the device to your account: go to Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. The system will request a password from Mi-account.

💡

If the item Unlock OEM Inactive, check if there is no phone on the phone. SIM-Cards of the operator blocking this function (e.g. some Chinese operators).

Stage 2: Waiting 168 hours

Once you have your account linked to the Mi Unlock Status menu, you will see a countdown timer, which is mandatory, and trying to unlock before the deadline will result in a Couldn't unlock error.

What can be done while waiting:

• 📱 Use your phone in normal mode (timer is not reset).
• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (recommended for stability).
• 💾 Create a backup copy through Settings → System system → Backup.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone settings or exit Mi-account while waiting, the timer will reset! SIM-This may cause additional security checks.

Step 3: Unlocking with the Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower) 5.5.224.30). Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.

2. log in to the program under the same Mi-account as on your phone.

3. Turn off the Mi 5 Plus and put it into fastboot mode:

Press the buttons Loudness down + Power for 10 seconds.


Release after the appearance of the Fastboot logo (robot with a gear).

4 Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If done correctly, a data reset warning will appear, confirm the action.

5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes) If you say Unlocked successfully, you signify success.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users are faced with errors.

If the error is not listed in the table, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Unlock Tool (sometimes an older version, such as 3.5.1118.43, helps).
• 📱 Reset your phone settings to factory (via Settings) → System system → Resetting settings).
• 💻 Run Mi Unlock Tool in Windows 7 Compatibility Mode.

⚠️ Note: Error 999 means your Mi-account is locked for frequent unlock attempts, in which case you will have to create a new account and wait 30 days before re-associating the device.

Alternative methods of unlocking

If the official method does not work (for example, due to a blocked account or loss of access to it), alternative methods can be tried. They are risky and can lead to a brick, so use them only as a last resort.

Method 1: Unlocking through EDL (9008)

EDL-The Power Download Mode allows you to bypass the bootloader. The Mi 5 Plus requires you to use it:

• 🔧 Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (install via Zadig).
• 💾 Fastboot firmware ROM for natrium (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (version 2018614).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + USB-gateway EDL (The screen must remain black).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error SLA Auth, use the patched version of the program or contact the service Xiaomi Authorized Unlock (paid option).

Method 2: Waiting bypass 168 hours

Some users have successfully reduced latency by manipulating the date on the phone, which can result in account locks, but if you're willing to take risks:

1. Turn on the plane mode.
2. In the date and time settings, set the date 8 days ahead.
3. Restart your phone and check the status in Mi Unlock.

Note: Xiaomi can block an account for such actions, so the method does not always work.

What to do after unlocking

After successfully unlocking the bootloader:

• 📱 Phone will be reset to factory settings – restore data from backup.
• 🔧 Install. TWRP Recovery for further customization (download for natrium can be found on the official website TWRP).
• 🛡️ If you plan to use Magisk, run it through TWRP post-stamp.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Don't install it. TWRP on an encrypted device without preliminary data formatting - this will lead to hanging on the logo.
• ⚠️ Avoid firmware for other models (for example, for Mi 5 instead of Mi 5 Plus) – this is guaranteed to kill the device.

💡

Once the bootloader is unlocked, MIUI Air Updates (OTAs) will become unavailable. You will need to use fastboot or TWRP to update the firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus