How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus bootloader without Mi Account: the full guide 2026

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) is a necessary step to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or restore a “bricked” device. However, the official process from Xiaomi requires binding to a Mi Account, which creates problems: a forgotten password, a locked account or buying a device “from hand” without the previous owner’s data. In this article, we will discuss legitimate and bypass methods of unlocking without binding to the account, as well as the risks that you may face.

You should be warned right away: bypassing official restrictions Xiaomi can lead to loss of warranty, blocking IMEI or even “bricking” the smartphone. All actions you perform at your own risk. If your goal is simply to reset settings or delete an account, consider alternatives like Fastboot mode or contact the service center.

Xiaomi has tightened security policies in 2026, but the Redmi 5 Plus (released in 2017) still has working life hacks, which are important to properly prepare the device and follow instructions without improvisation.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and requires a Mi Account

Xiaomi introduced a mandatory lock binding to an account in 2016, for several reasons:

• 🔒 Anti-theft: Account binding makes it harder to use stolen devices.
• 🛡️ Virus protection: Unauthorized firmware often contains malicious code.
• 📉 Controlling the ecosystem: Xiaomi wants users to stay in its branded shell MIUI.
• 🔧 Warranty support: Unlocking the bootloader automatically voids the warranty.

The Redmi 5 Plus (vince) originally had a closed bootloader, but it can be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool. The problem is that the tool requires authorization in a Mi Account, which must be linked to the device for at least 72 hours. If you bought the phone "hands-on" or forgot the account details, the official path becomes unavailable.

It’s important to understand that starting in 2020, Xiaomi will block the unlocking of the bootloader on devices that have been added to the blacklist (for example, because of theft or fraud), even if you circumvent the account requirement, the device may end up in a “gray” status with limited functionality.

Preparation of the device for unlocking

Before starting the procedure, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can cause the smartphone to crash or permanently lock.

What you'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus with a battery charge of at least 60%.
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 🔧 Utilities: ADB & Fastboot, Mi Unlock Tool, Xiaomi drivers.
• 📁 Backup data (unlocking wipes everything from the device!).

Step-by-step training:

1. Turn on USB debugging: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line until the notification “You’re a developer” appears. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
2. Link the device to your Mi Account (if possible).Even if you don't remember the data, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
3. Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC. Download them from the official website or use the Mi PC Suite.
4. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s website (don’t use third-party sources!).

If you don't have access to the original Mi Account that was linked to the phone, the official Mi Unlock Tool method won't work, and then you'll have to use alternative methods, which we'll talk about later.

The official method of unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

If you have access to a Mi Account linked to the Redmi 5 Plus, follow this instruction.The process takes 3 to 10 days due to the mandatory waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi.

Steps to unlock:

1. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
2. Connect Redmi 5 Plus to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Volume Down + Power).
3. In the utility, press Unlock. If the device is not detected, check the drivers or cable.
4. Confirm the unlock on the phone (if you receive a request).
5. Wait until the process is complete. The phone will reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

If the Mi Unlock Tool is a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not bound" error, it means that:

• 🔹 Account is not tied to the device (wait 72 hours after the link).
• 🔹 The device is on the blacklist of Xiaomi.
• 🔹 You are using an unofficial version of the utility.

The wait time after the first attempt to unlock is usually 72-168 hours. Xiaomi can extend this time to 360 hours if you have previously tried to unlock other devices.

Alternative Unblocking Methods Without Mi Account

If the official method is not available, you can try workarounds, which fall into two categories:

1. Exploits: exploit vulnerabilities in firmware (not all versions of MIUI work).
2. EDL-mode – emergency download mode requiring an authorized Xiaomi account (risky!).

Method 1: Use of vulnerabilities in MIUI (for older versions)

Some versions of MIUI (before MIUI 10) had an exploit that circumvented account verification.

• 📲 Install a special application on the phone (for example, Mi Account Bypass).
• 🔓 Reset your account data through ADB.
• 🔄 Reboot to Fastboot and launch Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5 Plus MIUI 11/12/13 This method doesn't work. Trying to use it can lock the device. MIUI In Settings → The phone.

Method 2: Unlocking with EDL (Engineering Download Mode)

EDL (or 9008) allows you to flash the device directly, bypassing the bootloader.

• 🔑 An authorized Xiaomi account (e.g. from a service center).
• 💾 Firmware file in.mbn format for Redmi 5 Plus.
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Process:

1. Transfer the phone to EDL: Turn off the device, press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC.
2. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware in the EDL-The mode can permanently kill the communication module (IMEI) Or the power controller, without experience, it's better not to risk it!

If you don’t have an authorized EDL account, you can try to find free credits on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA, but this violates Xiaomi’s rules and is fraught with consequences.

Table: Comparison of unlocking methods

As you can see from the table, the most secure method is official, but it requires an account. EDL-The mode offers maximum opportunities, but also maximum risks. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center.

What to do if the bootloader is unlocked, but the phone does not turn on

Once unlocked, Redmi 5 Plus can:

• 🔄 Getting fixated on the logo MI.
• 📵 Do not load (black screen).
• 🚨 Recovery Error: No Command Error in Recovery.

Decisions:

1. Install custom recavers (like TWRP) via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img Then run the clean firmware through TWRP.
2. Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select the Clean all option).
3. Check it out. IMEI: If he has fallen, restore him through QCN-file (requires) EDL-access).

If the phone is not responding to buttons and is not detected by the PC, it may have been a hardware lock (for example, an eMMC chip burned), in which case only repairs in the service center will help.

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Before you run your firmware through TWRP, format the data partition in F2FS format, which will speed up your phone and reduce the risk of errors.

Risks and consequences of unlocking the loader

Unlocking bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus entails several critical consequences:

• 🔴 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty if unlocked bootloader is detected.
• 🔒 Virus Vulnerability: Without bootloader Protection, Malware Can Get Root Access.
• 📡 Problems with OTA-Updates: Official updates may not be installed.
• 📵 Risk of “bricking”: an incorrect firmware or interrupted process can kill the device.
• 🚫 Blocking Services: Some features (such as Mi Pay or Game Turbo) will stop working.

How do you minimize the risks?

• 🔹 Use only verified firmware (for example, with a XDA Developers or 4PDA).
• 🔹 Make a backup. IMEI before the firmware (through MTK Droid Tools or QCN).
• 🔹 Do not install Magisk or Xposed modules without compatibility checks.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell a Redmi 5 Plus with an unlocked bootloader, the new owner may run into problems when trying to upgrade or restore the device!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center. Unlocking the bootloader without experience can lead to irreversible failure of the device.