Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Pro (codenamed whyred) is a must-have for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Although the model was released in 2018, its popularity among Android enthusiasts is maintained thanks to balanced features and active support from the development community. However, the unlocking process has become much more complicated after Xiaomi’s policy tightening in 2020-2023: it now requires not only waiting for confirmation from the company’s servers, but also bypassing new account checks.
In this article, you will find the current instructions for 2026, taking into account all the changes in the unlock mechanism, including working with the Mi Unlock Tool, avoiding errors like “Couldn’t unlock” or “Account bound not”, as well as alternative methods for devices with a blocked Mi Account. We will analyze each step – from preparing the phone to the final restart with an unlocked bootloader – and also provide solutions for the typical problems faced by Redmi 5 Pro users.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 5 Pro
Xiaomi’s factory bootloader blocks any attempts to modify the system partition, which limits the device owner’s ability to do so, and here are the key reasons Redmi 5 Pro users are turning to unlocking:
- 🔧 Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS for current Android updates (the model officially does not receive updates from 2021).
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system setup, removing embedded software or using modules like ViPER4Android.
- 🔄 Recovery from a brick (for example, if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after a failed update).
- 📱 Optimizing Performance: Turning Background Processes Off MIUI, acceleration CPU/GPU or the installation of alternative nuclei.
It is important to understand that unlocking the phone resets to factory settings and voids the warranty (if it is still valid), and some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) may block work on devices with the unlocked bootloader due to security requirements.
⚠️ Note: Redmi 5 Pro with firmware newer MIUI 12.5 (released in 2021) can trigger anti-Rollback protection, which means that once unlocked, you will not be able to return to the old version. MIUI You can't risk turning your phone into a brick. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance
Before starting the process, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and skipping at least one item can lead to errors such as "Current account is different from the account info on the device" or "Device not connected."
Create a Mi Account and link your phone|Enable debugging on USB and OEM-unlock|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version|Make a backup of the data (unlocking erases everything)|Charge your phone at least 60%-->
Let’s look at each item in more detail:
- Register your account on Xiaomi’s official website (use real email and phone number). Then go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign in and log in. Be sure to link the device to your account in Settings → Additional → Special Features → Mi Account Status (should read “Device is tied”).
- Developer settings Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on "Version" MIUI". Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)
Drivers and POs
On your computer, install the Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30 for Windows 10/11). Also download ADB and Fastboot (or use Minimal ADB). Drivers for the Redmi 5 Pro can be installed through the Mi PC Suite or manually from this archive.
The official method of unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool
This is the main method approved by Xiaomi, but it requires waiting for confirmation from the company's servers (usually 72 hours to 7 days).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode Turn off Redmi 5 Pro, then press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. Connect your phone to your PC via the original USB-cable (preferably port) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit).
- Open the program on behalf of the administrator, log in to your Mi Account (should match the one on the phone!). Click Unlock - if done correctly, a waiting message will appear (for example, "Wait 168 hours").
- After the deadline, repeat the procedure: reconnect the phone to Fastboot, launch Mi Unlock Tool and press Unlock. If the process is successful, the word "Unlocked successfully" will appear, and the phone will automatically restart.
| Posts in Mi Unlock Tool | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock | Xiaomi servers have not confirmed the unlock | Wait for the specified time (usually 72–168 hours) and try again. |
| Account not bound | Mi Account is not tied to the device | Re-link your account in your phone settings and reboot. |
| Device not connected | Problems with drivers or cable | Check the connection, try another one. USB-port |
| Current account is different... | There are different accounts on the phone and in Mi Unlock Tool | Log out of your phone account, log in again and re-title |
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you an error "This device is locked" after waiting, try using an alternative version of the tool (e.g. Mi Unlock Tool 3.5.1014.25 - it bypasses some checks).
Alternative Unlocking Methods (if the Official One is Not Working)
If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the Redmi 5 Pro even after waiting, you can try workarounds.They are less reliable and can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account, but sometimes this is the only way out.
Method using EDL (Emergency mode)
A safer alternative is to use custom TWRP and then unlock it via fastboot.
- Installation TWRP Download the current version TWRP For whyred (e.g., from here). Rename the file to twrp.img And put it in a folder with fastboot. Then run the command: fastboot flash recovery. twrp.img
- Download to TWRP Reboot your phone to recovery, keeping Volume up + Power. In TWRP, allow modifications (Keep Read Only → swipe to the right).
- Unlocking through ADB Connect your phone to your PC and type in: adb shell echo "yes" > /data/.unlock_bootloader Then reboot to fastboot and try to unlock again via Mi Unlock Tool.
A critical feature of the Redmi 5 Pro: some batches of devices (released after June 2019) use an eMMC chip with hardware locking entries in the boot section. In this case, unlocking the boot boot boot boot is possible, but installing custom firmware will lead to the error "Invalid boot imager." Check the eMMC model through the command fastboot getvar product - if the answer is "emmc", you will need a special patch for firmware.
What to do after successful unblocking
When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new opportunities, but you also have risks. Here's what you should do first:
- Install custom recovery as mentioned earlier, TWRP It will allow you to create backups (nandroid backup), install ZIP-Firmware and modifications. 5 Pro Pro recommends versions 3.7.0_9-0 or newer.
- Make a full backup to TWRP, go to Backup and save the Boot, System, Data and EFS (stores IMEI!) partitions.
- Download the latest Magisk from GitHub and run through TWRP. This will hide root from banking applications (for example, through the MagiskHide Props Config module).
💡
Once unlocked, the Redmi 5 Pro bootloader is automatically reset to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted! Transfer important information to your PC or cloud in advance.