Why Redmi 5A is blocked and what to do about it
Xiaomi Redmi 5A (codenamed riva) is still a popular budget device, but its owners often face lock problems. The reasons can be different from the banal forgetfulness of the password to the activation of Mi-account protection after resetting. In 80% of cases, the lock is associated with the Xiaomi account, but sometimes the blocked bootloader (bootloader) or activation of factory protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to unlock the Redmi 5A in 2026, from official methods with confirmation via Mi Unlock Tool to workarounds for devices with a linked account. It’s important to understand that procedures differ depending on the type of lock. For example, unblocking the Mi-account and unlocking the bootloader are two different processes and should not be confused. If you’re not sure what’s blocking your smartphone, start with the diagnosis (this is discussed in the next section).
A critical feature of Redmi 5A: this model does not support unlocking the bootloader through Fastboot, if it is installed firmware newer than MIUI 10.3.3.0. For such cases, you will need to bypass through EDL-mode (emergency firmware).
How to determine the type of lock on Redmi 5A
Before you start unlocking, you need to understand exactly what you're dealing with. Here are three main scenarios:
- 🔒 Mi-account lock: After resetting or firmware, the phone requires you to enter a username and password from your associated Xiaomi account. On the screen, the inscription “This device is locked” or “Enter Mi Account details” appears».
- 📱 Locked bootloader: When you try to flash your phone through Fastboot, you see an error: "Device is locked" or "This device is locked." OEM Unlocking is inactive.
- 🔄 FRP-lock: after resetting to factory settings, the phone requires you to enter the data of the Google account that was previously linked.+.
To diagnose the problem:
- Connect Redmi 5A to your computer and check if it is defined in Device Manager as Android Bootloader Interface (bootloader locked) or Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (EDL mode).
- Try going to Fastboot (keep Volume Down + Power When the phone is off) and if you see a lock that says "Locked" the bootloader is locked.
- If the phone is turned on but requires an account, check whether it is Mi or Google.
Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
If your goal is to unlock the bootloader for further firmware custom recavery (for example, TWRP) If you've tried to install an unofficial firmware, use the official tool from Xiaomi. However, note that this method only works for devices that have never unlocked the bootloader before. If you've tried this before and got the "Couldn't unlock" error, go to the section about the bootloader. EDL-regime.
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: In the same developer menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if you don’t have one, register a new one).
Launch unlock.
- Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
- Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).
Developer mode activated|Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|Phone in Fastboot mode|Original. USB-cable-->
Possible errors and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock | The device has already unlocked or firmware is newer than MIUI 10.3.3.0 | Use the EDL method (section below) |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | The account on the PC and the phone do not match | Sign in to the same account on both devices |
| Device is not supported | The utility is outdated or the phone is not recognized | Update Mi Unlock Tool and Qualcomm Drivers |
⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader from the phone will be removed all DRM-This means that apps like Netflix or Google Pay can stop working in Widevine mode. L1 (drop down L3). If you need support HD-content in streaming services, unblocking is not recommended.
Unlocking through EDL-mode (for the blocked loader)
If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn’t unlock error, and the phone is not defined in Fastboot, the only option is the firmware through the Fastboot. EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method requires a special cable or lintel on the board, but allows you to bypass the lock even on new firmware.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows computer (Qualcomm drivers must be installed).
- 📎 EDL-cable (or the ability to close test points on the board).
- 📦 Firmware for Redmi 5A.mbn format (e.g. Fastboot-ROM from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).
Step-by-step:
- Put the phone in mode. EDL: Turn off Redmi. 5A. Connect. EDL-cable (or close the test points on the board if you can solder). Connect your phone to your PC - Qualcomm should appear in Device Manager HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Install firmware via Mi Flash: Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the firmware folder. At the bottom, select Clean all mode and press Flash.
Wait for completion
- It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots.
- If an SLA Auth Error error appears, then the firmware is not suitable for your model - download another version.
Method 3: Through service codes (does not work on all firmware)
- Enter the code ##3646633# (Engineer Mode) on the lock screen.
- Go to Connectivity → CDMA and select Disable FRP.
- Restart your phone and the lock should disappear.