How to remove the lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi 5: all working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even it is not immune to problems with locking the screen. Forgot the pattern lock? Phone requires a password after rebooting? or the screen is locked due to multiple incorrect input? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock on Redmi 5 (including the models of Redmi 5A and Redmi 5 Plus) taking into account the features of the MIUI 10-14 firmwarewarenesses.

It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on whether the phone is linked to a Mi Account, whether USB debugging is enabled, and whether you have a backup, and we'll look at both the retention options and the full reset options -- choose the one that suits your situation.

We warn you that some of these things require technical skills, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better go to Xiaomi's service center, but if you're willing to do it yourself, let's go!

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • πŸ”‘ You remember the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
  • πŸ”„ On the lock screen there is a button "Forgot your password?" or "Unlock through Mi Account".

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, tap the button "Forgot your password?" (may be called "Unblock through Mi Account").
  2. Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
  3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (depending on your security settings).
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the system will suggest resetting the lock password.

βœ… Pros of the method: does not require data reset, works on all versions MIUI, Officially supported by Xiaomi.

❌ Cons: if the phone is not connected to the network or you do not remember the account data, the method will not work.

πŸ’‘

If the button "Forgot your password?" no, try to enter any password 5 times in a row - sometimes after that the option to unlock through Mi Account appears.

2. Recovery Mode reset (hard reset)

If you don't have a Mi Account attached or you don't remember the data, you're left with a hardware reset via Recovery Mode, which removes all the data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it as a last resort!

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 5:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (may be in Chinese or English).
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
  5. Choose Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (or Wipe All Data) β†’ Chinese).
  6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  7. Reboot your phone with Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may require you to enter the data of the Mi Account that was previously linked (Mi Cloud Lock function) after a reset. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will remain locked!

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged.

Backup important data (if available)

Prepare data from your Mi Account (if your phone has been tied)

Have a charger on hand (the process can take up to 10 minutes)

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3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is enabled debugging by USB (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI β†’ 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB), you can try to remove the lock through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Procedure:

  1. Connect Redmi 5 to your computer via USB-cable.
  2. Download and install ADB Tools (or use Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
  3. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ cmd) and type:
adb devices

If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), enter:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




adb reboot

After the reboot, the lock should disappear. If not, repeat the commands or try another method.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Make sure you have drivers installed for Xiaomi (you can download it on the official website). USB-Cable (preferably original) Enable File Transfer Mode" (MTP) When you connect to a PC, restart your computer and phone, then reconnect.

4. bypass the pattern lock through Safe Mode

If Redmi 5 has a pattern lock installed, rather than a PIN or password, you can try to bypass it through Safe Mode. This method does not work on all firmware, but it is worth a try.

Instructions:

  1. Press the power button to turn off the menu.
  2. Tap and hold the β€œStop” option (or β€œPower off”) before a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
  3. Confirm the transition - the phone will restart.
  4. In Safe Mode, try entering any pattern lock (sometimes the system skips).
  5. If you can unlock, immediately disable the screen lock in the settings (Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ No).
  6. Restart your phone in normal mode.

⚠️ Warning: Safe Mode has disabled all third-party applications, so if the lock was installed through a third-party locker (such as AppLock), it can be removed.

5. use of third-party tools (at your own risk)

If official methods have not worked, some users resort to third-party programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Dr.Fone, and we do not recommend using them for several reasons:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security risk: These tools may contain malware or spyware modules.
  • πŸ“΅ Unguaranteed results: on new versions MIUI (12+) These programs often don't work.
  • πŸ’° Paid Features: Free versions usually have limitations, and full unlock requires a fee.

If you do decide, choose tools from proven sources (for example, XDA Developers) and be sure to:

  • πŸ” Check the reviews and reputation of the program.
  • πŸ–₯️ Use a virtual machine or backup computer.
  • πŸ“± Backup the data (if possible).

Official reset via Mi Account

Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)

ADB or other technical methods

Third-party programs (Dr.Fone, etc.)

Never blocked your phone.

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6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

MethodDescriptionCostTime.
Contact the Xiaomi Service CenterOfficial repairs with warranty: proof of ownership (checks, box) will be required.1 500–3 000 β‚½1-3 days
Fastboot flashing through FastbootInstalling clean firmware through a PC requires skill and unlocked bootloader.Free of charge.30–60 minutes
Replacement of motherboardExtreme measure if the lock is due to a hardware malfunction.4 000–8 000 β‚½3-7 days

πŸ”Ή Fastboot flashing is a radical but effective method:

  1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 from Xiaomi website.
  2. Unclose the file and install Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
  3. Press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:
fastboot flash all [name file firmware].tgz

⚠️ Warning: The wrong firmware can turn a phone into a brick. If you're not sure, don't take risks!

πŸ’‘

Fastboot flashing removes all data, including Mi Account, and is the only way to bypass Mi Cloud Lock if you don’t remember your account details.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 5

πŸ”“ Can I remove the lock without losing data?
Yes, but only if: The phone is linked to your Mi Account and you remember the login/password. You have USB debugging enabled and you can use ADB. The lock is installed through a third-party app (like AppLock), which can be removed in Safe Mode. In all other cases, you will need a data reset.
πŸ“± Why does the phone need a password again after resetting via Recovery?
This is Mi Cloud Lock, which is anti-theft. If the phone was linked to a Mi Account, you'll need to reset that account information. If you don't remember it, it'll only help: Contact the service center to confirm your purchase, flash through Fastboot.
⚑ Can you unlock Redmi 5 through the engineering menu?
No. The engineering menu (#4636###) doesn't have any options to unlock the screen, all of the "instructions" on the Internet are scams or viruses.
πŸ”§ What to do if photos are missing after unlocking?
If you reset through Recovery, the data is deleted irrevocably. Try: Recover photos through programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (if the phone is defined as a drive); Check backups in Google Photos or Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled); the chances of recovery are higher the less you used the phone after the reset.
πŸ”’ How to protect Redmi 5 from accidental lockdown in the future?
Follow these tips: πŸ“Œ Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock. πŸ” Write it down. PIN-code or pattern lock in a secure location (e.g., Google Keep with encryption). ☁️ Link your phone to your Mi Account and enable data synchronization. πŸ”§ Put the debugging on. USB (In case you need to unlock through ADB).