The situation when the owner of the smartphone forgets the security code, occurs much more often than you think. Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, released a few years ago, is still actively used, and users often face the inability to access the system. The problem is led by the fact that modern versions of the shell MIUI Implement strict security measures that block simple bypass methods.
There are several proven ways to solve this problem, ranging from using the manufacturer's cloud service to completely flashing the device, and the choice of a particular method depends on whether the phone was tied to a Mi Account account or debugging over USB was enabled. In some cases, the data can be saved, but most often, a complete reset will be required to guarantee the result.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available action algorithms relevant to the Snapdragon processor architecture installed in Redmi 5 Plus. We will look at the regular system tools, engineering menus and specialized software for working with the bootloader. Carefully study each option to choose the most suitable for your particular situation.
Use of Mi Unlock Status and Cloud Service
The most civilized and safe way to regain access to the device is to use the built-in device search function from Xiaomi, which only works if the locked smartphone has logged in to Mi Account and activated the “Find the device” function.
To start, you need to go to the official website of the cloud service from any other device, whether it is a computer or another phone. Enter your credentials that were used on the blocked Redmi 5 Plus. The site interface allows you to remotely control the gadget, including the ability to erase data or change the password of the lock screen.
If the device is online, you'll see it on the map. In the management menu, select the data cleanup option. This action will delete the pattern lock or the digital code, but also erase all photos, contacts and applications. Once the procedure is complete, the phone will reboot, and you can configure it as new by logging into the same account.
⚠️ Note: If Find Device has been disabled in the settings or the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work.Do not try to guess the password repeatedly, as the system can increase lock time or lock the device completely.
It's important to understand that once you unlock it, the system will require you to enter the Mi Account password when you first download it, which is a theft protection mechanism that you can't get around with simple manipulations, and make sure you remember your account data before you start the process.
Resetting settings through Recovery mode
If cloud-based methods are not available, the only standard solution is factory reset via the Recovery menu, which is built into the firmware of each Android smartphone and allows low-level operations. For the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, the login procedure is standard and does not require superuser rights.
First, turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to hold the volume button. In a few seconds, you will see the main recovery menu with English text and orange buttons.
☑️ Reset algorithm via Recovery
Navigate in this menu with volume buttons and select by power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. In the next screen, confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The system will warn you that all data will be destroyed.
Once confirmed, the memory partition formatting process will begin, which can take anywhere from one to five minutes, and when completed, a successful reset message will appear, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System. The phone will launch as new.
Unlocking through Fastboot and Mi Flash Unlock
A more complex, but often the only possible method for older models is to use Fastboot mode, which is designed to flash the device from the computer. For the Redmi 5 Plus, it is especially relevant, since it allows you to bypass the standard password check when you boot the system if the bootloader is unlocked.
To work, you will need a PC with Windows OS, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. First, put your phone in Fastboot mode, press the volume down button and the power button, and the screen will show a picture of a hare fixing an android. Connect the device to your computer.
Run the official Mi Flash Tool utility or third-party cleanup support. Select the option from the program menu clean_all, It's a complete memory cleanup and a clean system, and if the bootloader is locked, it'll give you an error, and you'll have to wait for it. 168 hours after filing an application for unblocking.
What if your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot?
Using Fastboot gives you deeper access to the system than Recovery. However, if the phone had a complicated Google account lock (FRP), after a reset, the system still requires you to enter data from the last synchronized Google account, an independent protection that can not be circumvented by simple formatting.
Use debugging over USB and ADB commands
This method is only suitable for advanced users who have pre-installed debugging on the USB If this option was active before the screen lock, there is a chance to delete the file with the access key without losing personal data. ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the tool folder of the platform. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices. If a notification about debugging permission appeared on the phone screen and you confirmed it (which is difficult to do with a locked screen, but it is possible through a debugging permission). OTG-mouse), the device will be determined.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
adb shell rm /data/system/keyguard/keyguard.db
adb rebootExecuting these commands will delete files that store the hashes of the pattern lock and password. After a reboot, the screen lock should disappear. However, on modern versions of Android and MIUI, this method often does not work due to the encryption of the /data partition, which is not available without entering a pin code.
⚠️ Note: Attempting to delete system files through ADB This method can lead to a cyclic bootloop, and only use it if you are confident in your actions and understand the structure of the Android file system.
Comparison of Redmi 5 Plus Unlocking Methods
To make it easier for you to choose your strategy, we have systematized the main ways to remove your password into a spreadsheet, each method has its own limitations and device state requirements, assess the risks of data loss and the complexity of execution before starting the procedure.
| Method | Data retention | We need the Internet. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud (Remotely) | No (full reset) | Yeah (on the phone) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No (full reset) | No. | Low. |
| Fastboot + Mi Flash | No (complete flashing) | Yes (on PC) | Medium |
| ADB Commands | Yes (theoretically) | No. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, saving data with a forgotten password on modern devices is almost impossible without special service tools that are used in authorized centers. For the average user, resetting through Recovery remains the most realistic option.
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Before selling or transferring your phone, always make a full Wipe Data reset and log out of all accounts, which will protect your personal data and save the new owner from problems with blocking FRP.
The problem of FRP and Google account after reset
After you successfully reset your settings, you may encounter Google's activation screen, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which requires you to enter a login and password from a Google account that was synced on the device before the reset, and this is done to protect against theft.
If you remember your data, just enter it. If the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not delete the account, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device. APK-Files, but these vulnerabilities are constantly closed by security updates.
In the event that access to a Google account is lost, the official way to restore access is only through the form of restoring a Google account on another device. Third-party services for “unlocking from FRP” are often informal and may not be secure for your data.
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FRP protection is an independent layer of security. Resetting the lock screen password does not eliminate the need to verify identity through a Google account when you first download.