The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still a popular device among Android customization enthusiasts, but the custom firmware, root rights, or modified Recovery requires you to unlock the bootloader, a procedure Xiaomi has made difficult due to security policies. Unlike new models, where the process can take up to 360 hours to process, the 2018 Redmi Note 5 has special rules.
In this article, you will find the most current ways to unlock the bootloader for 2026, including the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, bypassing the binding limitations of the account, as well as solving errors such as “Couldn’t unlock” or “Current account is different from the account info on the device”. We will also discuss why unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 5 via EDL-Xiaomi is not allowed without authorization from 2021 and what legal alternatives remain.
What is a bootloader and why unlock it on the Redmi Note 5
A bootloader is a low-level software that runs to the operating system and determines which kernel and firmware to download. On all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 5, the bootloader is locked by default.
- 🔒 Protection against unauthorized access to data when a device is stolen.
- 🛡️ Preventing the installation of malware at the firmware level.
- 📱 Compliance with Google’s Device Certification Policy (e.g. for Google Pay).
However, the blocked bootloader restricts the user to:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI Pro).
- 🔧 Getting Root Rights (Magisk or SuperSU).
- 🔄 Use of modified Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
- 📱 Removing embedded system applications (bloat).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader results in a complete data reset (including internal memory). Backup via Mi Cloud or locally on the PC is mandatory.
The official way to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool
The only legal method to unlock a bootloader on the Redmi Note 5 is to use Xiaomi's Mi Unlock Tool, a process that requires you to link your Mi Account to your device and wait for permission from the company's servers.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and make sure your account is added. Then to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
- Activate debugging on USB unlock OEM: B Settings → Additionally. → For developers, turn on: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (If there is no option, see spoiler below).
Link the device to your account
In the same Developer Menu, look for Mi Unblock Status and click Add Account and Device. Wait for SMS or notification of successful linking (can take up to 72 hours).
What to do if there is no option to unlock OEM?
After the account is linked:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool: The official utility is available on Xiaomi's unlock page (authentication required). Use version 6.5.406.24 or later for the Redmi Note 5.
- Run unlock in Fastboot mode: Turn off your phone, then press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot. Connect your device to your PC, open Mi Unlock Tool, and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone. Press Unlock.
However, among the common workarounds:
- Use of patched versions of Mi Unlock Tool: Some modified versions of the utility (for example, Mi Unlock Tool 4.5.808.54) allow you to bypass account verification. However, they often contain malicious code. XDA Developers.
- Unlocking through EDL-Previously, this method worked through authorized Xiaomi accounts, but since 2021, the company has blocked the ability to unlock Redmi Note 5 through the Internet. EDL Now it's only available to service centers.
- Account bypass exploits: For example, a vulnerability in the anti-rollback mechanism. For Redmi Note 5, the actual exploit is DirtyCOW, but it requires root rights that cannot be obtained without an unlocked bootloader (closed circle).
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If you decide to use informal methods, create a full backup. NVRAM (IMEI, MAC-addresses MTK Droid Tools or SP Flash Tool before manipulation, this will help restore communication and device identifiers in the event of a failure.
What to do after successfully unlocking the bootloader
When the bootloader is unlocked, a warning will appear on the screen when it is turned on, "This device is unlocked" with a yellow icon.
- 🔄 Install TWRP Recovery: Download the current version for Redmi Note 5 (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img) and run through fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
- 📱 Get Root Rights: Load to the TWRP, plough Magisk.zip Check the root through the Magisk Manager app.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware: Popular options for whyred: LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11), Pixel Experience (Android 12) or MIUI Pro (optimized version of stock firmware).
However, keep in mind the risks:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge on custom firmware due to unoptimized core.
- 📶 Problems with VoLTE or Wi-Fi (especially on firmware-based AOSP).
- 🛡️ Loss of Widevine support L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+).
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Once you unlock the bootloader, be sure to turn off the automatic MIUI update in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Stock updates can overwrite custom recavers or firmware!
How to get it back: Re-blocking the bootloader
If you decide to sell the phone or return it to the official service, the bootloader can be blocked back.
- Flip the official MIUI via Fastboot: Download the latest stable firmware for the Redmi Note 5 from Xiaomi Firmware. Unpack the archive and run through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all and lock mode.
- Reset to factory settings: In Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset, select Reset. This will delete all data and return the device to a “clean” state.
- Check the status of the bootloader: Turn off the phone, go to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info If in the output Device unlocked: false - the bootloader is blocked.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is blocked, installing custom firmware or root rights will become impossible without re-unblocking, and some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) may stop working if the root was previously received.