Previous articleThis device is locked on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: how to unlock your smartphone in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face the problem of locking the screen. a message “This device is locked” or requesting a password after a reboot can appear for many reasons, from banal forgetfulness to firmware failure. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred), including official methods through Mi Account and alternative solutions for cases when standard approaches do not work.

It is important to understand that the unlocking procedure depends on the type of lock (PIN, pattern lock, fingerprint), Mi Account status and firmware version. For example, on devices with MIUI 12+ and a linked account, the access recovery algorithm differs from smartphones without a tether or with custom firmware. We will also consider the risks of using informal methods (such as EDL mode) that can lead to a device “brick”.

If you're looking for a way to get around the lock without losing data, let's warn you: 90% of the time, it's not possible. Xiaomi uses hardware encryption, and resetting will inevitably delete user files. However, we'll show you how to minimize the risks and restore access with minimal consequences.

1.Official method: Unblocking through Mi Account

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account.

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the device.
• 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the "Forgot the password?" button will appear on the lock screen.

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
2. Confirm your identity via SMS or email (confirmation code).
3. Reset the screen lock password.

If you don't have a "Forgot Password?" button, try connecting to Wi-Fi manually (some versions of MIUI even allow this on a locked screen).

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi Note 5 with your hands, the previous owner may not have deleted his Mi Account.In this case, official unlocking is only possible through his consent or appealing in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

2 Unlocking through Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If Mi Account is lost or your smartphone is not connected to the Internet, you will be hard-reset via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data but return access to the device.

Instructions for Redmi Note 5:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and confirm the choice with the power button.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the reset.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

Some versions of MIUI may require you to enter a password even in Recovery. If this happens, try an alternative method via Fastboot (described below).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
• 📥 You can download the official firmware for Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred).
• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked on the device (Bootloader).

If the bootloader is blocked, you will first have to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on new accounts).

1. Download and install the official firmware for Redmi Note 5 (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MiFlash\whyred).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, connect the switched off smartphone to the PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power).
4. In the program, select the firmware folder, press Refresh, then Flash.

Once the firmware is in place, the device will be completely reset, including locking the screen. IMEI modem.

4. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the "last chance" to unlock if other methods have failed. It allows you to flash the device bypassing the bootloader lock, but requires:

• 💻 Special cable. EDL (or circuitry).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 🔗 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).

Warning: Using EDL without experience can cause the device to fail completely (the “brick”), a method that is only recommended if you are confident in your actions or if you consult a specialist.

Instructions:

1. Transfer the smartphone to EDL (closing test points or via the command adb reboot edl, if ADB is enabled).
2. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Pro.
3. Select the firmware for whyred and start the firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and the blocked firmware loader through EDL Xiaomi may require authorization, but without it, the process will end in error. SLA Auth.

5. Alternative methods (without loss of data)

Is there a way to unlock the Redmi Note 5 without a data reset? Theoretically, yes, but only in rare cases:

For example, if you have TWRP Recovery installed on your device, you can manually delete the files responsible for blocking:

adb shell


rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

Then reboot your smartphone, and the lock should reset, but this only works on unencrypted devices or root-rights.

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If you forget your password but remember the pattern lock, try entering it after 30 seconds of waiting on the lock screen – sometimes the system offers an alternative method of entering.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods do not work, the following options remain:

• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a confirmation of purchase (check, box) and they can unlock the device through official channels.
• 💰 Buy an unlock code from trusted vendors (for example, on DC-Unlocker or UnlockUnit.
• 🔧 Sell your smartphone for spare parts if the lock is connected to the previous owner’s Mi Account and there is no way to remove it.

Forums (like 4PDA or XDA Developers) sometimes have new unlock methods for specific versions of MIUI. Watch out for updates, but be careful with unofficial tools - they may contain malicious code.

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If the Redmi Note 5 is blocked due to a factory reset without detachment of the Mi Account, it can only be officially unlocked through the previous owner or confirmation of purchase at the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 5