Unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 5s bootloader: the official and safe way

Xiaomi Mi 5s

Snapdragon 821

LineageOS

Pixel Experience

bootloader

In this article, you will find the current 2026 manual for unlocking the Mi 5s, taking into account changes in Xiaomi policy (including mandatory account binding and time limits). We will examine the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods (if they still work), as well as typical errors and their solutions. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of the breeze - Mi 5s refers to devices with a secure anti-rollback scheme, and incorrect actions can lead to "bricking".

If you are new to Android, we recommend that you carefully read each step, and experienced users can skip the theoretical part and go straight to the practical steps.

Why unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 5s?

By default, all Xiaomi smartphones come with a locked bootloader.This is a security measure that:

  • 🔒 Prevents the installation of uncertified software (including viruses and spyware).
  • 🛡️ Protects user data when a device is stolen.
  • 📱 Provides stable operation of firmware MIUI.

However, unlocking opens up wide opportunities:

  • 📲 Installation of custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS, Havoc-OS, etc.).
  • 🔧 Obtaining superuser rights (root) for deep system customization.
  • 🔄 Possibility of rollback to old versions MIUI (with reservations on anti-rollback).
  • 🚀 Removing pre-installed software and optimizing performance.

For the Mi 5s, unlocking is especially relevant, as official firmware support has long since ceased.Castom builds allow you to get current versions of Android (up to Android 12 in unofficial ports) and security fixes.

⚠️ Attention! Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. Backup in advance via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The only way Xiaomi supports unlocking is using the Mi Unlock Tool utility.The process consists of several steps and requires linking the Mi Account to the device.

Pre-commencement requirements:

  • 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 5s version MIUI 8.0 or less (older versions may require an update).
  • 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.
  • 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11) and USB-cable (preferably original).
  • 🌐 Stable Internet connection (unlocking requires verification by Xiaomi server).
  • 🔑 Mi Account with a linked phone number (required for confirmation).

If you have not previously linked your account to your device, do so in advance:

  1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account.
  2. Sign in or create a new account.
  3. In the Settings → Additional → For developers, enable the Mi Unlock Status option and link the device to your account.

Xiaomi's limitations:

  • 🕒 Once an account is linked, you must wait 7 days (168 hours) before unlocking, a rule that has been in effect since 2018.
  • 🔄 Each Mi Account can unlock no more than 1 device in 30 days.
  • 📵 If the device was purchased by hand, make sure the previous owner untie their account (otherwise unlocking will not be possible).
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Step-by-step instructions for unlocking

When the 7-day waiting period has expired, proceed to unlock.

Step 1: Preparing the smartphone

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings → More → For developers and activate: Debugging with USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)

Mi 5s

File Transfer (MTP)

Step 2: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool

  1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website (Windows only!).
  2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
  3. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account as on your phone.

Step 3: Unlock the loader

  1. Turn off the Mi 5s and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.
  3. Confirm the action on the smartphone screen (if necessary).
  4. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
If the program does not recognize Mi 5s in Fastboot mode: Make sure the phone is actually in Fastboot mode (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT). Check if Android ADB Interface drivers are installed (you can download via SDK Platform Tools). Run the command line in the folder with adb and type: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, but Mi Unlock Tool does not see it - the problem is in the program (reinstall it).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (at Your Own Risk!)

The official Mi Unlock Tool method doesn’t always work, especially on older devices like the Mi 5s. Alternative methods can be found online, but they come with risks:

  • 🔓 EDL-Emergency Download Mode – allows you to flash the device bypassing the bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.
  • 📦 Firmware through Fastboot with modified script - can bypass the lock, but the risk of a blink is high.
  • 🔧 Exploits (e.g. DirtyCOW) – only work on older versions MIUI and closed in new updates.

Warning: The use of informal methods may lead to:

  • 🚨 Hard-brick (full brick, phone not even included in Fastboot).
  • 🔒 Blocking of Mi Account for Violation of Rules.
  • 📵 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).

If you do decide to use an alternative method, we recommend using an EDL with an authorized account.

  1. EDL Cable (or homemade adapter with Test Point pin closure).
  2. Mi Flash Pro with official firmware.
  3. Authorized Xiaomi account (you can buy access from trusted sellers).

💡

Before use EDL-Check if your model is supported. 5s (The method works, but requires firmware with the correct anti-rollback version (usually no higher than 3).

What to do after successful unblocking?

When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new possibilities, but first you have to do this.

  1. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP). It'll allow you to sew. ZIP-Files with firmware and modifications. TWRP for Mi 5s From the official website.Swipe through Fastboot command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Make a backup copy

TWRP

Backup

Sweep Magisk

root-right

Recommended firmware for Mi 5s (2026):

  • 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is stable and optimized.
  • 📱 Pixel Experience (Android 12) – with Google Pixel interface.
  • 📱 MIUI EU — pure MIUI softwareless.

Before you run your firmware, be sure to check for compatibility with your device’s anti-rollback version! You can find out about it in TWRP on the Advanced → Anti-Rollback Protection path.

💡

After unlocking the Xiaomi Mi bootloader 5s Losing official support OTA-All subsequent firmware will have to be installed manually through the TWRP or Fastboot!

Risks and security measures

Unlocking the bootloader is irreversible and risky.

  • 💀 Brick of the device - if you flash incompatible firmware or interrupt the process.
  • 🔓 Malware Vulnerability – Unlocked bootloader Makes Virus Installation Easy.
  • 📵 Loss of functionality – some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

How do you minimize the risks?

  • 📌 Only use the verified forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA.
  • 🔄 Always backup in. TWRP before experimentation.
  • 🛡️ Install Magisk instead of the classic SuperSU – it supports SafetyNet and hides root from applications.
  • 🔍 Check firmware files for viruses before installation.

If the phone does not turn on after the firmware:

  1. Try logging into Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power) and flashing the original MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool.
  2. If the device doesn't respond at all (black screen), there may have been a hard-brick, and then only firmware through EDL with an authorized account will help.

💡

If after unlocking the banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff), install the MagiskHide Props Config module and hide root. Instructions are on 4PDA in the theme of your firmware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I unlock the Mi? 5s without waiting 7 days?
No, it's a technical limitation of Xiaomi. There used to be workarounds (like resetting your phone time), but they don't work from 2020, and the only way is to wait 168 hours from the moment you're attached to your account.
❓ What is anti-rollback and why is it important for Mi 5s?
Anti-rollback is a Xiaomi mechanism that blocks the firmware of older versions of MIUI after an update. The Mi 5s rule is that if you have stitched a version with anti-rollback = 4, you will not be able to return to a version with anti-rollback = 3 or lower. This will lead to a blink! Before you run it, always check this option in the custom firmware description.
❓ Can I return the official lock of the loader?
Technically, yes, but it doesn't make sense. You need to flash the original MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option. However, after that, unlocking will require a re-wait for 7 days. Xiaomi officially does not support re-locking on older devices.
❓ Why Mi Unlock Tool Writes “50%” and Doesn’t Move On?
This is a common problem with: Unstable Internet connection (the program checks data on Xiaomi servers); outdated version of Mi Unlock Tool; antivirus blocking (add the program to exceptions); Solution: restart the utility, check the connection or try another PC.
❓ Where to download the original firmware for Mi 5s?
Official firmware can be downloaded from the Xiaomi website (choose the Mi model) 5s). From the forum 4PDA (There are modified and stable versions. For firmware via Fastboot, use the Mi Flash Tool, for example, to use the Fastboot. TWRP — ZIP-file.