Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vinci) is a must-have for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Despite the fact that the model was released in 2018, its popularity among Android enthusiasts is not fading: stable hardware (Snapdragon 625, 4 GB of RAM) and community support make the device an excellent platform for experimentation.
But Xiaomi’s bootloader unlocking process is traditionally surrounded by myths and pitfalls. The official Mi Unlock Tool method requires account binding, 72-720 hours waiting, and strict compliance. And informal methods can lead to permanent IMEI locking or turning the phone into a brick if fastboot commands fail. In this guide, we’ll look at all the current methods (including bypassing the 2026 restrictions), typical errors, and give a checklist for secure unlock.
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Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 5 Plus
The Xiaomi factory bootloader blocks any changes to the system partition, protecting the device from malware. But for power users, this becomes an obstacle.
- 📱 Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS for current versions of Android (up to Android 12 for vinci).
- 🔧 Root rights: Full system control via Magisk (for example, to remove embedded software or fine-tune performance).
- 🔄 Recovery from crashes: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo or bootloop after a failed update.
- 🚀 Overclocking and modifications: Changing the frequencies of the processor, kernel, or installing alternative recovery (TWRP).
However, unlocking has negative consequences:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is still in warranty service).
- ⚠️ The risk of blocking IMEI Errors in the process (especially relevant for models with a MTK, But vinci on Snapdragon is less vulnerable).
- ⚠️ Malware vulnerability (without loader protection, malware can access system partitions).
The official method: Mi Unlock Tool
The safest way is to use Xiaomi's Mi Unlock Tool, which, despite its limitations, minimizes the risks of a breeze.
Step 1. Linking your Mi Account to your phone
- Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in (if there is no account, register).
- Enable data synchronization and confirm the binding via SMS.
- Activate the option Settings → Additional → For developers → Linking the Mi Account (if there is no item, skip).
Step 2: Preparing the phone
- 🔄 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
- 🔌 Connect Redmi 5 Plus to PC via original cable (use rear cable) USB-port on PC for stability).
- 🛡️ Turn off Reset Protection in Settings → Mi Account → Device protection.
Step 3: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool
Download the latest version of the utility from the official website (at the moment). 2026 yearly version 5.5.224.52). Install it on a Windows PC 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux It works through a virtual machine).
☑️ Preparing for Unlocking via Mi Unlock
Step 4: Launch unlocking
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
- Turn off Redmi 5 Plus and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC – the utility should detect it.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action.
⚠️
If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported", it means: The account is not tied to the phone (repeat Step 1). The device has not passed the waiting period (usually 7 days after the binding).
What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool is 50% cold?
Unofficial Unlocking Methods (at Your Own Risk and Peril)
If the official method does not work (for example, due to the error "This device is locked" after reset), you can try alternative methods. IMEI or a full blink if you do not follow the instructions exactly.
Method 1: Bypassing waiting through EDL
Requires switching to EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode and using a patched Mi Flash Tool. Suitable for devices that are not defined in Fastboot.
Instructions:
- Download an authorized EDL account (paid, ~$5–$10).
- Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (for Snapdragon 625).
- Turn off the phone, press the volume up. + Loudness down + USB-gateway EDL.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the fastboot firmware for Redmi 5 Plus and press Refresh → Flash.
⚠️
Attention! Using unofficial EDL accounts can result in the device being blocked by Xiaomi servers, and once unlocked in this way, the phone may lose communication with networks (requires IMEI recovery via QCN or Maui META).
Method 2: Unlocking through Fastboot and ADB
For devices with unlocked OEM Unlock (if available in the developer settings):
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot rebootIf the fastboot oem unlock command gives you an error, try:
fastboot oem unlock-gofastboot flash persist persist.imgThis will help to reconnect if something goes wrong.-->
Typical errors and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users face problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock, try again after 72 hours | There is no waiting time after the account is linked. | Wait for the specified time (usually 7 days) and try again |
| Device not supported by mi unlock | Mi Unlock Tool or Region Mismatch | Update the utility and check the account region (should match the region of the phone) |
| Fastboot not recognized | No ADB/Fastboot drivers installed | Install Platform Tools and Drivers for Xiaomi |
| The phone will not turn on after unlocking. | Damaged bootloader or system partitions | Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode (select clean all) |
💡
If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after unlocking, don't panic! That's OK - just swipe through Custom Recovery (TWRP) and install the firmware again.
What to do after successful unblocking
Once the bootloader is unlocked, your Redmi 5 Plus is ready for modifications.
- 📲 Install TWRP Recovery: Download the latest version TWRP For vinci from the official website and go through fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- 🔄 Swipe custom firmware: Popular options for Redmi 5 Plus: LineageOS 19 (Android 12), Pixel Experience (with GCam support) or ArrowOS. Install via TWRP After Wipe System, Data, Cache.
- 🔐 Get root rights: Install Magisk through TWRP (Download the latest version from GitHub).
⚠️
Attention! Once you install custom firmware, don't update through OTA, it will lead to bootloop. All updates are manually installed via TWRP.
IMEI Restore After Unblocking
If after manipulation with the bootloader lost IMEI (no network, error "Invalid IMEI"), it can be restored in two ways:
Method 1: Engineering Mode (for Snapdragon)
- Enter ##4636## → select Information.
- Check the current IMEI (if null is displayed, recovery is required).
- Download Maui META or QCN Rebuilder for Snapdragon 625.
- Connect your phone in Diag Mode (command: adb shell setprop sys.usb.config diag,adb).
- Write down the original IMEI (indicated on the box or under the battery).
Method 2: Through QCN-file
If the IMEI is erased completely, you will need to flash the persist or modemst1/st2 backup. Ready-made.qcn files for Redmi 5 Plus can be found on the XDA or 4PDA forums, but only use files for your model!
Where can I get the original IMEI?
Security after unlocking
An unlocked bootloader opens up new possibilities, but it also increases the risks.
- 🔒 Do not install firmware from unknown sources – only from trusted forums (XDA, 4PDA, official project sites).
- 🛡️ Use Magisk to manage root rights – it allows you to hide root from banking applications (for example, through the MagiskHide Props Config module).
- 🔄 Regularly do backups through TWRP Adb backup (especially data, boot, persist).
- 📡 Check the integrity of the firmware MD5-hash.
💡
To hide the unlocked bootloader from some applications (such as banking), use the Magisk module called Universal SafetyNet Fix. It bypasses SafetyNet checks, but does not guarantee 100% performance in Google Pay.