The Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but its potential is only unlocked once the bootloader is unlocked.Without it, you can’t install custom software, get root rights, or flash global firmware on the Chinese version of the device. However, the process of unlocking on the Redmi 5A (codenamed riva) has nuances that even experienced users often miss.
In this article, the guideline for 2026 is up to date, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy (including mandatory binding of Mi Account and restrictions on the frequency of unlocking), we will examine not only the standard procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool, but also solutions to typical errors like “Couldn’t unlock account” or “Current is different from the account info on the the.”
Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 5A
The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure, but it also restricts the user. On the Redmi 5A, unlocking provides the following features:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) to update Android to current versions.
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system setup or removal of embedded software.
- 🌍 Transition from Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Global (Global) ROM) European (EEA ROM).
- 🔧 Correction of errors MIUI, For example, persistent lags or notification problems.
However, there are risks:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is still in warranty service).
- ⚠️ The ability to “brick” (brick) smartphone with errors during firmware.
- ⚠️ Vulnerability to malware incorrectly configured superuser rights.
⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 5A All data (including photos and contacts) is automatically reset. Backup via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or by using Mi PC Suite.
Requirements for unlocking the loader
Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the conditions are met:
| Requirement | Details. | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Account | Linked to the device and confirmed by SMS/email | Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account |
| MIUI version | MIUI 9 (for stable operation of Mi Unlock Tool) | Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI |
| Battery charge | At least 60% | Check the charge indicator |
| USB cable | Original or high-quality (important for a stable connection in Fastboot) | Try to connect to the PC - you should decide without errors |
| ADB/Fastboot Drivers | Installed on PC (for Windows – Mi USB Driver) | Check in Device Manager (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed) |
Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its checks: if an account was created less than 72 hours ago or not confirmed by email/SMS, the Mi Unlock Tool will give an error “Couldn’t verify device”.
Preparation of the smartphone: steps before unlocking
Before connecting Redmi 5A to your PC, do the following on your phone:
Enable debugging on USB|Allow unlocking OEM|Link Mi Account to your device|Update MIUI last-minute|Disable all screen blockers (PIN, graphical)-->
Let's take a closer look at each item:
- Initiation of debugging USB Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, To activate the developer mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔧 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)
Linking Mi Accounts
Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security and make sure the device is linked to your account. If not, click Add Account and follow the instructions. Without this step, Mi Unlock Tool will not unlock the bootloader!
MIUI Update
Outdated firmware versions can cause errors when unlocked. Update via Settings → About Phone → System Update. For Redmi 5A, the current version for 2026 is MIUI 14 (Android 12).
⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 5A Firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM), Before unlocking, it is recommended to re-flash to Global ROM This will reduce the risk of account link errors.
Installation of Mi Unlock Tool and drivers
To unlock the bootloader, you will need the official utility from Xiaomi - Mi Unlock Tool. Download it from the official website (version must be at least 5.5.224.30 for compatibility with Redmi 5A).
Also install the drivers:
- 🖥️ For Windows: Download Mi USB Driver from Xiaomi Support Page.
- 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Use fastboot from Android-tools (install via terminal).
After installing the drivers, check the connection:
- Turn off Redmi 5A.
- Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
- Connect the smartphone to the PC and enter in the command line: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), the drivers are installed correctly.
💡
If your fastboot devices don’t show your Redmi 5A, try another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) or disable the driver signature in Windows via bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on (requires administrator rights).
Unlocking process: step-by-step instructions
Now, to unlock itself, follow the instructions in strict order.
- Open the utility on behalf of the administrator (right click → Launch on behalf of the administrator). Sign in under the same Mi Account that is associated with Redmi 5A.
- Connect your phone to make sure the smartphone is in Fastboot mode and connected to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.
- Waiting for the Utility to check the account's link, if everything is correct, the message "Unlocked successfully" will appear. Waiting time can reach 3-5 minutes - do not turn off the cable!
If the process is successful, the bootloader is unlocked. Now, every time Redmi 5A is turned on, a warning will appear: "This device is unlocked" (this is normal).
What if Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock 50%" error?
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct instructions, Redmi 5A users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | Account not linked to device or created less than 72 hours ago | Wait 3 days or use another Mi Account linked to your phone |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | Mi Unlock Tool and phone accounts | log out of your phone account, reboot and log in again |
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the phone | Problems with drivers or cable | Install drivers manually through Device Manager or try another one USB-cable |
| This device is locked after restarting | Unlocking is not completed (for example, due to a connection break) | Repeat the process from the beginning, making sure the connection is stable |
If none of the solutions worked, try:
- 🔄 Change the Mi Unlock Tool version (e.g. 3.5.501.24) – it often works more stable than new ones).
- 🔄 Use a different PC (sometimes the lock is linked to the IP-address).
- 🔄 Remove the firmware to an older version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 on MIUI 12).
💡
If the Redmi 5A bootloader is not activated (the “brick”) after unlocking, don’t panic. 90% of the time, it can be restored via the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode, which requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account or help from a service center.
What to do after unlocking
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the Redmi 5A will offer new opportunities, but also risks.
- 🔒 Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP) For easy firmware and backups, download the version specifically for riva (codename Redmi). 5A) from twrp.me.
- 🛡️ Make a full backup through TWRP (Boot, System, Data, that will save your data if you fail to firmware.
- 📱 Squeeze Magisk for root rights (download the latest version from GitHub).
If the purpose of unlocking is to install global firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool with the official ROM for Redmi 5A (you can download it from Xiaomi website).
⚠️ Note: After obtaining root rights, some functions may stop working: 💳 Google Pay and banking apps (due to SafetyNet trigger). 📱 Oh.TA-update MIUI (You will have to update manually). 🔒 Data encryption (may need to be disabled in settings) MagiskHide Props Config module will help fix the problem with SafetyNet.