How To Unlock Bootloader In Xiaomi Redmi 5 With... |best| Official
To unlock the bootloader of a Xiaomi Redmi 5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, you must use the official Mi Unlock Tool and link your device to a verified Mi Account. This process is essential if you want to install custom ROMs or root your device, but it will factory reset your phone and erase all your data. 1. Essential Prerequisites Before you start, ensure you have the following:
Active Mi Account: Use a phone-number-based account rather than just an email-based one to avoid permission errors.
SIM Card: A working SIM card with mobile data must be inserted in the Redmi 5 to link the account.
Data Backup: Back up all important files, as the unlocking process performs a full data wipe.
PC Setup: A Windows PC with an internet connection and a high-quality USB cable. 2. Preparing the Redmi 5
You must "bind" your phone to Xiaomi's servers through the developer settings:
Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap MIUI Version 7 times until you see "You are now a developer".
Turn on OEM Unlocking: Navigate to Additional Settings > Developer Options and enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
Bind Account: In Developer Options, tap Mi Unlock Status. Turn off Wi-Fi, turn on Mobile Data, and click Add account and device. You should see a "Successfully added" message.
To unlock the bootloader of a Xiaomi Redmi 5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, you must use the official Mi Unlock Tool provided by Xiaomi. This process is a developer-level task that erases all data on your device and may void your warranty. Prerequisites
Xiaomi Account: You must have a Mi account signed in on the phone for at least 7 days.
SIM Card: A valid SIM card must be inserted, and mobile data must be used during the binding process (do not use Wi-Fi).
PC & Drivers: A Windows PC with Xiaomi USB Drivers installed.
Backup: Since the process performs a factory reset, back up all important files to a PC or cloud storage. Step 1: Enable Developer Settings on Phone
How to Unlock the Developer Options on Xiaomi Phone (Android Tutorial)
Unlocking the bootloader on a Xiaomi Redmi 5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. How to unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Redmi 5 with...
is an official process that allows for deep customization, such as installing custom ROMs or rooting, but it also triggers a full factory reset and wipes all your data. Since the
predates newer HyperOS restrictions, you can typically use the original, standard MIUI unlocking method. Essential Requirements
Xiaomi Account: A valid Mi account must be logged in on the device.
PC & Tools: A Windows computer with Xiaomi USB Drivers and the latest Mi Unlock Tool.
Connection: The phone must have a SIM card installed and be connected to the internet using mobile data (not Wi-Fi) during the binding step.
Battery: Ensure the phone has at least 50-60% charge before starting. Step-by-Step Unlocking Process 1. Enable Developer Options Open Settings > About phone.
Tap on the MIUI version repeatedly (7 times) until the message "You are now a developer!" appears. 2. Bind Mi Account to Device Go to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options. Turn on OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
Tap Mi Unlock status, then select Add account and device. You must use mobile data for this to succeed. 3. Put Phone in Fastboot Mode Power off the device completely.
Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot logo (a Mi bunny repairing a robot) appears on the screen. 4. Run Mi Unlock Tool on PC
To unlock the bootloader of a Xiaomi Redmi 5 , you must use the official Mi Unlock Tool
provided by Xiaomi. This process involves binding your account to the device and waiting through a mandatory cooling-off period. Essential Preparation Backup Your Data : Unlocking the bootloader will erase all user data and perform a factory reset. SIM Card Required
: You must have a SIM card in the phone and be connected via mobile data (not Wi-Fi) to bind your account. : Ensure your device is charged to at least : Install the Xiaomi USB Drivers
on your Windows PC to ensure the device is recognized in Fastboot mode. Step-by-Step Unlock Process 1. Enable Developer Options About phone MIUI version
seven times until the "You are now a developer!" message appears. 2. Bind Your Account (Mi Unlock Status) Additional settings Developer options OEM unlocking USB debugging Mi Unlock status , then select Add account and device
Note: Ensure you are logged into your Mi Account and using mobile data. 3. Put Phone into Fastboot Mode Turn off your phone. Press and hold the Volume Down Power button simultaneously until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to your PC via a USB cable. 4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in with the same account used on the phone. The tool should show "Phone connected". Unlock anyway The Waiting Period & New 2025/2026 Rules Waiting Time
: On your first attempt, the tool will typically show a timer (often
or 7 days). You must wait for this timer to expire before trying again; do log out or reset the phone, or the timer may reset. New Policies (2025-2026) Accounts must be active for at least before they can apply for unlocking. There is a limit of 3 devices per year per account. To unlock the bootloader of a Xiaomi Redmi
For devices running newer versions like HyperOS, you must apply through the Xiaomi Community app (Region set to "Global") before using the PC tool. Common Troubleshooting Not Connected to Phone
: If the PC tool doesn't see your phone, reinstall drivers or try a different USB port/cable. Couldn't Add Account
: If you see error 20045, ensure your Mi Account region matches the region where the phone was sold. OTA Updates
To unlock the bootloader of a Xiaomi Redmi 5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, you must use the official Mi Unlock Tool on a Windows PC. This process requires a linked Mi Account and typically involves a mandatory waiting period of 168 to 360 hours (7 to 15 days).
Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will erase all user data. Perform a full backup before proceeding. 1. Prepare the Device
Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone and tap MIUI Version 7 times until you see "You are now a developer".
Enable OEM Unlocking: Navigate to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options and toggle OEM unlocking and USB debugging to ON.
Bind Mi Account: In Developer options, tap Mi Unlock status. Use mobile data (Wi-Fi must be off) to tap Add account and device. You should see a "Successfully added" message. 2. Prepare the PC
Download Tool: Get the official Mi Unlock Tool from the Xiaomi Global Support page.
Install Drivers: Ensure Xiaomi USB Drivers are installed on your PC so it can recognize the phone in Fastboot mode. 3. Execution
Unlock Xiaomi phone online by IMEI - doctorSIM United Kingdom
Unlocking the bootloader on your Xiaomi Redmi 5
is the key to installing custom ROMs, rooting, and truly owning your device. However, it requires patience and a specific set of steps to avoid "bricking" your phone.
Follow this organized guide to navigate the official unlocking process. Phase 1: Pre-Unlock Checklist Before you begin, ensure you have the following ready:
Back Up Everything: Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your phone.
PC and Stable Internet: You need a Windows computer and a reliable USB cable. Your phone will reboot into a clean MIUI (factory reset)
Mi Account: Your phone must be logged into a Xiaomi (Mi) Account with a verified phone number.
SIM Card Required: You must use mobile data (not Wi-Fi) for the account binding step. Phase 2: Preparing Your Redmi 5 You need to tell the phone it's okay to be unlocked.
Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap MIUI Version 7 times until it says "You are now a developer!".
Turn on OEM Unlocking: Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options and toggle on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
Bind Your Account: In the same Developer Options menu, tap Mi Unlock Status. Turn off Wi-Fi and turn on Mobile Data.
Tap "Add account and device." Wait for the "Added successfully" message.
Note: Do not log out of your Mi account or factory reset after this, or the timer will reset. Phase 3: The Waiting Game Xiaomi enforces a mandatory waiting period for security.
Once you've bound your account, download the Official Mi Unlock Tool on your PC.
Run the tool and log in with the same Mi Account used on your phone.
Connect your phone to the PC in Fastboot Mode (Turn phone off, then hold Volume Down + Power until the rabbit logo appears).
The tool will likely say "Couldn't unlock. Please unlock 168 hours later" (7 days). Some older devices like the Redmi 5 may even show 360 hours (15 days). Phase 4: Final Unlock After the waiting period has passed: Boot into Fastboot Mode again (Volume Down + Power). Connect to your PC and open the Mi Unlock Tool.
Click "Unlock" and confirm. The process will reach 100% and your phone will reboot automatically.
Your Redmi 5 is now unlocked! You can verify this in Developer Options > Mi Unlock Status. Next Steps to Consider Once unlocked, you might want to:
Step 6: After Unlocking – What Next?
Once unlocked:
- Your phone will reboot into a clean MIUI (factory reset). Set it up quickly.
- Every boot will show an “Unlocked” warning for 5 seconds. This is normal.
- You can now:
- Flash TWRP:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img - Install Magisk for root.
- Flash a custom ROM via fastboot or TWRP.
- Flash TWRP:
Important: Do not relock the bootloader via fastboot oem lock unless you are on stock MIUI. Locking with custom software will brick your device.
Step 3: Download and Install Required Tools on PC
Download these on your Windows PC:
Step 2: Bind Your Mi Account to the Redmi 5
This is the most misunderstood step. Xiaomi requires that the same Mi account used in the unlock tool must be bound to the phone via the “Mi Unlock Status” menu.
- In Developer Options, scroll down to Mi Unlock Status.
- Tap Add account and device.
- Sign in with your Mi account (use mobile data, not Wi-Fi).
- Wait for the confirmation: “Added successfully. Your Mi account is associated with this device.”
Critical: After binding, you must wait. Xiaomi imposes a waiting period that varies by account age and region:
- New accounts (less than 30 days old): Up to 360 hours (15 days).
- Older accounts: 72–168 hours (3–7 days).
- Accounts with previous unlocks: Possibly 0–24 hours.
Do not try to unlock before the waiting period ends. The tool will display an error with remaining hours.