How To Unlock Bootloader In Xiaomi Redmi 5 With... Free

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.

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:

Unlocking the bootloader of a Xiaomi Redmi 5 is an official process that allows for deep system modifications like flashing custom ROMs or rooting

Warning: This process will perform a factory reset, erasing all data on your device, and may void your warranty. Prerequisites Xiaomi Mi Account:

A valid account logged into the device for at least 30 days is often required for modern requests. SIM Card & Data: You must have a SIM card inserted and use mobile data (not Wi-Fi) for the binding process. A Windows PC with the official Mi Unlock Tool Xiaomi USB Drivers installed. Step 1: Enable Developer Options & Binding About phone MIUI version 7 times until you see "You are now a developer!". Additional settings Developer options OEM unlocking USB debugging Mi Unlock status Add account and device . You should see a message saying "Added successfully". Step 2: Enter Fastboot Mode Power off your Redmi 5 completely. Press and hold the Volume Down

buttons simultaneously until the "Fastboot" logo (Mi Bunny) appears.

Connect the phone to your PC using a high-quality USB cable. Step 3: Use the Mi Unlock Tool on PC Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and sign in with the same Mi Account used on your phone. The tool should detect your device as "Phone connected". Unlock anyway when prompted about data loss. The Waiting Period: Most users will receive a message to wait (7 days) or sometimes up to 360 hours. Do

log out of the Mi account or factory reset the phone during this time, or the timer will reset. Step 4: Finalize the Unlock

The process of unlocking the bootloader on a Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a gateway to full device customization. By unlocking it, you gain the ability to install custom recoveries like TWRP, flash custom ROMs, and obtain root access. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to ensure a safe and successful unlock. Prerequisites and Preparation

Before starting, understand that unlocking the bootloader will factory reset your device. All data, including photos, contacts, and apps, will be deleted. Back up all important data to a cloud service or PC. Ensure your Redmi 5 has at least 60% battery charge. Install the latest Xiaomi USB Drivers on your Windows PC. Have a high-quality USB data cable ready.

Ensure you have an active Mi Account linked to a phone number. Step 1: Enable Developer Options and Mi Unlock Status

You must first tell Xiaomi’s servers that your specific device is requested for unlocking. Open Settings on your Redmi 5. Tap on About Phone.

Tap the MIUI Version seven times until you see "You are now a developer."

Go back to the main Settings menu, then to Additional Settings > Developer Options. Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging. Tap on Mi Unlock Status.

Tap Add account and device. Make sure you are using mobile data (not Wi-Fi) for this step to sync successfully with Xiaomi servers. Step 2: Download and Setup Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi requires their official proprietary tool to perform the actual unlock.

Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official MIUI website on your PC.

Extract the ZIP file and run batch_unlock.exe or miflash_unlock.exe as an administrator.

The unlock tool can only communicate with the phone while it is in Fastboot mode. Power off your Redmi 5 completely.

Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously.

Release them when the Mi Bunny mascot and the word "FASTBOOT" appear on the screen. Connect your phone to your PC via the USB cable. Step 4: Execute the Unlock Process The Mi Unlock Tool should now show "Phone connected." Click the Unlock button.

A warning will appear regarding data loss; click Unlock anyway. The tool will begin the process.

Note on Waiting Periods: Xiaomi often imposes a waiting period for security reasons. If the tool stops at 99% and says "Couldn't unlock, please unlock 168 hours later," you must wait the full duration (7 days) without unlinking your Mi account. After the time passes, repeat Step 3 and Step 4. Step 5: Verification How to unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Redmi 5 with...

Once the process hits 100%, the tool will display "Unlocked successfully." Your Redmi 5 will automatically reboot and perform a factory reset. During the initial setup, you will see a small "unlocked" padlock icon at the bottom of the boot screen, confirming the bootloader is now open.

If you'd like to move to the next stage, I can help you with: Finding the best Custom ROMs for Redmi 5 (Rosy) Steps to install TWRP Recovery How to root your device using Magisk

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.

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

Step 1: Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking

Before any tool can unlock, you must toggle the necessary settings on the phone.

Open Settings → About Phone.
Tap MIUI Version 7 times. You’ll see “You are now a developer.”
Go back to Settings → Additional Settings → Developer Options.
Enable OEM Unlocking (crucial).
Enable USB Debugging (for ADB commands later).

Note: If “OEM Unlocking” is grayed out, connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data and wait 10–15 minutes. Xiaomi servers need to validate your device.

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.

Phase 1: Device Preparation (The Binding Process)

Xiaomi enforces a security measure requiring the user account to be "bound" to the device.

Sign In: Go to Settings > Mi Account and sign in with your Mi Account credentials.
Enable Developer Options: Navigate to Settings > About Phone. Tap repeatedly on the MIUI Version until the message "You are now a developer" appears.
Access Unlock Settings: Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options.
Enable Unlocking: Locate and toggle on the "OEM Unlocking" option.
Bind Account: Find the "Mi Unlock Status" option. Tap "Add account and device".
- Note: If this step fails, ensure you have an active internet connection (preferably mobile data) and a valid SIM card inserted. A common error is "86012", which usually indicates a network connectivity issue.

🎉 Step 6: Aftermath – The Rebirth

The phone will reboot and factory reset itself. Upon reboot:

Set up as new device (skip Mi Account if you want).
Check Developer Options – “OEM Unlocking” will be greyed out but unlocked.
Reboot to Fastboot – you’ll now see “Unlocked” at the bottom.

Now you can flash TWRP and then any custom ROM. The Redmi 5 runs Android 14 beautifully via unofficial LineageOS 21.

🧙 Final Word

Xiaomi’s bootloader unlock process is annoying – intentionally so. But once you survive the wait and the ritual, your Redmi 5 transforms from an ad-ridden MIUI appliance into a developer-friendly device worthy of its hardware potential.

So go ahead. Unshackle the rabbit. And flash like the wind.

To unlock the bootloader on a Xiaomi Redmi 5, you must use the official Mi Unlock Tool after binding your Mi account to the device. This process involves a mandatory waiting period and will factory reset your phone, erasing all internal data. Prerequisites

Backup Data: Secure all photos and files, as the unlock process wipes the device.

Mi Account: Ensure you have an active Mi account signed into the phone.

SIM Card: Insert a SIM card and use mobile data (not Wi-Fi) for the binding process.

PC Requirements: A Windows PC with Xiaomi USB Drivers and the Mi Unlock Tool installed. Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Enable Developer Options & Bind Account

Open Settings > About phone and tap MIUI version seven times until "You are now a developer!" appears. Go to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.

Tap Mi Unlock status, then click Add account and device. You must be on mobile data for this to succeed; look for the "Added successfully" message. 2. Enter Fastboot Mode Power off the phone completely.

Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the "Fastboot" logo (the Mi bunny) appears. 3. Use the Mi Unlock Tool on PC Connect the phone to your PC via a USB cable.

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and sign in with the same Mi account used on the phone.

Click Unlock. If this is your first attempt, the tool will likely show a timer (usually 168 hours or 7 days).

Wait for the required time without signing out of your Mi account on the phone. Once the time is up, repeat these steps to complete the unlock.

These tutorials provide visual guidance for the binding process and using the PC tool:

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). Unlocking the bootloader on your Xiaomi Redmi 5

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.

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

Unlocking Bootloader in XIAOMI Redmi 5: A Step-by-Step Guide

XIAOMI Redmi 5, a budget-friendly smartphone, has gained immense popularity among Android enthusiasts due to its impressive features and affordable price tag. However, to unleash its full potential, users need to unlock the bootloader, which allows for customizations, rooting, and installation of custom ROMs. In this essay, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to unlock the bootloader in XIAOMI Redmi 5 using the Fastboot method.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the bootloader unlocking process, ensure that you have:

A XIAOMI Redmi 5 smartphone with at least 50% battery charge.
A computer with Windows operating system (or Linux/Mac with necessary drivers installed).
A USB cable to connect your device to the computer.
Fastboot and ADB drivers installed on your computer (download from the official XIAOMI website or other reliable sources).
Backup of your important data, as unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock Bootloader

Step 1: Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging

Go to Settings > About phone > Build number and tap on it 7-8 times to enable Developer options.
Go back to Settings > Developer options and enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking.

Step 2: Install Fastboot and ADB Drivers

Download and install Fastboot and ADB drivers on your computer.
Connect your XIAOMI Redmi 5 to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Boot into Fastboot Mode

Power off your device.
Press and hold the Volume down and Power buttons simultaneously until your device enters Fastboot mode.

Step 4: Verify Fastboot Connection

Open a command prompt on your computer and navigate to the Fastboot and ADB drivers' installation directory.
Type fastboot devices and press Enter. Your device should be listed with a serial number.

Step 5: Unlock Bootloader

Type fastboot oem unlock and press Enter.
A warning message will appear on your device's screen. Use the Volume down button to select "Unlock" and press the Power button to confirm.

Step 6: Wait for the Process to Complete

The bootloader unlocking process will take a few minutes to complete. Your device will reboot automatically.

Step 7: Reset Device

After the device reboots, go to Settings > System > Reset > Erase all data (factory reset) to reset your device.

Conclusion

Unlocking the bootloader in XIAOMI Redmi 5 using the Fastboot method is a straightforward process that requires some technical expertise. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can successfully unlock their device's bootloader, paving the way for customizations, rooting, and installation of custom ROMs. However, be cautious and aware of the risks involved, as unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device and may void your warranty.

Unlocking the bootloader on your Xiaomi Redmi 5 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is an official process but requires a waiting period of typically 168 to 360 hours (7 to 15 days) This process will factory reset

your device and erase all data, so back up your files first. Phase 1: Prepare Your Enable Developer Options About phone MIUI version seven times until you see "You are now a developer!". Enable Key Settings Navigate to Additional settings Developer options OEM unlocking USB debugging Bind Your Mi Account Developer options Mi Unlock status Turn off Wi-Fi and enable mobile data (this is mandatory). Add account and device . You should see a message saying "Added successfully". Phase 2: Prepare Your PC Download Tools : Get the official Mi Unlock Tool Miui Unlock Website and extract it on your PC. Install Drivers : Ensure you have the Xiaomi USB Drivers installed so your PC recognizes the phone in Fastboot mode. Phase 3: The Unlocking Process Complete Guide to Unlocking the Bootloader

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". Step 1: Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking

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.

How to Unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Redmi 5 with Fastboot Method

Unlocking the bootloader on your XIAOMI Redmi 5 can be a thrilling experience, offering you the freedom to customize your device to its full potential. By unlocking the bootloader, you can install custom ROMs, kernels, and other modifications that can enhance your device's performance, battery life, and overall user experience. In this article, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of unlocking the bootloader on your XIAOMI Redmi 5 using the Fastboot method.

What is a Bootloader?

Before we dive into the unlocking process, it's essential to understand what a bootloader is. A bootloader is a piece of software that loads the operating system (OS) onto your device. It's the first software that runs when you power on your device, responsible for initializing the hardware and loading the OS. The bootloader is usually locked by the manufacturer to prevent users from making any changes to the device's software.

Why Unlock the Bootloader?

Unlocking the bootloader on your XIAOMI Redmi 5 offers several benefits, including:

Custom ROMs: Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install custom ROMs, which can offer features and performance enhancements not available on the stock ROM.
Kernel modifications: You can install custom kernels that can improve battery life, performance, or add new features to your device.
Root access: Unlocking the bootloader is often a prerequisite for gaining root access to your device.
Full device control: With an unlocked bootloader, you have complete control over your device, allowing you to make any changes you want.

Preparation

Before you start the unlocking process, make sure you have the following:

XIAOMI Redmi 5: Ensure your device is a XIAOMI Redmi 5.
Computer: You'll need a computer with a USB port to connect your device.
USB cable: Use a compatible USB cable to connect your device to the computer.
Fastboot driver: Download and install the Fastboot driver on your computer.
ADB driver: Download and install the ADB driver on your computer.
MI Unlock tool: Download the MI Unlock tool from the official XIAOMI website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock Bootloader on XIAOMI Redmi 5

Step 1: Enable Developer Options

Go to Settings > About phone > Build number.
Tap on Build number 7 times to enable Developer options.

Step 2: Enable OEM Unlocking

Go to Settings > Developer options > OEM unlocking.
Toggle the switch to enable OEM unlocking.

Step 3: Install Fastboot and ADB Drivers

Download the Fastboot and ADB drivers from the official XIAOMI website.
Install the drivers on your computer.

Step 4: Connect Device to Computer

Connect your XIAOMI Redmi 5 to the computer using a USB cable.
Open a command prompt on your computer and navigate to the Fastboot driver directory.

Step 5: Boot into Fastboot Mode

Type adb reboot bootloader in the command prompt to reboot your device into Fastboot mode.
Wait for your device to reboot into Fastboot mode.

Step 6: Verify Fastboot Connection

Type fastboot devices in the command prompt to verify the Fastboot connection.
If your device is detected, proceed to the next step.

Step 7: Unlock Bootloader using MI Unlock Tool

Download and install the MI Unlock tool on your computer.
Launch the MI Unlock tool and follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the bootloader.
Wait for the unlocking process to complete.

Step 8: Reboot Device

Type fastboot reboot in the command prompt to reboot your device.
Wait for your device to reboot.

Step 9: Verify Bootloader Status

Go to Settings > Developer options > OEM unlocking.
Verify that the OEM unlocking option is still enabled.

Conclusion

Unlocking the bootloader on your XIAOMI Redmi 5 using the Fastboot method is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can gain complete control over your device and enjoy the benefits of custom ROMs, kernel modifications, and root access. However, be aware that unlocking the bootloader may void your device's warranty, and you may encounter potential risks during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is unlocking the bootloader safe?: Unlocking the bootloader can be safe if done correctly, but it may void your device's warranty and potentially brick your device if not done properly.
Will I lose data during the unlocking process?: No, you shouldn't lose any data during the unlocking process, but it's always recommended to back up your data before making any changes to your device.
Can I lock the bootloader again?: Yes, you can lock the bootloader again using the MI Unlock tool, but this may void your device's warranty.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Backup your data: Always backup your data before making any changes to your device.
Use a compatible USB cable: Ensure you're using a compatible USB cable to connect your device to the computer.
Be cautious during the unlocking process: Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential risks during the unlocking process.

By following this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to unlock the bootloader on your XIAOMI Redmi 5 using the Fastboot method. Happy unlocking!

Unlocking the bootloader on your Xiaomi Redmi 5 is the key to installing custom ROMs, rooting, and truly owning your hardware. While the process is official and straightforward, it does require a bit of patience due to Xiaomi’s security protocols. 🛑 Essential Preparation

Backup Everything: Unlocking will erase all data on your device. Ensure your photos and files are backed up to a PC or cloud storage.

Battery Charge: Keep your phone at least 50% charged to prevent power loss during the process.

Hardware Check: Use the official Xiaomi USB cable and a PC running Windows. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Unlock Guide 1. Prepare Your Mi Account

Insert your SIM card and ensure you are using mobile data (turn off Wi-Fi).

Log into your Mi Account in the phone's settings. Using a mobile-linked account is highly recommended over an email-based one to avoid errors. 2. Enable Developer Options Go to Settings > About phone.

Tap MIUI version repeatedly (usually 7 times) until you see "You are now a developer!". Navigate to Additional settings > Developer options. Toggle on OEM unlocking and USB debugging. 3. Bind Your Device

To unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi Redmi 5, you must follow the official Xiaomi procedure, which involves a specific waiting period Unlocking Process Preparation Back up your data , as this process will factory reset your device. Ensure your battery is at least and ensure you can use mobile data (Wi-Fi must be turned off for the binding step). Enable Developer Options About phone MIUI version

repeatedly (7 times) until you see "You are now a developer!". Bind Your Account Navigate to Additional settings Developer options OEM unlocking USB debugging Mi Unlock status Add account and device . You must use mobile data for this to succeed. Use the Unlock Tool on PC Download the official Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and sign in with your Mi Account. Power off your Redmi 5, then hold the Volume Down buttons simultaneously to enter Fastboot mode Connect the phone to your PC via USB. In the Mi Unlock Tool, click . You will likely see a message to wait (often or 15 days for older devices like the Redmi 5).

After the waiting period, repeat the tool process to complete the unlock. Review: Official Unlocking Experience Ease of Use: 3/5

The steps themselves are straightforward, but the requirement for a PC and specific driver installations can be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users. Time Efficiency: 1/5

Xiaomi's mandatory waiting period is the most frustrating part of the review. Being forced to wait 7 to 15 days just to gain full control of your own hardware is a significant drawback. Reliability: 4/5

Once the account is properly "bound" in the settings, the official tool is very reliable. It rarely fails unless there are driver issues or you try to skip the waiting period.

Step 3 – The Unlock Tool (PC Required)

While waiting, Alex downloaded on his Windows PC:

Mi Unlock Tool (from Xiaomi’s official site)
USB drivers for Redmi 5

He also enabled:

Developer options (tapped MIUI version 7 times)
OEM unlocking + USB debugging

Step 4: After Unlocking

First boot will take longer than usual (5–10 minutes).
Set up the phone again – the bootloader is now unlocked.
You can verify by rebooting to Fastboot: you will see "Unlocked" text at the top.

5. A Xiaomi / Mi Account

Create one at account.xiaomi.com if you don’t have it. Use a real email and phone number—you’ll receive verification codes.