How to update Android to Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: All ways + problem solving

Contents

• How to check the current version of MIUI and Android
• Preparing for the update: what to do in advance
• Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest method
• Method 2: Install firmware through Recovery Mode
• Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)
• Common Update Errors and How to Fix Them
• Can I roll back the update to Redmi 5 Plus?
• Frequent questions on updating

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vincent) was released in 2018 with Android 7.1.2 Nougat and the shell of MIUI 9. Despite the age of the device, the company continued to support it with updates to MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10. However, many users still face problems when trying to update the firmware: the system does not find new versions, there are errors during installation or the device “stuck” on the Mi logo.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update the Redmi 5 Plus, including official and alternative methods. You will learn how to prepare the phone, where to download the correct firmware and what to do if the update went wrong.

How to check the current version of MIUI and Android

Before you update Redmi 5 Plus, you need to know exactly which version of the firmware is installed now, which will help you choose the right file to update and avoid conflicts.

To get a version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version block – the current build is listed here (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.1 Stable).
3. Click multiple times on the MIUI version bar until more information appears, including the Android version (e.g. 10 QKQ1.190910.002).
4. Write down or take a picture of this data – it will be necessary to select the firmware.

Pay attention to the firmware region:

• 🌍 Global - International version (e.g., Global, V12.5.1.0.QEGMIXM).
• 🇨🇳 China - Chinese version (for example, V12.5.1.0.QEGCNXM).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European version (for EU countries).

⚠️ Note: Installing firmware in the wrong region can cause problems with the language, Google services or mobile network. For example, Chinese firmware does not have Google Play and requires manual installation of GApps.

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If in the Settings → There is no Android version of the phone, try entering the dialer code ##4636## and selecting Phone Information.

Preparing for the update: what to do in advance

Regardless of the upgrade method chosen, preparing Redmi 5 Plus will reduce the risk of errors and data loss.

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Check the battery charge (minimum 60%)|Find out the current version MIUI Android|Download the right firmware for your region|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi (for the purpose of OTA)|Disable antivirus and cleaners (they can block installation)|Make sure your phone has enough memory (minimum 3GB free)-->

Backup is a must, but if you fail, you can lose everything.

• 📱 Local Copying: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Requires a Mi Account (up to 5GB free).
• 🖥️ Computer: Connect the phone to USB and copy files manually (folders) DCIM, Downloads, Pictures and more.).

The battery should be at least 60% charged. If the phone runs out during the upgrade, it can lead to a breeze (unable to turn on). If the battery is worn out (capacity below 70%), connect the phone to charge before the process begins.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously unlocked a bootloader or installed custom firmware (such as LineageOS), the official updates may not be installed, in which case you need to return stock recovery or flash your phone through Fastboot.

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest method

OTA (Over-The-Air) is an automatic update over the Internet, which is suitable for most users, since it does not require a computer or technical skills.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network (update via mobile internet may be interrupted).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

If the system writes no Updates or your version is relevant, but you know there is a newer firmware, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 📡 Change region: In some cases, the update appears after changing the region to Settings → Additionally. → Region (e.g. from Russia to India).
• ⏳ Xiaomi releases updates in stages – your device may be in the last wave.
• 🔗 Download OTA-Hand-held package: On sites like en.miui.com or Xiaomi Firmware Updater, find firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (vincent) marked Recovery and the.zip extension.

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If you downloaded OTA-hand-written package, rename it in update.zip and put it in the root of internal memory. Then in System Update, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Update File.

Method 2: Install firmware through Recovery Mode

If OTA doesn’t work or you want to install firmware with a clean installation (for example, to eliminate lags), use Recovery Mode. This method is suitable for official firmware in.zip format.

Step 1. Download the correct firmware

For Redmi 5 Plus, files from the following sites are suitable:

• 🔗 Xiaomi official website (choose Recovery) ROM).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions).

Pay attention to:

Step 2. Transfer the firmware to your phone

Downloaded.zip file (for example, miui_VINCENTGlobal_V12.5.1.0.QEGMIXM_...) rename update.zip Put it in the root of internal memory (not in folders!).

Step 3. Enter Recovery Mode

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Step 4. Install firmware

1. Choose a language (usually English).
2. Go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
3. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
4. After successful installation, select Reboot to System.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable, but it's also the most complex, and it's good if you:

• 🔧 You want to completely reflash your phone (for example, after a crash).
• 🔓 You have an unlocked bootloader.
• 📱 The phone doesn't turn on or is "stuck" on the Mi logo.

Requirements:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM (file.tgz or.zip).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you are stitching through an informal firmware).

Step 1: Install drivers and tools

For Windows:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into the C:\platform-tools folder.
2. Install Xiaomi drivers from en.miui.com.
3. Open the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator and check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed (a serial number appears), the drivers are installed correctly.

Step 2. Prepare the firmware

1. Download Fastboot ROM for Redmi 5 Plus (for example, from the official website).
2. Unpack the archive in the folder C:\platform-tools\rom.
3. Inside should be a folder of images with boot.img, system.img, etc. files.

Step 3. Run the phone.

1. Turn off Redmi 5 Plus.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a bunny will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. In the command line, go to the folder with the firmware:

cd C:\platform-tools\rom


fastboot flash all

If the command does not work, use the firmware in turn:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img





fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If you see a remote error: device is locked, the bootloader is locked. To unlock, you need to obtain permission from Xiaomi via the Mi Unlock Tool!

Common Update Errors and How to Fix Them

Even with the right actions, the Redmi 5 Plus update can go wrong.

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all:

1. Try to pinch the power + volume up for 20-30 seconds (sometimes helps with the "dead" state).
2. Connect to charging for 1 hour - it is possible that the battery is completely discharged.
3. If nothing helps, contact the service center (you may need to flash through EDL Mode).

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If the phone is slowing down after the upgrade, try to reset the cache: turn off the device, press Power + Volume up, select Wipe Cache from the Recovery menu. Data will not be deleted, but the system will become faster.

Can I roll back the update to Redmi 5 Plus?

A rollback to an older version of MIUI or Android is possible, but has limitations:

• ✅ Within one version of Android: For example, with MIUI 12.5 on MIUI 12.0 (both based on Android 10.
• ❌ On an older version of Android: For example, with Android 10 on Android 9 – can not be without the risk of a brisk.

How to roll back:

1. Download the desired firmware version (Recovery ROM) with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. Go to Recovery Mode and select Install update.zip.
4. After installation, perform Wipe Data (reset settings), otherwise errors may occur.

⚠️ Note: Retracement to old firmware may result in data loss in applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs.

Frequent questions on updating