Update Android on Xiaomi Redmi 5: official and custom methods

Why it’s important to update your firmware on Redmi 5

Xiaomi Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) came out in 2017 with Android 7.1.2 Nougat and MIUI 9. Since then, the device has received several major updates, but official support has long since ceased.

First, even legacy devices are vulnerable to new viruses and exploits. Updated firmware closes critical security holes that attackers are actively exploiting through vulnerabilities in MediaTek Helio P18 (Redmi 5 chipset). Second, custom firmware based on Android 10/11 gives access to modern features: navigation gestures, a dark theme at the system level and improved battery optimization. Finally, the update can solve the typical problems of Redmi 5 – lags during multitasking, overheating during charging and spontaneous reboots.

But there are nuances. Official OTA updates for Redmi 5 are no longer coming out, and informal methods require unlocking the bootloader and risk building the device. In this article, we will examine all working methods, from a standard update to installing custom firmware through TWRP, with detailed warnings and recovery tips.

Check the current version of the firmware and compatibility

Before you update Redmi 5, make sure your device supports the method you choose.

• 📱 Device Model: Go to Settings → The phone. → Model. Must be Redmi 5 (not to be confused with Redmi) 5A or Redmi 5 Plus!).
• 🔢 Version. MIUI: In the same menu, see the line version MIUI. The latest official versions for rosy — MIUI 12.5 (Android 9) or MIUI 11 (Android 8.1).
• 🔓 bootloader status: If you plan custom firmware, check if the bootloader is unlocked through the fastboot oem device-info command (must be Device unlocked: true).

Compatibility of the Redmi 5:

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 5 is purchased in China (suffix version) CN In the model, official global firmware may not be suitable. → Additionally. → Region.

Method 1: Update via OTA (without loss of data)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 📶 You have an official firmware installed. MIUI (casteless).
• 🔄 There are no root rights or modified recovery on the device.
• 📡 There is a stable Wi-Fi connection (update weighs) ~1.5–2 GB).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Download the latest updates.
3. If an update is found, click Download and wait until it is completed (may take 10–30 minutes).
4. After downloading, select Reboot and install.

If the system says “Updates are not available”, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Resetting the network.
• 📅 Change the date a month ahead (sometimes helps bypass regional restrictions).
• 🔗 Download firmware manually from the site MIUI Downloads and install via System Update → Select a firmware file.

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA smartphone hangs on the logo MI, Don't panic. Wait 10 to 15 minutes -- sometimes the first download takes a long time. If nothing's changed, try pressing the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot.

Battery charge > 50%|Wi-Fi connection (not mobile internet)|Released. > 3 GB memory|Disabled. VPN/proxy|Backup of important data is made-->

Method 2: Install firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔄 You need to go back to the old version. MIUI (downgrade).
• 🛠️ The device “bursts” after a failed update.
• 🔓 You are ready to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦.tgz firmware for Redmi 5 (rosy) from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock Read more about unlocking in the special section below.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the utility, click Select and select a folder with unpacked firmware.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after installation).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Critical: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "This package is for 'rosy' devices; this is a'," you downloaded the firmware for another model. Check the code name of the device again!

Method 3: Install custom firmware through TWRP

If you want Android 10/11 on Redmi 5, you'll have to put custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS 17/18 (Android 10/11) — stable, but without branded features Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
• 🔥 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with many settings.

Requirements:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🔧 Established custom recovery TWRP (rosy).
• 📦 Firmware in.zip and GApps format (if you need Google services).

Instructions:

1. Download. TWRP for Redmi 5 From the official website and click on fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.img
2. Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on).
3. Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select sections → Swipe to Backup).
4. Identify the firmware and GApps: Install → Choose. ZIP firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash Install → Choose. ZIP gapps → Swipe to Confirm Flash
5. Clear the cache (Wipe → Format Data → type ‘yes’).
6. Reboot (Reboot → System)

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware, do not update through OTA — You can't install any updates until you get them. TWRP.

💡

If the mobile network does not work after installing custom firmware, check the APN settings. Often manually entering operator parameters helps (you can find them on your provider's website).

How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 5

Without unlocking the bootloader, you won’t be able to install custom firmware or TWRP. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires binding a Mi Account and waiting.

Steps:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Mi Account → Sign in to make sure your account has a real phone number (required for confirmation).
2. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to become a developer) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Unlock OEM (enable)
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and launch it on PC.
4. Log in to the same Mi Account in the utility and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
5. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 days to wait).

If the utility gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error:

• 🔄 Try using another Mi Account (sometimes it helps).
• 📡 Connect to another network (for example, via a mobile hotspot).
• ⏳ Wait 72 hours – Xiaomi can block frequent attempts.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the phone! make a backup in advance via Mi Cloud or TWRP (if already installed).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you upgrade to Redmi 5, you're going to have a problem, and here's how to solve it:

If the device doesn’t turn on at all after the update (black screen, no button response), try:

1. Connect to charging for 30 minutes – sometimes helps with a discharged battery.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
3. If it doesn’t work, run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions