Xiaomi Mi5s is a legendary device of its time, which still remains in service with many users due to the excellent balance of characteristics and performance. However, over time, the software no longer meets the requirements of modern applications, security bugs appear or just want to refresh the interface, at this point the question of manual installation of the current version of MIUI arises.
The process of updating the operating system on this device has its own nuances related to the features of the Snapdragon 821 platform and boot loader locks. Incorrect actions can lead to data loss or software failures, so it is extremely important to follow the sequence of operations. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from a regular update βover the airβ to a complete reinstallation of the system through the computer.
Before you start any action, you need to clearly understand which version of the system you have installed now and which target version you plan to install. There are global (Global) and Chinese (China) firmware versions, as well as stable (Stable) and weekly (Developer) builds. If you confuse the region or type of firmware, you risk getting a broken device that requires complex repair.
Device preparation and data backup
Any manipulation of the system partition requires preparation, and the first step is to save all important information, since when you move between different versions of MIUI or regions, all data can be deleted, and it is recommended to use cloud services or local copying to your computer.
Be sure to check the battery status. To start the process, the battery should be at least 60%, or better 100%. During the recording of system files, a power surge or discharge of the device can lead to irreversible damage to the bootloader. Also make sure that at least 4-5 GB of free space is available on the internal drive or memory card.
To access the advanced update features, you need to activate hidden features in the settings menu. Often you need to link your Mi Account to your device and enable debugging over USB, even if you plan to upgrade without a computer, which will allow the system to identify the user and verify access rights.
- π± Make a full backup of your contacts, SMS and log calls through Google services or the built-in app βMi MobileΒ».
- βοΈ Sync photos and documents with the Mi Cloud or third-party services like Dropbox.
- π Make sure your battery is above 60% and connect the charger during critical stages.
- πΎ Free up at least 5 GB of space in the internal memory of the smartphone for unpacking archives.
β οΈ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to turn off all screen lock passwords, PIN-Active protection may interrupt the installation process or block access to the system after restarting.
Choosing the Right Version of the Mi5s
The most critical step is to find and download the right file. Xiaomi Mi5s is codenamed capricorn. This is the identifier you need to look for in the file names. If you try to install firmware from Mi5s Plus (codename natrium) or from the regular Mi5 (gemini), the device will go into a cyclical reboot.
There are two main types of updates: Recovery and Fastboot. To upgrade without unlocking the bootloader and using the computer, you need a.zip file for Recovery..tgz files are designed to be firmware through the Mi Flash Tool utility on a PC and require an unlocked bootloader, which is a more complex procedure.
It is also important to consider the region of the device, so if you have a global version (Global ROM), you need to upgrade to a global version, and switching from Chinese to global (or vice versa) requires a complete cleanup (Clean Install), otherwise you will experience errors in the application and notification system.
| Type of firmware | File extension | I need a PC. | Requires unlocking. |
|---|
| Recovery (Stable) | .zip | No. | No. |
| Recovery (weekly) | .zip | No. | No (activation required) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Yes. | Yes (required) |
| Recovery (Chinese) | .zip | No. | No. |
The official website miui.com or authorized portals like xiaomiui.net guarantee the integrity of files. Using modified assemblies from unknown authors carries the risk of malicious code or unstable operation of communication modules.
How to distinguish the Chinese version from the Chinese version?
The name of the file of the global version always contains the letter G or the word Global, for example. miui_MI5sGlobal_V10.2.3.0.NAGMIXM. Chinese versions are denoted by the letter C or China, for example. miui_MI5S_V10.2.4.0.NAGCNXM. In addition, the Chinese versions initially do not have Google Play services, although they can be installed manually.> Method 1: Update via the standard menu (OTA The safest and easiest way is to use a regular update mechanism, the system itself checks for a new version and suggests installing it (OTA) If you haven't updated or changed region, you can use the "Select a firmware file" function to do this, download the.zip archive with the correct version and place it in the root of internal memory. Then, in the update menu, click three dots in the corner of the screen and select the appropriate item. The system will check the checksum and start installing. If the file selection point is hidden, it can be activated. MIUI You'll see a notification that you've turned on additional features, and then you'll have a file selection button on the update menu. π Go to Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI and check for updates. π If OTA No, download the full firmware archive and put it in the root of the memory. π Press. 7-10 once on the version number to activate the hidden menu. β
Select the downloaded file through the menu (three dots) and confirm the reboot. Method 2: Installation via Recovery Mode (Clean Install) In cases where the system is unstable or requires a transition between different regions (for example, from China to Global), a clean installation is necessary. This method completely erases all user data, so the item on backup is critical here. To enter the recovery mode (Recovery Mode) you need to turn off the smartphone and press the combination of the buttons Up + Power. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume. You will be in the menu with a copy of the Recovery, you need to select the Recovery menu from the power supply option. β οΈ Note: When switching from an older version MIUI A much newer one (for example, with Android) 6 Android 8) If you change region, you must use Wipe Data, and if you ignore that step, you will have a bootloop, and if you select the file, you will request confirmation. Some versions of Recovery require you to enter a confirmation code that appears on the screen (such as "Confirm"). Enter it, and the flashing process will begin. 5 before 15 When you're done, select Reboot. 3: Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool This method is designed for advanced users and is required in cases where the system does not boot, or when you need to downgrade the version. Android/MIUI. You will need a computer with Windows to work, USB-cable with high-quality screen and drivers ADB/Fastboot. The main condition is an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, the computer will not accept a command to write system partitions. 7 before 15 The process is as follows: download the.tgz archive, unpack the disk root (the path should not contain Cyrillic alphabets). + Power) and connects to a PC. Mi Flash Tool selects a path to the folder and Clean all. fastboot devices fastboot flash recovery recovery.img Above are the sample commands that the utility performs in automatic mode, but sometimes manual intervention is required via the command line. For example, the command fastboot devices use to check the connection. If the serial number of the device is displayed in response, the communication is correctly established. π» Install Qualcomm drivers and ADB computer. π Make sure that the status of the bootloader is Unlocked (checked in Fastboot). π Unpack the firmware.tgz in a folder without Russian letters on the way. π Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Possible errors and ways to fix them The update process rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users. One of the frequent problems is the file verification error (βCanβt verify updateβ). This often happens if you try to install an older version on top of a new one, or if the firmware file is damaged when you download it. Another common situation is hanging on the Mi or Android logo. 10-15 minutes, you must forcibly reboot it (clamp down the power supply) + Volume Up on. 10-15 seconds). If cycles are repeated, you will need to log in to Recovery and reset completely (Wipe Data), and users will also experience an error "Update package is not compatible", which means that the firmware is selected for another region or device. Don't try to trick the system into renaming the file - the checksum won't match. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can I upgrade Xiaomi? Mi5s Android 10 or 11? Officially Xiaomi Mi5s stopped at the Android version 8.0 (Oreo) with a shell MIUI 11. Newer versions of Android are not officially supported by the manufacturer due to the age of the processor. ROM) Android-based 10/11, LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which can be found on the forum 4PDA or XDA Developers. their installation requires an unlocked bootloader and carries risks. What to do if the phone went into a bootloop after the update? If the smartphone is endlessly rebooted, you need to enter Recovery mode (Volume Up). + Select the language (if any), then the Wipe Data option -> Wipe All Data. It will delete all files, but it often brings the device back to life. If it doesn't work, you'll need to run a firmware on your computer via Fastboot. MIUI 10. MIUI 11? when updating within one region (e.g. Global to Global) via the Select File menu, or OTA However, when switching between different versions of Android or changing the region (China) β Global) data will be deleted automatically. Always back up. Where can I find my model's code name? Xiaomi code name Mi5s β capricorn. It's listed in the About Phone settings, often in small print under the MIUI version number, or written on a device box, a name that's critical to finding the right firmware files.