Update firmware Xiaomi Redmi 5: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone among users who appreciate reliability and functionality. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and Android, device owners are faced with the question: how to update the firmware to avoid losing data and turning the phone into a “brick”?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of updating, from automatic through settings to manual firmware through Fastboot and Recovery. We will pay special attention to preparing the device before updating, since this is the stage that is most often ignored, which leads to failures. You will also find a firmware compatibility table, answers to frequent errors and tips for optimizing the performance of the smartphone after the upgrade.

If your Redmi 5 starts to slow down, discharge quickly or give out errors, it may be the outdated version of the software that is the problem. But before you start, make sure that your model supports the update: check the version through Settings → About the phone.

1. Preparation of the smartphone for firmware update

Before you start a process, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, device freezes, or even its complete failure.

First, check the current MIUI version and device model. Go to Settings → About Phone. Notice the MIUI version and Model (should be specified as Redmi 5 or Redmi 5A) that will be used to select the right firmware.

Second, back up all your important data. Even if the update is successful, there is a risk of resetting. Use Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or third-party services like Google Drive.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60 percent. When discharged during the upgrade, the device may shut down, causing a failure.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection: Wi-Fi is better than mobile Internet for downloading firmware weighing 1.5-2.5 GB.
• 📁 Free space: minimum 3GB on internal storage, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card.
• 🔑 Unlock bootloader (manual firmware only).If you plan to install custom firmware, unlock Bootloader in advance via Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 5 was purchased in China, check the firmware region.Installing a global version on a Chinese model could lead to problems with Google Services and Play Market.

Charge your phone to 70% or more

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network

Free up 3+ GB of memory

Create a backup copy of the data

Check the device model (Redmi 5 or 5A)

Download the correct firmware version (stable/developer)

Disable the antivirus and VPN (can block the loading)-->

2. Method 1: Automatic update via MIUI

The easiest and safest method is an over-the-air update (OTA), which is suitable for most users, as it does not require technical skills and saves all the data.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on the item System Update.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

If the update is not available, your model may no longer be officially supported, in which case it is worth considering manual installation via Recovery or Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly, reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and resetting. This will help resolve conflicts between old software and new software.

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Automatic MIUI updates are the most reliable way, but only work for officially supported versions. If your Redmi 5 hasn't received an OTA in a long time, you'll have to use manual methods.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If automatic updates are not available, you can manually install firmware through stock recovery, which saves user data but requires the correct firmware file selection.

Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 from MIUI Downloads. Choose the Recovery ROM (not Fastboot!) version. The file should have a.zip extension and weigh ~1.5-2GB.

Installation instructions:

1. Move the downloaded.zip file to the root folder of internal memory (not in folders!).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Slap the icon. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
4. Specify the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
5. After restarting, the device will be updated automatically.

If the system does not allow you to select a file through the update menu, use an alternative method:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Install update.zip to System (Management – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is suitable for installing full firmware (including bootloader and radio modules) or if the device does not turn on.This method erases all data, so backup is mandatory!

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM (Download from the official website and unpack in a folder).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you install an informal firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
2. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (official firmware only); Save user data - data storage (not always stable).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "Flash is not done", check: Correct firmware selected (should match the Redmi 5 model). USB (Try another port or cable.Qualcomm drivers (download QDLoader) HS-USB Driver if necessary).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after you’ve run through Fastboot, try pinching Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.

5. Solving common errors in the update

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be failures, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

If Play Market or other Google services were lost after the update, it was likely that Chinese firmware was installed.

1. Run the global version of MIUI through Fastboot.
2. Install Google Apps manually via Recovery (download the Open GAPPS package for your Android version).

To diagnose problems, use update logs. In Recovery, select Apply update → Choose from ADB and connect your phone to your PC.

adb logcat > update_log.txt

This will create a file with logs that will help determine the cause of the failure.

6. Optimization of work after updating

A successful upgrade is only half the battle, and to keep Redmi 5 running smoothly, follow a few additional steps:

• 🧹 Cache cleanup. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Clear the cache, it will make room and eliminate possible lags.
• 🔄 Reset network settings. If the Internet is lost after the update or Wi-Fi is unstable, reset the settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔒 Disabling unnecessary services. c Settings → Battery → Power saving mode activate the option to increase the operating time.
• 📱 App updates. Go to Play Market → My apps and update all programs to the latest versions.

If after the update the phone began to discharge faster, check the background processes:

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
2. See which apps consume the most energy.
3. Limit background activity for unnecessary programs in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto Run.

For additional optimization, install MIUI Optimization (available in the Play Market).

• Clean Dalvik-cache (accelerates the system).
• Disable animations to increase responsiveness.
• Set up a planned shutdown of background processes.

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After upgrading to MIUI 12.5+, Redmi 5 may experience interface lag due to a lack of RAM (2-3 GB), the solution is to disable unnecessary widgets and use lightweight versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite).

7. Alternative firmware: should I install?

If the official updates for Redmi 5 are no longer coming out, some users are considering custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS. They promise a new version of Android (up to the 12th), but have their own risks.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ A more recent version of Android (like Android 11 instead of Android 10).
• ✅ No extra software from Xiaomi (without advertising and unnecessary services).
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Cons and risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ❌ Possible bugs (not working) NFC, Problems with the camera or mobile network).
• ❌ Lack of official security updates.
• ❌ Difficulty returning to stock firmware.

If you decide to try custom firmware, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 72 hours to wait) SMS-code).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (unofficial version for Redmi 5)
3. Make a full backup of the current system through TWRP.
4. Sweep through firmware + GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 5 with Snapdragon 450 processor, some custom firmware may not support VoLTE (calls through the Snapdragon 450) 4G). Before installing, check the reviews on the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 5