How to Upgrade to Xiaomi Redmi 5: 3 Verified Ways (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017-2018, which is still used by millions of users. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and Android owners are faced with the question: how to safely upgrade the system on an outdated device? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update firmware, including official and alternative methods, and also warn against the typical mistakes that can turn your Redmi 5 into a “brick”.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi officially stopped supporting Redmi 5 after the release of MIUI 12 (based on Android 9 Pie).However, enthusiasts and third-party developers offer informal firmware that can extend the life of the device. We will look at both standard methods through OTA and Recovery, as well as more complex options using Fastboot and custom software.

Before you start upgrading, check the current firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If your device is running MIUI 10 or 11, you can still get official updates. Older versions will require additional manipulation.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Updating firmware is a process that requires careful preparation, and disregarding basic rules can lead to data loss, malfunctions, or even a “brick” of the device.

• 📱 Back up your data. Use your settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party applications like Titanium Backup (requires root, SMS files from internal memory.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%, interruption due to battery discharge is one of the main causes of failure.
• 🌐 Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Downloading firmware via mobile internet can cause connection breakage and file damage.
• 📡 Check the vacant space. To update through OTA At least 1.5 GB of free space is required.

If you plan to upgrade via Recovery or Fastboot, you will need to:

• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from the official website).
• 🔗 Download the correct firmware version for your model (Redmi 5 is encoded rosy).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 5 was purchased in China (the domestic version), a global firmware update may block the network. → The phone. → The model should end with a global or EEA.

Backup important data | Charge phone ≥60% | Connect to Wi-Fi | Check free space (1.5+ GB) | Download the correct firmware (if necessary)

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2. Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method

Update by air (Over-The-Air, OTA) is a standard method that does not require a PC connection.It is suitable for users who want to upgrade to the latest official version of MIUI available for Redmi 5.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, a notification will appear.
3. Download the file (weighing usually 1.2-1.8 GB).
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Resetting the network).
• 📅 Change the date to an earlier date (sometimes helps bypass regional restrictions).
• 🌍 Use it. VPN In India or Indonesia, support for Redmi 5 lasted longer).

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA phone hangs on the logo MI Give the device another 15 to 20 minutes, sometimes the first boot takes a long time. If nothing has changed, try a forced reboot (squeeze the power). + Volume up for 10 seconds).

3. Method 2: Update via Recovery - if OTA doesn't work

If an OTA update is unavailable or fails permanently, you can manually install firmware through stock Recovery, a method that is suitable for official firmware and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the full firmware (not downloaded) OTA!) Redmi 5 (rosy) from Xiaomi official website (section) MIUI The file should have a.zip extension and weigh 1.5-2 GB.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if you have a choice), then: Install update.zip to System → confirm the choice.
5. Wait until the installation is finished (usually 5-10 minutes) and restart the device.

If you have any errors after the update (for example, an infinite download), try:

• 🧹 Recovery Cache (Wipe & Reset) → Wipe Cache).
• 🔄 Repeat installation with another firmware version (for example, if you have installed a new version) MIUI 12, try it. MIUI 11).

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If Recovery doesn’t have Install update.zip, your version of Recovery is outdated, in which case upgrade via Fastboot or use TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader).

Method 3: Update via Fastboot for power users

Fastboot is the most reliable way to flash Redmi 5, but it requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

• 📱 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo.
• 🔄 We need to revert to an older version. MIUI.
• 🔧 You need to re-cover custom recovery (TWRP).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 📦 Fastboot Firmware Archive (extensible to.tgz or.zip).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\rosy).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-hushanka will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Install drivers if Windows requests them.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, choose clean all (complete cleanup) or save user data (save data, but may cause errors).
6. Press Flash and wait until the end (usually 3-7 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then your bootloader is blocked. Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (the process takes up to 72 hours!).

5. Alternative firmware: how to extend the life of Redmi 5

Since Xiaomi no longer releases updates for Redmi 5, many users are switching to custom firmware.

• 🆕 Newer versions of Android (up to Android 11).
• ⚡ Improved productivity and optimization.
• 🔒 Regular security updates.
• 🎨 More opportunities for customization.

The following are the Redmi 5 (Rosy) features:

• 📱 LineageOS - pure Android without excess software (official website).
• 🔵 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel.
• 🟢 Havoc-OS – Balance between performance and customization.
• 🔴 Resurrection Remix – maximum configuration of the appearance.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the loader (see above).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (instructions on the official website).
3. Make a full backup of the current system in TWRP.
4. Sweep firmware and GApps (Google services if needed).

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on older devices. Check forum reviews before installing (4PDA, XDA Developers) on the stability of a specific build for Redmi 5.Some firmware on Android 10+ You may not support your camera or mobile network due to lack of drivers.

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Custom firmware gives new life to an old phone, but requires unlocking the bootloader and can deprive you of warranty (if it is still valid).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with strict follow-up, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to correct them:

If none of the methods worked and the phone turned into a brick, try:

• 🔌 Squeeze through EDL (Emergency Download Mode – requires special cable or boxing (e.g. UFi Box).

7. How to roll back to the previous version of MIUI

Sometimes, after updating, users will encounter bugs, brakes or an uncomfortable interface, in which case you can return the old version of MIUI, but there are nuances:

Important: A rollback to an older firmware can lead to:

• 🔒 Data loss (required to do backup!).
• 📵 Application problems (some programs require a new version of Android).
• 🔄 Inability to obtain OTA-future update.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, MIUI 10) from the official website.
2. If you roll back on Android 8 Oreo with Android 9 Pie, you need to unlock the bootloader.
3. Flush the firmware through Fastboot (see Method 3) with a full clean (clean all).
4. If the phone doesn’t boot, re-sweep or install TWRP and stitch through it.

⚠️ Note: A rollback from Android 9 to Android 8 can cause anti-rollback issues.In this case, the phone may lock permanently. Before rolling back, check if your model supports anti-rollback (information is available on the phone). 4PDA in the Redmi 5 theme).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 5