The Xiaomi Mi 5, released in 2016, became the bestseller of its time, getting the flagship Snapdragon 820 processor and a great camera. However, time is running out, and the standard methods of getting updates “over the air” for this model have long been out of work, as official support from the manufacturer is terminated on the version of Android 8.0. Device owners often face the question of how to still update the software to run modern applications or just refresh the interface.
Upgrading a discontinued device requires a deeper dive into technical details than simply installing an update through settings. You’ll have to deal with unlocking the bootloader, finding custom recavators, and choosing between stable but old official firmware or new but experimental builds from the community. Below we’ll take a look at all the available ways to solve this problem.
It’s worth noting that inaction on this issue can make it impossible to use many of Google’s modern banking applications and services due to outdated security protocols, so if you plan to continue operating this device, updating is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessity.
Official restrictions and status of support
The official support line of Xiaomi Mi 5 (codenamed gemini) ended on the shell of MIUI 10, based on Android 8.0 Oreo. Xiaomi no longer releases security patches and functional updates for this model. This means that the standard path through the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update will no longer offer you anything newer than what is already installed.
Trying to find official firmware newer than 8.0 on Mi Cloud servers is pointless: archives are closed for automatic download, and verification servers won't miss installing older versions on top of new ones (rollback protection). The only way to get something fresh is by resorting to alternative methods that bypass official restrictions.
Why did Xiaomi stop supporting?
It’s important to understand the difference between a MIUI update and an Android update. If the first is just a visual shell, the second changes the core. For the Mi 5, enthusiasts have created many ports that allow you to run even Android 10, 11 and later, but this will not be the official product of Xiaomi.
Preparation of the device for flashing
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring these steps can lead to data loss or turn the smartphone into a “brick.” First of all, make a full backup of all important data, since the process of updating with a change in the version of Android almost always requires a complete reset (Wipe Data).
You'll need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings to do this. → On the phone and press quickly 7-10 field-by-field "Version" MIUI». After the inscription “You became a developer” you can move to advanced settings.
- 🔓 In the menu Advanced settings → For developers, include the item "Unlock Bootloader Status" (Unlock Bootloader Status).
- 💾 Put the debugging on. USB, The computer can communicate with the phone at a low level.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 60-70%, as the process of firmware is energy intensive.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB Fastboot on your computer and the Mi Unlock Tool.
The device must be linked to your Mi Account for a certain time (usually 7 to 168 hours, depending on the current regulations of the region). Without observing this time interval, you will not be able to unlock the bootloader, and all further steps will not be possible.
☑️ Readiness for renewal
Method 1: Update via Recovery (OTA and local)
If your goal is simply to reinstall the latest official version (MIUI 9 or 10) or upgrade within the same Android version, you can use built-in recoveries, which is considered the safest method, since it does not require deep interference with memory partitions.
For manual installation, download the firmware file with the.zip extension (required to Recovery) ROM, Put the file in the root of the internal memory or on the SD-Then go to the update menu and click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, selecting "Select firmware file».
The system will check the checksum of the file. If the file is suitable for your current version, the installation process will begin. However, if you try to roll back to an older version or install global firmware on top of Chinese without unlocking, the system will give an error.
⚠️ Note: When trying to install firmware from another region (e.g. Global on China) ROM) If you use standard Recovery, the phone will require an unlocked bootloader, and if you don't, it'll be interrupted at the checkout stage.
If successful, the phone will reboot and you’ll see an updated version of MIUI.This method doesn’t change the Android version, but it can fix the errors of the current build.
Method 2: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
For those who want to get a fresher Android on the Xiaomi Mi 5, the only option is to install custom firmware. LineageOS and various Pixel Experience ports are considered the most stable for this model, which allows you to run Android 9, 10 and even 11, providing the latest security patches.
The process begins with unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock utility on the PC. After successful unlocking, you need to install a custom Recovery, such as TWRP. This is done in Fastboot mode (clamping volume and power buttons when turned on) using the command in the console: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
💡
Use the version of TWRP that is specifically designed for codename "gemini." Universal versions may not work properly with the encryption partitions of this device.
After installing TWRP, boot into Recovery mode (usually the volume button up + power). In the TWRP menu, complete a Wipe → Format Data reset by entering the word "yes." Then copy the custom firmware file and, if necessary, the Google Apps package (GApps) into the phone's memory and install them through the Install menu.
Custom firmware is often stripped of some of the MIUI's signature features, such as an advanced gallery or second space, but offers clean Android and high speed.For the Mi 5, it's often the only way to comfortably use a smartphone in 2026.
Solving problems and errors in the update
During the Xiaomi Mi 5 upgrade, users often experience a cyclic bootloop or logo getting stuck. One common reason is that the Android version and modem (basic radio) are incompatible. If the firmware requires a new modem and you have an old one, the network will not work or the phone will go into reboot.
Another problem is the error "Can't verify update" when trying to install ZIP-This means that the signature of the file is not the same as expected or the file is corrupted, in which case you need to recheck the hash amount of the downloaded archive and download it again from a trusted source.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| An endless reboot | Data Conflict between Old and New Android | Run Wipe Data/Factory Reset in TWRP |
| The sensor does not work after the firmware | Incompatible kernel or driver | Refuse a compatible kernel (Kernel) |
| Signature verification error | Attempt to roll back version or someone else's firmware | Use only current assemblies for gemini |
| Not defined SIM-map | Problem with the modem partition | Swipe the stock modem before installing the ROM |
Also worth mentioning is the encryption problem: When you move from Android 6/7 to newer versions, old data encryption can block the new system from booting, which is why Format Data’s TWRP step is critical and imperative.
Comparison of methods: what to choose the owner of the Mi 5
The choice of upgrade method depends on your technical skills and goals. If you are a regular user and are afraid of complex manipulations, it is better to stay on the latest official MIUI 10. It is stable, all functions work out of the box, but many modern applications may no longer be supported.
If you're willing to spend an hour studying instructions and want to extend the life of the device, custom firmware is your choice, and it gives a second life to the Snapdragon 820 hardware, which is still capable of handling everyday tasks.
Consider that custom firmware can have bugs, such as unstable camera or Bluetooth. The official firmware is free of these problems, but limited in functionality. Weigh all the pros and cons before starting the procedure.