How to Upgrade Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: Full Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, also known as Redmi Note 5 (Global), remains a popular device due to its balance between performance and cost. However, over time, the operating system ceases to receive official security updates and new features of the MIUI interface. Users often look for ways to extend the life of the gadget by installing more recent versions of Android or custom firmware.

Software upgrades can range from simple settings checks to complex computer flashing. It's important to understand that official support for this model has already stopped, so standard methods may not work. In this article, we'll look at all the options available, from standard to advanced, that will allow your device to work faster and more stable.

Before you start any action, you need to understand the risks. Any interference with system files carries the potential threat of data loss or turning the smartphone into a “brick”. The latest official version of MIUI for Redmi 5 Plus is MIUI 11 based on Android 9 Pie, further development is possible only through third-party solutions. Below we will describe in detail each stage of preparation and implementation of the update.

Evaluation of the current version and compatibility

The first step is to determine which device modifications you have in your hands. The Redmi 5 Plus has different regional versions: global (Global), Chinese (China) and sometimes Indian, and the list of available firmware and installation methods depends on this, and improperly selected software can lead to the failure of communication modules.

Check the current build through the settings menu. Go to Settings → About the phone and look at the version number. If you see the MIUI Global prefix, you can access international stable builds. In the case of the Chinese version (CN), the interface will be in English and Chinese, and installing global firmware will require unlocking the bootloader.

The hardware limitations of the Snapdragon 625 processor should be considered. Trying to install too heavy versions of Android (for example, Android 12 or 13) can lead to a significant performance drop. The system will work, but the interface can slow down and the battery will drain faster. The optimal balance is considered to be versions based on Android 10 or 11.

Preparation of the device for flashing

Any manipulation of the system partition requires careful preparation. The first thing is to create a complete backup of all important data. Photos, contacts and messages can be irretrievably lost in the event of an error or power failure at a critical moment. Use cloud services or a backup PC.

Battery charge should be at least 60-70%. The process of writing data to flash memory is energy intensive, and suddenly turning off the smartphone in the middle of the procedure is fatal. Also free up internal memory: it will take at least 4-6 GB of free space to download and unpack the installation file.

Turn on USB debugging mode if you plan to use your computer. This is done in the hidden Developer Menu. To activate it, click seven times in a row on the build number in the About Menu. Then the Advanced Settings will show a Developer option where you need to activate the USB debugging slider.

Official method of updating through OTA

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in update mechanism. Even if official support is over, servers can offer transitions between minor versions or security patches. To check, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and press the check button.

If the server finds a new version, the system will prompt you to download and install it. During the installation process, the phone will reboot several times. The screen can go out and light up - this is normal behavior. Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems to be getting stuck on the MI or Android logo.

⚠️ Note: If the automatic check says there are no updates but you are aware of a newer version, it means that your current software is the last official update available to your region.

Sometimes it’s helpful to change the region to cheat the server and get the update sooner, but for the Redmi 5 Plus, this method is no longer effective because the update cycle is complete, leaving only the manual installation.

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Automatic upgrades are the safest method, but they only work within the official MIUI support line for the model.

Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

When OTA-The method is not available, manual installation is used. You will need to download the firmware archive (.zip format) from a proven resource, for example, an official forum. MIUI site 4PDA. The file must be placed in the root of the smartphone’s internal memory.

Then open the Updater app. Click three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file." Find the downloaded archive and confirm the action. The phone will reboot to Recovery mode and start installing. This method works without unlocking the bootloader unless you change region (e.g. China to Global).

The table below shows the main characteristics of the latest available builds for this model:

Update with unlocked bootloader

Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or changing the region from China to Global requires an unlocked bootloader (Unlock Bootloader), a procedure that is officially authorized by Xiaomi, but requires a wait of 3 to 7 days after filing an application.

The unlocking process completely cleanses the data on the device. You will need the Mi Unlock Tool utility on your PC, the Mi Account tied to your smartphone, and a USB cable. Once successfully unlocked, you get access to Custom Recovery (such as TWRP), which allows you to install modified versions of the OS.

Once you install a custom recavator, you can download any compatible images, which opens the way to Android 10, 11, and even newer ones created by enthusiasts, but the stability of such systems is not guaranteed: the camera, NFC or proximity sensor may not work.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

There may be a failure in the process of updating, and there is often a "Can't verify update" error, which means a digital signature mismatch or an attempt to roll back to an older version, in which case it helps to clean the data through Recovery or use the Mi Flash Tool on the computer.

If the phone is off the bootloop, try entering Recovery mode (clamping the volume up and power button) and resetting (Wipe Data), which will delete all user data, but often saves the system.

⚠️ Note: When using computer firmware utilities, make sure drivers are installed ADB Lack of drivers is the most common reason a PC doesn't see a phone in boot mode.

For advanced users, the Fastboot firmware method is available. To do this, the phone is put into the appropriate mode (volume button down + power), connected to the PC, and the firmware is performed by the fastboot flash recovery.img command or full firmware via Mi Flash. This method requires high concentration.

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Use the original. USB-cable and connect it directly to the PC motherboard port (back of the system unit), avoiding USB-hubs and front panels to avoid communication breakage when firmware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)