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 simplicity. MIUI And Android users are faced with the questions: how to update the firmware when official support has ended, can you install custom firmware without the risk of bricking the phone, and should you upgrade at all if the smartphone is stable?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy), including official and informal methods, you will learn how to check the current version of the software, prepare the device for firmware, choose the appropriate build. MIUI Or Android, and avoid common bugs, and we'll focus on the nuances of models with unlocked and locked bootloaders, which is critical for a successful upgrade.

1. Update Preparation: What to Do Before Firmware

Before you start an update, there are a few steps that you have to take, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, disruption, or even a device blink, starting with checking the current firmware version and compatibility.

The first thing to do is to know the current version. MIUI And the model of the device:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 📝 Write down the data from the Version MIUI, Android version and device model (must be Redmi) 5 or MDE6/MCE6 for the global/Chinese version).
• 🔍 Check the status of the bootloader: if you previously unlocked it, it will open access to custom firmware.

Next, back up, and even if the update is successful, some settings or data may be reset.

• 🔄 Built-in backup in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset (keeps contacts, SMS, setup).
• ☁️ Cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) for photos and documents.
• 💾 Manually copying important files (photos, videos, music) to a PC or external drive.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to upgrade via Fastboot or install custom firmware, unlocking the bootloader will result in a complete data reset (including internal memory!

Just as important, charge the battery to at least 60 percent, and it can take 10 to 40 minutes to run out of firmware, and if the phone dies in the process, there are serious consequences.

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better than the one that came with the kit).
• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (if you upgrade via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool).
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (to download firmware and OTA-update).

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to update OTA (Over-The-Air is suitable for users who do not want to take risks and prefer official builds. However, the Redmi 5 has a nuance: since 2021, Xiaomi has stopped releasing regular updates for this model, so the company has been able to make a big difference in the future. OTA It may not be available or offer outdated versions.

To check for updates:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.
3. If the update is available, download it (Wi-Fi or mobile internet is required).
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

If the system says "Updates are not available," it doesn't always mean there aren't any. MIUI It is too old and Xiaomi servers no longer support it, and manual installation via Recovery will help).

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 5 work MIUI 10 older, OTA-renewal MIUI 12/13 This may not be available due to changes in the firmware architecture, and you will need to completely reflash through Fastboot.

Advantages of OTA:

• ✅ No computer or special skills required.
• ✅ Stores all data and settings.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It often doesn’t offer the latest version.
• ❌ It may not work on modified firmware.

💡

OTA-Update is the best choice for beginners, but does not guarantee the current version MIUI modelled.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA It doesn't work or it offers outdated firmware, you can manually install the update through Recovery. MIUI It requires minimal technical skills, and the key is to choose the right firmware file for your model.

Step 1: Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website:

1. Go to the MIUI Downloads page.
2. Search for Redmi 5 or rosy.
3. Choose the appropriate version: 🌍 Global – for the international version (e.g., for the international version, MIUI 12.5.3 Global). 🇨🇳 China – for Chinese version (requires manual installation of Google Services). 📱 Stable - Stable version (recommended by most users). 🧪 Beta - Test version (may contain bugs).

.zip

miui_HM5Global_V12.5.3.0.QEGMIXM_...

Step 2: Transfer the firmware to your phone:

• Connect Redmi 5 to your PC and copy the downloaded.zip file to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
• Turn off the device and go to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.




3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) and Install update.zip to System One (or similar).




4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

Once installed successfully, the phone will restart. The first launch can take up to 10 minutes — that's normal.

⚠️ Note: If the error "Can't verify update" appears when installed via Recovery, it means that the firmware is not intended for your model or region!

Download the correct version MIUI forecast|Transfer the file to the root of the memory|Charge the battery. >60%|Check the vacant space (>2 GB)|Disable password/fingerprint protection-->

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

If OTA And the Recovery doesn't work (for example, because of a damaged system), and the firmware is left over via Fastboot, which requires a computer, a special software (Mi Flash Tool) and an unlocked bootloader:

• 🔄 Recovery of the “brick” phone.
• 🆕 Installation of the new version MIUI fully discharged.
• 🔓 Transition from Chinese firmware to global (and vice versa).

Important: Fastboot erases all data on the device, including internal memory.Without backup, you will lose photos, messages and apps!

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked):

• 🔗 Get permission to unlock through the official Xiaomi website (you will need a Mi Account and device binding).
• 📱 Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC and follow the instructions.
• ⏳ Expect 72–168 hours (wait time depends on Xiaomi policy).

Step 2: Download the Fastboot firmware:

• On the website MIUI Downloads Select Fastboot Version for Your Model.
• Unpack the downloaded.tgz archive in a folder on your PC (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).

Step 3: Swipe the phone:

1. Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off Redmi 5 and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch the power + Loudness down.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, select a folder with unpacked firmware and press Refresh (the device should appear).
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - full reset (recommended). Clean all and lock - reset + Save user data - saving data (not always stable).

Flash

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

5.Castom firmware: should I install?

Official updates for Redmi 5 have not been released for a long time, but enthusiasts continue to support the device through custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without shell MIUI (Supports up-to-date versions of Android 11).
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface, like on Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with advanced settings.
• 🇨🇳 MIUI EU — non-official MIUI China-bound.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Up-to-date versions of Android (e.g. Android 11 instead of Android 8.1 in the latest official version) MIUI).
• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Apps.
• ✅ More opportunities to customize the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ An unlocked loader is required.
• ❌ Possible bugs (for example, non-functioning) NFC camera).
• ❌ No official support (updates are not regularly available).

To install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (as described in the previous section).
2. Install custom Recovery (such as TWRP).
3. Download the firmware from the forum XDA Developers (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 for Redmi 5).
4. Transfer the.zip file to your phone and run through TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may disrupt some features (e.g. VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling!

💡

Before installing custom firmware, make a full backup through TWRP (section EFS, stored IMEI This will help you recover your phone if you fail.

Typical errors and their solutions

When updating Redmi 5, users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If after the update, the phone stopped turning on or got stuck in the bootloop (cyclic reboot), try:

1. Go to Recovery and make Wipe data/factory reset.
2. Reflash the device through Fastboot with a full reset.
3. If nothing helps, contact the service center (especially if the bootloader is blocked).

Another common problem is loss. IMEI It's caused by damage to the partition. EFS. To restore IMEI:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode application (for MediaTek processors).


2. Go to Engineer Mode → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.




3 Enter AT- a recovery command IMEI (e.g. AT + EGMR =1.7,"Your IMEI").




4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If you are not sure of your actions, do not try to recover IMEI on your own - error in commands can lead to loss of the network forever.

7. Whether to update: pros and cons

Before you upgrade to Redmi 5, weigh the pros and cons. New firmware versions don't always bring benefits, especially on older devices.

Arguments FOR the update:

• 🔒 Security Vulnerabilities (Relevant to the MIUI 12.5+).
• 🆕 New interface features (e.g. Dark Mode 2.0 or Super Wallpapers).
• 📈 Optimizing productivity (in some cases).
• 📱 Compatible with new apps (many apps require Android 10)+).

Arguments against the update:

• 🐢 Slowdown (new versions) MIUI It can be very difficult for the Snapdragon 450).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (especially on Android) 10/11).
• 🚫 Loss of functionality (e.g. VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling failure).
• 🔄 Risk of firmware errors (if the device is old, it is better not to experiment).

If your Redmi 5 is stable and you don’t need new features, it might be better to stay on the current version, but if you’re concerned about security vulnerabilities or app incompatibility, an update may be warranted.

For users who want to try the new firmware without risk, there is an option – installing through Dual Apps (if supported) or using a second system via MultiROM (requires an unlocked bootloader).

💡

Update Redmi 5 only if it solves a specific problem (such as a vulnerability or incompatibility).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 5