Redmi 5A was released in 2017, but thanks to the optimization of the MIUI system, it is still able to perform basic functions. However, support for the model has long ceased, and official servers have stopped offering new versions of Android. Owners often face a situation where automatic update does not come, or the device freezes during the verification phase.
Restore the relevance of the software requires manual intervention, you have to download the firmware archives yourself and choose the right installation method, and it is important to understand that switching to a newer version of MIUI on old hardware can slow down the interface, so it is worth weighing the pros and cons.
In this guide, we will look at all the available methods, from a standard update through the menu to an advanced method through the Fastboot. We will also look at how to fix boot errors if the device has gone into an endless cycle.
Preparation of the device for firmware
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to do a lot of preparation. Backup is the first and most important step. All your contacts, photos and messages will be deleted when you change the firmware version, unless you save them separately, use cloud services or copy data to your computer.
Charge the smartphone battery to at least 60-70%. The process of writing data to flash memory is energy intensive, and a sudden shutdown can lead to critical errors. USB-cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
- 📁 Backup all important files to your computer or cloud.
- 🔋 Check the battery level (minimum 60%).
- 💾 Make room in the memory (minimum) 3-4 GB).
- 🔌 Find an original or quality cable USB.
Pay special attention to the memory of the device. The firmware file can take up to 2 GB, but the system requires more free space to properly unpack and install. If there is little memory, delete unnecessary applications or transfer media files to the memory card.
⚠️ Note: If your phone has an unlocked bootloader, the firmware process may result in a loss of warranty (if it is still relevant) and a reset of all data without the possibility of recovery.
Check the current version of MIUI and Android
Before you search for files to upgrade, you need to know exactly which version of the operating system is installed now, which will help you avoid version conflicts and choose the right firmware file. System information is in the standard settings menu.
Click on About Phone and then tap the line with MIUI several times, which activates the hidden menu for how to upgrade, and you'll see the current build, like MIUI 9.2 or MIUI 10, as well as the Android version.
For Redmi 5A, the official latest version is often MIUI 9 or 10 based on Android 7 or 8. Attempting to install newer versions (such as MIUI 12) will require custom firmware installation, which is beyond the standard update and requires unlocking the bootloader.
Method 1: Update via OTA (over the air)
The easiest and safest method is to use an inbuilt update mechanism, so the system itself checks for new packets on the manufacturer's server, and if the server still supports your model and region, the update will come automatically.
Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Press the Update Check button. If the file is available, it will load in the background. After download, press the Install button and the phone will restart to complete the process.
Sometimes the server doesn't see an update due to a change in region or the end of support, in which case you can try changing the region in the settings (Additional → Region) to India or Global, and repeat the check, which often helps to "wake up" the update server.
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Before launching the update via OTA, connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network, as the file can weigh more than 1 GB and mobile carrier traffic may be limited.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery (Local Update)
If the automatic method does not work, use the local update method. You will need to download the firmware archive (.zip) from the official website or a verified resource. The file should be designed specifically for your model (codename riva for Redmi 5A) and region.
Copy the downloaded file to the root of the phone's internal memory. Then open the Update app, click three dots in the corner of the screen, and select Select firmware file. Find the downloaded archive and confirm the action.
The system will check the integrity of the file and suggest a reboot, which is convenient because it doesn't require a computer or complicated driver manipulation, but only works if the new firmware version is higher or equal to the current firmware and the signatures match.
☑️ Checklist before hand firmware
Method 3: Installation via Fastboot and MiFlash
This method is designed for advanced users and requires a PC. It allows you to completely reinstall the system, fix bootloader errors or change the firmware region (for example, from China to Global). ADB/Fastboot.
Download the firmware image in.tgz (Fastboot version) and unpack it on your computer. The path to the folder should not contain Russian letters or spaces. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode by holding the volume button when the device is turned off and connecting the cable.
fastboot devicesThis command in the console will help you check if your device is seeing your computer, so if your device ID is displayed, you can run Mi Flash, select a firmware folder, and press the Flash button.
| Parameter | Recovery (ZIP) | Fastboot (TGZ) |
|---|---|---|
| I need a PC. | No. | Yes. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Tall. |
| Data retention | Maybe. | Only with cleaning. |
| Change of region | No. | Yes. |
⚠️ Note: When you run through Fastboot, select Clear All mode if you switch from Chinese to global, otherwise the phone will go into a cyclic reboot (bootloop).
What to do if Mi Flash gives an error?Most often the error occurs due to a long path to the firmware files. Move the folder with the unpacked firmware to the root of the C disk
Solutions and errors in the update
Unforeseen situations can occur during the upgrade process, such as the phone hanging on the Mi logo or a signature verification error message, often solved by simply restarting or repeating the procedure.
If the device hits Bootloop (cyclic reboot), try entering Recovery mode (clip the volume up). + In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data, which will delete all files, but can resuscitate the system.
The “Can’t verify update” error in a local update means that you are trying to install an older version or firmware from another region without unlocking the bootloader, in which case only the Fastboot method with a full cleanup will help.
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The most common reason is a lack of battery power or interruption of the USB connection while writing memory sectors.