Update Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: 3 proven ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still popular with users due to its balanced features and support for custom firmware. However, even in 2026, many owners are facing problems when trying to update its software. Official updates from Xiaomi for this model have long been discontinued, but there are alternative ways to get the latest stable version of MIUI or custom firmware based on Android 12/13.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of updating Redmi Note 5, from the standard OTA-Upgrade to manual firmware via Fastboot and TWRP We'll focus on common bugs like Error 7 or Mi logo hanging around and how to fix them. If your phone hasn't received updates in a long time or isn't working well, here's a solution.

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

Before you start an update, it is critical to follow a few preparatory steps, which can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable) or data loss, starting with checking the current firmware version and compatibility.

First, make sure your Redmi Note 5 is not Chinese ROM, and updates are distributed separately, and firmware from the Global ROM may not fit. Check this in Settings → About Phone → MIUI. If you have CN at the end of the name, you have Chinese firmware.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages) |

Charge your phone at least 60% |

Check the vacant space (need ≥ 3 GB)|

Download the correct firmware version for whyred|

Ensure the stability of the Internet connection (for the OTA)-->

Also, it is worth considering that after updating through Fastboot or custom Recovery, you may need to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked). This requires a Mi Account tied to the device. Without unlocking, you can not install informal firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you are updating a phone with root rights (Magisk or SuperSU), pre-remove the root through the appropriate application. Otherwise, there is a risk of freezing during the dm-verity phase).

2. Method 1: Update through Settings (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) feature, which is suitable if your Redmi Note 5 is still getting official updates or you want to upgrade to the latest MIUI available for this model. However, keep in mind that Xiaomi has stopped releasing updates for whyred since 2021, so OTA can only offer older versions.

To check for updates:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on the item System Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If an update is available, download it (wi-fi required) and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the system says “No Updates”, but you are sure that your model has a newer firmware, try resetting the system update application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find System Update and select Storage.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Restart your phone and check for updates again.

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If OTA-Update weighs more than 1.5 GB, download it via Wi-Fi – mobile Internet can interrupt the download, which will lead to an installation error.

⚠️ Note: Never interrupt the update process through OTA, Even if it's stuck in the "Installation..." stage, the average installation time is 10 to 20 minutes. If nothing happens after 30 minutes, force the phone to restart (press the power supply). + Volume up for 10 seconds and try again.

Method 2: Manual Recovery Update (TWRP)

If OTA is not available or you want to install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience, LineageOS or MIUI by xiaomi.eu), you will need TWRP Recovery.This is an alternative restore menu that allows you to stitch informal images.

First of all, make sure your Redmi Note 5 has TWRP installed. You can check this by holding the Power + Volume button up. If you see the TeamWin logo, it's okay. If not, first install TWRP via Fastboot (instructions in the next section).

Instructions for firmware through TWRP:

1. Download firmware in.zip format (for example, from the site xiaomi.eu or XDA Developers).
2. Move the firmware file to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter TWRP.
4. In the TWRP menu, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, Data (if you go from another firmware).
5. Return to the main menu and click Install, then select the downloaded.zip file.
6. Swipe to confirm the installation and wait for completion.
7. After installation, press Reboot System.

The first run after firmware can take up to 10 minutes — that's fine. If the phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 20 minutes, try re-installation or flash another image.

4. Method 3: Fastboot firmware (for official and custom images)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for installing official Xiaomi firmware, but requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

• 🔹 You want to return your phone to the stock firmware.
• 🔹 OTA and TWRP not working (for example, due to a damaged partition of the system).
• 🔹 You need to update the anti-rollback (anti-rollback) – protection against rollback on older versions MIUI.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download here).
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔧 Archive with firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download only from official sources!).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in the terminal (for Windows) Linux/Mac).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\whyred_fastboot).
2. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a bunny with the words Fastboot will appear on the screen).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "This device is locked", then the bootloader is locked. It must be unlocked through the official Xiaomi tool.

Through settings (OTA)|

Through TWRP Recovery|

Through Fastboot|

Castom firmware (LineageOS, etc.) | I do not update-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware with Clean all and lock option will block the bootloader and delete TWRP. If you plan to return to custom firmware, choose Clean all without locking.

5. Typical update errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, Redmi Note 5 users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: "Error 7" in TWRP

This error occurs if you try to flash firmware that is incompatible with your model or anti-rollback version, for example, switching from MIUI 12 to MIUI 10 is blocked.

Decision:

• 🔹 Download the firmware with the correct antirollback number (you can find it in the TWRP, file-open /vendor/build.prop and finding a line ro.vendor.build.security_patch).
• 🔹 If an error appears when installing custom firmware, try disabling the check in TWRP: Before installation, go to Mount → Disable the dm-verity check.

Error 2: phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after firmware

This is most often due to:

• 🔹 Incomplete cleaning of the cache before installation.
• 🔹 Incompatibility of the firmware with the loader version.
• 🔹 Damaged firmware file (unproven or error-proof).

Decision:

1. Log in to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
2. Refresh the firmware.
3. If it doesn’t work, try a different firmware version or go back to stock via Fastboot.

Error 3: "This package is for whyred devices; this is a"

The message means that you are trying to install firmware designed for another model (for example, for the Redmi Note 5 Pro, codename vince).

Solution: Download the firmware specifically for whyred (check the archive name – it should contain whyred or Redmi Note 5).

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If after firmware the phone does not turn on and does not respond to the buttons, try to pinch Power + Volume up + Volume down for 20 seconds - this will force the device to restart in emergency mode.

6. How to check the success of the update

After the update, it is important to make sure that the firmware is installed correctly and all functions work.

1. Check the MIUI and Android version: Go to Settings → About phone. Compare the version number to what is listed on the firmware site.
2. Test the basic functions: 📞 Calls and mobile network (check signal and internet). 📷 Camera (take a photo on the main and front cameras). 🔊 Sound (speaker, microphone, headphones). 🔋 Charging (connect the charger).
3. Check for root rights (if you installed Magisk): Open the Magisk Manager app. If it is not available, install it manually and check the root status.

If you have a bug after the update (for example, the battery is quickly discharged or Bluetooth is not working), try:

• 🔹 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔹 Reflash the firmware again (possibly the file was corrupted during downloading).
• 🔹 Install a different firmware version (for example, instead of a weekly one - stable).

Important: After upgrading via Fastboot or TWRP, the first 2-3 charge/discharge cycles of the battery may be unstable.

7.Alternative firmware for Redmi Note 5 in 2026

Since the official support for Redmi Note 5 is discontinued, many users are switching to custom firmware.

• 🔹 More recent versions of Android (up to Android 13).
• 🔹 Lack of advertising and unnecessary Xiaomi apps.
• 🔹 Advanced Performance and Design Settings.

Popular Firmware for Whyred:

Before installing custom firmware:

1. Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (instructions here).
2. Download the correct version of TWRP for whyred (official or OrangeFox recommended).
3. Read the forums’ firmware reviews (XDA, 4PDA) – some builds may have camera or mobile network bugs.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)