How to update the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred) is still a popular smartphone among users, despite the release of new models. The firmware update on this device not only adds fresh features, but also fixes critical security vulnerabilities, improves battery performance and stability.However, due to the age of the model (released in 2018), official support for the new model is available. MIUI Xiaomi has stopped — the last global update was released in 2021 (MIUI This means that the upgrade “by air» (OTA) It will not work, but there are alternative methods.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to upgrade to the Redmi Note 5: Recovery, Fastboot and custom firmware (for advanced users), and how to check the current version of MIUI, prepare your phone for firmware and avoid common bugs like hanging on the Mi logo or the “Cannot update verify” error. If your smartphone starts to slow down, discharge quickly or give out errors, it’s time to upgrade!

1. How to check the current version of MIUI on Redmi Note 5

Before updating, you need to know the current firmware version and the device region (Global, China, EEA), which will help you choose the right firmware file and avoid conflicts.

To check out the MIUI version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version section, and the number will be listed here (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable).
3. Click multiple times on the MIUI version bar to see more information, including the Android version (must be Android 9 Pie or Android 8.1 Oreo).

Pay attention to the firmware region:

• 🌍 Global – for international devices (designated as whyred_global).
• 🇨🇳 China – Chinese version (may not support Google services).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European version (with additional restrictions).

It is impossible to sew the Chinese version onto a global device (and vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader - this will lead to a "brick" (breakdown of the phone).

⚠️ Note: If there is no item in the About Phone section MIUI, Your smartphone may be on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), in which case updating through official methods is impossible - you will need to flash from scratch.

2.Preparing the phone for an update: 5 mandatory steps

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of firmware failures. Follow this checklist to minimize risks:

Charge the battery to 60% and above | Make a backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS) | Make sure you have a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) | Disable screen lock (PIN, pattern lock) | Download the correct firmware version for your region-->

Let's take a closer look at each item:

1. Battery charge. It can take up to 20-30 minutes to run through Recovery or Fastboot. If the phone runs out in the process, it will damage the system files and require complete flashing. The optimal charge level is 80-100%.

2. Backup. Update through Recovery usually saves user data, but resets do happen.

• 📱 Local Copy: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: sync contacts, notes and photos through your Mi Account.
• 💻 Computer: Copy files from internal memory to PC (folders) DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp).

3. Stable Internet connection: If you update over the air (if available) or download the firmware directly, use Wi-Fi. Mobile Internet may be interrupted, which will lead to downloading of the corrupted file.

4. Disable the screen lock. Once the firmware is in place, the phone may require a password, but if the system is updated with errors, unlocking will become impossible. PIN/pattern lock in Settings → Screen locking.

5. Download the correct firmware. Redmi Note 5 only works with the whyred in the title.

• 🔗 Official website MIUI (Select device → Redmi Note 5).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (unofficial but reliable archive).

Once a month |Only when critical errors appear |Never update |Only through custom firmware-->

3. Method 1: Update via Recovery (for official firmware)

This method is suitable if you want to upgrade to a newer stable version of MIUI (e.g. from MIUI 11 to MIUI 12.5) without losing data. It works only for official firmware - custom (e.g. xiaomi.eu) require a different approach.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware file in.zip format (for example, miui_blockota_whyred_global_12.5.3.0.zip) and rename it in update.zip.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and transfer update.zip to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or MIUI folders).
3. Turn off the phone from the PC and turn it off.
4. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
5. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) then:

Wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for more than 15 minutes after the reboot:

⚠️ Note: This means that the firmware is not compatible with your current version. MIUI (For example, if you were setting 12.5.3, try 12.5.1. If the problem persists, you will need to run the firmware through Fastboot (see next section).

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If there is no installation point in Recovery update.zip, Your phone may be on custom firmware with modified Recovery (e.g, TWRP). In this case, use the firmware method through TWRP or Fastboot.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (to restore or change region)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader.

• 🔄 Changes in the firmware region (for example, from China to Global).
• 🛠️ Recovery of the phone after a crash ("brick»).
• 📥 Install an older version MIUI («downgrade»).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download here).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for example, whyred_global_images_12.5.3.0.zip).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download the official version).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder on your computer (files with the.img extension should appear).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom of the program, select the firmware mode: Clean all - complete clean (delete all data!), Save user data - save user files (not always stable). Clean all and lock - clean + lock the bootloader (only for official firmware).

Flash

Success

If the Mi Flash Tool is a Cann't load device error:

• 🔌 Check the cable connection (try another one). USB-port).
• 🖥️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager (look for Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone, then try again.

5. Method 3: Install custom firmware (for advanced users)

If the official firmware is no longer updated, and you want to get a fresh version of Android (for example, Android 11 or Android 12), you can install custom firmware. Popular options for Redmi Note 5:

• 📱 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI softwareless.
• 🤖 LineageOS – “clean” Android with a long support life.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with many functions.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website – requires binding Mi Account and waiting 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services if they are not included in the composition).

Instructions for installation via TWRP:

1. Download. TWRP For whyred (e.g., from here) and scroll through Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img
2. In TWRP, make a full backup (Backup item).
3. Wipe the Dalvik, Cache, System, Data sections (Wipe → Advanced Wipe).
4. Install firmware and GApps (Install item).
5. Reboot to the system.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on older devices like the Redmi Note 5. Check forum reviews before installing, XDA Developers) about the stability of a particular build. Also note that some features (e.g. VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling) may not work.

Table: Comparison of Redmi Note 5 Update Methods

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the Recovery method or Fastboot. Castom firmware requires experience and readiness for possible bugs.

7.Typical Update Errors and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

1. The error "Cannot verify update" in Recovery.

Reason: The firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model/region.

Decision:

• 🔄 Download the firmware again (check the checksum) MD5).
• 📁 Make sure the file is named exactly. update.zip (symbolless).
• 🌍 Check the region’s compliance (for example, don’t try to flash China) ROM globalize).

2.The phone hangs on the Mi logo after the firmware.

Reason: Conflict of MIUI versions or damage to system files.

Decision:

• 🔄 Try flashing the same version again through Fastboot.
• 📥 Install an older version MIUI, Then update in stages (e.g., with a MIUI 10. MIUI 11, and then on MIUI 12).
• 🛠️ If nothing works, do a full reset via Fastboot (Clean all).

3.Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the phone.

Reason: There are no drivers or incorrect connection mode.

Decision:

• 🔌 Connect the phone to the port USB 2.0 (on the back of the PC).
• 🖥️ Install drivers manually (download Xiaomi) USB Drivers).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Fastboot again (sometimes reconnecting helps).

Error "This package is for whyred devices; this is a" in TWRP.

Reason: You’re trying to install firmware for another model (like the Redmi Note 5 Pro, which has the codename vince).

Solution: Download the firmware specifically for whyred (check the file name).

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If the phone doesn't turn on or it makes a mistake, don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored via Fastboot, and the key is not to try to flash the incompatible version and always backup.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)