How to upgrade Xiaomi Mi5 to MIUI 10: all ways with detailed instructions

Why MIUI 10 is relevant for Xiaomi Mi5 even in 2026

Xiaomi Mi5, Launched in 2016, it is still a popular device thanks to the powerful hardware based on the Snapdragon 820 and a compact body. However, official firmware support for this model has long been discontinued, the last stable version from the manufacturer was the MIUI 12.5 (for global firmware). So why are users looking for a way to roll back or upgrade to just the right one? MIUI 10?

First, MIUI 10 was the latest version optimized for older chipsets without the redundant background processes that appeared in MIUI 11+ and led to overheating and rapid battery discharge. Second, many custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) require MIUI 10 as a base for proper operation. Finally, some features (such as Second Space or older versions of Xiaomi Cloud) work more stable on this firmware.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to install MIUI 10 on the Mi5, from official (if available) to alternative methods via Fastboot and Recovery, and how to avoid errors like bootloader block or IMEI loss, and what to do if the smartphone stops turning on after the upgrade.

Preparing a smartphone for an update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start firmware, you need to perform a number of steps to minimize the risks of “bricking” the device. Xiaomi Mi5 is especially sensitive to errors when updating due to the features of the bootloader and memory partitions.

First, check the current version of MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If you have a newer firmware installed than MIUI 10.3, you will need a rollback (downgrade), which is more difficult than a simple update. Also pay attention to the firmware region: global (MIUI Global), Chinese (MIUI China) or European (MIUI EU) - this depends on the choice of file for the firmware.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. If it is under 30% during firmware, the device may shut down, causing damage to system partitions.
• 📱 Back up the data. Use the settings. → Additionally. → Backup or third-party utilities like TWRP + Swift Backup: Cloud services (like Google Drive) are not suitable – they don’t save system and application settings.
• 🔗 Install drivers and tools. Fastboot requires Mi Flash Tool (the official Xiaomi utility) and Qualcomm drivers. Download them from en.miui.com.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (unlocked) without it, you can not install custom or roll-back software. Instructions for unlocking are available on the official Xiaomi website (requires binding of the Mi Account).
• 📡 Check your PC connection. Use the original cable. USB Type-C: Cheap analogues can cause data transmission errors.

⚠️ Attention: If yours Mi5 It was purchased in China and never downloaded from the global software, MIUI Global may block modules NFC Google Services, which requires additional patching.

Method 1: Update via Recovery (for official firmware)

This is a good method if you want to upgrade from MIUI 8/9 to MIUI 10 without using a PC. It's the safest, but it only works for official firmware with Xiaomi's signature. Importantly, if you already have custom firmware (like LineageOS), this won't work -- you'll need a Fastboot.

Download the firmware file with the.zip extension for your model (Mi5 is codenamed gemini).

• 🌍 en.miui.com (global versions)
• 🇨🇳 miui.com (Chinese versions)
• 🇪🇺 Xiaomi.EU (Multilingual Firmware)

Next, follow the following steps:

1. Copy the update.zip file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up to enter Recovery.
3. Select Install update.zip to System (navigation is done by volume buttons, the choice is by power button).
4. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
5. After restarting, reset your settings (Wipe Data) if the system is unstable.

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is stuck on the Mi logo after you upgrade via Recovery, don’t force it to shut down. Wait 15-20 minutes – sometimes the first download takes a long time due to app optimization. If after this time nothing has changed, go to the method with Fastboot.

Downloaded official update.zip for gemini| File placed in the root of memory | Battery charged >60% |Data backup | Bootloader unlocked (if cast)

-->

Method 2: Fastboot firmware (for rollbacks or custom versions)

Fastboot is the most versatile, but also the riskiest, and allows you to install any version of MIUI, including a downgrade from new firmware. However, if you do the wrong thing, you can get a brick, a device that is not turned on or defined by a PC. It is critical for the Mi5 to use the correct version of the Mi Flash Tool (MiFlash20180528 is recommended).

Download firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for example, MIUI 10.3 Global Mi5) And unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters on the way. Make sure there's a file in the folder. flash_all.bat — It's a script for automatic firmware.

Firmware instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the Mi Flash Tool. The utility should define the device as COM-port.
3. In the Select field, select the path to unpacked firmware. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all — complete cleaning (recommended when changing the MIUI version); Clean all and lock — cleaning + lock bootloader (dangerous if you want to stitch the caste later!); Save user data — saving user data (may cause errors).

Flash

Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will automatically restart. The first download can take up to 10 minutes.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. Open the Manager in Fastboot mode, find the device with the exclamation mark, update the driver, and point the way to the Qualcomm driver folder from the Mi Flash Tool archive.

Method 3: Install MIUI 10 via TWRP (for power users)

If you plan to use a custom core or modified firmware (e.g. MIUI 10 from Xiaomi.EU), the best option is firmware via TWRP. This custom recavator allows you to install informal builds and make backups of the system. However, for the Mi5, it is important to use TWRP version 3.2.3-0 or later - older versions may not work correctly with F2FS partitions.

First, install TWRP:

1. Download the image twrp-3.6.2_9-0-gemini.img official website TWRP.
2. In Fastboot mode, execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-gemini.img
3. Immediately after the firmware reboot to the Recovery command: fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-gemini.img

Now you can stitch MIUI 10:

1. Copy the firmware (for example, miui_GEMINI_10.3.1.0.zip) internal memory or SD-map.
2. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (don’t touch Internal Storage if the firmware is there!).
3. Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the path to the firmware file.
4. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi update Mi5 before MIUI 10