Update Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to Android 10: all the ways and instructions

Introduction: Is it possible to upgrade Redmi 5 Plus to Android 10?

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) was released in 2018 with Android 7.1.2 Nougat on board and later received an official update to Android 9 Pie as part of the MIUI program. However, many users want to install Android 10 - not only for the new features, but also to support modern applications that stop working on outdated versions of the OS.

Unfortunately, Xiaomi has never released an official firmware with Android 10 for this model. But that doesn't mean that an update is impossible! There are several alternative ways, from custom firmware based on AOSP to ported versions of MIUI 12 with the Android 10 core. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, their pros, cons and step-by-step instructions.

Before you start, consider: informal firmware can contain bugs, and incorrect actions lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device. If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to stop at the latest official version or consult specialists.

Why Xiaomi didn’t release Android 10 for Redmi 5 Plus

According to Xiaomi’s policy, budget models receive a maximum of 2 major Android updates. Redmi 5 Plus originally ran on Android 7.1.2, then updated to Android 8.1 Oreo and finally to Android 9 Pie (as part of MIUI 11).

The reasons for the lack of Android 10:

• 📱 Hardware Restrictions: Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor 625 and 3/4 GB RAM is not optimized for new OS versions.
• 💰 Xiaomi focuses on new models, not on supporting old ones.
• 🔧 Drivers and kernel: Android 10 requires updated drivers that the manufacturer does not provide.

However, enthusiasts from the XDA Developers community have created informal builds, with quality variables: some firmware running stable, others may or may not support individual features (like VoLTE or data encryption).

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Before installing custom firmware, check if it supports Google Apps (GApps) and OTA-Without them, you'll have to manually refashion the device every time you upgrade.

Preparing the device for update

Regardless of the method chosen, preparing the Redmi 5 Plus for an upgrade involves several critical steps: skipping any of them could result in data loss or phone failure.

1. Creation of a backup copy

Save:

• 📁 Contacts (exports to VCF or synchronize with Google).
• 📸 Photos and videos (transfer to PC or cloud).
• 🎵 Music and documents (use the same) MIUI Backup or Titanium Backup for applications).
• 🔑 Passwords and settings (write down logins from accounts).

2. Unlock the loader

To install custom firmware requires an unlocked bootloader.The official way from Xiaomi:

1. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the utility.
2. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
3. Enable Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
4. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.

3. Checking firmware compatibility

Make sure the firmware you choose is for the Redmi 5 Plus (vince), and installing firmware from another model (e.g. the Redmi Note 5 Pro) will result in a hard brick.

Check the device model (vince) | Create a backup |Unlock the bootloader | Download the correct firmware | Charge the phone to 80%+

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Method 1: Install custom firmware based on AOSP (Android 10)

The most popular way is to make an informal AOSP-Firmware (like LineageOS 17.1 or Pixel Experience) these builds offer a "clean" Android shellless MIUI, They may lose some functions (for example, IR-blaster or Game Turbo mode).

Step 1: Installation of TWRP Recovery

Download the latest version of TWRP for vince from twrp.me.

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_vince.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_vince.img

Step 2: AOSP firmware

Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 17.1) and GApps (Google Services Package) ARM64 and Android 10. Transfer files to your phone and to TWRP execute:

1. Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
2. Install → select ZIP firmware.
3. Repeat for GApps.
4. Reboot System.

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After the first boot, the system can optimize applications for a long time (10-15 minutes).

Step 3: Setup after installation

After downloading:

• 🔄 Update all apps on Google Play.
• 🔒 Enable data encryption (if supported by firmware).
• 📶 Check the mobile network and Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: Some AOSP-The firmware does not support double SIM-card NFC. Before installing, specify this in the topic of firmware on XDA.

Method 2: Ported MIUI 12 based on Android 10

If you want a familiar MIUI interface, but with the Android 10 core, you can install a ported version of MIUI 12, which is created based on official builds for other devices (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro) and adapt to vince.

Pros and cons of ported MIUI 12

Where to download and how to install

Look for relevant assemblies in topics on 4PDA or XDA (This is the same setup. AOSP:

1. Download ZIP firmware.
2. Download to TWRP.
3. Make Wipe (except Internal Storage)
4. Install firmware and Magisk (for root rights).

⚠️ Attention: Ported MIUI They often contain Chinese apps and ads. Once installed, remove them through the ADB Titanium Backup.

Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if you found fastboot firmware for Redmi 5 Plus with Android 10.It is more difficult than installing via TWRP, but sometimes allows you to bypass the problems with custom recovery.

Essential tools

• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 📦 Firmware archive (e.g, vince_global_images_10.0.1.0.2020.zip).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).

Step-by-step instruction

1. Unpack the firmware in the folder from fastboot.
2. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down when you turn on).
3. Run the firmware script: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash userdata userdata.img fastboot reboot

If the script gives an error "invalid sparse file format", use the Mi Flash Tool with the "clean all and lock" option.

Solving problems after updating

Even with a successful Android 10 installation, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1.The phone does not turn on after firmware

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery is dead: plug in charging for 30 minutes, then try turning on.
• 🔄 Download animation looped: boot into TWRP and re-set.
• 💀 Hard brick: requires firmware through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

2. Mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working

Communication problems are often solved by:

• 📶 Flashing the modem (files) modem.img or NON-HLOS.bin).
• 🔧 Resetting network settings in Settings → System system → Reset.
• 📱 Installation of a patch for IMEI (if he's thrown off).

3. Fast battery discharge

Android 10 may consume more power due to:

• 🔋 Background activity of applications (check in Settings) → Battery).
• 🔄 Unoptimized kernel (try firmware with another kernel, such as FrancoKernel).
• 📡 Continuous network search (turn off auto-search Wi-Fi and mobile data in roaming).

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If the phone is warming up after the upgrade, check the CPU load in the CPU Monitor app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about upgrading Redmi 5 Plus to Android 10