How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to the current version of MIUI: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vincent) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, which is still used by thousands of users. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and Android, owners are faced with the question of how to safely update the device without losing data and turning it into a “brick”, This guide is relevant for all regions of firmware (Global, China, EEA, Russia) and takes into account the features of the model after the end of official support.

Unlike new Xiaomi devices, where updates come "over the air," the Redmi 5 Plus may require manual installation.We'll look at three methods: automatic updates via Settings, installation via Recovery, and firmware via Fastboot (for power users). We will pay special attention to common errors, such as Error 7 or stuck on the logo. MI, and the means of their solution.

1.Preparation for Update: What to Do Before Installation

Before you update Redmi 5 Plus, follow the steps to avoid data loss or crashes:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60 percent. When discharged during firmware, the device may fail.
• 📱 Backup: Copy photos, contacts and files to your PC or Mi Cloud (settings) → The phone. → Backup).
• 📡 Stable Wi-Fi connection: downloading firmware “weighs” 1.5-2.5 GB. Mobile Internet is not suitable!
• 🔧 Checking the model: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Remember the current version (for example, MIUI 12.5.3 Global).

If you plan to upgrade via Fastboot, you will additionally need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers are needed).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 5 Plus was purchased in China ROM), After updates through Global ROM The bootloader may be blocked. Use only firmware for your region!

2. Method 1: Automatically Update via Settings (Ota)

The simplest method is an over-the-air update (OTA) that is suitable if:

• 📲 You have an official firmware (not customized).
• 🔄 Phone receives notifications about new versions MIUI.
• 📶 Access to stable Wi-Fi.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Update Check. If a new version is available, the Download button will appear.
3. After download, click Set and confirm the reboot.

If the update is not available, it is possible:

• 🚫 Your version. MIUI It's so old that it's old. OTA-Updates disabled (relevant to devices on the MIUI 9–10).
• 🌍 You are using firmware for another region (e.g. trying to upgrade China) ROM via Global servers).

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If the “Check Updates” button doesn’t respond, try clearing the System Update cache in the application settings.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery (for experienced)

If automatic updates are not available, you can manually install firmware through stock recovery, which saves user data but requires the correct firmware file selection.

Steps:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 Plus from MIUI Downloads. Choose your model (vincent) and region.
2. The file must have a.zip extension and a name of the type. miui_MIUI12.5.3_global_... (not.tgz!).
3. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
4. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
5. Select the language, then Install update.zip to System → specify the downloaded file.
6. After installation, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: If you see an Error 7 error, it means you are trying to install firmware for another model or region!

Download the firmware from the official website|Check the extension (.zip)|Transfer the file to the root of the memory|Rename the file to update.zip (necessarily)|Turn off your phone before entering Recovery-->

4. Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot (complete reinstallation)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI.
• 🔄 You need to “roll back” the firmware to an older version.
• 📦 Replacement of the region (e.g. from China to Global).

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download here).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (version 2020 or later).
• 📂 Firmware in.tgz format (unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters!).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean all (complete cleanup) or Save user data (save data).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

If the process is 99% dead or there is an anti-rollback error, it means:

• 🔙 You are trying to install an older firmware than it was before (banned by Xiaomi policy).
• 🔌 Problems with USB-Port or cable (try another port on PC).

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When updating Redmi 5 Plus, users often face the following problems:

After the update, the phone stopped seeing SIM-maps, check the cards:

• 📶 Is it inserted correctly? SIM (Redmi 5 Plus tray for two cards or one card + microSD).
• 🔄 Firmware version: some China ROM block out foreign SIM-map.
• 📞 Network settings: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Selecting a network and searching manually.

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If the sound is gone or the sensors are not working after the update, reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Resetting). This will solve 90% of software failures.

6. How to check the success of the update

After restarting the device, make sure the update is correct:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and check the version of MIUI and Android.
2. Run multiple applications (e.g. camera, browser) – they should work without errors.
3. Check your connection to the mobile network and Wi-Fi.

If the MIUI version has not changed, but the firmware file has downloaded, it is possible:

• 🔄 The update was incremental (a small patch, not a full firmware).
• 📥 The file has not been downloaded completely (check its size - it must match the one listed on the site).

To check the integrity of the system, you can use a hidden test menu:

1. In the phone app, type ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information and check the Android Runtime status.

7. Alternative methods: custom firmware

If the official updates for the Redmi 5 Plus are no longer coming out, you can consider installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔧 The need to unlock the bootloader (the process takes up to 72 hours).
• 📵 Possible problems with the camera, sensors or mobile network.

If you decide to try, follow the instructions from the XDA Developers forum (the vincent section).

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Make a full backup through TWRP before firmware.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 5 Plus with firmware MIUI 12+ Unlocking the bootloader can lead to the binding of the Mi Account. Without account data, the phone will become a brick»!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 5 Plus