How to update Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) is still a popular budget smartphone, despite its release in 2017. However, every year support for official MIUI updates for this model is declining, and users face security, app compatibility and performance issues. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update firmware on Redmi 5 Plus – from standard OTA to manual firmware via Fastboot and Recovery.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade process depends on the current version of MIUI, bootloader status (unlocked/locked) and even regional firmware. We’ll take a closer look at each method, point out the possible risks and give you recommendations for preparing the device. If your smartphone has not received an update “over the air”, do not be too upset – there are alternative options.

1. Preparation of the smartphone for the update

Before any Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus update, several critical steps must be taken, and neglecting them can lead to a device "brick" or data loss.

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. Write down the full build number (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.1 Stable).
3. Check the status of the bootloader: if you previously unlocked it, an update via Fastboot will be available.

Next, make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when upgraded via Recovery – at least 80%).
• 📱 The device has enough free space (minimum 3 GB on the internal drive).
• 🔒 Important data (photos, contacts, messages) are reserved through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi connection is stable (for the OTA-update).

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Make a backup copy of the data

Charge the battery to 60%+

Free up 3+ GB of memory

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi-->

If your Redmi 5 Plus was purchased in China (China ROM), updates through the global MIUI server may be blocked, in which case you will need to manually firmware or change the region through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard upgrade methods MIUI If you do, go back to the stock firmware on Fastboot or use tools like the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 1: Update "over the air" (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to automatically update through Settings, which is suitable if:

• 📲 You have an official firmware installed. MIUI (modificationless).
• 🔄 The smartphone receives notifications about new versions (usually once every 1-3 months).
• 🔒 The bootloader is not unlocked (otherwise) OTA may not work).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, click Download (file weight is usually 1.5-2.5 GB).
4. After downloading, select Reboot and Update.

It takes 10-20 minutes. The smartphone will reboot several times, which is normal. If the device has been stuck on the MIUI logo for more than 10 minutes after the upgrade, force it to restart (press the power button for 15 seconds).

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If OTA-Update does not come, try changing the region in the settings: Settings → Additionally. → Region: Choose India or Russia, sometimes it speeds up updates.

If the system says “No Updates” but you’re sure there’s a new version (check out forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA), try:

• 🔄 Reconnect to Wi-Fi or use mobile internet.
• 📱 Clear the cache of the application System Update in Settings → Annexes.
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – sometimes updates roll out in stages.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA doesn't work or you want to install a specific version of MIUI, you can upgrade through stock Recovery.This method saves user data, but requires a firmware preload.

Steps:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (vince) from MIUI Downloads. Choose the right model and region (e.g. Global Stable or China Stable).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, check the MIUI version in the settings. If the update doesn't apply, repeat the process or try a different firmware file.

⚠️ Note: Never use firmware from other models (e.g. Redmi Note 5 or Redmi). 5A) — This will cause the device to fail. Check the code name in the file name.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 You have unlocked the bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 You need to install an older/newer version. MIUI, available through OTA.
• 🔧 Requires to restore the smartphone after failure.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Archive with firmware in.tgz format (download from the official website).
• 🛠 The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack firmware (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\vince_global).
2. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the device to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (the Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete clean (delete all data!), Clean all and lock - clean + lock bootloader. Save user data - data storage (does not always work stably).

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

OTA (over the air) |Recovery|Fastboot |Castom firmware |No update-->

5. Solving common mistakes

When updating Redmi 5 Plus, users often face typical problems.

Error: "Cannot verify update" in Recovery

Reasons:

• 📄 Damaged firmware file (unproven or misnamed).
• 🔒 Mismatch between firmware and device region (e.g. trying to install China) ROM global).
• 🔧 Modified Recovery (if previously installed) TWRP).

Decision:

1. Download the firmware again and check its checksum (MD5).
2. Make sure the file is called update.zip (no spaces or additional characters).
3. If the problem is in the region, go through the Fastboot with a full cleanup.

This package is for vincent devices; this is a vince

This error means you are trying to install firmware from another model (e.g., from the Redmi Note 5 Pro, codenamed vincent).

• 🔍 Check the firmware file name carefully – it should contain vince, not vincent or rosy.
• 🌍 Download firmware only from official sources (MIUI Downloads or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Hanging on the MIUI logo after the update

If the smartphone does not load for more than 15 minutes:

1. Force it to restart (clip the power for 15-20 seconds).
2. If it doesn’t help, log in to Recovery and run Wipe data.
3. If that doesn’t work, go through the Fastboot with a clean all.

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If after the update, the smartphone stopped turning on, do not panic: in 90% of cases it can be restored through Fastboot.

6. Alternative firmware: is it worth trying?

If the official updates for Redmi 5 Plus are no longer coming out, some users are considering custom firmware like:

• 📱 LineageOS (Pure Android without a free Android) MIUI).
• 🔄 Pixel Experience (like the Google Pixel interface).
• ⚡ Havoc-OS or ArrowOS (optimized builds).

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ More recent versions of Android (for example, Android 11-12 instead of Android 7-9 in) MIUI).
• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Apps.
• ✅ Best performance on the old iron.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of official support (No) OTA-Updates from Xiaomi).
• ❌ Risk of unstable operation (bugs with camera, Wi-Fi, sensors).
• ❌ The need to unlock the loader (reset all data).

If you decide on custom firmware, follow the instructions with XDA Developers and be sure to:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (the version should support vince).
3. Make a full backup through TWRP before firmware.

7.Optimization after Update

After a successful update, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve performance:

1. Cache Reset: Go to Settings → Memory → Clean up and delete unnecessary files.
2. Disable animation: In Developer Options (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version) set: Window Animation Scale → Off. Size of Transition Animation → Off.

Limitation of background processes:

Settings → Battery → Battery settings

Limit background processes

Updating of the annexes:

Google Play

If after the update noticed increased battery consumption, perform calibration:

1. Discharge your smartphone to 0% (until it turns off).
2. Charge up to 100% without interruptions (use the original adapter).
3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

For a list of supported firmware, see XDA.