Owning a budget smartphone is often associated with the desire to extend its life, and for owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5A (codename riva), this issue is especially acute. Despite the fact that official support for the model has long been discontinued, enthusiasts continue to release current Android builds that allow you to run modern applications and enjoy a fresh interface. The process of changing the software shell can seem difficult for a beginner, but with strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, the procedure becomes routine and safe.
There are several ways to upgrade, from a standard “over-the-air” update to a full flashing through your computer using Fastboot or TWRP. The choice of method depends on the current version of your system and the desired end result. If you want to just get security fixes, there are enough regular funds, but installing Android 10, 11 or even 12 will require deeper knowledge and third-party tools.
Before you start to take action, you need to critically evaluate the state of the device, the battery must be charged at least 60%, and all important data is stored in the cloud or on an external medium, since most methods involve full formatting of internal memory, ignoring this stage can lead to irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and correspondence.
Evaluation of relevance and selection of software version
The first step is to determine the current configuration of your gadget. Officially, Redmi 5A has settled on the version of MIUI 11 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo). However, the development community has created many custom firmware based on the latest versions of Android. It is important to understand the difference between Global ROM (global version) and China ROM (Chinese), and between stable and weekly builds.
If your device has a Locked Bootloader, the choice is limited to official methods or requires a complicated procedure to unlock through Xiaomi servers.Disconnected devices can access the Custom Recovery installation, which is the key to installing any modified operating systems.
⚠️ Note: Installing the Chinese version of the firmware on a global device (and vice versa) without changing the region can lead to the device locking on the device. IMEI or the appearance of an infinite cycle of reboots (bootloop).
When choosing a firmware, pay attention to the type of recovery built into the image. There are versions of Recovery and Fastboot. The first is designed to update through the menu of the phone itself or the archive file, the second is designed to be installed through the PC with the Mi Flash Tool utility. An error in choosing the file type will make it impossible to start the installation process.
Preparation of the device for flashing
Quality training reduces the risk of failure to a minimum. You'll need a stable Internet connection, a good one. USB-cable (preferably original or certified) and a Windows computer, you also need to make sure that the C drive is free. 10-15 GB space for temporary files and drivers.
Make sure to back up your data. Even if you plan to just upgrade, there is always a risk of file loss. Use the built-in Mi Cloud app or third-party services like Google Photos and Google Drive. After you have the data, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the hidden menu.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
In the activated developer menu (Advanced settings → For developers), you need to enable debugging over USB, this will allow the computer to transmit commands to the smartphone. Also in this menu, find the item "OEM Unlocking" (OEM Unlocking) and activate it if you plan to work with the bootloader.
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Use it. USB-a port built directly into the computer motherboard (back of the system unit) rather than the front panel or USB-This will provide stable voltage and data transmission.
Official Update via Phone Menu (OTA)
The safest and easiest way is to use the built-in update engine, which is suitable for those who are on the official firmware and want to upgrade to a newer official version if the servers still support transitions between specific versions. First, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file." Here you can specify the previously downloaded archive with the.zip extension. The system will check the integrity of the file and its compatibility with the current version. If the file fits, the phone will prompt you to restart and start installing.
| Type of update | Method of installation | Data retention | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Airway) | Automatically. | Preserve. | Wi-Fi, 50% charge |
| Local (Recovery) | Through the file selection menu | Preserve (usually) | File.zip, compatible version |
| Complete flashing. | Fastboot / TWRP | Complete removal | Unlocked loader |
| EDL Mode | Through Mi Flash (Auth) | Complete removal | Authorized Mi Account |
In such cases, the system will give an error of compatibility.
Install firmware via Fastboot and Mi Flash
Fastboot is the gold standard for brick recovery and clean system installation. You'll need Mi Flash Tool and.tgz firmware (unpacked in the root of the disk, the path should not contain Cyrillic). Put your phone in Fastboot mode, holding down the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously before the Fastboot logo with a hare in its hat appears.
Connect the device to a PC. In Windows Device Manager, Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Android Devices section. If there is an Unknown Device, you must install Xiaomi USB Driver drivers manually. Launch Mi Flash, press the Refresh button and select your device from the list.
⚠️ Note: When using the Fastboot method through the "Clean All" button, all data on the phone will be permanently deleted.
In the program interface, select the path to the firmware folder. At the bottom of the window, there are three modes: Update (save data), Clean All (complete cleaning), and Clean All and Lock (clean and lock the bootloader). The latter option is only used if you put the original global firmware on a global device, otherwise you get a "brick." Press "Flash" and wait for the process to be completed, which can take from 200 to 600 seconds.
What if Mi Flash gives an error "Flash All except data storage"? This error often occurs when trying to flash a device with a locked bootloader or when using an incompatible firmware version.
Using TWRP Recovery for custom firmware
To install unofficial builds (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS) you will need a third-party TWRP recovery menu. First you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock website. After obtaining the status of "Unlocked", download the TWRP image specifically for the Redmi 5A (riva).
The process of installing the Recovery requires connection through ADB. In the command line, execute the command adb reboot bootloader, followed by fastboot flash recovery. twrp_image_name.img. Immediately after the firmware recovery you need to perform a combination of buttons Volume Up + Power to get into the installed menu, otherwise the system will overwrite it back to the runoff at the first boot.
From the TWRP menu, go to the Wipe section and format the Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, System, and Data partitions. Don't format internal memory if there are firmware files. Then select Install, specify the firmware zip archive, and swipe back. After installation, make sure to do Wipe Cache/Dalvik before you first run.
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Installing a custom TWRP recavator is a point of no return for the warranty, but it gives you full control of the system and the ability to install Android versions newer than the manufacturer offers.
Frequent errors and methods of their elimination
Users often face typical issues during the upgrade process, one of the most common being Bootloop, if the phone is stuck on the MI logo for more than 10 minutes, try clamping down the power and volume buttons to log into Recovery and resetting to the factory settings (Wipe Data).
Another problem is that there is no connection or a broken IMEI after flashing, which happens when a Persist or EFS partition is damaged. Recovery may require a backup of these parts made before the experiments, or firmware of the stock image via EDL mode.
- 📱 7-in error TWRP: It's a problem when you're not compatible with the firmware and the recovery version. TWRP last-minute.
- 🔋 Phone doesn't charge after firmware: Power controller may be damaged or calibration file down.Requires battery replacement or controller flashing.
- 💾 Not enough space: Make sure the minimum is free before installing 2-3 GB of internal memory, even if the firmware weighs less.
If the device has stopped responding to buttons and the computer makes a USB connection sound, but the screen is black, you may have fallen into EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode), in which case only a qualified service with an authorized firmware account will help, since this mode is protected from ordinary users.