How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to the current version of MIUI or Android

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still a popular smartphone among users, despite the release in 2018. However, every year the support of the device from the manufacturer is declining: the last official update of MIUI was released in 2021, and Android 10 was the final version for this model. In this article, we will analyze all available ways of updating, from standard OTA-apatdates to manual firmware via Fastboot or custom builds.

It’s important to understand that the upgrade procedure depends on the current firmware version, bootloader status, and even the region of purchase of the device. For example, the global versions (Global ROM) are updated differently than the Chinese (China ROM), we will consider each scenario with possible errors and nuances, and we will give recommendations for preparing the smartphone for the process.

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before you start the update, you need to know exactly which version of MIUI and Android is installed on your Redmi Note 5. This will help avoid conflicts when installing a new firmware.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines MIUI version and Android version.
3. Write or take a picture of this data – it will be necessary to choose the right firmware file.

Also, pay attention to the firmware region:

• 🌍 Global – for international markets, for example, MIUI Global 12.5.3).
• 🇨🇳 China - Chinese version (requires Russification).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — Europe (with Google services pre-installed).
• 🇮🇳 India – Indian version (may contain local applications).

If your Redmi Note 5 is bought in China but is stitched with a global version, you only need to update it with global packages! Installing Chinese firmware on a global device (and vice versa) will result in a phone blink (inoperability).

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and most secure method is to upgrade via OTA (Over-The-Air) and is suitable if:

• ✅ The device is officially supported by Xiaomi (check on the official website).
• ✅ Current firmware is not modified (no root rights, custom recaveri).
• ✅ There is a stable Wi-Fi connection and enough battery power (>50%).

Instructions:

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

It's going to take 10 to 20 minutes, and don't interrupt it, because it can cause a system failure. If you don't have an update, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the provider’s locks interfere with downloading).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days — OTA-updates are gradually spreading.

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If OTA-Update “hangs” at the checkout stage, try resetting the network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

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 recavers, which saves user data, but requires the right firmware selection.

Step-by-step:

Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website (file with the extension.zip)

Check the integrity of the archive (the size must match the size indicated on the site)

Copy the file to the root of the phone’s internal memory

Disable password/fingerprint protection (in case of failure)

Charge your phone at least 60%

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1. Download the desired firmware from the official website. For Redmi Note 5, select files marked Recovery ROM.
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!) and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
3. Turn off the device, then press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select the language (usually English) then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

After restarting, the phone will update to the selected version. If there is an error E: Signature verification failed, then:

• 🔴 The firmware file is damaged (pump it over).
• 🔴 Selected the wrong region (for example, trying to establish China) ROM globalize).
• 🔴 The device has an unlocked bootloader or custom recavery (Fastboot required).

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used when:

• 🔧 You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failure).
• 🔧 Change the firmware region (from China to Global and vice versa).
• 🔧 The device does not turn on or is stuck on the Mi logo.

⚠️ Warning: This method erases all data on the phone! you will also need to unlock the bootloader, which can take up to 72 hours (according to Xiaomi rules).

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔗 Firmware in.tgz format (download from the official website, section Fastboot) ROM).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\whyred_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

If you fail to get an anti-rollback, you're trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one you already have on your phone.

⚠️ Note: Reverse version rollback MIUI Redmi Note 5 is impossible without the risk of a breeze! Xiaomi uses the Anti-Rollback mechanism, which blocks the downgrade. If you want older firmware, look for custom builds on forums (for example, XDA Developers).

5. Update to custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

Official support for Redmi Note 5 is over, but enthusiasts continue to release custom firmware based on new versions of Android (for example, Android 11/12).

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Install custom TWRP recavers (download for whyred here).
3. Backup the current firmware through TWRP (in case of failure).
4. Swipe the firmware zip file and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain bugs! Before installing, check the reviews on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA). Also note that:

• 🚫 Some firmware does not support VoLTE (calls on the phone) 4G).
• 🚫 BankID and other banking applications may not work due to lack of certification.
• 🚫 Widevine L1 (for Netflix HD) fall down L3.

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Custom firmware gives access to new versions of Android, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP. This voids the warranty and increases the risk of errors.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical mistakes and their solutions.

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

• 📶 Compatibility of firmware with your region (some custom builds do not support Russian operators).
• 📶 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network settings → Network mode (select) LTE/3G/2G).
• 📶 IMEI (If it has crashed, restore it via Engineer Mode or Maui. META).

7.Preparation for the update: backup, charging, drivers

Regardless of the chosen update method, preparing the device will reduce the risk of data loss or failure.

Backup your contacts, photos and apps (via Mi Cloud or Google Drive)

Charge your phone at least 70% (or connect to charge during the process)

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC (download from Xiaomi website)

Disable the antivirus (it can block firmware files)

Check the integrity of the downloaded files (comparison hash amounts)

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For data backup, use:

• 📁 Mi Cloud (Integrated Xiaomi Cloud, 5GB Free).
• 📁 Google Drive (synchronization of contacts, photos, notes).
• 📁 TWRP Backup (full system shot if custom recapvery is installed).
• 📁 Titanium Backup (for backup applications, requires root).

If you are flashing your phone through Fastboot, make sure the PC has the right drivers installed. To check, connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute on the command line:

fastboot devices

If the device is identified (its serial number will appear), the drivers are installed correctly. If not, download the Mi PC Suite or install the drivers manually through Device Manager.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)