Xiaomi Mi5 is the legendary smartphone of 2016, which is still used by enthusiasts thanks to the powerful hardware (Snapdragon 820) and active support for custom firmware. However, official updates to MIUI are not always useful: new versions can slow down, drain the battery or break functionality. If you encounter bugs after the upgrade, rolling back the firmware is the solution.
In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of downgrading for Mi5 (codename gemini), including device preparation, bootloader unlocking and recovery via Fastboot or Recovery. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of losing IMEI and methods of avoiding them – a pressing problem for devices on Qualcomm.
1.Preparation for rollback: what you need to know before you start
Firmware rollback is not a harmless operation. On the Xiaomi Mi5, it is fraught with:
- 🔒 Blocking the bootloader if it was unblocked informally (through a EDL).
- 📡 Loss. IMEI with incorrect firmware mod or radio module.
- 🔋 Battery problems, if the version MIUI Incompatible with the current state of the battery.
Before starting, it is mandatory:
- Back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP (if installed).
- Check out the current version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Make sure that the Qualcomm and ADB/Fastboot drivers are installed on the PC.
⚠️ Attention: Mi5 With a blocked bootloader, a rollback through Recovery is impossible - you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. If the device is tied to the Mi Account, it must be untie in advance! 2. Unlock the bootloader: step zero for the downgrade Loader on Xiaomi Mi5 The default is locked. To roll back the firmware, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool. The process takes from 3 to 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy). Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 taps according to the version) MIUI in settings) and activate OEM Unlock. Link the device to Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account.Reboot phone to Fastboot (keep Volume down) + Power) and connect to your PC. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions. If the tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, check it out: 🔌 Connection via the original cable USB Type-C. 🕒 Waiting time (on the phone screen should be indicated "Unlocked"). 📱 No link to another account (if the phone is used). What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool does not see the device? ADB In Windows Device Manager, check for Android Bootloader Interface. If it's not, install drivers manually through Update Driver" → "Perform a search on this computer" → put the folder ADB. 3.Selection of version MIUI NA Mi5 You can't run an arbitrary version. MIUI — need to be considered: 📅 Build Date: Newer versions cannot be rolled back to older versions without unlocking the bootloader. 🌍 Region: Firmware for Global, China and EEA inconsistent. 🔧 Type of firmware: Stable (stable) or Developer (weekly). Official firmware for Mi5 (gemini) can be downloaded: 🔗 On the official Xiaomi website (choose Fastboot or Recovery). 🔗 On Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative source). MIUI Type Region Link to Download MIUI 12.5.3 Stable Global Download MIUI 10.2.2 Stable China Download MIUI 9.6.2 Developer Global Download ⚠️ Note: Firmware version MIUI 9 The following may cause problems with the work of modern applications (for example, Google Pay or banking services) due to outdated API. 4. Fastboot rollback: reliable method for any state The method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and works even if the phone does not turn on: 💻 PC Windows/Linux and established ADB/Fastboot. 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original). 📁 Firmware in.tgz format (unpacked into a folder). Instructions: Unpack the firmware archive into a folder (for example, C:\Mi5_Fastboot). Open the command line in this folder (Shift) + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here. Transfer your phone to Fastboot. + Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash all (for Windows) or./flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac). Wait until the end (around) 5–10 The phone will reboot automatically. ☑️ Checklist before firmware via Fastboot Disable antivirus Check battery power (>50%)Download the correct version MIUIUnblock the firmware to the root of the disk: 0 / 4 If the process is interrupted by an error "FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed' means: The bootloader is not unlocked (see section below). 2). You are trying to flash an older version than the current one (requires fastboot oem edl to get around it). 5. Recovery: A Quick Way for Experienced Method Only Works If: ✅ Customized TWRP Recovery. ✅ The bootloader is unlocked. ✅.zip firmware (for Recovery) Step-by-step: Download the.zip firmware and move it to a memory card or internal phone memory. Go to Recovery. + Food. TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data (don't touch Internal Storage!). Go back to the main menu, click Install and select the firmware file. Cache/Dalvik and reboot. ⚠️ Warning: Firmware through Recovery can lead to loss IMEI, If there is no file in the archive non-hlos.bin (Always check the contents of.zip before installing it! 💡If after firmware lost sound or network, try to flash a separate file non-hlos.bin Fastboot with the fastboot flash modem command non-hlos.bin. 6. Solving problems after rollback Even with successful firmware, errors can occur. Consider typical cases and ways to fix them: Problem Reason Solution Phone not turned on (black screen) Incompatible firmware or interrupted process Repeat firmware via Fastboot with another version MIUI No network (IMEI invalid) Modem damaged (non-hlos.bin) Switch the modem separately or restore it. IMEI through QCN Fast Battery Discharge Unoptimized firmware for old battery Calibrate battery or run a newer version MIUI If the phone loads into Bootloop after rollback: Go to Recovery and run Wipe Data. If it doesn't work, run the same version. MIUI Check firmware file integrity (compare hash amounts). 💡If photos or contacts are lost after the rollback, restore them from the Mi Cloud backup or Google Account. Local data can not be returned without a backup! 7. Alternative methods: EDL If the standard methods do not work, radical measures remain: 1. EDL (Emergency Download Mode): 🔧 Requires special cable or testpoints on the board. 💻 The program is called Mi Flash Pro or QFil. ⚠️ Risk of a full blink if you make an error. 2. Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience): 🌐 Supports current versions of Android (up to Android 11 for Android) Mi5). 🔓 requires an unlocked loader and TWRP. 📱 It may not work: NFC, IR-blaster, some sensors. EDL You will need to download the firehose for Mi5 (Install the Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008. Use Mi Flash Pro with the "Clean All" option. Where to get a firehose for Mi5?Firehose files for Mi5 can be found on the forums XDA Developers or in Xiaomi telegram channels". FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Mi5 Can I roll back? MIUI without unlocking the bootloader? Mi5 with a blocked loader rollback is possible only through official OTA-Other times, you'll need to unlock. Why doesn't the camera work after a rollback? That's a typical problem when running an incompatible version of the firmware. MIUI. Solution: Scroll through the correct version of fashion (non-hlos.bin). Install a patch for the camera via Magisk (for example, ANX Camera? How to restore? IMEI after a botched pullback? IMEI flung 0 Or Null: Download the utility QCN Rebuilder and original QCN-file Mi5. Restore the backup copy IMEI via Diag Port (team ##717717##). Use Maui. META manually IMEI (root). ⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI It may be illegal in some countries. Check the local law! What's the most stable version MIUI for Mi5 In 2026, we recommend it for everyday use: MIUI 12.5 Global is the latest official stable version with support for Google Services. LineageOS 18.1 is a custom firmware based on Android 11 with a long support life. MIUI 10 — they don't support modern applications. Can you roll back the firmware if the phone doesn't turn on? Yes, but only through Fastboot or EDL: If your phone reacts to a Fastboot, use the method in Section 4. If the phone is completely dead, you will need to use it. EDL-testpoint.