How to roll back firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: a complete guide with error solutions

The firmware rollback on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vinci) can be required for many reasons, from bugs in the new version of MIUI to the desire to return the stable operation of the device. However, this process is fraught with risks - wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a "brick." Unlike a regular update, rollback requires unlocking the bootloader, choosing a compatible version of the firmware and carefully completing each step.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of rollback, from preparing the device to recovering data after the procedure. We will focus on typical errors (for example, Error: remote: unknown command in fastboot) and how to fix them. If you have never worked with ADB or Mi Flash Tool, do not worry - the manual is adapted for beginners, but also contains advanced tips for experienced users.

Why would you need to roll back the firmware?

Among the owners of Redmi 5 Plus, the following reasons for downgrade are most common:

• 🐌 Performance: New versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5+ Android-based 11) It can be used on the old gland (Snapdragon). 625 + 3/4 GB RAM. Retracement to RAM MIUI 10/11 (Android 9/10) often solves the lag problem.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Updates are sometimes optimized for new models, resulting in increased battery consumption. MIUI 12 on MIUI 11 can add 15-20% of the time.
• 🚫 Critical bugs: In some assemblies MIUI vinci has problems with the sensor, camera or mobile network (for example, the com.android.phone error in the vinci system). MIUI 13).
• 🔒 Removing Restrictions: In new versions, Xiaomi blocks access to the engineering menu (#4636###) or restricts background activity of applications.

Before you start, check if resetting to factory settings will solve your problem (in Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset). This is less risky than rolling back firmware. If reset didn't help, read on.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

Without the bootloader, the firmware cannot be rolled back. Xiaomi blocks it by default to protect against unauthorized changes. The unlock process takes 3 to 7 days (due to checking the Mi Account) and requires:

• 📱 Charged smartphone ≥ 60% and original USB-cable.
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🔑 Mi Account linked to the device (required to have a confirmed phone number!).
• 🔧 Xiaomi Drivers (install automatically when connected to a PC).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Return to the main settings menu – the Developer Item will appear.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Developer section.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official Xiaomi tool) and unpack the archive.
4. Connect Redmi 5 Plus to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Volume Down + Power until the hare appears in the eardrum cap).
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions. After the first unlock request, you will have to wait 168 hours (7 days) – this is Xiaomi’s restriction for new accounts.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool is a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try 5.5.224.24, which is more likely to work with older models.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone! make a backup in advance via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or manually copy files to PC.

Choosing the Right Firmware for Redmi 5 Plus

The error in choosing a firmware is the main reason for the "bricking" Redmi 5 Plus.

The following rules apply to the Redmi 5 Plus (vinci):

• 🔄 A rollback to an older version of Android (e.g. from Android 10 to Android 9) requires a complete data cleanup (clean all in the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🚫 You can not install firmware from other models (for example, from Redmi Note 5), even if they are on the same chipset.
• 📌 Check the firmware region: for the global version (Global) download firmware marked global, for the Chinese version – china.

Recommended versions for rollback:

• MIUI 11.0.2.0 (Android 9) is the most stable vinci.
• MIUI 10.2.2.0 (Android 8.1) – if you want maximum performance

Ways to roll back firmware: step-by-step instructions

There are three main methods of rollback, and the choice depends on your experience and the current state of the device:

Method 1: Through Stock Recovery (without PC)

This is good if you roll back to a slightly older version (for example, from MIUI 12.5 to MIUI 12.0) and you don't unlock the bootloader.

Download Recovery firmware (.zip) for your model |Transfer the file to the root of the phone's memory | Charge the phone ≥ 80% |Disable Mi Account protection in the settings

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1. Download the Recovery firmware (.zip format) from the official website and rename it to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select Install update.zip to System (use volume buttons for navigation, power buttons for confirmation).
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MI, So the firmware is incompatible with your current version, and then you'll have to use the Fastboot method (see below).

Method 2: Using the Mi Flash Tool (from PC)

A universal method that works even on bricked devices requires an unlocked bootloader and firmware in.tgz format.

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the Fastboot firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\vinci_global_images_...).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. Once it's done, the phone automatically restarts. The first run can take up to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it!

Method 3: Through TWRP (for power users)

If you have a custom TWRP recovery installed, you can flash a.zip archive with firmware or make a backup before rolling back.

1. Download Recovery firmware and transfer it to your phone or SD-map.
2. Enter TWRP (Put Volume Up + Nutrition).
3. Click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (if you roll back to another version of Android).
4. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the firmware file.
5. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on or freezes on the logo after rolling back, try flashing the same firmware version again through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all and lock mode (this will block the bootloader back).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔌 Squeeze through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a Qualcomm 9008 box).
• 📞 Contact the service center (if the phone is guaranteed, but unlocking the bootloader will cancel it).

Data recovery after rollback

Firmware rollback, especially through the Mi Flash Tool, erases all data from the device. Here's how to minimize losses:

• 📁 Backup: If you have backups made through Mi Cloud or Google Account, log in to your account after you first run a new firmware and restore the data to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 📱 Local files: If the copy is stored on SD-card or PC, transfer files back through MTP (Connect your phone as a storage device).
• 🔑 Apps: List of installed apps can be restored via Google Play → Library → Established.

⚠️ Note: Do not recover data from a backup made on a newer version MIUI! This can cause system file conflicts and lead to a cyclical reboot.

If they're missing after the kickback IMEI or serial number, which means that it has been damaged. NVRAM-To restore the area:

1. Download the original NVRAM archive for Redmi 5 Plus (see 4PDA or XDA forums).
2. Squeeze it through. TWRP or SP Flash Tool (for Flash Tool) MTK-chips, but vinci on Snapdragon, so only Fastboot is suitable).

Alternatives to rollback: optimizing current firmware

If the goal of a rollback is to improve performance or autonomy, try these methods first:

• 🧹 Cleaning the system: Remove the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clean. Turn off autoloading unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• ⚡ Disable animation: adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global transition_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0.5 (demand ADB and the debugging on USB).
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Activate Battery Mode in Settings → Battery, turn it off. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth background.

If these measures haven’t helped and rollbacks seem too risky, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).They often run faster than stock MIUI but require an unlocked bootloader and may deprive you of some features (like IR Blaster).

FAQ: Frequent questions about firmware rollback