How to roll back firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 5: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, but even 6 years after the release, owners are faced with the need to roll back firmware. MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to roll back firmware on Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy), including official and alternative methods, as well as typical errors that can turn the process into a brick".

It’s important to understand that a firmware rollback isn’t just a “push a button and forget it.” There are nuances on Redmi 5 with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor and closed-loop bootloader system that even experienced users ignore. For example, trying to flash an older version through Recovery without unlocking the bootloader will lead to Error 7 (for more in the error section). TWRP (for advanced users).

If you have never worked with firmware, start with the Preparation section, where we will understand what is EDL-Mode why you can not roll back on an arbitrary version and how to check the compatibility of the firmware with your modification Redmi 5 (3/32 GB 4/64 GB).

1. Preparation for the rollback of firmware: what you need to know

Before you start rolling back, make sure you understand the risks. Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a secure bootloader, and any firmware error can result in a complete loss of performance of the device without the possibility of recovery through standard methods.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader: Without this, a rollback via Fastboot or MiFlash is impossible.If the bootloader is blocked, first unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (requires an account binding Mi).
• 📱 Device modification: Check the exact model name in Settings → The Redmi 5 came in variants. MDE6 (global firmware) and MDT6 (Firmware is not interchangeable!
• 🔋 Battery charge: Minimum 60%. If you roll back through the Fastboot, the phone doesn't charge, and discharging during the process will interrupt it.
• 💾 Backup: Backing back up will reset all data.Use Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (requires root) to save contacts, SMS applications.

Pay special attention to the version of the firmware you are rolling back on. Xiaomi uses an anti-rollback system: if you upgrade to the new version of the firmware you are rolling back to. MIUI 12 and try to get back on MIUI 10, the phone will lock. Check the current version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Check the compatibility table below.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 5 was purchased with a global firmware preinstalled (MDE6), Don’t try to read the Chinese version (MDT6). It's gonna lead to loss. IMEI and broken networks.

Method 2: Recoil through MiFlash (official method)

This is the most reliable way, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and a Windows PC. MiFlash allows you to flash the official firmware in Fastboot mode, which minimizes the risk of errors.

1. Download the firmware: 🌐 Go to the official website MIUI. 🔍 Choose a Redmi model 5 (rosy) and the desired version (e.g, MIUI 10.3 Global Stable). 📁 Download a file with the.tgz extension and unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\rosy_global_images_10.3).
2. Install the drivers: 🖥️ Download the Qualcomm driver for Fastboot. 🔌 Connect the phone off to the PC, keeping Volume down + Meals to enter the Fastboot. 🛠️ In Device Manager, update the driver for the QDLoader 9008 device (if it is displayed with an exclamation mark).

Fly through MiFlash

• 📥 Download the MiFlash Tool and unpack.
• 📂 In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with unpacked firmware.
• 🔄 Choose Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning) + bootloader lock-in).
• 🚀 Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 The phone will reboot automatically.

Make sure that the bootloader is unlocked|Download the firmware for the correct model (rosy)|Install Qualcomm drivers|Disable the antivirus (can block MiFlash)|Charge the phone to 100%-->

If the process ends with an error 0x80070002, check:

• 📁 The path to firmware does not contain gaps or Cyrillic.
• 🔌 Cable USB ported USB 2.0 (blue ports) USB 3.0 may not work).
• 🛡️ Antivirus does not block files flash_all.bat or MiFlash.exe.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes after firmware, don't turn it off. wait for full load (may take up to 30 minutes) or reflash it.

3. Method 2: Recoil through TWRP (for advanced users)

If you have a custom recavator installed TWRP, You can roll the firmware through it. This is a method that's suitable for firmware in.zip format (e.g. custom builds). MIUI The advantage is that you can back up your current system before rolling back.

Here's how it works:

1. Install. TWRP: 📥 Download the latest version TWRP for Redmi 5 (twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.img). 🖥️ Move the file to the folder with ADB The following is a quickboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.img 🔄 Reboot to Recavery, Holding Volume Up + Nutrition.
2. Make a backup: 💾 V TWRP Choose Backup → Select Partitions and mark System, Data, Boot. 📁 Save the backup on SD-card or PC (via MTP).

Sweep through the new firmware

• 📁 Copy the firmware file (.zip) to your phone.
• 🔧 V TWRP press Install → Select a file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
• 🧹 After the firmware, run the Wipe → Format Data (if clean installation is required).

If the phone does not load after firmware, try:

• 🔄 Ask me again. boot.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img
• 📋 Check firmware compatibility with your Redmi modification 5 (for example, 3/32 GB's not good for you. 4/64 GB).

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If TWRP Cannot see the internal memory, connect OTG-cable with flash drive or use ADB For file transfer: Adb push rom.zip /sdcard/.

4. Method 3: Recoil via Fastboot (without MiFlash)

If MiFlash doesn't work or you prefer manual control, you can manually flash the firmware through Fastboot, which requires command knowledge but gives you more flexibility (e.g., you can only flash individual partitions).

You'll need:

• 📥 Unpacked firmware (folder with images files).
• 🖥️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download to Android) SDK).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. 📂 Move the firmware files to the folder with ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools\rosy_images\).
2. 🔄 Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Nutrition).
3. 🖥️ Open the command line in the folder with ADB and execute commands in turn: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn fastboot flash bluetooth BTFM.bin fastboot flash dsp dspso.bin fastboot flash logo logo.bin fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If there is an error FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State', which means bootloader is locked.

5. Typical errors in the rollback of firmware and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 5 users encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone boots after rollback, but there are glitches (for example, the network or the camera is not working), most likely, the firmware is not suitable for your modification.

• 🔍 Check the exact model name in Settings → The phone. → Name of model.
• 📡 If you're missing IMEI, Restore it through QCN-File (requires an engineering menu or Maui) META).

⚠️ Note: If after a rollback the phone requires a password from a Mi Account that you do not remember, the only way to unlock is to contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase.

6 How to get it back. IMEI after-kickback

One of the most frustrating problems after a kickback is loss. IMEI. This happens if the firmware does not match the modification of the device or the modem or fsg partitions were damaged. IMEI two ways:

Method 1: Engineering menu (for unlocked bootloader)

1. 📞 Enter the code ##3646633## (the engineering menu will open).
2. 🔧 Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. 📝 In the field AT+ enter: AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2" (substitute IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 original values from the box or stickers under the battery).
4. 🔄 Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Through QCN-File (for experienced users)

If the engineering menu is not available, restore IMEI through QCN-file:

1. 📥 Download. QCN Rebuilder and create a file with yours IMEI.
2. 🖥️ Squeeze it through. QPST maui META into EDL-mode (testpoint or authorized cable required).

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Recovery IMEI The engineering menu only works on stock firmware. If you have custom firmware, use the method of using the QCN-file.

7.Alternative methods: rollback without unlocking the bootloader

If the bootloader is blocked and it is not possible to unlock it (for example, due to the link to the old Mi Account), there are two options:

Method 1: Recoil through stock Recovery

This method only works to roll back to the same version. MIUI, and the current (e.g., with the MIUI 11.0.5 at MIUI 11.0.3).

1. 📥 Download the firmware in.zip format (not.tgz!) from the official website.
2. 📁 Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of internal memory.
3. 🔄 Reboot to Recavator: Turn off the phone, then hold Volume up + Nutrition.
4. 🔧 In Recavére, select Install update.zip To the System and confirm.

Method 2: Use of the EDL-The program (only for experienced users)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash a phone even with a locked bootloader, but requires authorized cable or soldering to close the testpoints. This method is risky and can lead to irreversible damage to the device if the error occurs.

If you decide to go to EDL, you will need:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account EDL (paid).
• 🖥️ MiFlashPro or QFil.
• 🔌 Cable with support EDL (orthose).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL without authorization will lead to an error SLA Do not use pirate accounts – Xiaomi blocks devices with such firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rollback of firmware on Redmi 5