How to roll back firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 5A: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the company, but even it is not immune to problems after updating the firmware. Slowdown, interface bugs, battery drain or loss of functionality can all make the user think about returning to the previous version of MIUI. However, the rollback of firmware on the Redmi 5A has nuances that are important to consider, so as not to turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of rollback, from the official downgrade via the Mi Flash Tool to manually stitching through TWRP. You will learn how to prepare the device, where to download the correct firmware files, and what to do if something goes wrong, and also what risks are unofficial firmware and how to minimize them.

We warn you right away that the process requires careful attention, and if you've never worked with firmware, you'd better study the theory first or consult a specialist, but if you're willing to do it yourself, let's do it!

Why you might need to roll back firmware

MIUI updates aren't always helpful, and here are the most common reasons Redmi 5A users are going downgrade:

• 🐢 Slowdown: new firmware version “brakes” due to optimization for more powerful models.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: background processes MIUI 12+ They can aggressively use up the charge.
• 🚫 Loss of features: for example, the disappearance of the Engineering Mode partition or disabling support for some modems.
• 🐞 Critical bugs: Sensor, camera, or network connection problems 4G.
• 🔒 bootloader lock: After the upgrade, the device may require unlocking for further manipulation.

For example, after upgrading to MIUI 12.5, many Redmi 5A owners have experienced a smartphone that has overheated when charging, and in such cases, going back to MIUI 11 or even MIUI 10 often solves the problem, but it's important to understand that not every firmware is compatible with your version of the bootloader.

Preparing for a rollback: what to do before the start

Before you start rolling back, follow the mandatory steps, which can lead to data loss or device failure.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the version of the current firmware in Settings → About the phone → MIUI version

Find out the bootloader version (bootloader)

Download the correct firmware for your model (Riva is codenamed Redmi 5A)

Charge your phone at least 60%

Prepare a USB cable and PC with drivers installed

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Pay particular attention to the bootloader version. 5A two of them: old (V1) new (V2). If you upgraded to MIUI 12+ loader V2, squirrel V1 You can find out the version through the team in ADB:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.bootloader

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked. If not, it will have to be unlocked through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 72-360 hours). Without unlocking, the rollback is possible only through the Mi Flash Tool with official firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you are going to go off Android 10 Android 8/9, You may need to reset to the factory settings (Wipe Data in recovery.

Official method: rollback through Mi Flash Tool

The safest way to do this is to use the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi’s official firmware, which is best if:

• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked (or you are ready to unlock it).
• 📥 You have a backup of the data (the process erases everything!).
• 🖥️ There is a Windows PC and the original USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 5A (Choose the Fastboot version instead of Recovery! MIUI 11 file fits riva_global_images_V11.0.2.0.OCLMIXM_20200310.0000.00_8.1_global_....
2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Redmi 5A.
4. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode.
5. Connect your smartphone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh, the device must be determined.
6. At the bottom, select Clean all (full clean) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader).
7. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

If the device hangs on the Mi logo after firmware, run Wipe Data via Recovery (clip Volume up + Power when turned on).

Unofficial method: rollback through TWRP

If you want to roll back on custom firmware or save data, you can use TWRP Recovery, which is more flexible, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed.

Important: Redmi 5A has two versions of TWRP, the V1 and V2 bootloaders. Download the one that matches your version! The wrong choice will result in loss of access to recovery.

Instructions:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 5A (select the version for your bootloader!).
2. Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.2_riva.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_riva.img
3. In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup section).
4. Download the necessary firmware (for example, stock MIUI or custom type LineageOS).
5. Transfer the firmware file to the phone (via MTP into TWRP or OTG-cable).
6. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (if you want a net rollback).
7. Press Install, select a firmware file and confirm the installation.
8. After completion, restart (Reboot System).

⚠️ Note: If you install custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), make sure it supports treble (for Android 9).+) Or non-treble (for Android 8). Incompatibility will lead to bootloop!

fastboot flash boot boot.img

This often solves the problem of hanging on the logo.-->

Solving problems after rollback

Even with the right actions, after a rollback, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Bootloop: usually helps Wipe Cache in recovery. If it doesn't, repeat the firmware with a full cleanup. TWRP).
• 📶 No network: check if the modem version matches (modem.img) If necessary, run the modem separately.
• 🔋 No charge: Reset your battery settings via Engineering Mode (#4636## → Battery information → Reset).
• 🔊 No Sound: Make sure the firmware supports your version of speakers (on Redmi) 5A There are differences in the hardware).

If they're missing after the kickback IMEI or Mac address Wi-Fi, restore them through QCN-file (requires backup or help from a service center) and you'll need tools like QPST maui META.

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after rollback, DO NOT PANIC! 90% of the time, the problem is solved by re-routing the firmware with full cleaning (Format Data) or firmware of individual partitions (boot, modem) through Fastboot.

Risks and how to avoid them

Firmware rollback is not a harmless procedure, but here are the key risks and ways to minimize them:

You have to be especially careful with anti-rollback protection. On the Redmi 5A, it activates when you switch to MIUI 12+. If you roll back to the older version, the phone may lock.

adb shell getprop ro.boot.anti_rollback

If you're 2 or higher, you're not allowed to roll back to MIUI 11 or below, so you just have to stitch through custom firmware based on the new Android.

Alternatives to rollback: what to do if you can not return the old firmware

If rollback is not possible due to recoil protection or other restrictions, consider alternative solutions:

• ⚙️ Factory reset: sometimes helps get rid of bugs without rollback.Use Wipe Data in recovery.
• 🛠️ Disabling unnecessary functions MIUI: For example, Auto-Optimization or Animation in Settings → Additionally.
• 📱 Installation of a custom core: for example, FrancoKernel to improve performance.
• 🔄 Update to a newer version: sometimes bugs are fixed in the following patches (check on the following patches). XDA Developers).

If the performance problem is, try disabling MIUI Optimization via ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.ab

This will reduce the background activity of the system, and it is also worth installing Greenify to freeze unnecessary applications.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions