Owning a Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (also known as the Redmi Note 5 Global) can be a real challenge if the software starts to crash or the system becomes overgrown with unnecessary garbage. In such situations, the only solution is a complete reinstallation of the operating system, which allows you to return the gadget to a factory state or even upgrade it to a newer version of Android. This process requires care, but the result is worth it: the device starts working quickly and stably again.
Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand that flashing is an interference with the program code of the device. Any error in the preparation or execution stage can lead to the failure of the smartphone. However, if you follow proven algorithms and use original tools, the risk is minimal. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with Redmi 5 Plus using both standard methods and advanced utilities.
It’s worth noting that the Redmi 5 Plus is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, which determines the specifics of the software used. We’re not going to rely on randomness, but we’re going to look at specific steps for different scenarios: from simple updates through the menu to deep recovery through Fastboot. Prepare for all personal data to be deleted, so pre-backup is a must-do step that you can’t ignore.
Preparation of the device and diagnosis of the current version
Start the process with careful preparation of the workplace and the smartphone itself. 60-70%, Because suddenly power out at a critical moment can turn your phone into a brick, and you'll need a quality phone. USB-cable, preferably original or certified, capable of transmitting data, not just charging the battery.
The first step is to check the current firmware version and device type, and you need to know which model you have, Chinese (CN) or global (Global). Go to Settings → Phone and look carefully at the build number. If the M is at the end of the number, it's the Chinese version, if H is global, and that's a critical point, because flashing the global version to Chinese or vice versa without changing the region can cause problems with banking applications or notifications.
Then you need to activate the USB debugging mode. Without this, the computer will not be able to correctly interact with the phone using advanced recovery methods. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7-10 times until the words "You became a developer" appear.
☑️ Firmware readiness
Remember to back up all your important data. Flashing involves formatting internal memory partitions so that photos, contacts and messages will be lost forever. Use Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive to save information so that you can quickly restore your familiar environment after you install a new system.
Selecting a Firmware Method: Recovery or Fastboot
There are two main ways to upgrade or restore Redmi 5 Plus: through the built-in Recovery menu (Update method) and through the Fastboot bootloader mode using the computer. The first option is easier and safer for beginners, the second is more powerful and allows you to solve more serious software problems, including rolling back versions or changing the region.
Recovery is good if the phone is turned on, stable, and you just want to upgrade the MIUI version or reinstall the system clean. You download a firmware file (usually the extension.zip), put it in the root of internal memory and run the update through the file selection menu. It's a routine that rarely causes errors.
The Fastboot method requires a connection to a PC and the use of the Mi Flash Tool utility. This method is necessary if the phone goes into an endless restart (bootloop), does not turn on normally, or if you want to completely clear all memory parts, including those that are not available in a normal reset.
The choice between these methods depends on your ultimate goal. If you just want a fresh security patch, use Recovery. If the device is behaving strangely, is glitchy, or you want to change from China to Global, your choice is Fastboot. Each method has its advantages, but requires different degrees of preparation.
Firmware through Recovery Mode (Manual Update)
This method is the least risky and does not require a computer at hand, although you still have to download a firmware file. You need to find the current version of the software for Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) on the official website or a proven resource. The file should have the extension.zip and weigh about 1.5-2 GB.
Once you download the file, move it to the root of the device's internal memory without putting it in folders. Then go to the update menu: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select firmware file." Find the downloaded archive and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: If after selecting a file, the system writes “File failed to check” or “File corrupted”, this may mean that you are trying to roll back to an older version or reflash the device with the unlocked bootloader to the locked one without special rights. This is only the way to use the Fastboot method.
The system will check the integrity of the archive and suggest restarting for installation, which will take 5 to 15 minutes, while the Mi logo and progress bar will be displayed on the screen, and do not interrupt the process or try to turn off the phone even if it seems to be getting stuck.
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If the standard update menu doesn’t see the firmware file, try renaming the archive to update.zip and move it to a folder. downloaded_rom memory-root.
Once the installation is complete, the phone will reboot to the new system, and the first run may take longer than usual, as the applications are optimized and cache created. Be patient and wait for the lock screen to appear.
Install firmware via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
To use this method, you will need a Windows computer, Qualcomm drivers installed, and the Mi Flash Tool utility. Download the Fastboot firmware (extension.tgz) for the vince model. The archive should be unpacked into the disk root so that the path to the folder does not contain Cyrillic or spaces, for example: C:\xiaomi_vince_global.
Put your phone in Fastboot mode. Turn the phone off completely, then press the volume button and hold it, plug it in. USB-There's a bunny on the screen that's going to fix an android, and it says, FASTBOOT. If the device is defined in the Device Manager as Android Bootloader Interface, you can continue.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the "refresh" button to find the connected device. In the path field, specify the folder with the unpacked firmware. At the bottom of the window, select the firmware mode: clean all (clean) or clean all and lock (clean and lock the bootloader). Save user data only if you are sure of version compatibility.
| Firmware mode | Clearing the data | Locking the loader | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| clean all | Yes. | No. | Standard reflashing, region change |
| clean all and lock | Yes. | Yes. | Return to original condition, sale |
| save user data | No. | No. | Update without data loss (risky) |
| flash all | Yes. | Depends. | Complete re-marking (for experts only) |
Press the Flash button and wait for the process to be completed. The green bar at the end is a success. If you have an error, check the drivers, the cable, or try another USB port. Once you have a successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart.
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The “clean all and lock” mode is strongly recommended to use only when installing global firmware on a global device to avoid Google certification issues.
Solution: Errors and Bootloop
There can be unforeseen complications when you run a Redmi 5 Plus firmware, and one of the most common problems is that it's stuck on the Mi or Android logo, which is called a bootloop. Often it's a conflict between the residual files of the old system or a data partition that's damaged, and it helps you log in to Recovery mode and reset Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
Another common bug is the "Anti-rollback" error: The Snapdragon 625 processor has a rollback protection mechanism for the bootloader version. If you try to flash an older version of the software than the one that was there before, the device may lock permanently. Always check the Anti-rollback version before installing custom firmware or rolling back the system.
⚠️ If after firmware stopped working sensor or screen became black, but the phone vibrates when calling – you may have confused firmware for LCD and OLED The Redmi 5 Plus is less relevant because it is a big part of the game. IPS, But you still have the risk of confusing the region, and check if you have Chinese firmware on your global device, and if your computer can't see your phone in Fastboot mode, try installing Qualcomm drivers. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 manually through Device Manager. Sometimes it helps to simply switch the cable to another. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, since ports USB 3.0 can cause driver conflicts with older utilities. What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "Missmatching image and device"?This error means that you are trying to flash firmware that is not intended for your device. Make sure that you download the archive specifically for codename "vince". Firmware for "ros" (Redmi Note) 4X) or "prada" (Redmi Note) 4 Global won't work and can damage your phone. Post-firmware setup and optimization After successfully installing a new system, don't rush to download hundreds of applications. Let the system stabilize within a few hours. 15-20 First, check for updates in the Settings menu. → About the phone, as unpacked firmware can have critical bugs fixed in a more recent patch, and it's important to properly configure permissions for apps to extend battery life. In the Battery and Applications menu, limit background activity for programs you rarely use. MIUI aggressively manages memory, but manual tuning is never superfluous, and it is also recommended to check the operation of the main modules: camera, microphone, speakers and sensors. You can use the engineering menu to do this by typing the code ##6484## in the dialer. Take tests to make sure the hardware is functioning correctly after you interfere with the software part. 💡After the first download, be sure to check the work of Google Pay (or analogues), as on an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, banking applications may require additional security settings (FAQ) Can I flash Redmi 5 Plus without unlocking the bootloader? Yes, if you use the official firmware of the same region through the Mi Flash Tool in "clean all" mode or through the Recovery menu. Unlocking the bootloader is only required for custom firmware installation (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or for region change (from China to Global). Where to find the exact codename of my phone? The most reliable way is to use the app CPU-Z or AIDA64. Also, the code name is often listed in the firmware file name. For Redmi 5 Plus, it's vince. 4X (What to do if the phone is gone EDL (blinking orange indicator? Mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode) requires an authorized Mi Account to run through Mi Flash. If you don't have one, try pressing the volume button for 15 seconds to force a reboot. If it doesn't work, you'll need to disassemble and close the test point contacts on the board to access Fastboot, or contact the service. IMEI When using official methods and original firmware IMEI It is not deleted because it is stored in a secure section. EFS, which standard instruments do not affect. However, if you use fastboot commands incorrectly (for example, formatting the persist partition), IMEI loss is possible, and it will be extremely difficult to restore it.