Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus via computer: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) is still a popular device among custom firmware enthusiasts, despite its release in 2017. Its balanced characteristics — Snapdragon 625, 4 GB of RAM and a capacious battery — make the device an excellent platform for experimenting with software. However, flashing through the computer requires not only technical skills, but also understanding the nuances: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version of MIUI or customized recaveriation.

In this article, we will discuss the entire process, from tool preparation to the final firmware installation, with a focus on security and avoiding common errors. Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader (without it, firmware via fastboot is impossible) and working with the Mi Flash Tool and ADB utilities. If you are a beginner, we recommend you to carefully study each step: improper actions can lead to a “brick” of the device (complete failure without the possibility of recovery through standard methods).

Preparation for Firmware Reflashing: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Flashing Redmi 5 Plus through a PC is a multi-component process. Before you start, make sure that:

• 🔋 The battery is charged at least 60% (when discharged during firmware, the risk of failure increases 3 times).
• 💻 The computer has Qualcomm drivers installed and ADB (Without them, the PC does not recognize the phone in fastboot mode).
• 📱 Backup data created (firmware erases everything, including photos in internal memory).
• 🔓 Mi Account is tied to the device (required to unlock the bootloader).

Important: Xiaomi officially allows unlocking the bootloader, but the process takes up to 720 hours (30 If you bought your phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner unplugs his Mi Account, otherwise unlocking will not be possible. 5 Plus has two modifications – global (vince_global) Installation of inappropriate firmware will lead to errors in the operation of the module. NFC camera.

If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you will need to:

• 🔧 Install custom Recovery TWRP (The version should support the vince).
• 📁 Download firmware from the official developer website (do not use files from torrent trackers!).
• 🔐 Unlock. OEM Unlock in Developer Settings (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to activate the developer mode).

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Before unlocking the bootloader, disable two-factor authentication in Mi Account – this will speed up the confirmation process on Xiaomi servers.

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

Without an unlocked bootloader, firmware via fastboot is impossible. Xiaomi has implemented this protection to prevent unauthorized software changes. The process consists of two stages: linking the device to the account and waiting for confirmation.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times in a row. Return to the main settings menu and the Developer option will appear.
2. Account Link: In the Developer section, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Make sure the phone is connected to the Internet.
3. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the official utility from Xiaomi website (version must be at least 5.5.224.24).
4. Phone Connection: Turn off Redmi 5 Plus, press Volume Down + Power to log in to fastboot. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch unlock: In the Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If a wait message appears, the device is tied to the account. Usually, the wait takes 168-720 hours (7-30 days).

Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader will be labeled Unlocked. Now you can start the firmware. Note: unlocking resets all data on the device!

⚠️ Warning: If you sell your phone after unlocking, be sure to lock the bootloader back through the Mi Unlock Tool (Lock option). Otherwise, the new owner will be able to install unofficial software, which will void the warranty.

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The functionality of the device depends on the type of firmware. Xiaomi offers several MIUI branches:

• 🌍 Global Stable – stable version for the international market (recommended by most users).
• 🇨🇳 China Stable – Chinese version without Google services (requires manual installation of GApps).
• 🧪 Developer – weekly builds with new features but possible bugs.

For enthusiasts, custom firmware based on Android is available:

For Redmi 5 Plus, it is critical to choose firmware with support for vince. For example, LineageOS should be version 18.1 or later (for Android 11). Before downloading, check the XDA Developers forum section - it publishes current builds and user reviews.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware often lacks Widevine support L1, What reduces the quality of streaming on Netflix or Disney+ before 480p. If it is critical, stay on the official MIUI.

Install firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (official method)

This method is suitable for installing an official MIUI (for example, when recovering from a failure).

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (version 2020.3.14.0 or later).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format (download from the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\vince_global).
2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the device is off).
4. Select the firmware method: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI); Clean all and lock – cleaning + locking the bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save user data – saving user data (risky, can cause bugs).

Flash

Make sure the firmware version is suitable for Vince (global/china)

Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)

Use USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 sometimes causes errors)

Check that the phone is identified in Device Manager as “Android Bootloader Interface”

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If the process is 99% frozen or there is a critical partition flashing is not allowed error, then you are trying to flash an informal build with the bootloader locked. TWRP.

Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

To install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom builds will require custom recavers TWRP. Important: version TWRP It should support vince (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-vince.img).

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img After that, the phone will automatically reboot to TWRP.
2. Make a backup: In TWRP Select Backup and save Boot, System, Data partitions to SD-card.
3. Clear the sections: Go to Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Install firmware: Press Install, select the downloaded firmware file (usually.zip) and confirm the installation.
5. Squeeze GApps (if necessary): If you have firmware without Google services (for example, LineageOS without GApps), additionally install Open GApps (arm64 version, Android 11).

For recovery through EDL:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 5 Plus in.tgz format and unpack it.
2. Put the phone in. EDL-Mode (see above) and run the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select a firmware folder and press Flash. It takes up to 15 minutes.

If the Mi Flash Tool is an SLA Auth Error, your Mi Account is not authorized to use the firmware in EDL. Solution: contact the Xiaomi service center or find an authorized seller on forums (for example, 4PDA).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after recovery via EDL, check the battery - sometimes a deep discharge blocks start. Connect the device to charge for 30 minutes before trying again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions