Xiaomi Mi 5X (also known as Mi A1 in the global version) was once considered the benchmark of the mid-range due to its clean Android and high-quality build. However, time is running out, and official support for the device has long been discontinued, leaving owners alone with outdated software and potential security holes. The only way to extend the life of the gadget is self-flashing, allowing you to install custom builds or a fresh version of Android.
The process of restoring or updating the system on this device requires care, since the Mi 5X is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, which implies specific modes of operation of the bootloader. Unlike newer models, it often requires manual interaction with drivers and Fastboot mode. Before proceeding to active actions, you need to clearly understand the risks: any interference in the system partition can lead to the failure of the device.
In this article, we will discuss all the preparation steps, necessary tools and step-by-step algorithm of actions for successful installation of a new operating system. You will learn how to unlock the bootloader, which drivers are required to install and how to avoid the typical mistakes that beginners face when working with ADB and console utilities.
⚠️ Attention: All actions you make at your own risk. the author of the article is not responsible for possible malfunctions in the work of your Xiaomi Mi 5X loss of identity.
The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation. You will need a computer running Windows (preferably version 10 or 11, since they have less problems with signing drivers), USB-You don't have to use cheap "charging" cables that don't transmit data, which is a common cause of connection failure at a critical moment.
The first step is to download all the necessary files. You will need a firmware image that matches your region and device type (Tissot is codenamed Mi). 5X). Also a prerequisite is the presence of installed Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and ADB/Fastboot. Without them, the computer will not see the phone in the right mode.
📊 What is your current firmware on Xiaomi Mi? 5X?
Official MIUI (China/Global)
Pure Android (LineageOS)
Ports from other devices
I don't know/phone doesn't turn on
To work with files archiving and unpacking images, it is recommended to use an archiver 7-Zip Make sure that the C drive is free at least 5-10 GB space, because temporary files and debugging logs can take up a significant amount of space. It is critical to download the version of the firmware that is designed for the model. tissot/tissot_sprout, as the firmware from Mi 6X (tissot_sprout) It may differ in the structure of the sections.
- 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 5X battery-charged%.
- 💻 PC with Windows OS and installed drivers ADB qualcomm.
- 🔌 Original or qualitative USB-data-couple.
- 💾 Firmware archive (format.tgz or.zip) and Mi Flash or Fastboot utility.
Unlock the bootloader and log into Fastboot mode
Before you change system files, you need to access memory partitions. In Xiaomi devices, this process is called bootloader unlocking. For the Mi 5X, this can be done both in the official way through MIUI servers (requires a wait of 168 hours) and through engineering methods if the phone is not already booting. We will look at the standard path that requires an account to be linked.
First, activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings. → About the phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. In the Developer menu that appears, find the item. OEM-unlock it and turn it on. USB. After that, the phone is ready to bundle with the PC.
To enter Fastboot mode, turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and hold it, connect the cable to your computer. The screen should show a hare repairing an android, or the inscription FASTBOOT. If the computer made the device connect sound, but the display remained black, try to pinch the combination Loudness down + Power for 10-15 seconds.
Once connected in Fastboot mode, run the command prompt or PowerShell in the ADB tool folder. Enter fastboot devices. If you see the device serial number in response, the connection is correct. If the list is empty, check Windows Device Manager - there should be no unknown devices with yellow exclamation marks.
⚠️ Warning: When unlocking the bootloader, you will completely reset all data (Wipe Data). Backup photos, contacts and documents to an external medium or to the cloud in advance.
Installation of drivers and setting up the ADB environment
The most common problem with the firmware Xiaomi Mi 5X — Lack of the right drivers. - Windows 10 and 11 Often, you automatically install standard drivers that are not suitable for deep flashing. You may need to manually update the driver in Device Manager by selecting a file. android_winusb.inf packet SDK Platform Tools.
To work in EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which saves the "bricks", you need specific Qualcomm drivers. If the Device Manager when you connect the phone turned off (clamp both volume buttons and connect the cable) appears port Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, then the drivers are right. If you see "Unknown Device", you will have to disable the signature check drivers in Windows.
How to disable driver signature verification in Windows 10/11
Go to the settings. → Update and security → Restore. Under "Special Download Options," click "Reboot Now." After the reboot, select: Troubleshooting and troubleshooting. → Additional parameters → Loading parameters → Reset. Press. F7 to disable mandatory signature verification."> After installing all components, create a separate folder on the root of the C disk: C:\mi5x_flash, And you can put all the firmware files and utilities in there, and you can use shortcuts to minimize the risk of errors when you type commands into the console, and make sure there are no Cyrillic characters or spaces on the way to the folder. Disassembly + Circuit of points Telephone on + Debugging Mode Work Appointment How to enter Fastboot Driver Firmware, unlock Volume - + Power Android Bootloader Recovery Reset, Installation ZIP Loudness + + Powering Android Interface EDL (9008) Rescue of Qualcomm's "bricks" HS-USB ADB Debugging, Android commands ADB Interface Firmware Process via Fastboot (Clean All method) There are two main ways of firmware: through the Mi Flash Tool utility or through the command line. 5X It is often recommended to use the command line or older versions of Mi Flash, as newer ones may not see older devices. If you use Mi Flash, select Clean All mode to completely clear memory and avoid file conflicts. Unpack the archive with firmware. Inside should be a folder with many files.img and script flash_all.bat (Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. Launch the file. flash_all.bat on behalf of the administrator, the process will take 200 before 400 At this time, the code and progress bars will flash on the phone screen. It's important not to interrupt the process or touch the cable, even if it seems that the phone is frozen. Once the procedure is complete, the device will automatically restart. The first download can last until the end of the process. 5-7 minutes, as the system creates new partitions and cache. MI Or Android, so it was a success. If you use fastboot manually, the sequence is: fastboot flash boot. boot.img, fastboot flash system system.img And so on for each partition. But using a pre-built script. flash_all.bat It significantly speeds up the process and reduces the likelihood of human error when typing commands. Installation of custom Recovery (TWRP) To install unofficial firmware or obtain superuser (Root) rights, you will need custom recavers.For Xiaomi Mi 5X standard is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. You can download the current image (.img) from the official website twrp.me by selecting the device by the code name tissot. The installation process is simple: place the file. twrp-3.x.x-x-tissot.img file ADB. Turn on Fastboot on your phone and type in the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-tissot.img. After a successful recording, you can not just restart the phone with buttons, otherwise the regular recavery will overwrite TWRP. You need to immediately execute the command fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-tissot.img temporary. 🔧 Download the current image TWRP fortissot. 💾 Record the image with the fastboot flash recovery team. 🚀 Run the fastboot boot command without restarting. 📲 On the menu. TWRP Choose a language and confirm permission to modify (Swipe). TWRP, First, back up your current system (Backup partition), even if it's not working, and it can save the day if the new firmware is unstable. ZIP-archives with new versions of Android or Magisk patches for root rights. ⚠️ Note: At the first loading in TWRP The system may ask you to enter a screen unlock password. If you don't remember it or it's not accepted, you'll have to do a full Wipe Data reset that will delete all files. Possible errors and methods of fixing them. One of the common mistakes is Waiting for device, which means that the PC can't see the phone. Check Device Manager: if there's a device with a yellow sign, update the driver manually. Try another one. USB-The "Missmatching image and device" error occurs if you try to flash the firmware from Mi 6X on Mi 5X They have different identities, even though they're similar. Always check the code name of the device. 5X It's strictly tissot (for globals). tissot_sprout, Using the wrong image can lead to a broken touchscreen or camera. 💡The main reason for a failed firmware is an unstable connection USB or using a corrupt firmware file. Always check check the checksums (MD5) If your phone is in an endless bootloop, try logging in to Recovery. + and food, and make Wipe. Data/Factory Reset. If this does not help, you will have to use the regimen. EDL, which requires disassembly of the case to close test points on the board, as on Mi 5X program-entry EDL When you have an anti-rollback error, the system will prevent you from installing an older version of the software than it used to be, which is vulnerability protection, and it's almost impossible to get around it on modern versions of the bootloader without the risk of turning the device into a brick. Always Shaw Up-to-date or Equal Versions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can I get a Xiaomi Mi? 5X No, officially no. Installing global firmware on the Chinese version (and vice versa) requires an unlocked bootloader. However, if the versions match (region to region), you can update through the Software Update menu by manually selecting the file, but this will not change the type of firmware. What if Mi Flash gives you a Not enough space error? This error often occurs when the path to the firmware folder is too long or contains Cyrillic. Move the folder to the root of the disk, for example. C:\rom\, and rename it in a short Latin name, for example. C:\rom\tissot. Is it safe to use the firmware with 4PDA for Mi 5X? Community firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) can significantly revitalize an old device, giving a fresh Android, NFC). Always read the forum topic, "Known Problems." How to get it back if you don't like the new firmware? If you have a full backup TWRP, Just restore it. If you don't, you'll have to download the stock firmware. MIUI And then I'm going to flash it back through Fastboot and clean it up, and why Pay doesn't work after the firmware (NFC)? An unlocked Google Pay bootloader (now Wallet) may not work due to system integrity violations.Magisk patches (Zygisk) and root rights concealment are required, but there are no guarantees of operation, as security policies are constantly changing.