Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in late 2017, is still a popular device due to its reliability and maintainability. However, time is inexorable, and the standard Android operating system may no longer meet the current needs of the user. Sometimes the reason for the flashing is not only the desire to update the interface, but also the need to fix software failures, “bootloop” (cyclical reboot) or the consequences of a failed update “over the air”.
The process of installing a new operating system through a personal computer is the most reliable method of restoring the functionality of a gadget. OTA-In addition to updates that are often interrupted by unstable Internet, the wired connection provides stable data transfer. USB-cable, a serviceable computer and following instructions carefully to bring the device back to life.
Before taking action, it is critical to be aware of the risks: any interference with the code carries a potential risk of data loss. Conducting the procedure of unlocking the bootloader completely erases all user files, including photos and contacts, so creating a backup is a must. Below we will discuss each step in detail to minimize the likelihood of error.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation. You can't just download a file and run it; the MIUI ecosystem requires specific drivers and utilities. First of all, make sure that your computer is running Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11, because most tools are sharpened for this platform.
You will need an original or high-quality analogue. USB-Cheap cables that come with a power bank are often just for charging and have no data lines. Using such a cable will cause the computer to simply not see the device in the right mode.
To work, you need to download and install the following set of software:
- 📱 ADB Fastboot Drivers – basic drivers for communication with the device.
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool – the official utility from Xiaomi for firmware.
- 💾 ROM-The file itself is firmware in.zip format (Fastboot version).
- 🔑 Mi Account – an account that must be linked to the phone in advance.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure your smartphone battery is at least 60 percent, and if the device shuts down at a critical time of recording system partitions, it will be extremely difficult to restore it without using a programmer.
After downloading all components, install ADB drivers. These are usually part of the SDK Platform Tools package. Unpack the archive into the root folder of the disk, such as C:\adb, so that the paths do not contain Cyrillic, which sometimes causes conflicts when executing commands.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Bootloader is a program that runs in front of the operating system and checks the digital signature of the downloaded software. By default, it is blocked in Xiaomi devices, which prohibits the installation of unofficial firmware or resetting to factory settings via a PC. The unlock procedure requires the mandatory availability of the Internet and an associated account.
First, activate Developer Mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI Version field seven times. Once the "You've become a developer" notification appears, go back to the main settings menu and select Additional → For Developers.
The process of direct unlocking follows:
- Turn off your smartphone and turn it on by clamping down volume and power buttons at the same time to enter Fastboot mode.
- Connect the device to the computer through USB-cable.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in to your account.
- Press the Unlock button and wait for the process to complete.
It is important to know that from the moment of account attachment to the moment of unlocking, it can take from 7 to 360 hours (usually 168 hours, that is 7 days). Xiaomi security system artificially delays the process to protect against device theft. If you try to unlock the device ahead of time, you will get an error indicating the remaining time.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and all data will be deleted.
Selection of firmware type: Global, China, Recovery or Fastboot
Understanding the differences between firmware types is key to avoiding compatibility errors. Firmware files for Redmi 5 (codenamed sagit for the regular version or ros for Plus) are divided by region and installation method.
Regional versions are divided into Global (international, there is Russian, Google services), China (Chinese, no Russian by default, a lot of local software) and EEC (for EU countries, stricter privacy rules).
According to the installation method, firmware is divided into two types:
- 📦 Recovery (.zip) – installed via the phone’s recovery menu or via Explorer, does not require a PC, but does not allow you to change region (from China to Global) without unlocking.
- ⚡ Fastboot (.tgz) – installed only through the computer in Fastboot mode, allows you to change the region, clean all partitions and is the only way to restore the “bricks».
For our task, given the title of the article, we will use the Fastboot version. It has the extension.tgz and after unpacking contains folders with images of the system, bootloader and modem.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to install firmware from another model (e.g. Redmi). 5A Redmi Note 5 on Redmi 5, which will cause permanent damage to the hardware and the inability to turn on the device.
Only download files from trusted resources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative forums like 4PDA and XDA Developers. Files from questionable file sharing sites can contain malicious code.
Installation of drivers and setting up Mi Flash Tool
Before you plug your phone into firmware mode, you need to make sure your computer recognizes the hardware correctly.Install the Qualcomm USB Driver package or standard Android drivers, which often come bundled with the Mi Flash Tool.
The driver installation process may require manual intervention. If the automatic installation fails, open Device Manager in Windows. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. + Power. The device list should show "Android Bootloader Interface" or "Xiaomi Android Bootloader." If there's a yellow exclamation point, update the driver manually, pointing the path to the driver folder.
Now let's take care of the scalper's utility:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware archive (.tgz) in a separate folder. The path to the folder should be short and without spaces, for example: C:\ROM\redmi5_global.
- Run the XiaoMiFlash.exe file on behalf of the administrator.
- In the program interface, press the Refresh button. If the drivers are installed correctly, the serial number of your device will appear in the list.
- Press the Select button and specify the path to the unpacked folder with the firmware.
At the bottom of the Mi Flash Tool, you'll see three options: Clean all is the cleanest and most recommended option. It completely erases all data and partitions by installing the system cleanly. The save user data option will try to save files, but can lead to errors when you change the Android version or region.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
Make sure that the Settings menu checks the box against the item that prohibits automatic reboot after firmware, if you plan to immediately perform additional actions, although this is not critical for a standard installation.
Redmi 5 Firmware Process via Fastboot
The most critical moment comes, make sure the phone is turned off, press the volume button, and without letting go, plug it in. USB-The screen of the smartphone should light up, and it will show an image of a hare repairing an android, with the inscription FASTBOOT.
In Mi Flash Tool, press the Refresh button. You should see the serial number of the device in the list. If it writes something else instead of the number or the list is empty, check the cable and drivers. Once successful, click the Flash button in the upper right corner.
The data recording process will take 200 to 600 seconds, and the program log will show progress messages:
- 🔄 Checking – Checking the integrity of files.
- 📥 Downloading – uploading images to the phone memory.
- ✅ Success – Successful completion of the operation.
Don’t touch the cable or press buttons on the phone during the process. Interrupting the recording can cause the phone to go into EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which looks like a black screen, and it may require a paid authorized Mi Account or disassembling the device to close contacts to exit it.
When the Success green sign lights up in the status bar, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot can last up to 10-15 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates cache. Be patient and don't try to turn the device off at this point.
Solving Typical Errors and Problems
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, technical difficulties can arise. One of the most common errors is the message Miss matching image and device. This means that you are trying to install firmware that is not intended for this device, or you chose the wrong method (for example, Recovery instead of Fastboot).
Another common problem is Flash all except data storage or mid-process failures. USB-Try connecting the cable directly to the motherboard (rear PC ports) bypassing the cable. USB-Hubs and front panels, and replacing the cable with a shorter, better quality cable also helps.
The table below will help quickly diagnose the problem by code or symptom:
| Symptom/Error Code | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Device not defined | There are no drivers or bad cables | Reinstall drivers, change USB port |
| The 0xeffffffe error | Problem with access rights or antivirus | Start from the administrator, disable the antivirus |
| Cyclical Reboot (Bootloop) | Incompatibility of firmware or broken file | Check the clean all method and check the hash amount. |
| Phone not turned on (black screen) | Interrupting firmware, EDL mode | Clutch Volume Up + Power for 15 seconds |
If the phone has gone into a brick and is not responding to the buttons, try the “forced reboot” method: press the power button and both volume buttons simultaneously for 20-30 seconds. In some cases, this returns the device to Fastboot mode.
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Use it. USB-port 2.0 instead 3.0. Old devices based on Snapdragon 450, like Redmi. 5, Sometimes they are not working with controllers. USB 3.0/3.1 firmware.
If nothing helps, it may be a hardware problem, such as a malfunction of the eMMC flash memory, which requires contacting a service center.
Setup of the system after installation
Once you have successfully downloaded, you'll see a welcome screen, and since it's a clean installation, it'll behave like new. First, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Google account, which is essential to reconnect, reconnect, re-establish your calendar and purchases in the Play Market.
Pay attention to the screen and battery settings. MIUI has aggressive energy savings enabled by default, which can kill background processes of messengers. Go to Settings → Battery and set up modes for important applications by selecting “No restrictions”.
It's also worth checking for updates. Even if you've been installing a fresh firmware, security patches may have appeared during its release. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version to check.
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After the first firmware, make sure to make a full backup to the cloud service or PC to recover data in a couple of minutes, not days, in the future.
Now your Xiaomi Redmi 5 is ready for active use again. Properly executed firmware can significantly speed up the device, free up memory and eliminate accumulated system errors.