The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, launched in early 2018, remains a popular device thanks to its high-quality 5.99-inch screen and robust Snapdragon 625 processor. However, over time, the software can become obsolete, causing slowdowns, system bugs or the inability to install new versions of applications.
The PC flashing process gives the user maximum control over the device, allowing not only to upgrade to the latest available version of MIUI, but also to roll back to a more stable build if the new one is not working correctly. Unlike the “over the air” update, the method using a computer allows you to restore the phone even when it stopped loading, freezes on the logo or goes into an endless reboot cycle.
Before taking action, you need to be clear about the risks and prepare all the necessary tools. Incorrectly following instructions can lead to data loss or software failure, so it is important to carefully study each step. Below we will discuss in detail the preparation of hardware, install drivers, choose the method of firmware and solve typical problems that arise in the process.
Preparation of equipment and software
The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation, you will need the Redmi 5 Plus smartphone itself, which is serviceable. USB-cable (preferably original or high-quality analogue with thick wires) and a computer running Windows. USB-port, so a desktop PC is preferable, or make sure the laptop is connected to the network.
It's critical to download the current firmware. Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) has different types of assemblies: Global, China, Developer. Attention: never stitch a device with firmware designed for another model! This can lead to permanent damage to the hardware. The firmware file must have the extension.zip and weigh about 2-3 GB.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, make sure to back up all important data. The firmware process through your computer in 99% of cases leads to the complete removal of all photos, contacts and applications from the internal memory of the device.
You also need to make sure that the battery is at least 60%, and while recording system partitions, a power surge or battery discharge can interrupt critical operation. If the phone doesn't turn on, plug it into the charger for 15-20 minutes before work begins.
Installation of ADB, Fastboot and Mi Flash drivers
The computer has to "see" the phone in special modes. Standard Windows drivers often fail to do this, so you need to manually install a driver kit from Xiaomi. Without this step, the firmware utility will not be able to detect the connected device.
The most reliable way is to install the official Mi Flash Tool, which already has the necessary drivers built into the package. When installing the program in the component selection menu, be sure to tick the "Driver" box so that the files are copied to the system. After installation, you may need to restart the computer.
If installation through the installer is not possible, you can use the Device Manager. Connect the phone that is turned off with the volume button pressed (Fastboot mode). Device Manager will see an unknown device or device called "Android." Right-click, select "Update driver" and specify the path to the driver folder.
- 📥 Download the archive with Xiaomi drivers USB Driver from an official website or verified source.
- 💻 Unpack the archive to the root of the C disk: for easy access to the paths.
- 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and wait for the Windows beep.
- ✅ Make sure that the device manager has Android Bootloader Interface».
☑️ Firmware readiness
Selecting a Firmware Method: Recovery or Fastboot
For the Redmi 5 Plus, there are two main ways to flash through your computer, each with its own features and file requirements, and understanding the difference between them will help you choose the best option for your situation.
Recovery is a good way to go when the phone is turned on and can go into recovery mode. In this case, you use Recovery firmware with the extension.zip. The computer is just a file storage, and the process is done by the smartphone. It's a simpler, less powerful method.
Fastboot is a deeper and more versatile method, which allows you to flash your device even if it doesn't load to the menu, requires a Fastboot firmware (unpacked folder with lots of files) and a utility called Mi Flash, which we'll consider as the primary method, because it solves most problems.
| Characteristics | Recovery Mode | Fastboot Mode |
|:--- |:--- |:--- |
| Phone status | On, menu running | May not turn on (brick) |
| File type |.zip (archive) | Folder with unpacked files |
| Data retention | Possible (Clean All not always) | Complete deletion (usually) |
| Difficulty | Low | Medium |
| Necessary software | No (built-in) | Mi Flash Tool, Drivers |
Step-by-step: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool
This is the basic algorithm of actions to restore or update Redmi. 5 Plus. Follow each step carefully. First, unpack the downloaded archive with Fastboot firmware. The path to the folder should not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, it is best to place it at the root of the disk, for example, C:\rom_vince.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press Refresh to scan the ports. Now turn the phone into Fastboot mode: turn off the device, press the volume button, and, without letting go, plug it in. USB-The phone screen should show a bunny repairing the android.
In the utility, click the "Select" button and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. The program will automatically check the integrity of the files. At the bottom of the window, select the firmware mode. For a clean installation, select "Clean All" (complete cleaning), for a save update - "Save user data" (not recommended when changing regions).
Press the Flash button in the upper right corner, and the recording process will start, which will take 200 to 600 seconds, during which time it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or touch the phone, and when completed, the green "Success" will appear, and the phone will automatically restart.
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot rebootPossible errors and ways to eliminate them
Unforeseen situations can occur during the firmware process. One of the most common errors is "Missmatching image and device." This means you're trying to flash firmware that's not designed for Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince).
A Flash Error error or red text in the log often indicates problems with drivers or firmware file integrity. Try to re-download the archive, preferably from another source, and check its checksum. ADB and Fastboot.
⚠️ Note: If the utility gives an error "Anti-rollback check failed", then you are trying to roll back to an older version of Android, which is prohibited by the Xiaomi security mechanism.
Sometimes the computer just doesn't see the phone in Fastboot mode. In this case, check the Device Manager. If it shows a device with a yellow exclamation mark, the driver is not installed correctly. Try manually updating the driver by specifying the path to the file. android_winusb.inf in the Mi Flash installation folder.
- 🔌 Connection error: Replace USB-cable or port, use the rear ports of the motherboard.
- 📂 Mistake of the way: make sure that there are no Russian letters on the way to the firmware.
- 🔋 Battery discharge: If the phone sat down while firmware is running, leave it on charge for an hour, then try again.
- 🚫 Antivirus Block: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Windows Firewall.
Unlocking the bootloader: is it necessary?
Many users confuse Fastboot firmware with Unlock Bootloader. You don't need to unlock the official firmware in the same region (e.g. Global on Global) and you can easily sew the device in a closed state.
However, if you want to change region (for example, from Chinese to Global) or install custom Recovery (TWRP), unlocking is a must. Without it, the Mi Flash utility will give an error "Can not flash this device" or simply do not start the recording process.
The unlocking procedure requires you to submit an application on Xiaomi’s website, wait 7 to 30 days, and use the Mi Unlock utility.This is a separate process that also leads to complete deletion of data. If your goal is simply to update the phone or restore it after a crash, and the firmware region matches, this step can be skipped.