Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) remains a popular smartphone even years after its release. However, over time, owners face slowdowns, lack of security updates or the desire to install custom firmware. Phone firmware is a process that requires attention, but with the right approach, it is available even to beginners.
In this article, you will find the most current ways to update Redmi 5 Plus in 2026, from official updates through MIUI Updater to install custom ROMs via TWRP or Fastboot. We will analyze each step from unlocking the bootloader to solving typical errors, and give recommendations for choosing firmware for specific tasks.
Important: the firmware procedure can void the warranty and lead to data loss. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the specialists.
Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting
Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus firmware requires pre-preparedness, and without it, you risk getting a brick, a broken machine.
- 🔋 The battery should be at least 60 percent charged, and the firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and the discharge in the process will cause a failure.
- 🔐 Unlocking the bootloader is mandatory for custom firmware installation. MIUI Updater doesn't require it.
- 📱 Backup data (photos, contacts, messages) – Firmware erases internal memory. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup.
- 🖥️ Drivers and software: to work with Fastboot or ADB Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool or Platform Tools must be installed on PC.
Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. Redmi 5 Plus available:
- 📦 Officially ROM Xiaomi (Stable and Developer Versions) MIUI).
- 🛠️ Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.).
- 🔄 Firmware port (e.g, MIUI from other devices adapted to the Vince).
⚠️ Note: Installing firmware from another device (e.g. Redmi Note 5) will cause camera, sensor, or network modules to fail. Always check the code name in the firmware file name.
If you plan to use TWRP, make sure the recovery version is compatible with your firmware. For example, MIUI 12 may require a newer TWRP version than MIUI 10.
Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (without unlocking)
The easiest and most secure method is to update through the built-in System Update (MIUI Updater) application, which is suitable for installing official updates without losing data and does not require unlocking the bootloader.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the icon. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
- Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format).
- Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader.
- ✅ Stores user data (unless otherwise specified in the firmware description).
- ✅ Minimum risk of error.
⚠️ Note: If the firmware file is corrupted or intended for another model, the phone may freeze on the logo. MI. In this case, you will need firmware through Fastboot.
Download the firmware only from official sources:
- Official MIUI website (select Redmi 5 Plus section).
- Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of stable and developed versions)
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If the update through MIUI Updater does not start, check the free space on the device (at least 2 GB is required) and the stability of the Internet connection.
Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for official ROM)
Fastboot is suitable for installing official firmware when the phone is not turning on or requires a clean installation, which erases all data and requires an unlocked bootloader.
Tools required:
- 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- 📁 Fastboot Firmware Archive (.tgz or.zip format).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- In the program, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
- Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
| Mode in Mi Flash Tool | Description | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Clean all | Complete data cleanup, but the bootloader remains unlocked | To install new firmware with the preservation of the possibility of custom ROM |
| Clean all and lock | Cleaning + Locking of the loader | If you want to return the phone to the factory state (for example, before selling) |
| Save user data | It stores user data | Update the current version of MIUI without changing the region |
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the bootloader is locked.
☑️ Preparation for firmware through Fastboot
Method 3: Install custom firmware through TWRP
For enthusiasts who want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, TWRP Recovery is required, which gives full control of the system, but requires an unlocked bootloader and experience with ADB.
Installation steps:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (it can take up to 72 hours to wait for confirmation from Xiaomi).
- Download the current version of TWRP for Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) from twrp.me.
- Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_vince.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_vince.img
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Install the firmware through Install by selecting the downloaded.zip file.
- After installing the firmware, it is recommended to flash Magisk (for root rights) and Disable Force Encryption (if the firmware does not support encryption).
The following are the best custom firmware for Redmi 5 Plus:
- 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may not support VoLTE or VoWiFi on Redmi 5 Plus. XDA Developers.
A critical feature of Redmi 5 Plus: when installing custom firmware based on Android 11+, you may need a patch to fix the camera (use the Magisk ANX Camera module).
How to return the official MIUI after custom firmware?
Unlocking the bootloader: a step-by-step guide
Without unlocking the bootloader, you can’t install custom recovery or firmware. Xiaomi has made it harder in the latest versions of MIUI, but it’s still possible.
What you need:
- 📱 Phone with a linked Mi Account (required!).
- 🖥️ PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables can cause connection errors).
- 📶 Stable Internet connection (process requires authorization on Xiaomi servers).
Instructions:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
- On your phone, turn on Settings → For developers → Unlock OEM and debug over USB.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Log in to your Mi Account.
- If you see a Wait 168 hours message, you have to wait 7 days (this is Xiaomi’s restriction for new accounts).
- After successful verification, press Unlock.The phone will reboot with the bootloader unlocked.
Frequent mistakes and decisions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock | The account is not tied to the phone or the phone does not support unlocking | Check that you are logged in to the same account as your phone, and in some regions, unblocking is not allowed. |
| Wait 168 hours | New account or phone | Wait 7 days, periodically repeating the attempt (time may be shortened). |
| Device not connected | Problems with drivers or cable | Reinstall the drivers, try another one. USB-port. |
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Unlocking the bootloader cancels the warranty and resets the phone to factory settings. Once unlocked, you can't use official MIUI updates via OTA - only via Fastboot or TWRP.
Solving typical firmware errors
Even if you follow the instructions very carefully, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1.The phone is stuck on the MI or Redmi logo (bootloop)
Reasons:
- Incompatible firmware (e.g. from Redmi Note 5 instead of Redmi 5 Plus)
- Interrupted firmware process.
- No vendor or firmware in custom firmware.
Decision:
- Fastboot your phone with the official firmware.
- If you have custom firmware installed, try flashing Disable Force Encryption into TWRP.
E: Footers is wrong or E: Signature verification failed in TWRP
Reasons:
- A damaged firmware file.
- There is no support for installing unsigned ZIPs in TWRP.
Decision:
- Check the checksum (MD5) of the firmware file.
- In TWRP, disable signature verification: Settings → Disable ZIP Signature Verification.
3.No network after firmware
Reasons:
- Incompatible version of the modem or firmware.
- There is no IMEI (reset after the firmware).
Decision:
- Swipe the official firmware through Fastboot:
- Restore the IMEI with the Maui META or SN Write Tool (requires an IMEI backup).
4.Fast battery discharge after firmware
Reasons:
- Unoptimized core in custom firmware.
- Background processes due to lack of Doze.
Decision:
- Install a kernel optimized for your firmware (e.g., FrancoKernel for LineageOS).
- Calibrate the battery: completely discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times in a row.
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If after firmware lost sound in the speaker, check if it is turned off in the developer settings (Switch off the absolute volume level).