Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 5A budget smartphone (codenamed riva) often face the need to reinstall the operating system, which can be caused by a device getting stuck in the logo, a failed update, malware infection, or simply a desire to switch from a global version of firmware to a Chinese version for communication modules. The process of restoring hardware through a personal computer is the most reliable method for resuscitating the device even in critical situations.
Before you start taking action, you need to be aware of the risks and prepare the software environment. Firmware is not just an application update, but a complete rewriting of system partitions. Errors at this stage can lead to complete failure of the gadget, so following the algorithm of actions is critical to the success of the operation.
In this guide, we will go through all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to the final start of the clean system.We will look at working with the Mi Flash Tool utility, installing the ADB and Fastboot drivers correctly, and explaining the difference between the bootloader modes, which will allow you to perform the procedure safely and efficiently, returning the device to factory stability.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
Success of the operation 90% It depends on the quality of the preparation. You will need a good computer running Windows (versions). 7, 8, 10 or 11), Because Xiaomi's proprietary utilities are optimized for this platform, using virtual machines or operating systems. Linux/MacOS It is possible, but requires additional settings and does not guarantee the stability of the connection, so it is better for beginners to use a PC.
USB cables play a key role here: Cheap charging-only cables don’t transmit data, and damaged wires can cause a communication breakdown at a critical point in the recording of memory sectors. Use an original cable or a high-quality, thick conductor analogue that can provide stable current and data transfer without interference.
To work, you will need the following software components:
- 📦 Official firmware in format ZIP for the Redmi model 5A, downloaded from miui.com or verified resources.
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool of the latest version for managing the recording process.
- 🔌 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and standard drivers ADB/Fastboot.
- 📂 Archivator (e.g., archiver, 7-Zip or WinRAR) for unpacking system images.
⚠️ Note: Before starting the procedure, make sure to back up all important data. The firmware process through the computer involves complete formatting of internal memory, which will lead to the irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and applications if they are not stored separately.
Create a separate folder on the C: disk that has no Cyrillic characters or spaces, and call it something like this, C:\xiaomi_flash. This requirement is due to the peculiarities of the Windows command line, which can incorrectly handle complex paths to files, which will lead to a File not found error at the most inopportune time.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage
Modern Xiaomi smartphones come with a locked bootloader, which prohibits the installation of unofficial software and sometimes even changing the firmware region. For the Redmi 5A model, unlocking is a must if you plan to change the region (for example, from CN to Global) or install custom Recovery.
The procedure requires a Mi Account tied to the device. Go to your phone's settings, select About Phone, and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer menu. Then, in the advanced settings, find the bootloader status and enable it by confirming the action via SMS.
Then you download the Mi Unlock Tool to your computer, launch it, log in to the same account as your phone, and put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when USB is connected), and the program will check the status of the device through Xiaomi servers.
The important thing is that the first attempt to unlock the system will require a wait of 72 to 168 hours (3-7 days), and a re-open attempt before the timer expires is impossible and will lead to an error.
There are two main unlock scenarios:
- 🔓 Standard: 168 hours after application submission.
- 🚀 Paid: use of third-party services for instant unlocking (requires payment and transfer of account data).
- 🛠 Manual: Use of special scripts for older versions MIUI (It is unstable and depends on the Android version).
If the timer has expired, reconnect in Fastboot mode and press the Unlock button. The process will take a few seconds, after which the phone will automatically restart and reset the data. Now the bootloader is unlocked, and the path to install the new system is open.
Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery or Fastboot
Users are often confused about firmware file formats. Redmi 5A has two main package types: Recovery (ZIP) and Fastboot (TGZ), depending on the state of your device and the purpose of the flashing.
Recovery is designed to be upgraded via an integrated recovery menu or third-party reclaimer (TWRP) that weighs less and does not require an unlocked bootloader to upgrade within a single region, but this method does not allow you to downgrade (rollback to an older version) or change the region from China to Global without additional manipulation.
The Fastboot format (.tgz extension) contains a complete image of all partitions of the system. This is the type of file used by the Mi Flash Tool for firmware through the computer. It allows you to perform a clean installation, change the region and restore the phone after serious crashes.
The comparison table will help to determine the choice:
| Characteristics | Recovery (ZIP) | Fastboot (TGZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Requires BL unlocking | No (usually) | Yes (required) |
| Data retention | Maybe. | Only with data loss. |
| Change of region | Difficult/Impossible | Yes. |
| Recovery after failure | Not always. | Complete. |
For our instructions, we will use the Fastboot method, as it is the most versatile and reliable way to firmware Xiaomi Redmi 5A via PC. Download the appropriate archive for your model, making sure that the file name contains the riva code.
How to distinguish global firmware from Chinese?
Installation of drivers and preparation of system image
The computer must see the phone in different modes of operation. For the Redmi 5A based on the Qualcomm processor, the QDLoader 9008 drivers (for EDL mode) and the standard Android Bootloader Interface are critical. Without them, the Mi Flash utility will show an empty list of devices.
Download the Qualcomm driver package or use the installer that comes with the Mi Flash Tool. INF-In the Device Manager in Fastboot mode, the phone must appear as “Android” or “QDLoader 9008” without exclamation points.
Next, you need to prepare the firmware itself. The downloaded.tgz archive needs to be unpacked into a pre-created folder. C:\xiaomi_flash. It is important to unpack it in the root of the disk or in the folder with a short path, avoiding Cyrillic. flash_all.bat, Images and other system files.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button. If the drivers are installed correctly, your device's serial number will appear in the list. If the field is empty, check the cable, USB port, or reinstall the drivers.
Press the Select button and point the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. Make sure that the path to the folder ends with the model name, for example.../riva_global_stable.... The program will automatically check the integrity of the files.
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If the computer can't see the phone in Fastboot mode, try pressing both volume buttons when you connect the cable, and then releasing the volume button, leaving the magnification button clamped, which can help the system recognize the device.
The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool
This is the most critical step. At the bottom of the Mi Flash Tool, you'll see three options, and understanding the differences between them will save your data, or it will clean your phone completely.
The first option is clean all. It completely erases all data and partitions by installing a clean system. It's a recommended choice when changing region or treating errors. The second is saving user data. It tries to save user files, but it can lead to errors when you transition between versions of Android. The third is clean all and lock. It does the same thing as the first one, but after you have firmware, it blocks the bootloader again.
⚠️ Warning: The clean all and lock option is only secure if you are flashing the official firmware in the same region as it was installed earlier. If you try to lock the bootloader on the global firmware, standing instead of the Chinese firmware, or vice versa, the phone will turn into a brick with a Verified Boot error.
The Redmi 5A is most commonly used in clean all mode. Select it, make sure your device is displayed in the list, and press the "Flash" button. The process will take 200 to 600 seconds.
During the process, partition formatting messages (userdata, cache, system) will appear in the log. The green word "success" at the end of the status line means successful completion. The phone will automatically restart. The first boot can last up to 10-15 minutes - that's fine, the system is configured.
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Never interrupt the firmware process, even if it seems to be frozen. Interrupting the write of the system or boot partition will make it impossible to boot the device.
EDL (9008) mode: if the phone is not turned on
If the Redmi 5A is not in Fastboot mode, black screen or infinite vibration, you will need EDL (Emergency Download Mode) deep debugging mode. In this mode, the phone is defined as “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” and allows you to flash the device even with a locked bootloader (requires an authorized Mi Account or a patched version of Mi Flash).
To enter this mode on the phone turned off, you need to clamp both volume buttons and connect USB-If that doesn't work, you'll need to disassemble the case and close the test points on the board. 5A points are under a metal screen near the processor, which requires soldering skills and accuracy.
In EDL mode, the procedure is similar to conventional firmware:
- 🔌 Connect the phone, make sure the device is in the dispatcher (port) COM).
- 💿 Select the firmware in the Mi Flash Tool.
- ▶️ Press Flash and wait until it is completed.
Once the firmware is successful, the phone will exit EDL mode and start booting. If the device requires Mi Account authorization ("Authorized error"), you will need help from a service center or use special servers for authorization, since you cannot flash EDL on new versions of MIUI in the standard way.
Where to find Test Points on Redmi 5A?
Frequent errors and methods of their elimination
There may be code errors in the firmware process, such as "error: can't find script" or "flash error." Most often, the problem lies in the path to the files. Make sure there are no Russian letters on the way, as mentioned earlier, and that the folder lies at the root of the disk.
No Sahara Communication Error or Port Problems COM Indicate a faulty cable or port USB. Try to connect the cable to the port USB 2.0 (black) directly into the motherboard, bypassing USB-hubs and front panels of the PC body.
If the process is stuck on a certain percentage (e.g., 3% or 98%) for more than 10 minutes, it may be that the firmware file is corrupted when downloaded. Check the checksum (MD5) of the file or download it again from another source. It is also worth trying another version of the Mi Flash Tool, such as 2018, which often works more stable with older models like the Redmi 5A.