Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus firmware via reclaimers: a safe way to upgrade or restore your smartphone

Recovery is one of the most reliable ways to upgrade or restore the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince), especially if the device does not load or requires custom firmware installation. Unlike the update via MIUI Updater, this method gives full control over the process, but requires accuracy: an error at any stage can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the device due to incompatibility of the firmware with the boot version.

In this article, you'll find step-by-step instructions for two scenarios: firmware through stock recovery (official) and TWRP (custom), we'll learn how to prepare files, avoid Error 7 or E3004 errors, and what to do if your smartphone doesn't turn on after firmware. And if you've never worked with fastboot or ADB, don't worry: all commands are given with explanations.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed. Skipping at least one item can cause a crash or loss of data.

• 📱 Check the device model: the firmware for the Redmi 5 Plus (vince) will not work for the Redmi Note 5 (whyred) - even if they look similar. → The phone. → Model) or on a box.
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%: when discharged during firmware, the device may turn off, which will damage system files.
• 💾 Backup: Firmware over the recover erases user data (except internal memory, if not format data). Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Titanium Backup (for root users).
• 🖥️ Install drivers: to work with fastboot and ADB Xiaomi drivers must be installed on PC (you can download from the official website or through the Mi Flash Tool).

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For Redmi 5 Plus, there are:

• 📦 Official firmware MIUI: download from en.miui.com (select the version for vince).
• 🔧 Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.): require an unlocked bootloader and TWRP.
• 🔄 Downgrade firmware: if you need to roll back to an older version MIUI (For example, from Android 9 to Android 8).

⚠️ Note: If you are flashing a device with a locked bootloader, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool. Otherwise, the firmware through fastboot or Recovery will end in an error.

Recaveri's choice: stock vs TWRP

The type of recaveri depends on which firmware you can install and which features will be available.

If you just need to upgrade MIUI to the latest version, you need a stock recavator. To install custom firmware, cores or mods (for example, Magisk for root rights) you will need TWRP.

For Redmi. 5 Plus the current version TWRP — 3.7.0_9-0 (You can download it from the official website twrp.me. TWRP needle:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-vince.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-vince.img

⚠️ Attention: After installation TWRP The stock Recovery will be replaced. To return it, you must file an official recovery.img fastboot.

Step-by-step: Firmware through stock recovery

This method is suitable for installing official MIUI firmware in.zip format. It is safer than firmware through fastboot, since the stock recavator checks the integrity of the files.

Download firmware from en.miui.com (select the version for vince)|Rename the file to update.zip (necessarily!)|Transfer the file to the root of internal memory|Disable signature verification (if the firmware is unofficial)-->

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware from the official website. The file should be called update.zip (if the name is different, rename it).
2. Move the file to the root of the smartphone’s internal memory (not to folders!). You can use MTP (connect your phone to your PC) or ADB: adb push update.zip /sdcard/
3. Load into the recavery: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power before the Mi logo appears. Choose the language (if required).

Install update.zip to System

Apply update from sdcard

Confirm installation

Reset the device

Reboot system now

If the firmware is interrupted with E3004 error, it means that:

• 🔹 File. update.zip damaged (leap it over).
• 🔹 The firmware is not designed for your model (check the codename for Vince).
• 🔹 The device was unlocked unofficially (requires firmware via fastboot).

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If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after you have firmware, try resetting the settings via the receptacles (Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data) which will delete user data, but often solves the problem.

Firmware through TWRP: installing custom firmware

TWRP opens up access to advanced features, but requires caution.The main rule is never to flash files intended for other models, even if they are "similar" (for example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 5 Pro on the Redmi 5 Plus).

To install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), follow the instructions:

1. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services): Firmware: from the XDA Developers site (Redmi 5 Plus section). GApps: Choose the arm64 option and the firmware version of Android (for example, Android 10 for LineageOS 17.1).

Move the files.

MTP

Download to TWRP

adb reboot recovery

Or manually: Volume up + Nutrition → select Recovery.

Make a backup.

• Go to Backup.
• Select the Boot, System, Data sections.
• Swipe to create a backup copy.
• Clean up sections: Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Select Dalvik, System, Data, Cache → Swipe to Wipe
• Install → Select a firmware file → Swipe to Confirm Flash
• Install GApps (if necessary) in the same way.
• Reboot → System: The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.

This method will work even on “brick” devices, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account to unlock EDL.

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If the firmware through the Recovery fails, there is always a backup option - firmware via fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to panic and follow the recovery instructions.

How to check the success of the firmware

After restarting the device, you need to make sure that the firmware is installed correctly.

• 📱 Version. MIUI/Android: Go to Settings. → Compare the version with the one you installed.
• 🔧 Essential Functions: Calls and Mobile Network (check out) IMEI Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Camera and sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer).
• 🔋 Battery charge: if the phone runs too fast after firmware, it may be that the kernel is incorrectly installed or the firmware is not optimized.
• 🛠️ Root rights (if you installed Magisk): check through the Magisk Manager app.

If something is not working properly, try:

• 🔄 Reflash the device with the same firmware version (sometimes re-installation helps).
• 🧹 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 📥 Install a different firmware version (e.g., older or newer).

To check for IMEI (if it has reset after firmware) use the command in ADB:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

If the IMEI is missing, restore it with the IMEI Tool (requires root rights).

Security: How to Avoid Brits and Data Loss

Firmware through the Recovery is relatively safe, but there are always risks. Here's how to minimize them:

• 🔒 Check firmware sources: download files only from official sites (en.miui.com, twrp.me, XDA Developers).
• 📋 Check the checksums: check before the firmware MD5 or SHA-1 File (can be accessed via HashMyFiles).
• 🔄 Do not interrupt the process: even if it seems that the phone is “hanging”, wait 15-20 minutes.
• 📡 Use a stable connection: If you are running through adb sideload, make sure the cable is running. USB It is not damaged and the PC port is working properly.

If you are experimenting with custom firmware, keep on hand:

• 💾 Stock firmware backup (made through TWRP).
• 🔧 Files for disaster recovery: fastboot firmware and Mi Flash Tool.
• 📄 Recording. IMEI (If it's gone, it's hard to recover it without a backup).

⚠️ Note: If you are flashing a device with Mi Account enabled and a bootloader locked, after resetting the settings, the phone may request a linked account. Make sure you remember the username and password, or untie the account until the firmware is installed.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions