Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus firmware: a complete guide from preparation to installation

Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus (codenamed gemini) is still popular among customization enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware (Snapdragon 820, 4GB of RAM) and active community support. However, official updates for this model have long been discontinued, and users face performance problems, old firmware bugs or the desire to install custom OS like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to update the Mi 5 Plus firmware: from official updates via MIUI Updater to install custom builds via TWRP or Fastboot. Special attention will be paid to preparing the device, choosing the right version of the firmware and solving typical errors like Error 7 or “brick” after a failed installation. If you have never flashed your smartphone before, do not worry: detailed instructions with step-by-step screenshots (where possible) and checklists will help avoid critical errors.

We warn you beforehand that the firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid), and that incorrect actions can lead to a complete loss of service of the device. But if the instructions are followed, the risks are minimal. Let's start with preparation!

1. Preparation of Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus for firmware

Before you start firmware, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, process failure, or even a smartphone bricking up, starting with backup.

First of all, save all the important data: contacts, photos, messages and applications. Firmware, especially through Fastboot or custom Recovery, often requires a complete reset (wipe).

• 📱 Mi Cloud – for synchronizing contacts, notes and parts of applications (requires a Xiaomi account).
• 💾 Local Copying on PC – for photos, videos and documents (plug your phone as a phone) MTP-device).
• 🔄 Titanium Backup (requires root) – to save application data and system settings.
• ☁️ Google Drive – for backup SMS, Call history and some Android settings.

Next, check the current firmware version and device model. This is critical, as the firmware for Mi 5 (gemini code) is not suitable for Mi 5s (capricorn) or Mi 5s Plus (natrium).

• In settings: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (last line – Device model).
• Using the Engineering Menu: Enter ##4636## and select Phone Information.

💡

If your Mi 5 Plus has an unlocked bootloader but you don’t remember it, check the status via the fastboot oem device-info command.

Also prepare tools and files:

Backup all the data.|Check the device model (gemini)|Download the firmware for your version|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Connect the original USB-cable-->

2 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

Without an unlocked bootloader, you can only install official firmware via MIUI Updater or Fastboot (without data loss). For custom ROMs (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) or TWRP, unlocking is mandatory. The process takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's policy.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync. Enable Device Search and Data Sync.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool: Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone. Follow the instructions (the phone will reboot in Fastboot). If you see a "Couldn't unlock" error, wait 72 to 168 hours (depending on your account) and try again.

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the phone will reset to factory settings. Now you can install custom firmware or TWRP Recovery.

Official MIUI via Updater| LineageOS, Pixel Experience | Fastboot (stock ROM) | Installation via TWRP| Hasn't decided-->

3.Firmware methods Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus

The choice of firmware method depends on your goals:

• 🔄 Official update through MIUI Updater is the easiest and most secure way, but is limited to the latest versions. MIUI for Mi 5 Plus (usually this one) MIUI 10/11 Android-based 7–9).
• 📥 Fastboot firmware – suitable for installation of official ROM (including downgrade) or recovery from a crash.Requires a PC and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🛠️ Installation through TWRP — for custom firmware (LineageOS, HavocOS, etc.) or modified versions MIUI. Requires an unlocked bootloader.

Let us consider each method in detail.

Firmware via MIUI Updater (without PC)

This method is suitable for upgrading to the latest official version of MIUI without loss of data, but only if:

• You already have an official firmware (not caste).
• The device is not unlocked (or unlocking does not interfere with the device). OTA-update).
• An update is available for your model (check out Xiaomi’s website).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
3. Download the official.zip firmware file for the Mi 5 Plus (gemini code) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
4. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
5. Wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

💡

If after updating through MIUI Updater, the phone is getting stuck on the MI logo - reset via Recovery (click Volume up + Power when turned on).

3.2. firmware via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is used to:

• Installation of official firmware "from scratch" (for example, after a failure).
• Downgraid on an older version of MIUI.
• Restore the device after a failed firmware ("brick").

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and the official firmware in.tgz format for the Mi 5 Plus (look for files marked Fastboot).
2. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without spaces (for example, C:\mi5plus_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (if you need to return the warranty); Save user data - data storage (not always stable).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

To install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom ROMs, you will need:

• Unlocked bootloader.
• Installed TWRP Recovery (Gemini version)
• Suitable firmware in.zip format.

Instructions:

1. Download TWRP for Mi 5 Plus from the official website.
2. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-gemini.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-gemini.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Don't touch it.

Internal Storage

MicroSD

Install

.zip

GApps

Magisk

Reboot → System

💡

If you don’t have a network after installing custom firmware, check if your build supports modems for the Mi 5 Plus. Sometimes you need to flash firmware or vendor separately through Fastboot.

4. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

💡

If the phone stopped turning on after a bad firmware, don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored via Fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to try to turn on the device repeatedly so as not to drain the battery.

5. Firmware through EDL (Emergency Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to recover the Mi 5 Plus if it doesn't respond to buttons or is not detected in Fastboot.

• An authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices)
• Special cable or closure of contacts on the board (for forced entry into the EDL).
• The Mi Flash Tool or QFil program.

Instructions for entering the EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the device is identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

For firmware:

1. Download the firmware in.mbn or.elf format (this package is suitable for Mi 5 Plus).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware file and press Flash.
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool requires authorization for EDL, use alternative tools like QFil or XiaoMiTool V2 (they circumvent some of the limitations).

6. Post-firmware optimization

After successful installation of a new firmware, it is recommended to follow several steps for stable operation:

• 🔋 Battery calibration: Completely discharge the phone before it turns off. Charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.
• 🚀 Disabling unnecessary services: C Settings → Battery → Select Power Mode High Performance (for custom firmware). Disable Mi Cloud Sync and Auto Update apps if they are not needed.
• 🔒 Security: Install Magisk for root rights management (if needed).Configure Find My Device in case of phone loss.

For custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) it is also useful:

• Install NikGapps (an alternative package of Google services with less weight).
• Activate SeLinux in Enforcing mode for better security (via Magisk or TWRP).
• Configure the Governor CPU on performance for maximum performance (via Kernel Adiutor).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8.Conclusion: What to do after the firmware?

The successful firmware Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus is only half the battle, so that the device works steadily:

• 📱 Test the basic features: calls, mobile internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera and fingerprint sensor.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: even custom ROM Get updates (watch out for updates) XDA telegram-channel).
• 🛡️ Keep an eye on security: Do not install applications from unknown sources, regularly check your system for viruses.

If you encounter a problem that is not described in this article, check out the thematic forums (4PDA, XDA Developers) or contact the Mi 5 Plus support chat. The community of this model is still active, and most problems already have ready-made solutions.

💡

Remember, firmware is always a risk, but with proper preparation and following the instructions, the Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus will last for years on the latest software!