Owners of the popular smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codename: vince) often face the need to reinstall the operating system. This may be required to switch from the Chinese version of firmware to the global, reset errors after a failed update or restore the device to work. Using Recovery Mode is one of the most reliable and safe ways to accomplish this task, as it does not require in-depth knowledge of the field of Recovery. ADB-commands or use of specialized software on PC.
The process of flashing through the regular recovery menu allows you to replace damaged system files with fresh and serviceable. However, despite the relative simplicity, the procedure requires care and preparation. Redmi 5 Plus is a device with a quality hardware platform Snapdragon 625, but software failures can affect any gadget. Proper execution of the sequence of actions ensures a successful result and return of the smartphone to factory parameters or the desired version of MIUI.
Before you start active action, you need to clearly understand the difference between the modes of operation of the bootloader. ZIP-archives, while custom TWRP In this article, we will focus on the standard algorithm that is suitable for most users who want to upgrade or restore their phone without the risk of getting a brick».
⚠️ Attention: All flashing actions are performed at your own risk. Incorrect actions, such as installing an incompatible file or interrupting the charging process, can lead to complete failure of the device.
Preparation of the device and choice of firmware
The first and most critical step is finding the right firmware file. For the Redmi 5 Plus, it's important to consider regional binding and bootloader type. If you have Bootloader unlocked, the choice is wider, but for a standard procedure through Recovery, official Recovery roms are best suited. They have a.zip extension and do not require the bootloader to be unlocked to install on top of a similar version.
You should only download files from trusted sources, such as the official MIUI bootloader website or authorized forums. The file should correspond to your region: if it is Global ROM, put Global; if China is China. Trying to roll global firmware over Chinese through normal Recovery without unlocking the bootloader will end up with an error with code 7 or the message "Can't update verify".
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Always check the checksum (MD5 or SHA) of the downloaded archive. If the hash does not match the amount indicated on the site, the file is corrupted when downloaded and its installation is dangerous to the system.
Also, make sure the battery is at least 60 percent charged, the process of writing data to flash memory is energy intensive, and suddenly turning off the phone at this point can damage the System partition, and free up space in the internal memory, although the installer itself usually requires free space equal to the size of the firmware archive.
Tools and files for updating
To make a successful operation, you will need the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus smartphone itself and possibly a computer or card reader to initially download the firmware file to the device. The main tool will be a built-in recovery menu. Before starting work, it is recommended to back up important data, since switching between Android versions or regional firmware often requires a full reset (Wipe Data).
The list of required software is minimal:
- 📂 Official ZIP-Redmi 5 Plus (Recovery version).
- 🔋 Charged battery of the device (more than 60%).
- 💾 File Manager (standard "Conductor" or MIUI File Manager).
- 📱 Stable Internet connection (to check for updates if used) OTA).
If you plan to use the “Select File” method inside Recovery, the firmware archive should lie at the root of the internal memory or on the back of the file. SD-Don't put the file deep in the folders so the system can easily find it. MIUI and the date of assembly, for example miui_VINCEGlobal_V10.0.3.0.OEGMIXM....
☑️ Pre-firmware check
Download Recovery Mode on Redmi 5 Plus
You can access the recovery menu on Xiaomi devices with the standard keyboard combination. First, turn off your smartphone completely. Make sure it is turned off, not in sleep mode. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time.
Hold both buttons until the MI or Redmi logo appears. Once the logo appears, the power button can be released, continuing to hold the Volume Up until the Recovery menu appears. On Redmi 5 Plus, this menu usually supports touch input, but navigation is also possible with volume buttons (up/down) and a power button confirmation.
In the main menu, you'll see a few options presented as a list. The default interface language can be Chinese or English. If you see characters, look for the language switch button (often in the upper right corner or in Settings). Select English or Russian if this option is available in your version of Recovery.
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If instead of the Recovery menu, you're on the Fastboot menu, you've pressed the volume button instead of zooming in. Turn off the phone and try again.
Install firmware through the Recovery menu
Once you log in and select a language, you will see a list of actions available. To manually install a pre-downloaded firmware file, select Choose zip. The system will suggest navigate by file system. Find the folder where you saved the archive (usually the root /sdcard/ or Download folder).
Tap the name of the firmware file. The system will ask you to confirm the action, as it is a potentially dangerous operation. Press Confirm or OK. The verification and installation process will begin. The screen will display the progress bar and the current action, such as "Verifying update" or "Installing update".
The installation time depends on the amount of data being updated and the memory speed, but usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.At this time, the Redmi 5 Plus can vibrate or make sounds several times, it is strictly forbidden to interrupt this process, remove the battery (if it is not removable) or try to restart the device.
| Process phase | Description of action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Verification | Integrity verification ZIP-archive | 10-30 seconds. |
| Installation of System | Recording system files | 3-7 minutes |
| Installation of Boot | Updating the bootloader and kernel | 1-2 minutes |
| Finalization | Cache clearing and preparation for start | 2-5 minutes |
⚠️ Note: If you see a message “Update failed” or “Error 7” during installation, it means that the firmware file is not suitable for the current version of the system or is corrupted.
What to do if the installation is suspended?
Data reset and first system start-up
Once the installation is completed successfully (it will be “Updated successfully”), the system will prompt you to restart. However, before that, it is highly recommended to perform a data cleanup, especially if you change the firmware region or the Android version. Go back to the main Recovery menu and select Wipe Data.
From the cleaning menu, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action, which will delete all user files, apps and settings, returning the phone to the “store-like” state, which is necessary to properly operate the new firmware and prevent conflicts between old configuration files and new system libraries.
After cleaning, select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first run of Redmi 5 Plus after firmware can last longer than usual - from 5 to 10 minutes. Don't panic if the screen burns with the MI logo for a long time.
When the phone turns on, you have to reset your initial setup: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log into a Google or Mi Account. If you haven't backed up, your contacts and photos will only remain on cloud storage servers if sync was enabled earlier.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the method, users sometimes run into problems, one of the most common is Bootloop. If the phone is constantly rebooting on the logo, try logging back in to Recovery and running Wipe All Data. If that doesn't help, it may be that the firmware was installed incorrectly or the file was broken.
Another common problem is the lack of a network or a broken IMEI. This happens when you install firmware from another model or heavily modified builds. In the case of the Redmi 5 Plus, it is important not to mix firmware for different processors, although this model has one processor, but there are differences in modems for different regions. Always use stock images to restore the base.
Users may also experience a recovery inability to log in. If the button combination doesn't work, check if the screen is locked or the battery is discharged. In rare cases, the Recovery partition may be damaged, requiring the recovery.img image to be firmwareed through the Fastboot on your computer.
Logs can be used to diagnose problems if the phone is partially loaded, but in the event of a complete failure (the “brick”), the only option is EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable, or contact a service center.