How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 5: all the ways and step-by-step instructions

Why to run Redmi 5 and what are the risks

Xiaomi Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) is a popular budget smartphone of 2017, which is still in active use. The device may need to be upgraded to the current version of MIUI, removing preinstalled software, switching to custom firmware like LineageOS or restoring functionality after a crash. However, the process has nuances, especially if it is about unlocking the bootloader or installing unofficial software.

The main risks when installing Redmi 5 firmware include a brick (turning the device into a brick), loss of warranty (if it is still valid) and problems with the operation of modules (camera, sensors, communication). For example, when installing firmware from another model (Redmi 5 Plus or Redmi Note 5), the phone may stop loading. It is also important to consider that since 2021 Xiaomi has tightened the policy of unlocking the bootloader - now requires a binding Mi Account and a wait of up to 720 hours (30 days).

In this guide, we will look at all the current methods of firmware: through MIUI Updater, Recovery and Fastboot, as well as deal with unlocking the bootloader and choosing the right version of the software. If you are a beginner, start with the official methods. Experienced users will come in handy tips on working with custom firmware and tools like XiaomiFlash or TWRP.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

There are a few critical steps to follow before you run Redmi 5. Neglecting them can cause data loss or device failure. Start with a backup: copy photos, contacts and files to your computer or cloud. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup.

Check the MIUI version and model number:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Remember or write down the MIUI Version (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.4) and the Device Model (should be Redmi 5, not Redmi 5A or Redmi Note 5).
3. Check the status of the bootloader: turn off the phone, press Volume down + Power - if a hare appears in the hat-eared, the bootloader is unlocked.

Also prepare the tools:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (Fastboot firmware).
• 📱 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 🔓 Mi Account with device binding (to unlock the bootloader).

Make a data backup|Check the device model (Redmi 5)|Make sure the battery is charged (>60%)|Download the right firmware|Prepare cable and PC-->

⚠️ Note: If you flash a device with a locked bootloader through Fastboot, but you haven't officially unlocked it, the phone will turn into a brick after the first reboot!

Selection of firmware: official MIUI vs custom options

There are several types of firmware available for Redmi 5, and their choice depends on your goals.

• 🌍 Global Stable – stable version for the international market (recommended by most users).
• 🇨🇳 China Stable – Chinese version without Google services (requires manual installation of GApps).
• 🧪 Developer – weekly builds with new features but possible bugs.

Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) gives you more freedom, but requires an unlocked bootloader and may deprive you of some features (e.g., LineageOS, Pixel Experience, IR-Blaster or Quick Charge: Below is a table comparing the options:

Where to download the official firmware?

• 🔗 Official website MIUI Downloads (select Redmi 5 - rosy).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – all versions, including old ones, are collected here.

For custom firmware, use XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, but check user reviews before installing!

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For most users, the best choice is MIUI Global Stable. Custom firmware is only suitable for advanced users, ready for possible bugs and manual configuration.

Method 1: Firmware via MIUI Updater (without unlocking)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing official firmware without losing data, but only works if:

• 📱 The device is not blinked.
• 🔄 A new version is available MIUI for your model.
• 🔓 The bootloader is locked or unlocked (no matter what).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (should have a type name) miui_HM5Global_V12.5.4.0.OEGMIXM_... and extension.zip).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

If the update is “hanging” on the MI logo for longer than 15 minutes:

• Force the phone to restart (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
• Repeat the process or try flashing through Recovery.

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If MIUI Updater does not display a new version, but you know that it is out – download the firmware file manually from the official website and select it through “Select firmware file”.

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (for official and custom ZIP)

The Recovery method is suitable for installing official firmware in.zip format or custom assemblies (if TWRP is installed). For Redmi 5, the default is stock Recovery, which supports only official files from Xiaomi.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Download the firmware (for example, miui_HM5Global_V12.5.4.0.OEGMIXM_...) and rename it in update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the device, then press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (usually English) then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

For custom firmware, you will need TWRP:

• 🔧 Install. TWRP via Fastboot (instruction below).
• 📁 Download firmware (such as LineageOS) and, if necessary, GApps.
• 🔄 V TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe (tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data) ZIP-file.

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware through TWRP without prior Wipe Data can cause a cyclic reboot. Always do a full reset before installation!

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable way to restore Redmi 5 if other methods don’t work. It requires a computer, a cable, and an unlocked bootloader (or a willingness to unlock it), which completely erases data from the device!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and Xiaomi drivers (you can download here).
• 📦 Fastboot archive (file with.tgz or.zip extension, inside must be files such as images/boot.img).
• 🛠️ MiFlash utility (official page).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi5_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
4. Open MiFlash, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. Choose Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader) mode.
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If MiFlash makes a mistake,

• 0x80070002 – Check the path to the firmware folder (no Cyrillic should be available).
• 0x80070005 – Launch MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.
• 0xc000000d – Download the firmware again (file corrupted).

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Clean all and lock mode in MiFlash will block the bootloader after the firmware is installed. Use it only if you are sure that you will no longer install custom firmware.

Unlocking the bootloader: why it is necessary and how to do it

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 bootloader is locked by default, which means you won’t be able to install custom Recovery (like TWRP) or flash unofficial software through Fastboot. Unlocking requires you to link your Mi Account and wait (from 2021 to 720 hours or 30 days).

Step-by-step process:

1. Connect your Mi Account to your phone: Settings → Mi Account → Sign in.
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Additional → For Developers → Debugging via USB.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official website) and run it on PC.
4. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone and connect your device in Fastboot mode.
5. Click Unlock – if the waiting time has not expired, a message with the remaining hours will appear.

After unlocking:

• ✅ You can install it. TWRP custom-made.
• ⚠️ The warranty on the device will be cancelled.
• 🔒 bootloader can be blocked back through MiFlash (clean all and lock mode).

1. Use another. USB-cable.

2. disable the antivirus on the PC.

3. Run the utility in compatibility mode with Windows 7.-->

Problem Solving: What to do if the firmware went wrong

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ways to eliminate them:

If the phone has become a hard brick:

• 🔌 Try to pin the volume up. + Loudness down + Eating for 20-30 seconds (sometimes it helps to get out of the state) EDL).
• 💻 Use MiFlash in mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).
• 📞 Contact the service center (if the warranty is valid, do not talk about firmware attempts!).

⚠️ Note: If after firmware stopped working sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) or camera – most likely, you installed firmware from another model (for example, Redmi 5 Plus.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the Redmi 5 firmware