The Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually starts to slow down or requires firmware to restore performance. Fastboot firmware is a reliable way to update or reinstall the system when standard methods don’t work. Unlike recovery firmware, it interacts directly with the device’s bootloader, allowing the phone to be restored even in cases of serious crashes.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to run Redmi 5A via Fastboot, including driver preparation, bootloader unlocking, and solving common bugs. We will look at both official firmware from Xiaomi and custom ones (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), and explain when to choose one or another option. If you have never flashed a smartphone before, don’t worry: the instruction is adapted for beginners, but taking into account all the nuances that are often missed in simplified guides.
Before you get started, make sure your Redmi 5A has enough battery power (at least 50%) and your computer has all the necessary drivers installed.Fastboot firmware wipes all data from the device, so be sure to back up important files!
1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting
Fastboot firmware requires pre-preparedness, or you risk getting a brick instead of a work phone. Here are the steps you must take before connecting the Redmi 5A to your computer:
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%, and if the phone runs out during firmware, it can damage the system partitions.
- 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (or Linux/macOS s ADB-Windows will require you to disable driver signature verification.
- 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables don't have to transmit data in Fastboot mode.
- 📁 Backup data. Fastboot firmware completely cleans internal memory (except for the SD-map).
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you install custom firmware). Xiaomi official firmware can be installed with a locked bootloader.
Pay special attention to drivers. If Windows doesn't recognize your device in Fastboot mode, download the official Xiaomi drivers or use the universal MiFlash package. To check the connection, open the command prompt and type in:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, the drivers are installed correctly, if not, try reconnecting the phone or installing the drivers manually through Device Manager.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 5A With a locked bootloader, official firmware via Fastboot is possible, but custom firmware (like LineageOS) will require pre-unlocking!
2. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 5A: when necessary
The Xiaomi Redmi 5A bootloader is locked by default, which means you can only flash official firmware from Xiaomi via Fastboot. To install custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS), you will need to unlock the bootloader.
The unlocking process includes several stages:
- Linking your Mi Account to your device (via Settings → Additional → Developers → Mi Unlock status).
- Wait 72–168 hours (3–7 days) after pegging. Xiaomi blocks unlocking immediately after adding the device.
- Use the Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it on the official website).
Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased and the warranty (if it is still valid) canceled, and some features, such as Mi Pay or Find Device, may stop working.
What happens if you flash a custom firmware with a blocked bootloader?
| Type of firmware | Do you need unlocking? | Is data erased? | Is it suitable for recovery? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (Fastboot) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Official (Recovery) | ❌ No. | ❌ No (unless selected) | ✅ Yes. |
| Castomic (TWRP + ZIP) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially. |
| Cast-boot (Fastboot) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
3.Where to download firmware for Redmi 5A
The choice of firmware depends on your goal. If you want to restore your phone to work after a crash, download the official firmware. If you want to improve performance or get a new version of Android, consider custom builds.
Official firmware Xiaomi
Download the official firmware for Redmi 5A (codename riva) from the following sources:
- 🌍 Official website MIUI (Choose the Fastboot version instead of Recovery).
- 📦 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (Automatically Updated Firmware Archive).
- 🔗 Forum 4PDA (They often offer stable and beta versions).
Note the firmware version: Stable, a proven version, suitable for everyday use; Developer, can contain bugs but with new features; EEA/Global/China, a firmware region; Redmi 5A, a better choice than Global, if your phone is not tied to China.
Custom firmware
For fans of experiments, custom firmware based on Android 10-12 is available (the original firmware Redmi 5A runs on Android 7-9).
- 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel.
- ⚡ Havoc-OS - Highly Customized Firmware.
- 🔧 CrDroid – Balance between Stability and Function.
Download custom firmware is recommended from verified sources:
XDA Developers (Look for a theme for riva)
SourceForge (official mirrors of projects)
Telegram channels of developers (for example, @PixelExperience).
⚠️ Castom firmware can contain bugs, especially on budget devices like Redmi. 5A. Check user reviews on forums before installing. Some builds may not support the camera, NFC mobile! 4. Step-by-step: Redmi firmware 5A Now, let's go to the firmware process itself, and we'll look at two options: MiFlash (for official firmware) and Command Prompt (Universal Method). 1: Firmware via MiFlash (recommended for beginners) ☑️ Preparation for firmware through MiFlash Download MiFlash from the official website Unpack firmware (.tgz) → folder with files) Disable antivirus (it can block drivers) Connect phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down) + Meals) Completed: 0 / 4 1. Download and install the MiFlash Tool. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\riva_fastboot). 2. Run MiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator. In the upper right corner, select Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware. 3. Connect Redmi off. 5A To the computer, holding the volume down + Food until the screen with a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode). 4. In MiFlash, press Refresh — your phone should appear in the list of devices. Then select the firmware method: Clean all — clean all (recommended). + bootloader lock (only for official firmware!) – Save user data – an attempt to save data (not always working). 5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually) 5–10 The green tick is a success, the phone will reboot automatically. Method 2: Command Prompt Firmware (for experienced) This method is suitable if MiFlash does not recognize the device or you want to flash custom firmware in.img format. 1. Download Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot from Google. Unpack it in a folder. C:\platform-tools. 2. Place the firmware files (boot.img, system.img etc.) in the same folder. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. 3. Open the command line in the platform-tools folder (Shift) + right-button → «Open the team window»). 4. Enter the commands alternately (replacing file names with current ones): fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot flash fsg fs_image_NON-HLOS.bin fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot If the firmware is in.tgz format, use the script flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/macOS), complete. 💡If the firmware process is frozen at the waiting for device stage, try reconnecting USB-Cable or change port. Sometimes it helps to disable the driver signature in Windows (via Run). → bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on). 5. Typical firmware errors and their solutions Even with accurate follow-up to the instructions, errors may occur. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them: Error Reason Remote: device is locked bootloader is locked, trying to flash custom firmware Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool fastboot: error: can not load 'system.img' Firmware file corrupted or wrong path Recheck file paths or download firmware again Phone not detected in Fastboot No drivers or cable problem Install drivers manually or try another cable/port This package is for "riva" devices; This is a "" Firmware is not suitable for your model Download firmware specifically for riva (Redmi) 5A) phone is stuck on the logo Xiaomi Incompatible firmware or error when recording Repeat firmware or select another version If after firmware phone does not turn on or got stuck on the screensaver, try: Remove and insert back the battery (if removable). Hold the Loud up. + Meals for food 10–15 Repeat the firmware with full cleaning (fastboot erase userdata). ⚠️ Note: If after firmware custom firmware phone stopped catching the network, check whether the build supports your modem model. some custom firmware requires additional firmware modem and fsg from stock firmware. 6. What to do after a successful firmware Redmi 5A You'll need a first setup. That's what you need to do first: ⚙️ System settings: Select language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your account Google/Mi (if necessary). 🔄 Check for updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest patches. 📱 Data recovery: If you backed up your phone via Mi Cloud or Google, restore your contacts, photos and apps. 🛡️ Security check: Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and check the system for malware. If you have stitched custom firmware, you may need to: 🔋 Battery calibration: Fully discharge and charge your phone 2-3 times to correctly display your charge level. 📡 Network settings: Manually select operator in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. 🎯 Performance optimization: Turn off animations in Developer Settings (turn on taps by Build Number in About Phone). If you notice bugs (for example, the camera or Bluetooth is not working), check the support forums of your firmware. Often, problems are solved by installing additional patches or kernels. 💡After the firmware custom firmware do not update through OTA! This can lead to conflicting versions. It is better to download the full builds and sew them manually. 7. Alternative methods of firmware Redmi 5A If the firmware through Fastboot is not suitable (for example, due to driver issues), consider alternative methods: Firmware through TWRP Recovery This method requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed custom recovery TWRP. Download. TWRP for Redmi 5A Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-riva.img Boot in. TWRP (Keep the Volume up. + Power when on. Back up the current firmware (optional). ZIP-Firmware file via Install. Firmware via Mi PC Suite Official Mi utility PC Suite allows you to flash your phone in semi-automatic mode, but only supports official firmware. You can download it on the official website. EDL (Emergency mode) If the phone does not turn on even in the Fastboot, the firmware remains through EDL (Emergency Download Mode). This method requires: 🔌 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices). 💻 Special cable or box (e.g. Deep Flash Cable). 📂 Firmware in.mbn format (you can download it on the 4PDA). Firmware through EDL — It's a complicated process that's best trusted by the experts, and the wrong thing can permanently knock your phone out of order. FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 5A Can I get Redmi to flash? 5A Yes, but only official firmware from Xiaomi via Fastboot or Mi PC Suite. Custom firmware requires unlocking. How to get back the stock firmware if the phone doesn't turn on after custom? Sweat the official firmware through Fastboot with full cleaning (Clean all in MiFlash). If the phone isn't identified, try mode EDL. Why is the mobile network not working after firmware. Try flashing modem and fsg files from stock firmware or installing a patch for your region. How long does it take for the firmware to run through Fastboot? Usually 5-15 minutes, depending on the speed USB-If it took more than 30 minutes, something went wrong. 5A Officially, no, because Xiaomi hasn't released updates above Android 9 for this model. However, there are custom firmware based on Android 10-12 (like LineageOS 18.1), but they can run unstablely.