Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones has earned popularity due to their excellent price-performance ratio, but the MIUI software shell is not everyone’s favorite. Owners of the Redmi 5 Plus model (codenamed vince) often face intrusive advertising, redundant system processes and a desire to get experience using the operating system in the form in which Google conceived it.
Installing custom firmware based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) allows you not only to get rid of visual noise, but also significantly extend the life of the device by optimizing resource consumption. The process of installing pure Android on Redmi 5 Plus requires unlocking the bootloader, which is a prerequisite for starting any manipulations, which opens up access to full control over the file system and allows you to install any modifications to the kernel.
Before you get into technical details, you need to be aware of the risks. Any interference with the software of the device can lead to loss of warranty or, in case of errors, to the failure of the gadget. However, by following proven algorithms of actions and using stable builds, you can turn your smartphone into a fast and responsive tool for work.
Preparation of equipment and software
You need to start the process with careful preparation of the workplace and the device itself. You will need a personal computer running Windows, macOS or Linux, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery, and the battery life of a smartphone should be at least 60% to avoid a sudden shutdown at a critical time of recording system partitions.
You need to install the latest drivers for Xiaomi devices and a minimum set of tools ADB and Fastboot. Without these components, communication between the PC and the phone in special modes will be impossible. You should also download the images of the necessary files: TWRP recaps and the firmware itself, for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
Make sure to back up all important data. The clean system installation process involves cleaning up all internal memory. Contacts, photos, documents, and correspondence history will be permanently deleted when formatting data and system partitions.
- 📱 Charge your Redmi 5 Plus smartphone to at least 70% for stable operation.
- 💾 Copy all important files from your phone to external media or to cloud storage.
- 🔌 Prepare for good. USB-cable and computer with Internet access.
- 📥 Download the Xiaomi drivers USB Driver and Platform Tools.
⚠️ Attention: Used (cheap) cables that do not support data transfer are a common cause of connection errors in Fastboot mode.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader, and Xiaomi has implemented a security mechanism that prevents you from changing system partitions without official permission, which requires you to link your Mi Account to your device and get status in the Mi Unlock Tool.
After submitting an application in the Settings for Developers app, you need to wait a certain period of time, usually from 72 hours to 7 days, but in some cases it can be increased to 30 days, during which time the security system analyzes the device for suspicious activity.
Once the timer expires, you can go to direct unlock. To do this, the smartphone is transferred to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when the screen is turned off and connecting the cable to the PC. Mi Unlock will receive a notification, and after confirmation of the action, the data will be completely cleaned.
fastboot oem unlockThis command, executed via the console, is an alternative way to unlock if the official tool fails, although for newer versions of MIUI, it is preferable to use the program's graphical interface. Successful unlocking is confirmed by the appearance of an open lock icon on the boot screen.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard MIUI Recovery Recovery menu is limited in functionality and does not allow third-party firmware installation. To work properly, we will need to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), a specialized software with a graphical interface that supports touch control.
The recovery image file should be strictly designed for the Redmi 5 Plus model (codename: vince). Using files from other models, such as the Redmi Note 4 or Redmi 5 (without Plus), will lead to the "bricking" of the device.
The installation process is carried out through Fastboot mode. After connecting the phone to the computer and opening the command line in the tool folder, an image firmware command is entered.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-vince.imgTo get around automatic replacement, you have to do a specific combination of things right after you've installed the recovery, and you have to do it without releasing the cable, you have to press the volume and power buttons at the same time to force you to go into recovery mode, bypassing the main operating system.
- 🔄 Download the file. TWRP, Adapted specifically for the Snapdragon 625 processor.
- 🔌 Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (volume button down) + feeding).
- 💻 Run the command fastboot flash recovery name file.img.
- 🚀 Immediately after the recording is completed, press the Volume Up. + Food for entry TWRP.
⚠️ Note: If you accidentally booted into Android after installation TWRP, The stock Recovery will automatically rewrite the custom recap, in which case the recovery firmware procedure will have to be repeated.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
The installation of a clean operating system
Once you have successfully logged in to the TWRP menu, the first step is to clear the partitions, which is critical, as the remnants of the old MIUI file system can cause conflicts with the new AOSP file system. From the Wipe menu, you should select the Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache sections.
It is not recommended to clean the Internal Storage partition if the firmware files are in the phone's internal memory. If you use an external memory card or transfer files over MTP, this partition can also be formatted. Once cleaned, the smartphone screen will become completely empty, indicating that it is ready to install.
Next, you can go to the Install section. Here you need to select a previously downloaded archive with firmware (usually has a.zip extension). For Redmi 5 Plus, LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) or Pixel Experience builds are popular, which provide stable operation and current security patches.
Once you select the file, you'll see a slider to confirm the action, swipe it, and the installation process will begin. The log will show the actions of the script: unpacking the archive, writing files to the system partition, setting up the bootloader, which takes 2 to 5 minutes.
| Section | Action in TWRP | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| System | Wipe (Cleaning) | Removing the old MIUI OS |
| Data | Wipe (Cleaning) | Resetting user data and settings |
| Cache | Wipe (Cleaning) | Clearing temporary system files |
| Dalvik | Wipe (Cleaning) | Resetting the application compilation cache |
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After installing the firmware, but before the first download, it is also recommended to flash the Google Apps (GApps) package, unless it is built into the firmware by default, otherwise you will not have the Play Market.
Primary setup and optimization
After successful installation, press the Reboot System button.The first download can take up to 5-10 minutes, as the system is doing app optimization and creating new cache files. Don't be intimidated by the long Android logo - that's normal behavior.
When you first launch, you will be greeted by a pure Android welcome menu. The interface will be radically different from the usual MIUI: there are no unnecessary pre-installed applications, and navigation is built on gesture control or three classic buttons. You will re-enter your Google account and configure network settings.
The Redmi 5 Plus is characterized by good optimization of clean builds. However, to achieve maximum autonomy, you should pay attention to the screen settings and background processes, reduce brightness or turn on adaptive brightness, and check which applications have access to geolocation.
An important step is to check the operation of the main modules: camera, microphone, speakers and fingerprint sensor. In some custom firmware drivers may not work correctly, so testing the functionality immediately after installation will help identify potential problems.
- 🔋 Allow the phone to fully charge when switched off after the first installation.
- 📡 Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth by connecting wireless devices.
- 📸 Take a few test shots to check the camera module.
- 🔐 Set up fingerprint unlock for security.
⚠️ Note: If the touch screen is not working properly after installing the firmware (the wrong pressing zones), you may have installed the version. TWRP or firmware with the wrong screen type (for vince there are versions with screens from different manufacturers).
Possible problems and ways to solve them
There are a number of bugs that can occur during the software modification process. One of the most common problems with the Redmi 5 Plus is a cyclic reboot. If the phone is constantly restarting without reaching the desktop, you need to go back to TWRP and complete the Format Data partition cleaning by entering the word "yes."
Another common problem is broken audio or camera, often due to incompatibility between the Android version and the drivers (firmware). Make sure you upgrade the firmware to the latest version that matches your Android version (such as firmware for Android 11) before installing the firmware.
If the phone has stopped responding to commands and is not turned on (Hard Brick), EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode will help. To log in, you usually need to disassemble the phone and close certain contacts on the board, or use special ADB commands if the bootloader is still available. Recovery in this mode is possible only through an authorized Mi Account and Mi Flash program.
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The most common reason for errors after installation is a mismatch between Firmware and Android. Always check the firmware developer's requirements.