Xiaomi’s mobile devices, particularly the popular Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince), require software updates over time to improve stability and security, sometimes facing situations where a standard air update is not possible or the device has stopped working properly after a failed experiment, in which case manual firmware installation comes to the rescue.
The process of flashing can seem difficult for a beginner, but with strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, the risk of damage to the device is minimized. It is important to understand that you work with system files, so accuracy and attention to detail play a role here. This article will discuss in detail all the available ways of installing the operating system.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand the responsibility. Any interference with the software part of the smartphone carries potential risks. However, if you follow the instructions, you can not only restore the device to work, but also get a fresh version of MIUI with new features.
Preparation of the device and choice of firmware method
The first step is always a thorough preparation. You will need the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus smartphone itself, which is serviceable. USB-Windows cable and computer. Without a reliable cable connection, the process can be interrupted, which will lead to undesirable consequences%.
There are two main ways to install: through the Recovery menu (local update) and through the Fastboot mode using the computer. The first method is suitable for upgrading to a newer version or switching between regions of one version, the second is for a full system recovery or rollback to an earlier version.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to back up all important data, as in the process of firmware, the information can be completely destroyed.
You will also need a Mi Account that must be linked to the device in advance, a security requirement of Xiaomi. If the phone is locked or not turned on, this step can only be skipped if you use specialized unlock utilities, but the standard procedure requires authorization.
Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 Plus
The quality and stability of your smartphone depends on the source from which you are taking files. It is highly recommended to use only official repositories or proven resources such as miui.com or xiaomifirmwareupdater. The Redmi 5 Plus (vince) model is available in global, European (EEA) and Chinese (China) versions.
The firmware files have the extension.zip for Recovery method and.tgz for Fastboot method. It is important not to confuse them, as the archives are not interchangeable without conversion. When downloading, pay attention to the Android and MIUI version to make sure that it is compatible with your hardware.
Once the file is uploaded, check its integrity. Sometimes when you download large amounts of data, you may experience errors that will damage the archive. If the file does not open or weighs suspiciously little, download it again from another source.
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Use a browser with a built-in download manager to avoid communication breaks when downloading large firmware archives larger than 2 GB.
Recovery Update Method (without computer)
This is the easiest and safest way for ordinary users, and it doesn't require a PC connection or complex software, and it's done directly on the screen. First, move the downloaded.zip archive to the root folder of internal memory or to the SD-map.
Then go to the special menu. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version several times to activate additional functions. In the menu that appears, select three dots in the corner and click Select firmware file.
The system will check the file and suggest that you start the process, and if you go from Chinese to global or vice versa, you may need to unlock the bootloader, otherwise you will receive a compatibility error message.
- 📱 Make sure the firmware file is at the root of the memory, not in folders.
- 🔋 Do not allow the battery to run below 50% during the process.
- 🚫 Do not press the control buttons during installation.
- ⏳ Wait for a full reboot, it can take up to 10 minutes.
Once installed successfully, the device will restart and you will see a welcome screen, and all data is usually saved, but a clean installation (with cleaning) is always preferable for stable operation of the system.
☑️ Checklist before firmware through Recovery
Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
The Fastboot method is a more powerful tool to completely reassemble the operating system, which requires the Mi Flash Tool, which you need to install on your computer, and you also need to install the ADB and Fastboot drivers so that the PC correctly identifies the smartphone in a special mode.
Put Redmi 5 Plus into Fastboot mode, holding the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android. Connect the device to your computer with a cable. In Windows Device Manager, the smartphone should be defined as Android Bootloader Interface.
Unpack the downloaded.tgz firmware archive into the root of the C disk so that the path is Cyrillic-free and short. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press the Refresh button and select your device. In the bottom corner, select Clean all mode for complete data cleanup.
fastboot devicesThis command in the command line will help check if your computer sees your device in bootloader mode. If the list is empty, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0.
| Parameter | Recovery Mode | Fastboot Mode |
|---|---|---|
| I need a PC. | No. | Yes. |
| Data retention | Maybe. | No (usually) |
| Change of region | Limited. | Complete. |
| Risk of error | Low. | Medium. |
Press the Flash button to start the process. The progress bar will show the status of execution. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. If the red light is on, you may need to reconnect the cable.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
To work fully with firmware, especially when changing regions or installing custom builds, you need to unlock the bootloader. Without this procedure, you will not be able to install global firmware on the Chinese version and vice versa.
Link your Mi Account to the phone settings in the For Developers → Mi Unlock Status section. After applying, you will have to wait 3 to 168 hours (7 days), a security measure that cannot be legally circumvented.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader automatically resets all data on the device (Wipe Data.
Once you receive the SMS notification, download Mi Unlock on your PC. Sign in to the same account you have on your phone. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Press Unlock in the program.
What if the progress is 99% stuck?
Successful unlocking will open up access to customized recaps such as TWRP, which gives you enhanced backup and partition management capabilities, but also increases the vulnerability of the device to malware.
Solving errors and problems in firmware
The firmware process can cause various errors related to drivers, cables or corrupted files, and one of the most common problems is the Anti-Rollback error, which occurs when you try to roll back to an older version of Android than you currently have, and the system blocks this action to prevent vulnerabilities.
If the phone is gone to Bootloop (infinite reboot), try entering Recovery mode (clamping the power and volume up) and doing Wipe Data/Factory Reset. If that doesn't help, only firmware through Fastboot with a full cleanup will help.
Driver problems are often solved manually through Windows Device Manager.Look for an unknown device, select a driver update, and point the path to a folder with Xiaomi or ADB drivers.
- 🔌 Use original or quality cable for data transmission.
- 💻 Disable the antivirus for the time of firmware, it can block the process.
- 📂 The path to the firmware files should not contain Russian letters.
- 🚫 Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems to be frozen.
If you have a Missmatching image and device error, you are trying to flash the firmware from another model, make sure you download files for the Redmi 5 Plus (vince) and not for the regular Redmi 5 (rosy) or Note 5.
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The main key to success is the use of the original USB-cable USB 2.0 on the computer motherboard, not through hubs or the front panel of the case.