How to Upgrade Xiaomi Mi5 Android 10: Official and Unofficial Methods

Xiaomi Mi5, Released in 2016, it originally ran on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with a proprietary shell. MIUI 7. Although official support for the device has long been discontinued, many users still want to upgrade to a more modern version of the OS — for example, Android 10. From the desire to get new features to the need to run modern applications that require an up-to-date version of the OS.

But there’s a caveat: Xiaomi has never released an official update to Android 10 for this model, and the last official version is Android 8.0 Oreo (from the Internet). MIUI 10) This means that Android 10 will require custom firmware, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other modified builds, and in this article we will discuss all the available methods, their pros, cons and potential risks.

It is important to understand: Update to Android 10 on Mi5 — It's not just pressing the Update button, it's a process that requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recap and manipulating the firmware, and if you're not prepared for possible bugs or even bricking up the device, you'd better stop at the official one. MIUI Or consider buying a new smartphone.

1 Can Xiaomi be officially updated? Mi5 Android 10?

The short answer is no. Xiaomi Mi5 (codename gemini received the last official update to Android 8.0 Oreo MIUI 10.Subsequently, support for the device was completely discontinued.The table below shows the official update chronology for this model:

If you Mi5 It still runs on Android 6.0 or 7.0, and you can upgrade to Android 8.0 through the standard update menu:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click "Check Updates."
3. If available MIUI 10 (Android 8.0), download and install it.

But what if you want a dozen, well, custom firmware comes to the rescue, but before you start installing it, you need to understand the risks and prepare the device.

2. Xiaomi Preparation Mi5 install Android 10

Before you start firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps, and skipping any of them can lead to data loss, device failure, or even “bricking” (complete failure).

Unlocking of the bootloader (Bootloader)

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices, including Mi5. Without it unlocking, custom firmware installation is impossible:

• 🔗 Getting permission from Xiaomi through the official website (en.miui.com/unlock).
• 📱 Linking the Mi Account to the device (required!).
• 🔓 Use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if your account is new or your device was purchased in the secondary market.In some cases, you have to wait up to 720 hours (30 days) after you have attached your account.

Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP)

Xiaomi's standard recavator does not allow unofficial firmware to be installed. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project – a popular custom recovery with advanced features.

For Mi5 fitting TWRP 3.6.2 or later, you can install it via fastboot using the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-gemini.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-gemini.img

Backup of data

Install custom firmware erases all data from the device. before starting the process:

• 📁 Backup your contacts, photos and files on your PC or cloud.
• 🔄 Save the list of installed apps (you can use Titanium Backup or Swift Backup).
• 📝 Write it down. IMEI Devices (in case of network recovery after firmware).

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Loader unlocked|Installed TWRP|Data backup made.|Battery charged (>50%)

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Also make sure that your Mi5 enough battery charge (at least 50%) and the original one is on hand USB-Using uncertified cables can cause a connection to break during firmware.

3. Android 10 Custom Firmware for Xiaomi Mi5: review

Since the official Android 10 for Mi5 There is no such thing as a third-party firmware, and the only way to do that is to use firmware from third-party developers. Below are the most stable and popular options adapted for gemini encoding.

3.1. LineageOS 17.1

LineageOS is one of the most famous custom firmware based on pure Android (AOSP). Version 17.1 is based on Android 10 and offers a:

• 🔄 Regular security updates.
• 🚀 Minimalist interface without extra software.
• 🔧 Support for most functions Mi5 (camera, sensors, LTE).

Cons: there is no branded shell MIUI, certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster may not work properly.

3.2. Pixel Experience

This firmware mimics the Google Pixel interface, including branded chips like Now Playing and Live Captions. Mi5 Available version based on Android 10.

Pros:

• 🎨 Design as close as possible to the “stock” Android from Google.
• 📱 Optimized productivity.

Cons: possible bugs with the camera (especially in mode) HDR).

3.3. Havoc-OS

Havoc-OS is a custom firmware with a lot of customization and fine customization. It is based on Android 10 and supports:

• 🎛️ Advanced interface settings (themes, animations, gestures).
• 🔋 Optimized energy consumption.
• 🔒 Built-in privacy features.

However, due to the large number of customizations, the firmware may work less stable than LineageOS.

3.4. CrDroid

CrDroid is another option with a focus on performance and stability, combining elements of LineageOS and branded chips from the Pixel Experience.

Features:

• 🛠️ Optimized core for better performance.
• 🔄 Regular updates from the community.

The choice of firmware depends on your priorities: if you want stability – LineageOS, if you want a “pixel” experience – Pixel Experience, and if you like customization – Havoc-OS.

4. Step-by-step instructions: how to install Android 10 on Xiaomi Mi5

Now, to the installation process itself, we'll use LineageOS 17.1 as an example, but the steps are similar for other firmware.

4.1. Download the necessary files

You will need to:

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 for gemini (you can download it on the official website).
• 🔄 Open GAPPS (Google service package, choose nano or pico to save space).
• 🔧 Magisk (optional if root access is required).

4.2. Recovery Mode transition (TWRP)

Turn off the device.

1. Hold the Loud up. + Power button before logo appears TWRP.
2. In the Recavator menu, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
3. Mark Dalvik items / ART Cache, System, Data, Cache and swipe for cleaning.

Installation of firmware and GAPPS

TWRP:

1. Click Install and select the downloaded LineageOS file.
2. After installing the firmware, repeat the step for Open GAPPS.
3. If you want root, go to Magisk.
4. Reboot the device (Reboot → System)

⚠️ Note: The first launch after the firmware may take 10-15 Do not interrupt the process or turn off the device, even if it seems to be "hang" on the logo.

Configure after installation

After the first launch:

• 🔄 Go through the initial setup (select language, connect to Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Enable Developer Options (7 times click on Build Number in Settings) → The phone).
• 📱 Disable Auto Update System to Avoid Conflicts with Custom Firmware.

💡

If the mobile network does not work after firmware, check the settings APN. It often helps to manually enter your operator’s parameters.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the right custom firmware installation, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

The device shall not be switched on after firmware

If Mi5 Does not respond to the power button or hovers on the logo:

• 🔋 Try to pin the volume down. + Meals for food 10-15 second-on-second forced reboot.
• 🔄 If it doesn't help, go back to TWRP Re-install the firmware (the file may have been corrupted when downloaded).
• 🔧 In the extreme, complete the reset through TWRP → Wipe → Format Data (Erase Everything, Including Internal Memory!).

The camera or sensors are not working

Camera problems are often due to the lack of drivers.

• 📷 Install an alternative camera app, such as GCam (for the camera) Mi5 Suitable modified versions of Arnova8G2 or BSG).
• 🔄 Try another firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience instead of LineageOS).
• 🔧 Check if camera permissions are included in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

5.3 Problems with mobile network or Wi-Fi

If the connection is lost or Wi-Fi is not caught:

• 📶 Reset the device.
• 🔧 Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting the network).
• 🔄 Make sure that IMEI Not reset (checked through code *#06#) if IMEI It is not available, restore it with the help of QCN-Recavatori (instructions are available on the 4PDA).

Fast battery discharge

Castom firmware is sometimes less optimized for power consumption, to extend the operating time:

• 🔋 Turn off unnecessary background processes (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 🌑 Turn on the dark topic (AMOLED-screen Mi5 Saves charge when displaying black).
• 🔄 Install a power-enhanced core (e.g. FrancoKernel if it supports gemini).

💡

If the device overheats or brakes heavily after firmware, it is likely that the firmware is not optimized for the Snapdragon 820. MIUI.

6. Alternatives: Should you upgrade to Android 10?

Before you spend time on firmware, you should ask yourself: is it necessary? Android 10 will bring you to the Internet? Mi5 few improvements:

• 🔒 Improved permission system for applications.
• 🌙 Systemic dark theme.
• 📱 Navigation gestures (although on the Mi5 They may not work perfectly because of the hardware buttons).
• 🔒 More modern API for applications (some programs refuse to work on Android 8.0).

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still in effect).
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” in case of error during firmware.
• ⚠️ Unstable operation of some functions (NFC, IR-port, cameras).
• ⚠️ Deteriorating performance due to heavier OS on legacy hardware.

If your goal is simply to extend your life Mi5, It might make sense to consider:

• 📱 Buying a budget new smartphone (such as the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note) POCO X5).
• 🔄 Installing Android 8.1 with a custom core to improve performance.
• 🔧 Use of the MIUI 10 with disabled unnecessary services (this will reduce the load on the system).

Critical moment: firmware Android 10 on Xiaomi Mi5 does not support encryption of user data (FBE). This means that when using a password or fingerprint, the device may slow down or not load at all. PIN-code instead of pattern lock.

7. rollback to the official firmware: how to return MIUI

If custom Android 10 is not satisfied with you, you can always return to the official MIUI. For that:

Downloading the official firmware

I need a Fastboot firmware for Mi5 (It's codenamed gemini:

• 🔗 On the official website of Xiaomi (miuidownload).
• 🔗 On the forum 4PDA (topically Mi5).

Choose the latest stable version MIUI 10 (Android 8.0).

Installation via Fastboot

Connect. Mi5 PC in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down) + Meals) and follow the commands:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].tgz


fastboot reboot

Data recovery

After returning to MIUI:

• 📁 Restore data from backup.
• 🔒 Re-attach your Mi Account (if you unlock the bootloader).
• 🔄 Update all apps through Google Play.

⚠️ Note: If you roll back on the official firmware, all data will be erased, including files on internal memory. If you need photos or documents, copy them to your PC in advance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi update Mi5 Android 10