Is MIUI 12 worth waiting for on the Redmi Note 5?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) remains one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, despite its launch in 2018. Owners of the device have been wondering for several years: will their device receive an official upgrade to MIUI 12? The answer is mixed, and here’s why.
The Redmi Note 5 was officially supported before MIUI 11 on Android 9 Pie, but enthusiasts and informal developers continue to adapt new versions of the shell. In this article, we will discuss the real prospects for the release of MIUI 12 for your device, alternative installation methods and potential risks.
It’s important to understand that even if the update comes out, its work on old hardware (Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, 3/4 GB of RAM) may be unstable.We analyzed Xiaomi’s official statements, data from insiders and user reviews to give the most accurate forecast.
Xiaomi: Why the Redmi Note 5 didn’t get the MIUI 12
Xiaomi adheres to a strict policy of device support: most smartphones are guaranteed 2 major updates MIUI 3 years of patch security.Redmi Note 5 debuts with MIUI 9 on Android 7.1 Nougat, then received MIUI 10 (Android 8.1) and MIUI 11 (Android 9). It makes sense that MIUI 12 didn't make it into the company's plans.
But there are nuances:
- 📅 Flagship exceptions: Some models (such as the Mi 8) have received extended support, but budget series rarely make it to this list.
- 🔄 Regional differences: India and China sometimes have longer updates than the global version.
- 🛠️ Technical Limitations: Snapdragon 636 Not Optimized for New Features MIUI 12 (such as Super Wallpapers or Dark Mode 2.0).
In 2023, Xiaomi confirmed in an official forum that the Redmi Note 5 would not officially receive MIUI 12, but there are unofficial ports that we will discuss below.
⚠️ Note: Installing unofficial firmware will void the warranty and may result in a brick (completely inoperable) device. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
How to install MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 5
If you're willing to take a chance, you can try the community custom builds of MIUI 12.
- MIUI 12 by Xiaomi.eu is a European modification with remote bloatware (extra applications).
- LineageOS 17.1 + MIUI 12 ports are hybrid firmware with elements of a new shell.
- Pixel Experience + MIUI themes are an alternative with an interface similar to MIUI 12.
The installation will require:
Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool|
Install custom recovery (TWRP) |
Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services)|
Make a full wipe (data cleanup) |
Charge your phone at least 70 times%-->
Detailed instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 72-168 hours).
- Install. TWRP Whyred in fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-whyred.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-whyred.img
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
- Sweep through the downloaded firmware and, if necessary, Open GApps (choose the nano option to save space).
⚠️ Warning: After installing custom firmware does not work: Official updates over the air (OTA); Some banking applications (due to lack of SafetyNet); Data encryption (may need to be disabled) FBE customized).
MIUI 11 vs. MIUI 12: What You'll Lose (and What You'll Get)
Before you upgrade, evaluate how much new MIUI 12 features are relevant to your Redmi Note 5.
| Function | MIUI 11 (Android 9) | MIUI 12 (Android 10/11) | Does it work on the Redmi Note 5? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface design | Flat, minimalist | Animated Icons, Super Wallpapers | ❌ Lags in animation |
| Dark subject. | Basic (includes system applications only) | Dark Mode 2.0 (automatic switching, support for third-party applications) | ✅ Partially (requires manual adjustment) |
| Productivity | Stable work on the Snapdragon 636 | Increased RAM consumption, possible slowdowns | ❌ Recommended to roll back to MIUI 11 |
| Confidentiality | Basic application permissions | Application activity monitoring, Privacy Dashboard | ✅ It works, but it slows down. |
| Navigation gestures | Standard only (with buttons) | Full-screen gestures (like on iPhone) | ✅ It works, but not always smoothly. |
As you can see from the table, MIUI 12 brings more cosmetic improvements than real benefits to old iron. If you want stability, stay on MIUI 11. If you want to experiment, try custom builds, but be prepared for:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge (15-20% faster than the battery) MIUI 11);
- 🐢 Slow camera operation (especially in mode) HDR);
- 📱 Overheating during prolonged use (for example, in games or when shooting videos).
💡
MIUI 12 on the Redmi Note 5 is a trade-off between new design and performance. For everyday tasks (calls, instant messengers, social networks), the difference is not critical, but for gaming and multi-tasking, it is better to stay on MIUI 11.
MIUI 12 alternatives: which firmware is better for the Redmi Note 5
If MIUI 12 is unstable, consider other firmware options optimized for the Redmi Note 5:
- 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) – the cleanest Android without unnecessary applications. Supports MicroG to work without Google Services.
- 🔄 Pixel Experience – Google Pixel-like interface with monthly security updates.
- ⚡ Havoc-OS – custom firmware with extensive customization options (including gestures and themes).
- 🛡️ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality, suitable for weak devices.
Advantages of alternative firmware:
- 🚀 High speed of operation (lacking) MIUI-bloatware);
- 🔒 More support (some projects are still being updated);
- 🔧 Flexible configuration (e.g., changing the processor frequency via Kernel Adiutor).
How do you choose?
If you want maximum FPS in games, go with LineageOS or ArrowOS. If design matters, Pixel Experience. If you want to experiment with settings, haveoc-OS.
Where do I get the firmware?
Frequent problems after updating and their solution
Even if you have managed to install MIUI 12 (officially or through caste), there may be errors. TOP-5 problems and ways to correct them:
- Phone does not turn on after firmware (bootloop) Reason: incompatible version of firmware or incomplete wipe. Solution: Repeat installation via TWRP, pre-formatted partition data (in the Wipe → Format Data menu, enter yes).
- Mobile data is not working Reason: no settings APN Solution: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and add the parameters manually (can be found on the operator's website).
- The battery is fast running down Reason: background activity of new MIUI 12 services. Solution: disable Auto Sync, limit background application activity in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
- The reason why: there are no drivers for the Snapdragon 636 in custom firmware. Solution: install a modified camera app (e.g. GCam for whyred).
- The reason is: conflict with GApps or lack of memory. Solution: reinstall firmware without GApps or use the pico option.
💡
If the phone is getting hot after the upgrade, try rolling back the CPU frequency through the Kernel Adiutor app (set a maximum of 1.6 GHz instead of 1.8 GHz).
Reverse to MIUI 11: how to return the old firmware
If the MIUI 12 experiment fails, you can return the original firmware.
- Download the official Fastboot-ROM for Redmi Note 5 from MIUI Downloads (select V11.x.x.x version).
- Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (For Windows, use the command in fastboot: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot
- Wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
Important:
- 🔌 When rolling back via fastboot, the phone must be connected to charging.
- 📱 All data will be deleted (including photos and apps).
- 🔒 If the bootloader was previously unlocked, after rollback it will remain unlocked.
⚠️ Note: If after the rollback the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Do hard reset: press the power. + Volume Up for 10 seconds, then select Wipe Data from the Recovery menu.