When will the update for Xiaomi Mi 5s in 2026: official information and alternative ways of installation

Introduction: Relevance of updates for outdated Xiaomi models

Xiaomi Mi 5s, released in 2016, has long since stopped receiving official updates from the manufacturer. The latest stable version of MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10 was the final version for this model, but many users are still looking for ways to update their device. Why?

The reasons for interest in the updates range from a desire to improve security (obsolete versions of Android are vulnerable to new viruses) to trying to breathe a second life into the smartphone using custom firmware. However, it is important to understand that there will be no official updates for the Mi 5s - Xiaomi stopped supporting the model in 2021. This does not mean that there are no upgrade options: there are alternative methods, which we will discuss below.

In this article you will find:

• 📅 Official Support Status of Mi 5s 2026
• 🔍 How to check the current version MIUI and available updates
• ⚙️ Alternative ways of updating (castom firmware, GSI)
• ⚠️ Risks and warnings when installing unofficial software
• ❓ Frequent questions and user concerns

Official update status for Xiaomi Mi 5s in 2026

The latest official firmware for Xiaomi Mi 5s (codenamed capricorn) is MIUI 12.5.7.0 based on Android 10, released in November 2021. Since then, the model has been removed from the list of supported devices.

• 🚫 No new versions. MIUI through settings → Update of the PO
• 🚫 No security patches from Google (last one from September 2021)
• 🚫 No updates for system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Security)

Why did Xiaomi stop supporting? The reasons are standard for legacy models:

1. Hardware limitations: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor and 3/4 GB of RAM do not pull new versions of Android.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Issuing updates for models older than 4-5 years is not cost-effective.
3. Google’s policy: Since 2022, the mandatory security requirements have been tightened, and the Mi 5s does not comply with them.

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If you’re critically interested in security updates, consider buying a new smartphone – even Xiaomi’s budget models (like the Redmi 12C) get monthly patches.

How to check the current version of MIUI and available updates

Before looking for alternative firmware, make sure your Mi 5s has the latest official version installed.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll to the MIUI version section, where the firmware number is specified (e.g. 12.5.7.0.QAGMIXM).
3. Click on Software Update and check status: If the system says “No Updates”, this confirms the lack of official support.

If your version is older than MIUI 12.5.7.0, you can manually install the final update:

Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (select the Mi 5s model and region)

Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi or PC

Charge the battery at least 60%

Backup data in Settings → Additional → Backup

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⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours 5s It works on an older version MIUI 11, upgrade to at least it is the latest firmware with relatively modern features (e.g. dark theme and navigation gestures).

Alternative ways to update: custom firmware and GSI

If there are no official updates, there are still unofficial methods. 5s:

1. MIUI-based casting firmware

The development community is building modified versions of MIUI with fixes and new features.

• 🔧 MIUI Pro – Optimized version with remote bloatware (unnecessary Xiaomi apps).
• 🔧 Xiaomi.eu – European build without Chinese services, but with weekly updates MIUI 14 for some models).
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android (without a single Android) MIUI) Support for Android 12.

How to determine:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 72 hours).


2. Install custom recovery (e.g. TWRP).




3. Download firmware from the XDA Developers forum (section Mi 5s).




4.Sweat through recovery with full wipe (data cleanup).

2. Generic System Image (GSI)

GSI is a universal firmware from Google that can be installed on any device that supports Project Treble. Mi 5s supports Treble, so you can try:

• 🤖 LineageOS 19 (Android 12)
• 🤖 Havoc-OS (Android 13 but with bugs)
• 🤖 Phantom Pro (optimized for weak devices)

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may result in a device blink (breakdown). 4PDA or XDA.

Risks and problems when updating Xiaomi Mi 5s

Even if you decide to unofficially update, be prepared for the following problems:

The most common mistake for beginners is to run the firmware without unlocking the bootloader, which leads to a soft breeze (the device only loads in Fastboot).

Use only firmware for the capricorn model (not to be confused with the Mi 5 or Mi 5s Plus)

Check the hash amounts of downloaded files (MD5)

Do not turn off your smartphone while you are firmware (even if the process is frozen)

Have the original USB cable on hand (cheap cables can interrupt data transfer)

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If after firmware the smartphone stopped loading, try:

1. Press Power + Volume Down to log in to Fastboot.


2. Connect to the PC and execute the command:




fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




fastboot boot twrp.img




3. In TWRP, run the original firmware through Install → Select ZIP.

What to do if the update does not come: alternative solutions

If you’re not ready to take risks with custom firmware, but want to improve the performance of the Mi 5s, try these methods:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Remove accumulated debris and speed up the system. → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
• 🛡️ Installing an alternative launcher: For example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair will reduce the load on RAM.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: Worn-out battery brakes smartphone.Original battery for Mi 5s — BH41 (3200mAh).
• 📱 Use as a secondary device: for example, as a media player, GPS-streamer.

To improve safety:

• Install the Antivirus & Security Master (from Xiaomi) to scan for threats.
• Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources: Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
• Use Firefox Focus instead of the standard browser – it blocks trackers.

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If your goal is simply to extend the life of the Mi 5s without risk, the best option is to reset + replace the battery + light launcher. This will give you a 30-40% increase in performance without firmware.

Next Post:Should we expect new updates for the Mi 5s?

The short answer is no. Xiaomi won't go back to supporting the model that was released 8 years ago.

• 🔍 Unofficial Android ports 13/14 They may appear, but they will be extremely unstable due to hardware constraints.
• 🔧 Updates for custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) are rarely released, but they should be monitored on the Internet. XDA.
• 📱 Some wizards offer to replace the motherboard with a similar one from the Mi 6 (with a Snapdragon 835 processor), but it is expensive and risky.

If you need a smartphone with up-to-date updates, consider Xiaomi models with long-term support:

By comparison, the Mi 5s only received updates for 3 years (from 2016 to 2019), and then another 2 years — only security patches.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 5s updates