Why Xiaomi Redmi 5 is not updated – all the reasons and ways to solve it

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with a problem: the phone stopped receiving MIUI updates or hung on older versions of Android.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 main reasons why Redmi 5 (codename rosy) doesn’t update, from the banal (lack of memory) to the technical (locked bootloader), and you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to force a firmware update if the automatic method doesn’t work, and FAQs with answers to frequent questions.

Spoiler: If your Redmi 5 is stuck on MIUI 9/10 and doesn’t see new versions, the problem is most likely to be the official end of support for the model in 2021 – but there are workarounds.

1. Official end of support: why Xiaomi no longer releases updates for Redmi 5

The main reason why Xiaomi Redmi 5 is not updated is the end of the support period from the manufacturer. Xiaomi provides updates for its devices for 2-3 years from the date of release, and then transfers the model to the status of EOL (End Of Life).

For Redmi 5, the latest official firmware, MIUI 12.0.2, based on Android 9 Pie, was released in 2021, and then it was removed from the list of supported devices.

• ❌ New versions MIUI through settings → You won't get the update.
• ❌ Android Security Updates (Monthly Patches) Are Stopping.
• ✅ But you can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or go to regional versions. MIUI manually.

If your phone is still on MIUI 9/10, it means you missed the latest official updates.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Download the latest version.
3. If you fail to connect to the server, try changing the region (more on this below).

2. Memory Lack: Why the Update is Not Downloaded or Interrupted

One of the most common reasons Redmi 5 doesn’t update is the lack of free space in internal memory.A new firmware requires a minimum of 1.5-2 GB of free space to install, and on budget models with 16/32 GB of memory, this is often a problem.

How to check:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. See how much space is available in the Internal Memory section.
3. If it is less than 1.5 GB, the update will not be installed.

Decisions:

• 📁 Delete unnecessary files (photos, videos, app cache).
• 🔄 Transfer the data to SD-card (if supported).
• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Annexes → All applications → [select the application] → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Use the built-in Cleanup utility (Settings) → Cleanup).

Delete old photos and videos|Clear the app cache|Transfer files to SD-map|Close background annexes|Check the vacant space (minimum 1.5 GB)-->

If even after cleaning the space is not enough, you can try to install the update through Recovery (instruction below).

3.Regional restrictions: why Redmi 5 doesn't see an update for your country

Xiaomi is releasing firmware for different regions, and sometimes updates are available in some countries earlier than in others. If your Redmi 5 is bought in China, India or Europe, and you use it in Russia, it may be that the server simply does not offer you the current version.

How to check your region:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Look at the last characters in the build number (e.g. V12.0.2.0.PEGMIXM).
3. The last letters denote the region: CN – China, IN – India, EU – Europe (global version), RU – Russia.

If your region is not suitable, you can manually change it:

1. Download the firmware for the desired region from the official MIUI Downloads website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.

How to check the status of the loader:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

If you do not want to unlock the bootloader, you just need to install official updates through Fastboot (instructions in the next section).

5. Xiaomi server errors: what to do if the update does not download

Sometimes the problem isn't with the phone, it's with Xiaomi's servers.

• ⏳ The update is downloaded for a very long time or hung on 0%.
• ❌ Error: I was unable to connect to the server.
• 🔄 Download progress resets.

Reasons:

• 🌍 Server overload (especially after the release of the new version) MIUI).
• 🔒 Lockdown IP Your area (for example, if you use it) VPN).
• 📡 Internet connection problems (slow Wi-Fi or mobile internet).

Decisions:

1. Check the internet: connect to another Wi-Fi network or switch to mobile data.
2. Use a VPN: sometimes changing your region (e.g. Germany or Singapore) helps.
3. Download the firmware manually from the official website and install through Recovery.
4. Try it later: if the server is overloaded, wait a few hours.

💡

If the update doesn’t download via Wi-Fi, try using mobile internet – sometimes it helps bypass server restrictions.

6. Damaged firmware: how to fix bugs when installing the update

If the update has been downloaded but is not installed (the phone reboots to Recovery and gives an error), the problem may be:

• 📦 A damaged firmware file (incomplete or modified).
• 🔧 Conflict with the current version MIUI (For example, you are trying to put MIUI 12 over modified firmware).
• 🛠️ Damaged section /system (Due to previous unsuccessful updates).

How to fix it:

1. Download the firmware again from the official website and check the checksum (MD5).
2. Install via Fastboot (if Recovery doesn't work): fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot reboot
3. Make a reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Resetting).

⚠️ Note: If your phone is stuck on the Mi logo when installing firmware via Fastboot, it means that the firmware is incompatible with your model. Check the device code (rosy for Redmi 5) and download the correct version.

7. Alternative ways to update: what to do if nothing helps

If standard methods do not work, alternative options remain:

• 🔄 Manual installation via Recovery: Download the firmware with the.zip extension. Put it in the root of the phone's memory. Press Volume up. + Power to log in to Recovery. select Install update.zip.
• 🖥️ Installation via Fastboot (for power users): Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware in.tgz format. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. Choose Clean all and press Flash.

Transition to custom firmware

LineageOS 16/17

Pixel Experience

1. Unlock the loader.
2. Install TWRP Recovery.
3. Sweep through custom firmware and GApps.