The Xiaomi Mi5, released in 2016, is still a popular device among Android enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware (Snapdragon 820, 3/4 GB of RAM) and active support for custom firmware. However, over time, official updates from Xiaomi have ceased, and users are faced with slowdowns, bugs or the desire to install the current version of Android. In this guide, we will analyze all the ways to flash the Mi5 – from the official MIUI Recovery to install LineageOS via TWRP.
It’s important to understand that flashing is not just a “system update” but a complete software replacement. Errors at any stage can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of a device. For example, an incorrectly selected firmware version for the Mi5 model (codenamed gemini) or an interrupted process through the Fastboot often cause a “brick.” In this article, you will find relevant links to firmware, tools and unique solutions to bypass the “Anti Rollback” error, which blocks downgrades to older versions of MIUI.
1. Preparation for flashing: what you need to know before you start
Before you start, check the current version of MIUI and if the bootloader is unlocked.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Write down the number (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.4).
- 🔓 Enter ##4636##, then select Phone Information and check Bootloader status. If it says Locked, unlock it.
- 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60% – with a low charge, the process can be interrupted.
Also prepare:
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set) Mi5).
- ⚙️ Qualcomm drivers and ADB/Fastboot (References in the section "Tools»).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi5 Anti-Rollback is installed, if you've flashed the device before and updated it. MIUI before Anti-4 or Anti-5, If you try to install the old firmware, you'll lock the bootloader.
2. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi5
Without the bootloader, you can only install official firmware through MIUI Recovery. Unlocking is mandatory for Fastboot or TWRP. The process takes 72-168 hours due to Xiaomi's policy:
- Link your Mi Account to your device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Synchronize and enable all options. 🔗 Link your phone number and email to your account.
Apply for unblocking
- 🌐 Open the site en.miui.com/unlock log in.
- 📝 Fill out the form stating the reason (for example, “Install custom firmware»).
- Download Mi Unlock Tool and wait for SMS confirmation (usually 3-7 days).
⚠️ Warning: If a Couldn’t unlock error appears when unlocking, check: – Mi Account is tied to the device for more than 72 hours. – Phone is enabled OEM Unlock (Settings) → For developers. – Uses the original cable and port USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 may not work).
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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device, try disabling the driver signature in Windows: run the command prompt on behalf of the administrator and perform bcdedit/set nointegritychecks on, then restart the PC.
3. Download firmware: official vs custom
The choice of firmware depends on your goals:
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Fastboot/Recovery) | Stable work, support OTA-update. | An outdated version of Android (maximum 8.0 Oreo). Lots of bloatware (pre-installed apps). | Official website |
| LineageOS (Pixel Experience) | Up-to-date Android (up to version 13) with no ads and no apps. | Possible bugs (for example, non-functioning) NFC). No. OTA-update. | XDA Developers |
| Ported MIUI (e.g. EU ROM) | No Chinese apps. Weekly updates. | There may be problems with Google Pay. It requires an unlocked bootloader. | xiaomi.eu |
For Mi5 It is critical to download firmware specifically for the gemini model (not to be confused with the gemini model). mi5s or mi5s_plus!). Official firmware files have an extension:
- 📁.TGZ – for Fastboot (installation via Mi Flash Tool).
- 📁.zip – for Recovery (installation via stock or custom recovery).
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For custom firmware, be sure to download separately the GApps package (Google Apps) - without it there will be no Play Market and Google services: arm64, Android 10/11, pico.
4. Installation of the official firmware via Fastboot
This method is suitable for:
- 🔄 Recovery of the phone after a failure.
- 📥 Updates to the latest official version MIUI.
- 🚫 Fixing errors after a failed firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware.tgz: 🖥️ Official firmware (select the Mi5 → Fastboot). 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool.
Unpack the firmware.
C:\Mi5_Fastboot
Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode
(a) Turn off the device.
(b) Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds.
(c) Connect to the PC - the screen should show the hare in the eardress cap.Launch the Mi Flash Tool
- 🔍 Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
- 🔄 Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Locking bootloader).
- 🖱️ Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).
- 🔧 After installation, go to Reboot. → System.