The Xiaomi Mi5, released in 2016, is still popular with users due to its powerful hardware and affordable price. However, over time, the relevance of its software raises questions: which version of Android it runs out of the box, which can be officially updated, and should you? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of firmware for the Mi5, including official and custom solutions, and give practical recommendations for optimizing the device.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi Mi5 refers to the “old” models, and the manufacturer has long stopped releasing official updates. However, the device is supported by enthusiasts, and some firmware (for example, based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience) allows you to install even modern versions of Android.
If you’ve just purchased a used Mi5 or are planning to “breathe a second life into it,” this article will help you understand the key aspects:
- 📱 Which version of Android is installed by default and which updates have been officially released.
- 🔄 How to check the current firmware and see if new versions are available.
- ⚙️ Opportunities and Limitations When Upgrading to Android 10/11 custom-stitch.
- ⚠️ Risks and “pitfalls” rarely warned about in reviews.
Official versions of Android for Xiaomi Mi5: chronology of updates
Xiaomi Mi5 came with pre-installed Android 6.0 Marshmallow under the shell MIUI 7.During the life cycle, the device received two major updates from the manufacturer:
- 📅 2016 - Exit MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 (UI update without changing the Android version).
- 📅 2017 – Update to Android 7.0 Nougat with shell MIUI 9.
- 📅 2018 – the last official update to Android 8.0 Oreo (MIUI 10).
After Android 8.0 Oreo, Xiaomi’s Mi5 support was completely discontinued.
- 🚫 There will be no more official new slates.
- 🔒 Security updates stopped being issued after 2019.
- 📉 Performance on stock firmware may deteriorate over time due to outdated drivers.
⚠️ Attention: If yours Mi5 It runs on Android 6.0 or 7.0, and can be upgraded to 8.0 Oreo via the standard update menu.
To check the current version of Android, go to Settings → About Phone → Android Version. You can also see the MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 10.2.1.0).
How to upgrade Xiaomi Mi5 to the latest official version?
If your device hasn’t yet received Android 8.0 Oreo, you can update it through the standard menu.
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update weighs ~1.5 GB).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If a new version is available, download and install it.
It is important to take into account several nuances:
- 🔋 The battery must be at least 50% charged, otherwise the system will block the installation.
- 📶 With a weak Internet, downloads may be interrupted – in this case, try using mobile data (but watch for traffic!).
- ⏳ The installation process will take 10-20 minutes, the device will restart several times.
⚠️ Note: If after upgrading to Android 8.0, the phone began to “brake”, try resetting to factory settings (pre-saving data.
Can I install Android 9, 10 or 11 on the Xiaomi Mi5?
Officially, no. But thanks to the development community, the Mi5 supports a few custom firmwares that allow you to upgrade to newer versions of Android.
- 🔹 LineageOS 16/17/18 (Android 9/10/11) — The most stable and optimized firmware.
- 🔹 Pixel Experience (Android 10/11) — Ported “clean” Android with chips from Google Pixel.
- 🔹 Havoc-OS or Resurrection Remix – firmware with advanced settings.
To install custom firmware will require:
Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool|
Install custom recovery (TWRP) |
Download firmware and GApps (Google services)|
Backup the current system |
Charge your phone at least 70 times%-->
The installation process includes several critical steps:
- Unlock the bootloader (requires a Mi Account binding and 72 hours waiting).
- Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot.
- Formatting data, system and cache sections.
- Install firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware incorrectly can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device. If you have never done this, it is better to contact an experienced user or wizard.
The most stable today is LineageOS 16 (Android 9 Pie) - it is devoid of most bugs and is well optimized for the Snapdragon 820. Newer versions (Android 10/11) can work with lags due to outdated hardware.
Comparison of performance on different versions of Android
To understand whether to update, compare the key indicators Xiaomi Mi5 on different firmware:
| Android version | Performance (AnTuTu) | Battery operating time | Stability | Support for applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 Marshmallow (MIUI 7/8) | ~120 000 | 4-5 hours (screen) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outdated versions of applications |
| 7.0 Nougat (MIUI 9) | ~135 000 | 3.5-to-4.5 hours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most applications work |
| 8.0 Oreo (MIUI 10) | ~110 000 | 3-4 hours | ⭐⭐⭐ | Full compatibility, but lags are possible |
| 9.0 Pie (LineageOS 16) | ~100 000 | 2.5–3.5 hours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Full compatibility, better optimization |
| 10/11 (Pixel Experience) | ~85 000 | 2-3 hours | ⭐⭐ | Modern applications, but possible bugs |
The table shows that upgrading to Android 9.0 Pie offers a better balance between performance and compatibility, with newer versions (Android 10/11), while supporting modern apps, losing out on speed and battery life.
💡
If you want maximum stability, stay on Android 8.0 Oreo with MIUI 10. If compatibility with new apps is important, choose LineageOS 16 (Android 9)
Frequent issues after updating and how to solve them
Even if the update is successful, Mi5 users often face typical problems:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge - associated with optimizing background processes. Solution: disable autosynchronization and background activity of unnecessary applications in Settings → Battery.
- 📱 Overheating - characteristic of custom firmware based on Android 10+. Solution: Install a temperature control app (e.g, CPU Monitor) and limit the maximum processor frequency.
- 🎵 Sound problems are a common problem on the Pixel Experience, so you can either reflash the kernel or go back to LineageOS.
- 📶 Bad network signal - can occur after changing the firmware. Solution: manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
If the phone starts to reboot spontaneously after the upgrade, the problem is probably incompatibility of the kernel or modules.
- Try reinstalling the firmware without the wipes (without clearing the data).
- If it doesn’t work, install a different build (for example, instead of Pixel Experience, try LineageOS).
- In extreme cases, return to the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the upgrade?
Optimizing Xiaomi Mi5 for extending the life of the device
Even on the outdated Android 8.0 Oreo, you can significantly improve the Mi5 by following a few recommendations:
- 🧹 Cleaning the system: Remove the application cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Use utilities like this. SD Maid for deep cleaning.
- ⚡ Disable animation: Enable Developer Mode (7 taps by Build Number in About Phone), then in Developer Settings, install Windows Animation = 0.5x.
- 🔄 Launcher replacement: Stock MIUI Launcher is slowing down – try Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
- 🔋 Battery Optimization: Turn off Auto Brightness and set a fixed value ~50% Use Greenify to 'freeze' background apps.
For users of custom firmware (LineageOS/Pixel Experience) useful:
- 🛠️ Install FrancoKernel or ElementalX kernel for better processor management.
- 📉 Use Magisk to install optimization modules (e.g. Universal) GMS Doze to save battery).
- 🔒 Disable unnecessary Google services through Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Disable (if not used).
💡
The biggest performance gain comes from replacing stock firmware with LineageOS 16 + ElementalX kernel with animation disabled.
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi5 in 2026?
Xiaomi Mi5 in 2026 is a budget option for undemanding tasks: calls, instant messengers, watching videos, light games.
- ✅ Pluses: 💰 Low price (3-5 thousand rubles in the secondary market). 🔧 Possibility of installing modern firmware (Android 9–11). 🎮 Snapdragon 820 still pulls PUBG Mobile at low settings.
- ❌ Cons: 🔋 Fast battery discharge (capacity) ~2,500mAh after 5+ service). 📸 Weak camera by modern standards (16 MP without stabilization). 🔒 There is no official support for banking applications (SBP, Tinkoff, etc. may not work on custom firmware).
If you want a phone for calls and social media, the Mi5 is fine. If you want a high-quality camera, long-distance or official upgrades, you should consider the newer models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3).
When buying a used Mi5, be sure to check:
- 🔋 Battery status (use AccuBattery to check wear and tear).
- 🛠️ Performance of all sensors (gyroscope, compass, NFC).
- 🔊 Sound quality in speakers and headphones (a frequent problem is cracking in dynamics).