Owners of the popular budget smartphone often wonder what operating system is installed on their device by default and whether there are prospects for updating it. Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in late 2017, originally shipped with the shell MIUI 9 based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat. This was standard practice for entry-level devices of the period, providing stable operation, but devoid of many modern features.
Over time, Xiaomi has released several major updates to this model, gradually improving the version of the basic OS. Officially, the device received support for Android 8.1 Oreo in the shell MIUI 10 and MIUI 11. this official delivery stopped, as the manufacturer considered the hardware capabilities of the Snapdragon 450 processor insufficient for the comfortable operation of newer versions of the system.
But for enthusiasts, the door is open: the developer community has created a lot of informal builds. If you're interested in the maximum relevance of software, you can install custom firmware based on Android 10, 11 and even 12. It's important to understand that switching to unofficial software requires unlocking the bootloader and carries certain risks, which we will discuss below.
Official support and versions of MIUI
The official support cycle for Redmi 5 (codenamed ros for global and riva for Chinese) included two major Android updates, originally released with Android 7.1, which provided compatibility with all apps of the time.
The latest stable official version was MIUI 11.Newer shells such as MIUI 12 or 13, officially on this smartphone is not installed due to the requirements for the amount of RAM and performance of the graphics core.
⚠️ Warning: Installing a global firmware version over Chinese (or vice versa) without fully clearing data and unlocking the bootloader can result in the device being locked at boot stage (bootloop).
The process of upgrading to the latest official version is carried out by the standard system means. You need to go to the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update. If Xiaomi servers still broadcast packages for your model, the phone will prompt them to download. Otherwise you will have to use the manual method through the Recovery menu.
Why Xiaomi has stopped updating Redmi 5?
Redmi 5’s Compatibility Characteristics
Understanding which Android will be on your phone depends on the hardware. The heart of the device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, made on a 14-nm processor. This is an 8-core chip with a frequency of up to 1.8 GHz, which at the time of release was considered a great solution for the budget segment, but now is the minimum necessary for basic tasks.
RAM is 2GB or 3GB depending on the modification. For modern versions of Android, especially with heavy shells, 2GB is a critical minimum. That is why Android 7.1 and 8.1 work on the device most smoothly, since they are less demanding on memory resources.
Built-in 16GB or 32GB eMMC 5.1 storage is also restrictive. Modern systems take up a significant amount of space, leaving little room for applications. When switching to newer versions of Android (9.0+), the system can take up to 10-12GB, making it almost impossible to use the 16GB version without constantly cleaning the cache.
| Parameter | Meaning | Impact on Android |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 450 | Limits support for new kernel instructions |
| RAM (RAM) | 2/3 GB of LPDDR3 | Critical for multitasking in Android 10+ |
| Memory (ROM) | 16/32GB eMMC | Little space for heavy system files |
| Screen. | 5.7" IPS (1440x720) | Low resolution reduces the load on the GPU |
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The Redmi 5 hardware platform is optimally balanced for Android 7.1-8.1. Installing newer versions is possible, but will require compromises in the speed of the interface.
Capabilities of custom firmware (Custom ROM)
If official support is over, independent developers take to the scene. For Redmi 5, there are ports of popular firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and ArrowOS. These builds are often based on Android 10 or 11, allowing you to run applications that require a newer version of the OS.
The main advantage of custom firmware is cleanliness. Unlike MIUI, which is overloaded with services, pure Android (AOSP) consumes less resources, which allows even the old hardware Redmi 5 to achieve a more responsive interface. However, the functionality of the camera in such firmware is often inferior to stock due to the lack of proprietary algorithms Xiaomi.
To install third-party software, you need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock service and install custom Recovery, for example, TWRP. The process requires care: you need to download the exact version of the firmware designed specifically for the ros (Global) or riva (China) model.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of custom firmware
Manual update instructions
If you don't get an automatic update, you can use the manual installation method through Recovery. You'll need a.zip (Recovery ROM) firmware file to be placed in the root of internal memory or on a microSD card. Make sure the file is for your region.
Then enter Recovery mode. To do this, press the volume button and the power button at the same time. In the menu that appears, select a language (if available) and go to Install update manually. The system will find the update file and suggest installing it.
The path for the update file: /internal_storage/downloaded_rom.zip
Or: /sdcard/downloaded_rom.zipOnce confirmed, the verification and installation process will begin. The phone can restart several times. If the system does not start after the upgrade, a full reset may be required. Be sure to save important contacts and photos before starting the procedure.
⚠️ Note: Manual installation of firmware via Recovery is only possible if you are upgrading within the same region (e.g. Global to Global.
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Before updating, take a picture of the operator’s current network and APN settings on another phone, and after resetting, this will help restore mobile internet quickly.
Problems after update and their solution
Switching to a new version of Android, especially custom, can be problematic, the most common being fast battery drain, because it takes time (usually 2-3 days) for the system and applications to optimize cache and background processes, and can get hot in the early days.
Another common problem is broken VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling. In custom firmware, these features are often cut out or require complex customization through an engineering menu. If you are critical to high-quality voice over 4G, it is better to stay on the latest official MIUI 11.
Users also note problems with the camera’s autofocus in some Android 10+ builds, a software bug related to drivers, and the solution could be to install an alternative camera app, such as GCam (Google Camera), ported specifically for Snapdragon processors.
- 📉 Quick discharge: Remove unnecessary apps and let the phone lie on charging 1-2 half-hour.
- 📶 Network problems: Reset your settings APN to the factory or re-flash the modem.
- 📸 Camera: Use Google Camera to Improve Low Light Photo Quality.
Should I Update: The Final Verdict?
The answer to which Android is best for the Xiaomi Redmi 5 depends on your goals. If you use your phone as your primary tool for calling, messaging, and navigation, Android 8.1 (MIUI 11) is the best choice.
If you want your phone as a second device to experiment, watch YouTube or read, you can try light custom firmware based on Android 10 (like LineageOS without Google Apps), which will prolong the life of the device and ensure compatibility with new versions of applications that gradually cease to support older OS.
Don't chase numbers. Installing a heavy Android 12 at 2GB of RAM will make smartphone use an agonizing experience of constant reboots and lags. A smart approach will allow Redmi 5 to be operated even in 2026-2026 for basic tasks.