Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 firmware via PC: official and unofficial methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) remains a popular smartphone even years after its release due to its reliability and ability to install current firmware. However, over time, standard software can become obsolete, slow down or contain unnecessary software.

This guide is suitable for both recovery of the brick after a failed update, and for enthusiasts who want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or the latest version of MIUI. We will discuss two main methods: through the official Mi Flash Tool (for stock firmware) and through TWRP (for custom builds).

Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before you start

PC firmware is a process that requires attention to detail. The first thing you will encounter is locking the bootloader on all Xiaomi devices after 2017. Without it unlocking, you can't install custom software. Second, choosing the right firmware version: Redmi Note 5 has builds for global (Global), Chinese (China) and Indian (India) versions of the device.

Also consider:

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 60 percent charged, and interruption due to discharge can turn the phone into a brick".
• 💾 Backup is mandatory: firmware erases internal memory (except microSD card) and use Mi Cloud or Google Drive to save contacts, photos and apps.
• 🖥️ Drivers: PCs must be installed ADB/Fastboot driver and Mi USB Driver. Without them, the computer won't recognize the phone in firmware mode.

If you plan to install custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience), you will additionally need:

• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
• 📱 Established custom recaveri TWRP.
• 📂 Firmware in.zip format compatible with whyred.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware of unofficial assemblies may lead to loss of warranty, unstable operation of the module NFC Before installing, check the reviews of a particular firmware on the forum. XDA Developers.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 5

The bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is locked by default. Its unlocking is a mandatory step before you run through Fastboot or install TWRP. The process takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's policy, which requires confirmation through your Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Attach Mi Account to your phone: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Activate USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times until the notification “You’re a developer” appears). Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB debugging and OEM unlock.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official Xiaomi website).
4. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account and follow the instructions. Usually, unlocking is not immediately possible - Xiaomi servers may require up to 3 days of waiting.

⚠️ Warning: If the "Couldn't unlock" error appears when unlocking, check: Phone is connected to the original USB-The Mi Account is linked to the device and confirmed by SMS. On the PC installed the latest versions of drivers ADB.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start the firmware.

Step 2: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (official method)

Mi Flash Tool is the official utility from Xiaomi for installing stock firmware in Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for recovering the phone after a crash, updating to the latest version of MIUI or removing custom software.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi Note 5 (whyred) from the official website: 🌍 Global (for international version). 🇨🇳 China (Chinese language only, no Google services).

Choose the version of Fastboot (file with.tgz extension).

C:\MIUI\whyred

Mi Flash Tool

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Flash Tool

COM-port

Select

• Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures).
• Clean all and lock – cleaning + locking of the bootloader (only for official assemblies).
• Save user data – saving user data (not always stable)
• Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware, Widevine may stop working L1 (drop down L3), What will make streaming on Netflix or Disney worse?+ before 480p. This can only be corrected by returning to the stock firmware.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check it is compatible with your Redmi Note 5 modem. Some builds may not support 4G networks at certain frequencies (e.g., B20 in Europe).

Step 4: Solving Common Firmware Errors

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1. "Anti-rollback" error (prohibition of rollback on old firmware)

The reason: Xiaomi blocks the installation of older versions of MIUI after upgrading to a specific version.

• 🔄 Install firmware newer than the one that was previously.
• 📌 If you need to roll back, use it. TWRP and modified firmware with anti-rollback bypass (see on the XDA).

2.The phone is not detected in the Mi Flash Tool

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Use the original Xiaomi cable).
• 🖥️ Reinstall the drivers ADB Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

3. Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

Possible causes:

• 📂 Wrong firmware version (for example, Note 5 Pro instead of Note 5).
• 🔧 Damaged firmware file (pump the archive and check check the checksum) MD5).
• 🔄 Incomplete cleaning before installation (in TWRP Execute Format Data).

Step 5: Optimize the system after the firmware

After successful firmware, it is recommended to follow several steps for stable operation of the device:

1. Performance adjustment

• 🔧 Switch on the overclock. CPU (If the firmware supports: go to Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
• 📵 Turn off unnecessary background processes: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.