Recovery of Xiaomi Redmi 5 through recovery modes is a challenge faced by owners of this smartphone when firmware failures, freezes or preparing to install custom software. The model with the codename rosy, released in 2018, is still popular due to the balance of price and performance, but its software part requires a careful approach. Unlike new Xiaomi devices, there is no built-in protection of the latest versions, but there are nuances with unlocking the bootloader and compatibility of MIUI versions.
This article covers all the ways to install a recavator, from stock (official) to custom TWRP, taking into account the features of Redmi 5. We will discuss how to avoid a “brick” (turning a phone into a “brick”), what tools you will need, and what to do if the process went wrong, and we will focus on unlocking the loader, a key step without which installing an alternative recavator is impossible.
⚠️ Warning: The procedures described below may result in loss of warranty, deletion of all data on the device or its inoperability. Xiaomi does not officially support the installation of custom recavators on Redmi 5.
1.Preparation: What to know before installing a recaveri
Before you start manipulating the firmware, make sure you understand the risks and consequences. Redmi 5 (model M1803E7SG for the global version) has a closed bootloader by default, and unlocking it requires official permission from Xiaomi. Without this step, installing TWRP or other firmware is impossible.
It is also important to consider the version. MIUI, For example, if your Redmi 5 is running on the device. MIUI 10 or older, you will need to link your Mi Account to your device to unlock it, MIUI (9) The process may be different.
- 🔧 Essential tools:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (or Linux/macOS supportive ADB/Fastboot)
- 📱 USB-cable (original or qualitative analogue)
- 🔄 Programming: Mi Unlock Tool, ADB & Fastboot, TWRP for Redmi 5
- 📄 Backup of data (photos, contacts, messages)
Please note: if you plan to install custom software (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), make sure it is compatible with the bootloader version of your Redmi 5. Version mismatch may result in a permanent lock of the device (hard brick).
2. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 5
Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step for installing any non-castom recavator. Xiaomi requires proof of ownership of the device through the Mi Account. The process takes 3 to 30 days (depending on company policy).
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync. Make sure the device is linked to your account (Device tab).
- Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times). Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from the official Xiaomi website. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:
adb reboot bootloaderor turn off the device and press Volume down + Power.
Follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool:
- Log in to the Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
- Confirm the unlocking (may be required) SMS-code).
- Wait until the process is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).
⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows a "Couldn't unlock" error or asks you to wait 72/168/360 Xiaomi limits the unlock frequency to protect against theft. Wait the specified time and try again.
Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Device in Fastboot mode|Backup copy of data created-->
3.Installation of stock Recovery on Redmi 5
Stock recavers (official from Xiaomi) may be required to restore factory settings or firmware original software. its installation does not require unlocking the bootloader, but resets all data on the device.
Methods of installation:
- 🔄 Through Fastboot: Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 site MIUI Downloads (select the Recovery version) ROM). Unpack the archive and find the file. recovery.img. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img Reboot the device in Recavator: fastboot reboot recovery
Through Air Update (OTA):
- Download the update.zip file from the official website.
- Place it in the root folder of internal memory.
- Go to the stock recap (Loudness up + Power when the phone is off).
- Select Apply update from ADB → Choose update package.
⚠️ Warning: If you've got your phone stuck on the Mi logo after you run the stock recavator, try resetting the Wipe Data settings in the recavator itself. If that doesn't work, you'll need a full Fastboot flashing.
| Method of installation | Do you need unlocking? | Are the data stored? | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastboot (recovery.img) | No. | No (when dumped) | 2-5 minutes |
| OTA (update.zip) | No. | Yes (unless reset is selected) | 5-10 minutes |
| Mi Flash Tool (full firmware) | No. | No. | 10-15 minutes. |
4.Installation of custom TWRP Recovery on Redmi 5
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the most popular custom recovery for Xiaomi Redmi 5. It allows you to install informal firmware, make backups of the system and restore them, and obtain root rights.
Installation instructions:
- Download the current version of TWRP: Official page: TWRP for Redmi 5. Select the version for rosy (codename Redmi 5).
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:
adb reboot bootloaderTWRP:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.img(Replace the file name with the current one).
Replace the Recavéri system with:
- Go to TWRP: Fastboot Reboot Recovery
- In TWRP, go to Mount and mark System.
- Delete /system/recovery-from-boot.p (it is responsible for automatic recovery of the stock recovery).
⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone automatically reboots to the stock recaveri, which means the system has restored it. TWRP execute:
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.img(This will download TWRP without writing to memory, which will remove recovery-from-boot.p).
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
5. Solving common errors in installing the Recovery
Even with the exact instructions, there can be problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions for Redmi 5:
- ❌ Fastboot’s Waiting for Device Error: Check if Drivers Are Installed ADB/Fastboot (Download Google's Platform Tools. Try another one. USB-cable or port. USB again.
- ❌ TWRP Invalid Sparse File Format: Download another version TWRP (For example, older or informal builds. Check the integrity of the file. recovery.img (compare hash sums).
- ❌ Phone does not turn on after firmware ("brick"): Try booting up to Fastboot (Loudness down) + Power) and run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, and if the device doesn't respond, it may be a damaged bootloader, and only a service center with a programmer will help.
- ❌ Mistake "This" MIUI Version cannot be installed: Check the compatibility of the version MIUI And firmware. You can't sew it, for example. MIUI 12 per loader from MIUI 9. Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option (full reset).
If none of these methods worked, check to see if your device has activated the Anti-Rollback feature. For Redmi 5, it appears starting with some versions of MIUI 10. You can check if it is available by saying "This device is locked by Anti-Rollback" when you try firmware.
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If you plan to experiment with firmware, create a full backup in the TWRP To do this, select Backup from the main menu and mark all sections (Boot, System, Data, EFS). Save the backup on SD-card.
6.How to use receptacles on Xiaomi Redmi 5
After successfully installing a recaveri (stock or TWRP), it is important to understand how to use it.
- 🔄 Resetting settings (Wipe): In the drainage Recovery: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. TWRP: Wipe → Advanced Wipe (you can select separate sections).
- 📦 Installation of firmware: Stock Recovery: Apply update → Choose from internal storage. TWRP: Install → Choose. ZIP-file → Swipe to confirm.
- 💾 Backup and Recovery (only) TWRP): Backup: backup. Restore: backup recovery.
- 🔧 Additional functions TWRP: Mount is partition mounting. Reboot is different mode reboot. Advanced → File Manager – Editing System Files.
In the Xiaomi stock Recovery, the volume (up/down) and power (select) buttons are controlled. In TWRP, touch input is supported, but the buttons also work.
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If you install custom firmware, always do Wipe System first, then Wipe Data, and then flash ZIP. This will avoid conflicts between old and new files.
7.Recovery after failed firmware
If you've manipulated the Redmi 5's receptacle to stop turning on or stuck on the logo, don't panic. In most cases, the device can be brought back to life. Here's the algorithm for how to do it.
- Try booting into Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds. If the device is detected in Fastboot (check the fastboot devices command), run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
- If the Fastboot is not working (hard brick): Try booting into the EDL-To do this, turn off the phone. Press Volume up. + Loudness down + Power. Connect to a PC, the device should be identified as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Use the Mi Flash Tool with.tgz firmware to recover via EDL.
If the phone doesn’t respond at all:
- Check the battery charge (plug in for 30 minutes).
- Contact the service center - you may need to flash through the programmer.
If after that the phone hangs on the logo, reset via Wipe Data in the drain recavery.