How to update Android on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: all methods and nuances

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (code name vince) was released in 2017 with pre-installed MIUI 9 database Android 7.1 Nougat. Despite its advanced age, the device is still actively used, but owners are faced with the problem of outdated software. Official support for updates from Xiaomi for this model has long been completed, but there are legal and unofficial ways to update the firmware to more recent versions of Android - up to Android 10 or even custom builds based on Android 11/12.

In this article we will analyze all the current update methods: from a standard OTA update (if it is still available) to installing custom firmware through TWRP i Fastboot. You will learn how to prepare your phone for the procedure, what risks exist, and what to do if the device stops working after the update. We will pay special attention the unique problem of Redmi 5 Plus with unlocking the bootloader via Mi Account - this moment often becomes an obstacle for beginners.

Before you begin, check the current version of MIUI: go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version. If your firmware is older MIUI 11, the chances of an official update are minimal - you will have to consider alternative options. Also note that any manipulations with the firmware resets the warranty (if it is still valid) can lead to data loss.

1. Checking the availability of an official update

Despite the end of support, some users Redmi 5 Plus periodically receive notifications about available updates. This is due to regional features of firmware distribution or delays in shutting down Xiaomi servers. Before proceeding to radical methods, perform a standard check:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi —updates via the mobile data may be blocked.
2. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
3. Press the button Check for updates and wait for the server to respond.
4. If an update is found, follow the instructions on the screen. Make sure that the battery charge exceeds 50%.

If the system reports that This is the latest version of MIUIthere will be no more official updates. In this case, continue to the following sections. Please note: even if the update is available, its size may exceed 1.5 GB —free up space in your device memory in advance.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices after a long period of inactivity without updates, the Xiaomi server may generate an error Failed to connect to the server. This does not mean there are no updates - try changing the region in the Mi account settings (for example, to India or Europe) and check again.

2. Preparing the phone for a manual update

If the official update is not available, you will need to install the firmware manually. This process requires advance preparation to avoid errors and data loss. Follow the checklist:

Make a backup copy of your data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge the phone to at least 70%

Download the correct firmware version for the model vince

Install ADB and Fastboot drivers on PC

Connect the original USB cable (do not use cheap analogues)

Disable the antivirus on the computer (may block firmware files)

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Pay special attention Backup. Use the built-in Xiaomi tools:

• 📱 Local copy: Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Backup (requires authorization).
• 💻 Computer: Copy files from internal memory to PC via USB cable (select mode File transfer).

Please note that after unlocking, all data on the phone will be unlocked. erased. Read more about this in the next section. Fastboot or Recovery You will need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi allows you to do this, but the process is tied to your Mi account. Please note that after unlocking, all data on the phone will be erased. More on this in the next section.

3. Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 5 Plus

Without unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader), installation of any unofficial firmware is impossible. Xiaomi uses protection tied to the Mi account, so the process takes up to 72 hours (sometimes longer). instructions:

1. Link your Mi account to your phone:
   • Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in.
   • Enable Search for device i Synchronization.
2. Activate developer mode:
   • Open Settings → About phone.
   • click on MIUI version7 times until a notification appears You have become a developer.
3. Allow unlock:
   • Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers.
   • Activate OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
4. Use Mi Unlock Tool:
   • Download official utility from the Xiaomi website.
   • Connect your phone to the PC in mode Fastboot (press Power + Volume down with the device turned off).
   • Run MiUnlock.exe and follow the instructions The system will ask for confirmation via SMS or. email.

After sending the unlock request, you will have to wait. You can check the status in the same utility. When the bootloader is unlocked, a warning will appear on the phone screen This device is unlocked every boot.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought it by hand, the previous owner may not have unlink your Mi account. In this case, unlocking is impossible without its data. The only way out is to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (receipt, box with IMEI). Redmi 5 Plus handy, the previous owner might not have unlinked his Mi account. In this case, unlocking is impossible without his data. The only way out is to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (receipt, box with IMEI).

Unlocking method	Waiting time	Do you need a PC?	Risks
Official (Mi Unlock Tool)	3–7 days	Yes	Reset data, link to account
Unofficial (EDL)	10–30 minutes	Yes + special cable	High risk of "brick"
Via TWRP (if already installed)	5 minutes	No	Only for advanced users

4. Installing firmware via Fastboot (official method)

If the bootloader is unlocked, you can install the official one firmware via Fastboot. This method is suitable for returning to the stock version of MIUI or updating to the latest supported build (for example, MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10). You will need:

• 💻 A computer with Windows (64-bit recommended). system).
• 📋 Firmware in format .tgz for model vince (download from official website).
• 🔧 Utility Mi Flash Tool (available on the same website).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Unpack the downloaded archive with the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\vince).
2. Turn off the phone and switch it to mode Fastboot (press Power + Volume Down).
3. Connect the device to the PC and run MiFlash.exe.
4. In the app, press Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select mode Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (cleaning + bootloader lock).
6. Click Flash and wait for completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

After successful installation, the phone will automatically reboot. The first startup may take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process. If the logo appears on the screen Mi and further loading is stalled, perform a reset via Recovery (Power + Volume up → Wipe Data).

What to do if Mi Flash Tool gives an error

If the app shows an error can't find fastboot or device not foundcheck:

1. Are the drivers installed (use Mi PC Suite for automatic installation).

2. Is the phone connected to the port USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 may not work).

3. Is the antivirus disabled (it may block it) fastboot.exe).

4. Are you using the original cable? (cheap analogues often do not transfer data in Fastboot mode).

5. Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

If the official firmware does not suit you, you can install a custom build based on Android 11 or Android 12. Popular options for Redmi 5 Plus:

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) - stable and optimized.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience - firmware with an interface like on Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havent OS - assembly with advanced performance settings.

For installation you will need:

1. Unlocked bootloader (see section 3).
2. Installed custom recovery TWRP (version for vince).
3. Firmware in format .zip and, if necessary GApps (Google services).

Installation instructions via TWRP:

1. Download the firmware and GApps (if needed) to the memory card or internal memory of the phone.
2. Reboot in TWRP (press Power + Volume up with the phone turned off).
3. Execute Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the firmware file.
5. After installing the firmware, repeat step for GApps (if required).
6. Reboot the device (Reboot → System).

⚠️ Attention: Custom firmware may have bugs, especially in the operation of the camera (a known problem with drivers vince for Android 11+). Before installation, check the reviews on the forum 4PDA or XDA for a specific build. Some firmware require additional patches for NFC or correct operation. double-tap to wake.

6. Solving problems after the update.

Even with successful installation of the firmware, problems may occur. Let's consider typical situations and ways to resolve them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The phone does not turn on (black screen)	Incorrect firmware or interrupted installation	Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with complete cleaning (Clean all)
Stuck on the logo Mi	Module conflict or incompatibility firmware	Run Wipe Cache i Wipe Dalvik in TWRP
No network (does not pick up SIM card)	No modem drivers in custom firmware	Install a patch for the modem or return to stock MIUI
The camera does not work	Lack of proprietary drivers in Android 11+	Use alternative camera applications (for example, GCam)
Rapid battery drain	Unoptimized kernel in custom firmware	Install the kernel FrancoKernel or return to stock

If after the update the phone stops booting, try the following steps:

1. Hold Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
2. If that doesn't help, go to Fastboot (Power + Volume down) and do command:

   fastboot erase userdata
   fastboot reboot

3. If there is a "brick" (complete inoperability), use EDL mode (an authorized Mi account and a special cable are required).

To diagnose problems with custom firmware, it is useful to study the logs. TWRP select Advanced → Copy Logto save the error report to the memory card.

7. Alternative ways to update without unlocking the bootloader

If you unlock it The bootloader does not work (for example, due to a linked Mi account), limited options remain:

• 🔄 Local update via Recovery:
  • Download the full firmware package (.zip) for your model from the official website.
  • Place the file in the root of the internal memory (not folders!).
  • Go to Recovery (Power + Volume up).
  • Select Install update.zip and confirm installation.
• 📲 Update via Mi PC Suite:
  • Install official app on your PC.
  • Connect your phone and wait for recognition.
  • In the section Update check the available updates.
• 🛠️ Service center services:
  • Official Xiaomi centers can flash the phone for a fee (about 1-2 thousand rubles).
  • Unofficial workshops offer bootloader unlocking via EDL (risky!).

Local update via Recovery works only if the firmware version is newer than the current one. For example, if you have MIUI 10, and the downloaded package is MIUI 11, the installation will be successful (from 11 to 10) this method is impossible.

⚠️ Attention: Some "craftsmen" offer unlocking the bootloader via EDL for 500-1000 rubles, using vulnerabilities in the Xiaomi authorization protocol. This method violates the company's rules and can lead to ban Mi account (including loss of access to cloud data. Xiaomi does not officially support such methods.

8. Optimizing work after the update

After a successful update, it is recommended to perform several steps to improve performance and stability:

• ⚡ Disable unnecessary services:
  • Go to Settings → Battery → Battery mode and select Battery saver.
  • Disable auto-start applications: Settings → Applications → Autorun.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache:
  • In Settings → Storage → Cleaning delete unnecessary files.
  • For deep cleaning, use SD Maid (root access required).
• 🔒 Configure security:
  • Update Google Play Protection in the security settings.
  • Install an alternative antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes).

If you installed custom firmware, check for updates for it. Most assemblies (for example, LineageOS) support OTA updates through the built-in menu Settings → System → Update. It is also recommended:

• Install a kernel with optimizations (for example, FrancoKernel to improve autonomy).
• Use Magisk to obtain root access and install modules (for example, ViPER4Android to improve sound).
• Configure SELinux in Permissivemode, if some functions do not work (requires root).

For Redmi 5 Plus with custom firmware, the problem of overheating due to a weak processor is relevant. Snapdragon 625To reduce the load:

• Limit the background activity of applications through Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
• Set FPS limit in games (for example, through Game Turbo in MIUI or module ForceDoze for custom firmware).
• Use light launchers (for example, Nova Launcher instead standard).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Redmi 5 Plus

Is it possible to update Redmi 5 Plus to Android 12 or later?

Officially - no, the latest supported version from Xiaomi is Android 10 (MIUI 12.5). However, there are unofficial builds based on Android 11/12 (for example, LineageOS 19), but they may have bugs in the operation of the camera, NFC or sensors. For everyday use, it is better to stop at Android 10.

Why does the mobile network not work after updating the firmware?

This is a problem for custom firmware, where there are no proprietary modem drivers. Solutions:

1. Install a patch with drivers (search on w3bsit3-dns.com in the topic of your firmware).
2. Return to stock MIUI via Fastboot.
3. Check the APN settings: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access points (APN) - add the parameters of your operator manually.

How to return stock firmware if the phone does not turn on?

If the device is "bricked", use EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode):

1. Download the firmware for vince in format .tgz and unpack it.
2. Connect the phone to the PC, holding Volume up + Volume down, then insert the USB cable (the screen should remain black).
3. Use Mi Flash Tool in EDL (requires an authorized Mi account with developer rights).
4. Select file prog_emmc_firehose.mbn from folders with the firmware and start flashing.

If you do not have rights to EDL, contact the service center - independent attempts can aggravate the situation.

Is it worth upgrading to Android 10 if I have Android 8.1?

Depends on your priorities:

• ✅ Pros: New features (dark theme, navigation gestures, improved security).
• ❌ Cons: Possible decrease in performance (especially in games), bugs in custom firmware, loss of some MIUI functions (for example, built-in ad blocker).

For most users Redmi 5 Plus the optimal choice is MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10 (latest official version). Custom firmware is suitable for enthusiasts who are ready to put up with bugs.

Is it possible to update without losing data?

With an official update via OTA or Recovery data is saved. However:

• When installed via Fastboot with the option Clean all all data will be erased.
• Custom firmware almost always requires a full wipe (System, Data, Cache).
• Even if the update was completed without a reset, it is recommended to make a backup copy - sometimes after the update, applications begin to work incorrectly.

For backup, use Titanium Backup (requires root) or built-in MIUI tools (Settings → Advanced → Backup).