Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, despite its advanced age by the standards of the mobile market, is still capable of performing basic tasks if its software is kept up to date. However, owners of this device often encounter the fact that official updates stop coming automatically, leaving the gadget on old versions of the shell MIUI and system Android. This can cause problems with launching modern applications, reduced data security and the lack of new interface functions.
The firmware update process on this model has its own nuances related to both the processor architecture Snapdragon 636and the support policy of the manufacturer. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to obtain a new version of the software, from standard settings to advanced installation methods through recovery mode. You will learn how to prepare the device, where to look for files and what to do if the system gives an error when loading.
Before you take any action, you need to clearly understand the difference between a security update and a full change of the operating system version. Users often confuse minor patches with global updates, waiting for Android 10 or 11to appear, although official limits may be lower. A competent approach to the procedure will avoid turning your smartphone into a “brick” and will ensure stable operation of the device in the future.
Preparing the device for firmware
Any intervention in system files carries certain risks, so the preparation stage is critical to the success of the entire operation. The first step is to create a complete backup of all important data, since in the event of a failure, information may be irretrievably lost. Backup can be done through a cloud service Mi Cloud or by copying files to your computer manually.
Make sure the charge level battery is at least 60-70%, since the installation process can take from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the method and amount of data. Also check the availability of free space in the internal storage: downloading and unpacking the firmware archive may require 3 to 5 GB of free space. If the memory is full, delete unnecessary applications or transfer media files to the memory card.
☑️ Preparation checklist
A stable Internet connection is another prerequisite, especially if you plan to download the update directly to your phone. The use of mobile traffic is not recommended due to the large volume of files and the risk of interruption of communication in an area of poor coverage. Before starting the procedure, close all running applications and remove the memory card microSDif installed, to avoid recording conflicts.
⚠️ Attention: Removing the memory card before updating is mandatory, as the system may try to write temporary files to external media, which will lead to a verification error.
Automatic update via settings
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the software is to use the built-in system mechanism. This method is suitable for those who only need to obtain the latest available official update released for their region. To start the process, go to the menu Settings → About phone and click on the version icon MIUI.
The system will automatically contact the server and check for new packages. If an update is found, a download button will appear. After downloading the archive, the phone will prompt you to reboot and install the new version. In some cases, you may need to confirm the installation, where the system will warn that all data will be saved, but it is better to play it safe and make a backup in advance.
If the update button is inactive, try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to India or Global, sometimes servers in different zones have different update queues.
It is worth considering that for the model Redmi Note 5 (global version) support for official updates may already be discontinued. In this case, the automatic search will not return results, even if there are more recent firmware versions for other markets. This does not mean that the device cannot be updated, it will just require a manual method of downloading files.
Manual download and installation of firmware
If the automatic search does not produce results, the only option is to manually install the system image. This method requires downloading the firmware file from an official source or a verified third-party resource. The file must have the extension .zip and contain the full name of the model, for example, Redmi Note 5 Pro or Redmi Note 5 Global.
After downloading the file, place it in the root directory of the smartphone’s internal storage without putting it in any folders. Then go to the update menu again (Settings → About phone) and click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu, select Select firmware file and specify the path to the downloaded archive.
| Firmware type | Size file | Installation method | Saving data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery (Stable) | ~2.5 - 3.5 GB | Through the settings menu | Yes (data is saved) |
| Fastboot | ~3.0 - 4.0 GB | Via computer (Mi Flash) | No (full reset) |
| Custom ROM | ~1.5 - 2.5 GB | Via TWRP Recovery | Depends on the method |
The system will begin checking the integrity of the file. If the signature matches your device's hardware configuration, the installation process will begin. The screen will go dark, the logo Mi and a progress bar will appear. Under no circumstances press the control buttons at this moment and do not try to forcefully reboot the phone, even if the process seems frozen.
Where to look for official firmware?
Official files can be found on the miui.com website in the Download section. Another reliable source is the xiaomifirmwareupdater.com project, where all versions for different regions are archived. Always check the model code (for example, whyred for global) before downloading.
Using Recovery mode to reset and update
Sometimes installation through the settings is not possible due to software errors or version conflicts. In such cases, the Recoverymode comes to the rescue, which allows you to install firmware bypassing the main operating system. To enter this mode, turn off the smartphone completely, then simultaneously press the buttons Volume up and Power.
Hold the buttons until the logo appears Mi, then release the power button, but continue to hold volume. You will see a menu with several options in English or Chinese. Using the volume buttons to move and the power button to confirm, select item Wipe Dataif you are planning a clean installation, or proceed directly to the installation if the file is already on the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Item Wipe Data completely deletes all user files, photos and applications. Use it only if you have a recent backup or if the phone is not working correctly.
To install, select Connect with MIAssistant (if installation is from a PC) or use the built-in file manager in custom recovery, if installed. In stock mode Recovery direct installation of a zip archive from the phone is often blocked, so this method is often used to reset the settings before trying to update again through the system menu.
Recovery mode is an emergency tool. If a standard update gives an error, try first doing a full reset (Wipe Data) in this mode, and then start the installation again.
Solving common errors when updating
Owners Redmi Note 5 often encounter the error “Could not check the update” or “The package is damaged.” This usually means that the downloaded firmware file does not match the device's region code or was not downloaded completely. Check that the firmware version is strictly for your region (Global, China, India, Russia); you cannot mix them without unlocking the bootloader.
Another common problem is lack of space. The system may indicate that there is space, but it requires a continuous block of memory to unpack. Try deleting the application cache through the menu Settings → Storage → Cleaning or transfer all heavy files to your computer before starting the procedure. It is also worth disabling device encryption if it was enabled manually in older versions of Android.
Integrity check:1. Compare the MD5 hash of the downloaded file with the original.
2. Make sure the file name does not contain extra characters.
3. Reboot the phone into safe mode before installation.
If the phone goes into a cyclic reboot (bootloop) after an unsuccessful update, you need to return the factory firmware through the mode Fastboot using a computer and utility Mi Flash Tool. This is a more complex method that requires installing drivers ADB and an unlocked bootloader, but it is the only way to revive the device after a critical failure.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. If you do not see a specific item, check the official manual for your specific software version.
Switching to custom firmware as an alternative
Since official support Redmi Note 5 from Xiaomi has been completed, many users are considering installing custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu. This allows you to get more recent versions Android (up to 12 or 13), remove pre-installed junk and speed up the device.
To install third-party software, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official application Mi Unlock on your PC. This procedure will void your warranty (if it is still in effect) and will require you to wait 7 days (168 hours) after linking your account to your device. After unlocking, custom recovery is installed TWRP, through which new system images are installed.
Xiaomi.eu firmware is the best choice for those who want to stay in the MIUI ecosystem, but without Chinese software and optimized for the global market. It is based on the Chinese version, but translated and adapted by enthusiasts.
However, it is worth remembering the risks: banking applications may stop working due to a violation of the integrity of the system (setting up Magisk and hiding root access will be required), and the camera may shoot worse due to the lack of proprietary processing algorithms. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding to take this step, especially if the smartphone is used as the main device for payments and work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Redmi Note 5 to Android 11 officially?
Officially maximum Android version for the global version of Redmi Note 5 is Android 9 (MIUI 11/12). There were further security updates, but Xiaomi stopped changing the major version of Android. To get Android 11 and higher, you need to install custom firmware.
What to do if the phone says “Not enough memory” when there are 10 GB free?
The update system requires a continuous fragment of memory to unpack temporary files. Try deleting several large applications or video files to free up another 2-3 GB, and then clear the cache through the storage settings.
Is it safe to update through third-party sites?
You can download firmware from trusted resources (as mentioned above), but always check the hash of the file. Installing modified firmware from unknown authors carries the risk of introducing malware or getting a non-working system.
Will my photos and contacts be erased when updating?
When updating through the settings menu (OTA or manually selecting a file), user data is saved. Data is deleted only when you select "Clear data" in Recovery mode or when using the Fastboot method with the erase command.
Why did the phone become slower after the update?
After a major update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. This can take from several hours to a couple of days. Let the phone sit on charge with the screen off, and performance will be restored.