How to update Redmi 5 to Android 9: complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 5 became a real bestseller due to the excellent balance of price and quality, but official support for this model ended quite early. Users expected to receive more recent versions Android, but the factory firmware stopped at Android 8.1 Oreo. This creates certain limitations when using modern applications and interface functions.

However, the technical potential of the device allows you to install a newer operating system manually. The update process to Android 9 Pie is possible thanks to the active developer community and the availability of custom firmware. You will need to perform a number of specific actions that go beyond the standard settings menu.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from preparing tools to the final installation of the system. It is important to understand that any manipulation of the system software carries risks, so follow the instructions as carefully as possible.

Compatibility analysis and firmware selection

Before starting any actions, you must clearly determine the model of your device. There are various modifications in the Redmi 5 line, and the firmware from one version may not fit another or even damage the device. Check the exact model name in the section Settings → About phone.

To update to Android 9 you will need to find a suitable custom firmware (Custom ROM). The most stable options for this model are considered to be assemblies based on LineageOS or Xiaomi.eu, adapted by enthusiasts. Xiaomi has not officially released a global update to Pie for this Snapdragon 450 chipset.

⚠️ Attention: Installing the wrong firmware can lead to a bricked device. Make sure that the downloaded file is intended specifically for the code name of your smartphone (for example, rosy for Redmi 5).

It is best to search for current software versions on specialized forums such as 4PDA or XDA Developers. There, developers publish not only files, but also lists of known errors (bugs) for each specific build.

Preparing tools and backup

The flashing process requires certain software on your computer. You will need drivers ADB and Fastbootthat allow the PC to interact with the smartphone in service modes. Without these tools, unlocking the bootloader will be impossible.

You also need to download the Recovery image, for example TWRP. This is a special recovery menu that will allow you to install a new system partition. The firmware file must be saved in the phone's internal memory or on an SD card, access to which will not be lost after resetting the data.

The most critical step is creating a backup copy. Unlocking the bootloader will permanently delete all data on your device. Save contacts, photos and documents to cloud storage or external media.

• 📱 Install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer.
• 💾 Download the firmware file (ZIP archive) and TWRP image (IMG file).
• ☁️ Create a full backup a copy of important data in the cloud.
• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 70-80% before starting work.

Unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi factory protection does not allow install third-party software without first unlocking the bootloader. This is a mandatory procedure that requires linking your account Mi Account to the device. The process is not instantaneous and can take from several days to a week.

First, activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the item MIUI Version seven times in a row. After this, a new section “For Developers” will appear in the menu.

Inside this section, you must enable the items "Factory Unlock" and "USB Debugging". Then you will need to log into your Mi account directly in the phone settings and wait for permission from the Xiaomi servers.

fastboot oem unlock

After receiving permission, download the utility Mi Unlock Tool to your computer. Start your smartphone in Fastboot mode by holding down the Power and Volume Down buttons and connect it to the PC. The app will check the account status and, if the wait has passed, will unlock the device.

What to do if the utility writes "Wait 72 hours"?

If the timer shows a wait, do not try to bypass it with repeated attempts - this will reset the countdown. Just wait the specified time with the Internet on on your smartphone, logging into the same account.

Installing custom Recovery TWRP

After successful unlocking, the standard recovery menu is replaced with a custom one. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) provides advanced capabilities for managing memory partitions and installing unsigned ones by the system packages.

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to the computer. Open the command line in the ADB tools folder and enter the command to flash the image:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-rosy.img

It is important not to automatically boot into the system immediately after this command, since stock Android may replace TWRP back to stock recovery. Immediately after executing the command, hold down the combination of buttons Volume Up + Power until the logo appears.

In the TWRP menu, first of all, make a backup of the current system (Nandroid Backup). This will create a complete snapshot of all partitions, which will allow you to return the phone to its original state in case of failure with the new firmware.

Action	Buttons / Command	Result
Entering Fastboot	Volume Down + Power	Firmware mode
Entering TWRP	Volume Up + Power	Recovery menu
Firmware Recovery	fastboot flash recovery	Write image
Reboot	Reboot button	Exit mode

The installation process of Android 9 Pie

Now we move on to the most important thing - installing a new operating system. In the TWRP menu, select Wipe (Cleanup) and format the Dalvik, Cache, System and Data partitions. This is necessary for a clean installation without conflicts with old files.

Return to the main menu and press the button Install. Find the previously saved ZIP archive with Android 9 firmware. Select it and confirm installation by swiping the slider. The process can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the memory.

Often, along with the firmware, you need to install the package GApps (Google Apps), if it is not built into the developer image. Without this package, you will not have Play Market and Google services. Download the version for Android 9 and ARM64 architecture, install it immediately after flashing the system without rebooting the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Do not reboot the device between installing the firmware and installing GApps. This may lead to a verification error and a cyclic reboot.

After completing all installations, select item Reboot → System. The first launch of a new system will be long, sometimes up to 10 minutes. This is normal, as applications are optimized and new system files are created.

Configuring and optimizing a new system

After the first boot you will see the interface Android 9 Pie. It will differ from the usual MIUI shell. You will have to re-set up Wi-Fi, add a Google account and restore data from a backup.

Pay attention to the navigation gestures that appeared in this version of Android. They allow you to control your smartphone without on-screen buttons, using swipes from the edges of the screen. This makes use Redmi 5 more modern and ergonomic.

To increase autonomy, it is recommended to disable unnecessary services and set up an energy saving mode. Custom firmware often has more flexible settings for controlling the processor frequency, which is useful for older hardware.

If you notice rapid battery drain in the first days, give the system time to index files. Usually, after 2-3 days of operation, energy consumption statistics stabilize.

Possible problems and their solutions

Despite careful preparation, failures may occur. The most common problem is “bootlap” (cyclic reboot). If the phone constantly reboots at the logo, try going into TWRP again and clearing the partitions Data and Cache.

Sometimes the camera or Bluetooth may not work due to driver incompatibility in a particular build. In this case, you should try a different version of the firmware or wait for a fix from the developer.

In case of serious errors when the phone does not turn on at all, you will need to return to the stock firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode). This is a complex process that requires an authorized Mi account or a special box.

⚠️ Attention: Details of recovery modes and available firmware versions may change by developers. Always check the latest messages in the topic of the selected firmware before installation.

How to enter EDL mode?

This is usually done by connecting the switched off phone to the PC with both volume buttons pressed, or by disassembling the case and shorting the test points to board.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will unlocking the bootloader void the warranty?

Yes, in most cases, unlocking the bootloader will void the official manufacturer's warranty. In addition, some banking applications may stop working due to a security breach.

Is it possible to return to the official MIUI after Android 9?

Yes, it is possible. You will need to download the official stock firmware for Redmi 5, rename it to update.zip and install via TWRP, having previously completed a complete data wipe.

Why does the OTA update not arrive on custom firmware?

Custom firmwares do not have access to official update servers Xiaomi. The update is done manually: you need to download the new firmware version and install it via Recovery in the same way as the original one.

Is it safe to use banking applications on custom firmware?

Not always. Many banks block entry when they detect an unlocked bootloader or_root_ rights. There are methods to hide these facts (for example, through Magisk Hide), but this does not give a 100% guarantee.

Will Android 9 speed up the old Redmi 5?

Not necessarily. New versions of Android require more resources. On a Snapdragon 450 processor, the interface may work a little slower than on the optimized old MIUI, although a clean system without unnecessary software can give an increase in responsiveness.