Smartphone Redmi 5 Plus, released by the company Xiaomi at the end of 2017, was originally supplied with an operating system Android 7.1.2 Nougat. The manufacturer's official support for the device has ended with the version MIUI 11 based on Android 9, which leaves many users with the fact that it is impossible to get a fresh version Android 10 by standard methods. However, the technical potential of the processor Snapdragon 625 and a sufficient amount of RAM allow this device to work comfortably on newer versions of the OS.
For enthusiasts who want to breathe new life into their gadget, there is only one way - installing custom firmware (Custom ROM). This process requires the user to have certain technical literacy, attentiveness and preparedness for possible risks. Unlike a standard over-the-air update, manual flashing affects system memory partitions and requires first unlocking the bootloader.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of switching to Android 10. We'll discuss choosing the right assembly, preparing tools, and step-by-step installation instructions. It is important to understand that you perform any manipulations with the software at your own peril and risk, so creating a backup copy of the data is a prerequisite before starting work.
Selecting suitable custom firmware
The first and most important step is to find a stable version of the software. For the model Redmi 5 Plus (code name vince), the developer community has created many assemblies based on LineageOS, Pixel Experience and Xiaomi.eu. Not all of them are equally useful: some may contain critical errors in the operation of the camera or communication module.
It is recommended to select firmware marked Stable or Official. Such versions undergo thorough testing and are free from most of the bugs inherent in nightly builds (Nightly builds). Often, developers publish lists of changes (Changelog), where they indicate which functions work correctly and which have limitations.
⚠️ Attention: Never download firmware from dubious forums or file hosting services without reviews. Use only trusted sources, such as the official forum XDA Developers or specialized telegram channels of the community vince.
Pay attention to the type of firmware. There are options with pre-installed services Google (GApps) and without them (Vanilla). If you plan to use a store Play Market, you need a package with integrated services. Otherwise, the installation GApps will have to be done separately immediately after flashing.
Before downloading the firmware, check the date of its last update. If the file has not been updated for more than a year, there is a high probability of unpatched security vulnerabilities.
Preparing the device and unlocking the bootloader
The standard installation procedure is impossible without an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader). The company Xiaomi intentionally blocks this feature to protect users, so official permission is required. The process may take from several days to a week due to the mandatory waiting period.
First, you need to link your account Mi Account to the device in the settings menu. After this, the utility is downloaded Mi Unlock Tool to the computer. The smartphone is switched to Fastboot by holding down the volume down and power keys, then connects to the PC via the original cable.
- 📱 Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
- 💾 Make a complete backup of all personal data, since unlocking bootloader will result in complete deletion of information.
- 🔌 Use a quality USB cable and a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on the motherboard, avoiding the front panels of the case.
After successful unlocking, an open lock icon will appear on the boot screen. This is a signal that the security system is weakened and is ready to install a third-party recovery. At this stage, it is also recommended to enable USB debugging in the menu For developers.
☑️ Ready to unlock
Installing custom TWRP recovery
The standard recovery menu does not allow installing files that are not signed with the manufacturer's digital key firmware For these purposes, a modified open source recovery environment is used. It provides access to the file system and the ability to create full backups of partitions. TWRP Recovery is a modified open source recovery environment. It provides access to the file system and the ability to create full backups of partitions.
The installation process is carried out through the computer using the command fastboot. The recovery image file (.img) must match exactly your model. An attempt to flash a version from another device, for example from a regular one Redmi 5, may lead to the device being “bricked.”
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-vince.imgImmediately after flashing the firmware, you need to boot into the recovery itself, not allowing the system to start in the standard way. To do this, hold down the combination of the power and volume up keys. If the standard one is loaded, it will overwrite the custom recovery with its stock version, and the procedure will have to be repeated. MIUI, it will overwrite the custom recovery with its stock version, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
⚠️ Attention: When you first start TWRP the system may ask for a screen unlock password. Enter it or swipe to confirm. If the password does not work, you may need to format the data partition.
What to do if TWRP does not see the internal memory?
Sometimes after the first installation the file system remains encrypted. In this case, in the TWRP menu you need to select Wipe → Format Data, enter the word “yes” and confirm the action. This will delete all data, but will decrypt the memory.
The process of installing Android 10 firmware
When all the preparatory steps are completed, you can proceed to the actual installation of the new operating system. The firmware file (.zip) and, if necessary, the package GApps must be copied to the internal memory of the smartphone or to a microSD card.
In the menu TWRP the first step is to clear the data (Wipe). You need to select sections Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Cache and Data. The partition Internal Storage does not need to be cleared if the installer files are there. This action is called a “clean installation” and ensures that there are no conflicts between old and new system files.
| Section | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
System |
Cleaning (Swipe) | Removing old OS |
Data |
Cleaning (Swipe) | Resetting user settings |
Cache |
Cleaning (Swipe) | Deleting temporary files |
Dalvik |
Cleaning (Swipe) | Resetting the application cache |
After cleaning, go to the menu Install, select the archive with the firmware Android 10 and swipe the slider to confirm. The process will take a few minutes. If you are using firmware without GApps, immediately after that, without rebooting the system, install the archive with Google services.
The installation order is critical: first Firmware, then GApps, and only after that - Reboot. Violation of the sequence can lead to a cyclic reboot.
Initial setup and optimization
The first startup after installing a new operating system usually lasts longer than usual. This is due to application optimization and cache creation Dalvik. Do not panic if the smartphone hangs on the logo for 5-10 minutes - this is normal behavior for Android after a clean installation.
After loading the desktop, it is recommended to immediately check the operation of the main modules: camera, microphone, speakers and touch screen. On custom firmware, drivers may work differently than on stock firmware. For example, portrait mode may require the installation of an additional module MIUI. For example, portrait mode may require the installation of an additional module Google Camera for correct operation.
To extend battery life, you should go to the battery settings and limit the background activity of unnecessary applications. The processor Snapdragon 625 is energy efficient, but new versions Android may be more resource-demanding. Disabling unnecessary animation in the menu For developers will also make the interface more responsive.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite careful preparation, users may encounter various errors. The most common problem is “bootlap” (cyclic reboot). If the smartphone constantly reboots and cannot boot the system, you need to return to the Recovery mode and repeat the procedure for cleaning partitions Data and System.
Another common complaint is a non-working VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling. These functions are highly dependent on the version of the base firmware (firmware). Sometimes it is necessary to first update the basic software to the latest available version MIUI 11 before installing a custom assembly, so that the modem works correctly.
⚠️ Attention: If after installing the firmware the fingerprint does not work, you may have installed a version that is not compatible with your sensor. Try downloading another assembly or restoring the stock firmware via Mi Flash Tool.
In case of serious errors, when the device does not respond to buttons, the EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode will help. To enter it, you usually need to disassemble the smartphone and short-circuit certain contacts on the board, or use special authorized accounts for flashing firmware via a computer.
How to enter EDL mode without disassembling?
On some versions of the bootloader, you can enter the command `adb reboot edl` if USB debugging was enabled before problems arose. Otherwise, you will need a combination of buttons or short circuiting test points.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the warranty expire after installing Android 10?
Since the model Redmi 5 Plus has been out of production for a long time, the official warranty for it expired several years ago. However, unlocking the bootloader and installing third-party software technically voids the right to warranty service if it were still valid.
Will banking applications work on custom firmware?
By default, banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and Google Pay may not launch due to a violation of system integrity. To solve the problem, you need to install the module Magisk and activate the functions of hiding root access and replacing security certification (SafetyNet Fix).
Is it possible to return to the official MIUI firmware?
Yes, this is possible. To do this, you need to unlock the bootloader again (if it was locked back) and use app Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool to install the stock image in the mode Clean All. This will completely restore the phone to its factory state.
Will the phone run faster on Android 10?
Subjectively, the interface may become smoother thanks to modern animation algorithms. However, “pure” Android is less optimized for. hardware Xiaomithan the native one MIUI, so the battery life may be slightly reduced.
Do you need to update the firmware regularly?
Custom firmware is updated less frequently than official ones. It is recommended to monitor the developer's releases. the version works stably and you are satisfied with the functionality, urgent installation of new updates is not required, except in cases of closing critical security vulnerabilities.