Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred) remains a popular smartphone even years after its release. Its performance, reliability and the ability to install alternative firmware attract users who want to expand the functionality of the device. However, the firmware process is not just a matter of pressing a couple of buttons. Errors here can lead to "briku" (complete inoperability) of the phone, loss of data or problems with sensors.

In this article we will analyze all the current firmware methods Redmi Note 5: from official updates via MIUI before installing custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. We will pay special attention to preparing the device, unlocking the bootloader and solving common errors. If you are a beginner, don't skip the sections on backup and checking firmware compatibility!

1. Preparing for firmware: what needs to be done before starting

Flashing without preparation is like repairing a roof in the rain: the result is predictable. The first thing to do is save all important data. Even if you plan to update over the air (OTA), failures do happen. Use Mi Mover (built in MIUI application) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Second - check bootloader version And firmware region. U Redmi Note 5 there are global (Global), Chinese (China) and Indian (India) versions. Installing firmware that is not for your region may lead to problems with 4G, Wi-Fi or sensors. You can find out the current version in Settings → About phone → MIUI version.

  • 📱 Backup: contacts, SMS, photos, applications (and their data).
  • 🔋 Battery charge: no less than 60%. When discharged during flashing, the risk of a “brick” increases.
  • 🔌 USB cable: Use original or certified Type-C cable Cheap analogues can interrupt data transfer.
  • 💻 Computer: for custom firmware you will need Windows (or Linux with ADB) and drivers Xiaomi.
⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi Note 5 purchased in China, there is a high probability that the bootloader is locked at the hardware level. In this case, unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool may take up to 30 days waiting (according to policy Xiaomi).

2. Official firmware: update via MIUI

The safest way to update Redmi Note 5 - use built-in tools MIUI. This method is suitable for users who do not want to risk the warranty or stability of the device. Over-the-air updates (OTA) come automatically, but they can also be launched manually.

To check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select update package (if you downloaded the firmware in advance).
  3. If an update is available, click Download and wait for completion.
  4. After downloading, the system will prompt you to reboot for installation.

If the update does not arrive, your device may be in region with slow spread (for example, Russia). In this case, you can download the full firmware package from the official website MIUI Downloads and install it manually via System update.

Firmware type Installation method Benefits Disadvantages
OTA (by air) Automatically or via Settings Safe, no PC required, saves data Varies by region, slow spread
Fastboot Via Mi Flash Tool on PC Full re-flashing, fixes bugs Requires bootloader unlocking, erases data
Recovery Via TWRP or stock Recovery Quickly, you can choose what to save Risk of errors due to firmware incompatibility
📊 Which firmware method do you prefer?
  • Official OTA update
  • Manual installation via Recovery
  • Firmware via Fastboot
  • Custom firmware (LineageOS, etc.)

3. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

To install custom firmware or manually update via Fastboot you need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi has made this process more difficult in recent years, but it is still possible. Important: unlocking resets the device to factory settings and may void the warranty.

Steps to unlock:

  1. Link your account Mi to device: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Without this Mi Unlock Tool won't work.
  2. Enable USB Debugging: in Settings → About phone tap 7 times on MIUI version, then return to Settings → Advanced → For Developers and activate USB Debugging.
  3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website Xiaomi and install on PC.
  4. Connect your phone to PC in mode Fastboot (turn off the device, then hold down Power + Volume Down).
  5. Run Mi Unlock Tool, login to the same account Mi and follow the instructions. You may have to wait from 72 to 720 hours (depends on policy Xiaomi).
⚠️ Attention: After unlocking the bootloader Redmi Note 5 may start showing a warning when turned on about unofficial software. This is normal, but some banking apps (eg. Sberbank Online) can block operation on unlocked devices.

☑️ Preparing to unlock the bootloader

Done: 0 / 5

4. Installing custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others

Custom firmware opens up new possibilities: clean Android no ads MIUI, more recent OS versions and improved performance. Popular options for Redmi Note 5:

  • 📱 LineageOS: stable firmware with a minimalistic interface.
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience: pure emulation Android from Google Pixel.
  • ⚡ Havoc-OS: Flexible configuration with many functions.
  • 🔒 crDroid: Balance between performance and customization.

To install custom firmware you will need:

  1. Unlocked bootloader (see previous section).
  2. Installed custom Recovery (For example, TWRP).
  3. Downloaded firmware (check compatibility with codename whyred).
  4. Gapps (services Google, if they are not included in the firmware).

Installation instructions via TWRP:

1. Перезагрузите телефон в режим Recovery (зажмите Power + Volume Up).

2. В TWRP выберите Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Отметьте Dalvik, Cache, System, Data → Swipe to Wipe.


3. Вернитесь в главное меню, выберите Install → найдите скачанную прошивку (.zip) → Swipe to Confirm Flash.


4. Повторите шаг 3 для Gapps (если нужно).


5. Перезагрузите устройство (первый запуск может занять 10-15 минут).

What to do if the firmware does not start?

If after installing custom firmware the phone is stuck on the logo or reboots:

1. Return to TWRP and check the error logs (Advanced → Copy Log).

2. Try a different firmware or kernel version.

3. Make sure that you downloaded the firmware specifically for whyred (and not for Redmi Note 5 Pro or other models).

4. If the problem is with Gapps, try a version without them or with a different package (for example, OpenGapps nano instead of pico).

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Error Reason Solution
Error 7 in TWRP Firmware incompatibility with device Check the codename (whyred) and firmware version
Stuck on logo MI Damaged boot or system Reflash via Fastboot or restore the backup in TWRP
Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the device No drivers or incorrect connection mode Install drivers Xiaomi, check Fastboot mode
Loss of network after flashing Incompatible firmware by region Install firmware for your region or patch modem

If after the firmware they stopped working fingerprint sensor or cameraMost likely the problem is a version mismatch vendor And firmware. Solution:

  • Download the full firmware package for your model from the official website.
  • Extract the files vendor.img And firmware.
  • Sew them through Fastboot: 
    fastboot flash vendor vendor.img

    fastboot flash firmware firmware.img

💡

If after flashing the phone the phone gets very hot or discharges quickly, reset the settings to factory settings via Recovery. This is often due to conflicts of remaining data from the old firmware.

6. Rollback to official firmware: how to return MIUI

If the custom firmware does not live up to expectations or critical errors occur, you can return the official one MIUI. For this you will need:

  • 🔄 Stock firmware in the format Fastboot (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
  • 💻 Program Mi Flash Tool (only for Windows).
  • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C and an unlocked bootloader.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
  2. Run Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
  3. Connect your phone in Fastboot (press Power + Volume Down).
  4. B Mi Flash Tool select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader back).
  5. Click Flash and wait for completion (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: If you choose Clean all and lock, the bootloader will be locked, and you will have to wait to unlock it again 30 days. This option is only suitable if you are finally returning to stock firmware.
💡

You can return to the official MIUI at any time, but remember: this will reset all data and may lock the bootloader. Always make a backup before rolling back!

7. Optimization after flashing: how to improve performance

After installing new firmware (especially custom), the device may become unstable. Here are some tips for optimization:

  • ⚡ Disable animation: in Settings → For Developers install Animation scale on 0.5x or turn it off completely.
  • 🗑️ Clear cache: in TWRP select Wipe → Cache (don't touch Data, if you don't want to lose applications).
  • 🔋 Battery calibration: Discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption (helps with incorrect charge display).
  • 🛠️ Kernel and CPU settings: can be used for custom firmware Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel for fine tuning.

If you have installed Pixel Experience or LineageOS, check the settings SELinux. Ideally it should be in mode Enforcing (provides security). If the firmware is unstable, try switching to Permissive (but this reduces protection):

adb shell setenforce 0

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Redmi Note 5 firmware

Is it possible to flash Redmi Note 5 without unlocking the bootloader?

No, for installing custom firmware or manually updating via Fastboot unlocking is required. However, official updates via OTA or Recovery (if the firmware is signed Xiaomi) can be installed without unlocking.

Why doesn't the mobile network work after updating the firmware?

This is a typical problem when installing firmware not for your region. Solutions:

  1. Install the firmware with the correct region (Global, EEA, India).
  2. Manually enter the settings APN for your operator.
  3. Flash the files separately modem And vendor from stock firmware.
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume Up. If you see the inscription "Unlocked" with the lock open - the bootloader is unlocked. If the lock is closed, it is locked.

Is it possible to flash Redmi Note 5 with Android 12 or later?

Officially Xiaomi does not release updates above Android 10 for this model. However, there are custom firmware based on Android 11/12 (For example, LineageOS 19 or crDroid). The stability of such firmware may vary.

What should I do if my phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware?

If your device does not respond to the power button:

  1. Connect to charger for 30 minutes - the battery may be dead.
  2. Try going to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down) or Recovery (Power + Volume Up).
  3. If there is no reaction, it may have occurred "hard brick". In this case, only flashing via EDL (emergency mode) using box Qualcomm or service center services.