Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred) remains one of the most popular smartphones for experimenting with firmware even years after release. On the forum 4PDA hundreds of themes have been collected with branded and custom MIUI builds, ported GSI images and instructions for unlocking the bootloader. However, not all manuals are up to date, and errors during firmware can turn the device into a “brick.” In this article we will analyze safe ways to update software, nuances of working with Fastboot And TWRP, and we will also dwell in detail on choosing stable firmware from trusted sources.

Feature Redmi Note 5 - support for both official updates via OTA, and a wide selection of custom firmware: from “pure” Android (For example, LineageOS) to optimized assemblies MIUI with the ad block removed. But before any manipulations with the software, you need to understand the key points: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi officially requires linking your Mi account and waiting 7–15 days, and an incorrectly selected firmware version can lead to problems with the module NFC or camera. Below is a detailed analysis of each stage, from preparation to installation.

Official firmware for Redmi Note 5: where to download and how to update

Official builds MIUI for Redmi Note 5 are divided into three types: Stable (stable), Weekly (weekly) and Developer (for developers). Stable versions are recommended for everyday use, as they undergo long-term testing. Weekly and development builds contain new features, but may have critical bugs - for example, rapid battery drain or problems with Wi-Fi.

You can download official firmware from three sources:

  • 🔹 Xiaomi official website — miuidownload.com (select region Global or EEA for Europe).
  • 🔹 Forum w3bsit3-dns.com — topic “[Collection] Firmware for Redmi Note 5» (links to current versions and patches).
  • 🔹 Telegram channels - for example, MIUI Updates Tracker, where they publish links to the latest builds.

To update via OTA (by air) go to Settings → About phone → System update. If the update does not arrive, check:

  • 📶 Stable connection to Wi-Fi (updates weigh 1.5–2.5 GB).
  • 🔋 Battery charge is at least 50% (forced shutdown during the update will lead to failures).
  • 🔄 No root rights or custom recovery (they block OTA).
⚠️ Attention: If after updating via OTA the smartphone is stuck on the logo Mi, reset via Fastboot team 
fastboot erase userdata
(data will be deleted!). This is a common problem when upgrading from an older version. MIUI to a new one.
📊 Which firmware do you prefer for Redmi Note 5?
  • Official MIUI Stable
  • Official MIUI Weekly
  • Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
  • Another

Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions without errors

Without an unlocked bootloader it is impossible to install a custom recovery (TWRP) or alternative software. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires account linking Mi and expectations. Here is the current algorithm for Redmi Note 5:

  1. Link your device to your account Mi in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.

  2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → About phone → MIUI version (click on version 7 times, then return to Additional settings → For developers).

  3. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24).

  4. Connect your phone in Fastboot (turn off, then hold down Volume Down + Power) and run the utility.

  5. Login to the same account Mi, as on your phone, and start the process. If the message “Wait 168 hours” appears, wait 7 days (the period may be reduced to 360 hours with repeated attempts).

After unlocking, the bootloader will remain open, but a warning will appear every time you turn it on. Orange State. This is normal and does not affect the operation of the device. However, remember:

  • 🔐 Unlocking resets the phone to factory settings.
  • 📱 Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can block operation on devices with an unlocked bootloader.
  • 🔄 Xiaomi can return the bootloader lock during an official service repair.
💡

If Mi Unlock Tool does not see the device, try installing drivers manually via Android SDK Platform-Tools or use a USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 sometimes causes problems).

Installing TWRP and custom firmware: version selection and nuances

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to install unofficial firmware, make backups and restore the system. For Redmi Note 5 There are two current versions:

  • 🔧 Official TWRP from twrp.me (supports encryption FBE).
  • 🔧 Unofficial builds from w3bsit3-dns.com (for example, from a user yrs with corrections for MIUI 12+).

Installation instructions:

  1. Download the image twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img (or newer) and place it in the folder with Fastboot.

  2. Connect your phone in Fastboot and run the command:

    fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img

  3. Immediately after installation, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power (otherwise the system will overwrite the recovery).

  4. B TWRP make a backup of the partitions Boot, System And Data (to a memory card or PC).

To install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 18.1 or Pixel Experience):

  1. Download the firmware (format .zip) and GApps (if Google services are needed).

  2. B TWRP execute Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.

  3. Install the firmware, then GApps, and reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi Note 5 with firmware based on Android 10+ the module may not work NFC due to lack of drivers. Before installation, check the reviews in the firmware thread on 4PDA!

Bootloader unlocked|Backup made in TWRP|Firmware and GApps downloaded|Battery charge > 70%|Signature verification disabled in TWRP (if required)

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Comparison of popular firmware for Redmi Note 5: pros and cons

The choice of firmware depends on the goals: maximum performance, long battery life or “pure” Android without shell MIUI. Below is a comparison of the most popular options:

Firmware Android version Pros Cons Link (4PDA)
MIUI 14 Stable Android 12 Maximum stability, support for all functions (NFC, IR blaster) Advertising in system applications, heavy shell Subject
LineageOS 18.1 Android 11 Pure Android, regular security updates No camera 48 MP (only works 12 MP), problems with VoLTE Subject
Pixel Experience Android 13 Interface as shown Google Pixel, optimized performance Bugs with Bluetooth in some builds Subject
DerpFest Android 13 Lots of customizations, support MicroG High battery consumption, unstable operation GPS Subject

For most users, the optimal choice remains MIUI 14 Stable with those deleted via TWRP system applications (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Video). If you need "pure" Android, pay attention to LineageOS, but be prepared for loss of functionality.

How to remove ads in MIUI without root?

B TWRP install the zip file «MIUI Debloater» — it removes advertising modules without disrupting the system. Alternative: Turn off personalized ads in Settings → Privacy → Advertising (doesn't help 100%, but reduces the number of banners).

Typical errors when flashing firmware and how to avoid them

Even experienced users encounter problems with the firmware Redmi Note 5. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

1. Error "Anti-Rollback" (Anti 3/4)

Appears when trying to install an old version MIUI on top of the new one. Xiaomi blocks firmware rollback to protect against exploits. Solution:

  • 🔄 Use only firmware with Anti-Rollback 4 (check in the file name).
  • 🔧 If the error has already occurred, flash anti_4.fastboot through MiFlash (instructions in the topic 4PDA).

2. Stuck on the logo Mi after flashing

Reasons: incompatible firmware version, damaged files or missing vendor-section. Actions:

  • 🔌 Reflash the device via Fastboot with full formatting (fastboot erase userdata).
  • 📥 Check the checksums (MD5) downloaded firmware.

3. The sensor does not work after installing custom firmware

A common problem when using GSI images. Solution:

  • 🖥️ Install firmware with support treble (For example, Phh-Treble).
  • 🔄 Return to MIUI and check the operation of the sensor - if the problem persists, the hardware module is faulty.
⚠️ Attention: If after the firmware the phone is no longer detected by the computer in Fastboot, check the cable and USB port. Often the problem is a damaged cord, not a smartphone!

How to return official firmware after custom one

If the custom firmware is unstable or requires warranty repair, return the official one MIUI. To do this:

  1. Download Fastboot firmware for your region (for example, whyred_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TEIMIXM_20230310.0000.00_12.0_global).

  2. Unpack the archive and place the folder in the root of the disk C:\.

  3. Install MiFlash Tool and connect the phone in mode Fastboot.

  4. B MiFlash select the folder with the firmware, click Refresh, then Flash. Option Clean All will delete all data!

After successful firmware:

  • 🔒 The bootloader will remain unlocked (to lock, you need the official Xiaomi service).
  • 📱 The first download may take 10-15 minutes - do not interrupt the process.
  • 🔄 If there is no network after flashing, check the settings APN in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
💡

Use only official Fastboot firmware from the Xiaomi website or verified 4PDA themes. Builds from third-party developers may contain modified bootloaders that lead to a brick.

Optimization of Redmi Note 5 after firmware

Even after successful installation of the firmware, the device may not work perfectly. Some tips to improve performance and battery life:

1. Battery setting

  • 🔋 Disable Adaptive brightness and set it to a fixed value (eg 40%).
  • ⚡ Turn on Battery mode in Settings → Battery → Modes (select "Balanced")
  • 📵 Limit background app activity via Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.

2. System acceleration

  • 🚀 Turn it on GPU rendering in Settings → Developer → Debugging → Force GPU.
  • 🗑️ Clear your cache once a week after Settings → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 🔄 If you use MIUI, disable animations: Settings → For Developers → Animation Scale (select 0.5x).

3. Bug fixes

  • 📶 If you're missing 4G, check the settings APN or flash the modem via TWRP (files modem.img available in 4PDA topics).
  • 🎧 To fix problems with sound in headphones, install ViPER4Android (required Magisk).

For custom firmware based on Android 12+ it is recommended to install the kernel FrancoKernel or Perseus — they improve processor frequency control and reduce heating.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Redmi Note 5 firmware

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

No, installing custom firmware or TWRP Requires an unlocked bootloader. However, you can update the official MIUI through OTA or Fastboot without unlocking if the firmware is signed by Xiaomi.

❓ Why does the camera not work after the firmware?

In custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) proprietary camera drivers are often missing 48 MP. Solutions:

  • Install Google Camera with settings for Redmi Note 5 (topic on 4PDA: link).
  • Use a modified kernel with camera support (for example, Perseus).
❓ How to check the Anti-Rollback version?

Turn on Fastboot and run the command:

fastboot getvar anti

The answer will be in the format anti: 3 or anti: 4. Flash only compatible versions!

❓ Is it possible to flash Redmi Note 5 via SD card?

Yes, if you have it installed TWRP. Place the firmware (.zip) to the memory card, boot into recovery and select Install → Select Storage → Micro SD → [firmware file].

❓ What to do if the phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware?

Most likely, an error occurred while writing the partition boot or system. Try:

  1. Load into Fastboot and flash the official firmware via MiFlash.
  2. If the device is not detected, check your drivers or try a different USB cable.
  3. As a last resort, contact the service center (indicate that the firmware was official).