Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred) remains a popular smartphone even years after its release. Its owners are often faced with the need to reflash the device - be it updating to the latest version MIUI, installing custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, or recovery after a failure. However, the process of flashing this device has nuances: from the mandatory unlocking of the bootloader to the risk of “bricking” in case of errors.

In this article you will find step by step instructions for all firmware methods - via Fastboot, Recovery and even with the help Xiaomi Flash Tool. We'll look at how to choose the right firmware version for Redmi Note 5 (including global, Chinese and EEA), what tools you will need, and how to avoid common mistakes like anti-rollback or problems with EDL. Special attention is paid to unlocking the bootloader - without it, most methods simply will not work.

1. Preparing for firmware: what you need to know before you start

Firmware Redmi Note 5 - The process is not complicated, but it requires preparation. The first thing you need to understand: any firmware resets data. Even if you update via Recovery Without formatting, the risk of losing photos, contacts or messages remains. Therefore it is imperative:

  • 📱 Backup via Mi Cloud or locally (setting Settings → Advanced → Backup).
  • 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 60% — if discharged during firmware, the device may turn into a “brick”.
  • 💻 Prepare your PC with Windows 7/10/11 (for Mac/Linux additional drivers will be required).
  • 🔌 Use the original USB cable - cheap analogues often cause connection errors.

Second: decide on the type of firmware. For Redmi Note 5 available:

  • 📦 Official (MIUI Stable/Beta) - stable, but with Xiaomi limitations.
  • 🛠️ Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS) - more features, but bugs are possible.
  • 🔄 Port (firmware from other models, for example, from Redmi Note 5 Pro) - risky, but sometimes justified.

Third: check the current firmware version and bootloader status. To do this:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line Coreto activate Developer Mode.
  2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For Developers and turn it on USB Debugging And OEM unlocking.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and enter in the command line: 
    adb devices

    If the device is detected, then enter:

    fastboot oem device-info

    In the response, look for the line Device unlocked: true/false.

📊 What type of firmware are you planning to install?
  • Official MIUI
  • Custom (LineageOS/Pixel Experience)
  • Port (from another model)
  • I haven't decided yet

2. Unlocking the bootloader: you can’t do without it

Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all of its devices, including Redmi Note 5. This means that without an official unlock, you will not be able to flash your phone via Fastboot or install custom Recovery. The unlocking process takes from 3 to 30 days (depending on account Mi) and requires:

  • 📱 Account linked to phone Mi (required with a verified phone number!).
  • 💻 Utility Mi Unlock Tool (you can download here).
  • 🔌 USB cable and PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool. Run the utility as administrator.
  2. Log in to your account Mi (must match the account on the phone!).
  3. Turn off Redmi Note 5, then press Volume Down + Powerto enter Fastboot.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC. B Mi Unlock Tool click Unlock.
  5. If your account is new, you will see a message about waiting (usually 168 hours). If the account is old (with a previously linked device), the unlocking will take place immediately.

Important: after unlocking the bootloader, the phone will perform a full reset (wipe). All data will be deleted!

What to do if Mi Unlock Tool does not see the device?

1. Check if the ADB/Fastboot drivers are installed (can be downloaded via Mi Flash Tool).

2. Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

3. Disable your antivirus - it may block the utility.

4. Reinstall Mi Unlock Tool in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty. In addition, some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) may stop working due to a SafetyNet trigger.

3. Firmware selection: official vs custom

Not only the functionality, but also the stability of operation depends on the type of firmware. Redmi Note 5. Let's look at the main options:

Firmware type Pros Cons Where to download
Official MIUI Stable Maximum stability, support for OTA updates, all camera functions work. Lots of bloatware (pre-installed applications), Xiaomi limitations. Official website
Official MIUI Beta New features before anyone else, frequent updates. Possible bugs and unstable operation. Xiaomi.eu
Custom (LineageOS) Pure Android, no bloatware, long-term support. Some functions (such as IR blaster) may not work. XDA Developers
Custom (Pixel Experience) Interface like Google Pixel, fast updates. There may be problems with the camera or battery. Official website

For Redmi Note 5 critical consideration region version:

  • 🌍 Global - for international devices (for example, Redmi Note 5 Global).
  • 🇨🇳 China - only for Chinese versions (may not support Google Services).
  • 🇪🇺 EEA — for Europe (without some Xiaomi services).

If you choose custom firmware, pay attention to:

  • 📅 Build date (older versions may contain vulnerabilities).
  • 🔄 Installation type: Clean Flash (full clean install) or Dirty Flash (update on top of existing firmware).
  • 🔋 Battery status (some firmware drains the battery faster).

💡

Before downloading the firmware, check its hash (MD5 or SHA-1) to ensure it matches the original. This will help avoid installing a damaged file.

4. Firmware via Fastboot (official method)

Method via Fastboot suitable for installing official firmware MIUI and is considered the most reliable. You will need:

  • 💻 PC with installed Mi Flash Tool and drivers ADB/Fastboot.
  • 📦 Firmware in format .tgz or .zip (For example, whyred_global_images_V12.0.3.0.PEIMIXM_20210315.0000.00_10.0_global_5a3a3a3a3a.tgz).
  • 🔌 Original USB cable.

Step by step instructions:

☑️ Preparation for firmware via Fastboot

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  1. Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder (for example, C:\whyred_fastboot).
  2. Run Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
  3. Turn off your phone and go to Fastboot (press Volume Down + Power).
  4. Connect Redmi Note 5 to PC. B Mi Flash Tool click Refresh — the device must be identified.
  5. Click Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware.
  6. At the bottom, select the firmware mode:
    • Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended).
    • Clean all and lock - cleaning + bootloader blocking (only for official firmware!).
    • Save user data — saving data (risky, can lead to failures).
  • Click Flash and wait for completion (usually 5-10 minutes).

    • If the process is stuck on 99% or there was an error anti-rollback, it means that you are trying to install an older firmware version than the one that is already installed. In this case:

    ⚠️ Attention: Error anti-rollback can block your phone! To avoid it, always flash only new versions or use firmware marked Anti-Rollback Bypass.

    5. Firmware via Recovery (TWRP)

    Method via Recovery suitable for installing custom firmware or updating MIUI without data loss (if you choose Dirty Flash). For this you need a custom recovery - TWRP.

    First install TWRP:

    1. Download the latest version TWRP for whyred with official website.
    2. Rename the file to twrp.img and put it in the folder with ADB.
    3. Turn off your phone, go to Fastboot and connect to PC.
    4. At the command prompt, enter: 
      fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
    5. Immediately after this enter: 
      fastboot boot twrp.img

      (this will boot the phone into TWRP without overwriting the official recovery).

    Now flash the firmware:

    1. Download the firmware (for example, LineageOS) and place it on SD card or to the phone memory.
    2. B TWRP click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and note:
      • Dalvik / ART Cache
      • System
      • Data (if you need a clean installation)
      • Cache

    Then swipe to clear.

  • Return to the main menu, click Install and select the firmware file.
  • Additionally, you can flash Gapps (if the firmware is without Google services) and Magisk (for root rights).
  • Once completed, click Reboot System.

    • If after flashing the phone is stuck on the logo Xiaomi or LineageOS, this means the firmware is not suitable for your model or steps were skipped Wipe. In this case:

    • Repeat the process by selecting Clean Flash.
    • Check the compatibility of the firmware with the codename whyred.
    💡

    Installing custom firmware via TWRP requires first unlocking the bootloader. Without this, TWRP will not be able to gain write access to the System partition.

    6. Solving common firmware errors

    Even if you strictly follow the instructions, errors may occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them:

    Error Reason Solution
    Anti-Rollback An attempt was made to install an older firmware version. Flash only the new version or use bypassed firmware Anti-Rollback.
    This package is for whyred devices; this is a The firmware is not suitable for your model. Download the firmware specifically for whyred (not for whyred_pro!).
    Error 7 in TWRP The firmware is incompatible with the current version of Android. Update TWRP or flash firmware via Fastboot.
    The phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware Incorrect Wipe or a damaged firmware file. Repeat the firmware with complete cleaning or flash through EDL.

    If your phone has turned into a brick (does not respond to buttons, is not detected by the PC), try restoring it via EDL (Emergency Download Mode):

    1. Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware for EDL (usually marked EDL firmware).
    2. Open the back cover of the phone and close the contacts EDL (on the board look for points with the inscription EDL or Test Point).
    3. Connect your phone to your PC - it should be detected as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
    4. B Mi Flash Tool select the firmware and click Flash.
    ⚠️ Attention: Method EDL requires disassembling the phone and can cause damage if you close the wrong contacts. Use it only as a last resort!

    7. Optimization after firmware

    After successful firmware Redmi Note 5 Additional tuning required for maximum performance and stability:

    • 🔄 Reset cache: B TWRP select Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + Cache and restart your phone.
    • 🔋 Battery calibration: Completely discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times in a row for the controller to work correctly.
    • 🛡️ Disabling unnecessary services: B Settings → Battery → Battery consumption disable autorun of unnecessary applications.
    • 📡 Network setup: If after the firmware the mobile Internet has disappeared, check the APN settings with your operator.

    For custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) recommended:

    • Install Magisk for root rights (if necessary).
    • Flash the kernel FrancoKernel or Perseus to improve performance.
    • Disable animations in Settings → System → For Developers (install Window animation And Transition Animation on 0.5x).

    If bugs appear after updating the firmware (for example, the camera or fingerprint sensor does not work), check:

    • Firmware compatibility with your model (whyred vs whyred_pro).
    • Availability of firmware updates (for example, patches for LineageOS).
    • Correct installation Gapps (if flashed without Google services).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Redmi Note 5 firmware

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

    No, most flashing methods (except OTA updates) require an unlocked bootloader. The exception is firmware via Recovery with official update MIUI, but there may be limitations here too.

    How to return official firmware after custom one?

    Download the official firmware in the format Fastboot and stitch it through Mi Flash Toolby selecting the mode Clean all and lock. This will also lock the bootloader back.

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

    This is a typical problem when installing custom firmware. Solutions:

    • Check if the firmware supports your modem model (for Redmi Note 5 this is whyred).
    • Install a patch for the modem (look for XDA Developers).
    • Manually add your operator's APN settings.

    Is it possible to flash Redmi Note 5 via EDL without authorization?

    Theoretically yes, but this requires an authorized account Xiaomi with rights EDL. Free methods (for example, through Firehose) often do not work on new firmware versions.

    How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

    Turn off your phone, hold down Volume Down + Powerto enter Fastboot. If you see the message at the bottom of the screen Unlocked with the lock open - the bootloader is unlocked.