Complete guide to flashing Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A firmware: from update to recovery

Smartphone owners Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A often face the need to reinstall the operating system. This may be caused by the desire to update the version MIUI up to date, eliminating software glitches or preparing the device for resale. The flashing process requires care, since an error at one of the stages can lead to the gadget not working.

There are several update methods, from a simple over-the-air update to complex flashing via a computer using a utility Mi Flash Tool. The choice of a specific method depends on the current version of the bootloader, the presence of superuser rights and the desired result. In this article, we will go through each step in detail so that you can complete the procedure safely.

Specifics of working with series models Redmi 5A and Note 5A lies in the differences between the global and Chinese versions of the firmware. The wrong combination of files may block your device. It is important to make sure that the firmware version exactly matches the region of your device (Global or China), otherwise the download may not work.

Preparing the device and drivers for the procedure

Before starting any update process, you need to prepare your hardware and software environment. Without the correct driver settings, the computer will not see the smartphone in download mode, which will make further actions impossible. Install official drivers ADB and Fastboot from the manufacturer's website or use Google's universal package.

Charge the battery Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A at least up to 60%. A sudden power outage while recording system partitions is guaranteed to result in a “brick”. Also disable antivirus software on your PC, as it may block the utility from working MiFlash or block data transfer via USB.

You will also need a quality USB cable. Avoid using cheap charge-only cables that don't support data transfer. It is best to use an original accessory or a cable with high quality shielding to avoid disconnections.

• 🔋 Charge your device to 60-80% before starting work
• 💾 Download ADB/Fastboot drivers and MiFlash utility
• 📦 Backup your important data to the cloud or PC

⚠️ Attention: The flashing process will completely delete all data from the internal storage, including photos, contacts and installed applications. Be sure to make a backup before you begin.

Downloading the official firmware and selecting the version

To successfully flash the firmware, you need the correct system image file. Official images are distributed in the format Fastboot ROM (extension .tgz) or Recovery ROM (.zip extension). For complete flashing via a computer, a Fastboot image is required. Find it on specialized resources such as Xiaomi Firmware Updater or the official forum.

Pay special attention to the model code. Smartphone Redmi Note 5A exists in versions with codes daisy (Global) and davinci (China). Flashing the Chinese version to the global one and vice versa is often impossible without unlocking the bootloader, and sometimes it is completely prohibited by software. Make sure that you download the file specifically for your revision.

After downloading, the archive needs to be unpacked. Do not run the firmware from the archive, as the utility will not be able to read the files correctly. Unpack the contents into a separate folder on drive C or D to avoid errors with paths containing Cyrillic characters.

• 🌐 Use only trusted sources for downloading
• 📂 Unpack the .tgz archive into a separate folder without special characters
• 🔍 Check that the model code (daisy/davinci) matches the software version

⚠️ Attention: Using custom firmware (Custom ROM) from third-party developers may lead to unstable camera operation and lack of banking applications due to lack of security certificates.

Unlocking the bootloader and entering Fastboot mode

If you plan to install a custom kernel or change the region, unlocking the Bootloader is a prerequisite. Without this action, the security system MI will block writing new data. The procedure requires linking your Mi account and waiting for a certain period of time, usually from 3 to 7 days.

To enter Fastboot mode on your device Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A you need to completely turn off the smartphone, and then hold down the button combination Volume Down + Food. An image of a rabbit repairing an android and the inscription will appear on the screen FASTBOOT. Connect the device to the PC with a USB cable.

Run the utility Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and log in using your account. The program will detect the device and offer the “Unlock” button. After confirmation, the unlocking process will begin, which may take several minutes. The device will reboot and reset all settings to factory settings.

• 🔓 Link your Mi account in your phone settings in 3-7 days
• 🔌Hold Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot
• 💻 Use Mi Unlock Tool to remove the lock

Flashing process via Mi Flash Tool

This is the main stage at which images of partitions are written to the smartphone’s memory. Run Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Click the “Select” button and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. A message should appear in the program window stating that the device has been found (the serial number is visible).

At the bottom of the window, the utility offers three firmware modes: clean all, clean all and lock and save user data. To completely clean and restore to factory condition, choose the first or second option. Mode save user data It is not recommended to use when changing the firmware version, as this often causes system errors.

Click the "Flash" button and wait for the process to complete. Visual progress will be shown as a green bar. If everything went well, you will see a message success and the phone will automatically reboot. The first boot after flashing may take from 5 to 10 minutes.

Flash Mode: fastboot
Command: flash_all
Wait for device to boot...

• 🚀 Select “clean all” mode for complete cleaning
• 📉 Do not disconnect the cable until Success appears
• ⏱️ Give your phone time to boot for the first time (up to 10 minutes)

What to do if Mi Flash Tool gives error 9008?

Error 9008 means that the device is not detected in EDL (Emergency Download) mode. This is usually resolved by reinstalling the Qualcomm drivers or using a special shorted cable to enter 9008 mode manually.

Installation via Recovery Mode without a computer

If the device works stably, but you just need to update the version MIUI, you can use the built-in recovery menu. This is the safest method and does not require connecting to a PC. Download the firmware file with the extension .zip (Recovery ROM) to your phone and place it in the root of the memory or in the Download folder.

Go to the About Phone app and tap on the MIUI version logo several times to activate the update menu. Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select Select update package. Find the downloaded file and confirm installation.

The system will check the integrity of the archive and prompt you to reboot. After the reboot, the update process will begin, which will be visually displayed on the screen with animation. Do not turn off the device or press any buttons during this period.

This method does not require unlocking the bootloader, which preserves the warranty and allows you to use banking applications without additional settings. However, it does not allow you to roll back to an older version or change the region.

• 📲 Download Recovery ROM in .zip format
• 🔄 Use the “Select update package” menu
• ✅ Do not interrupt the process until a complete reboot

Firmware and model compatibility table

Understanding version compatibility is critical to avoiding errors. Below is a table showing which firmware is suitable for specific modifications Redmi Note 5A and their codes.

Device model	Model code	Region	Firmware type	Compatibility
Redmi 5A (Prime)	rolex	Global	MIUI 9/10	Global ROM only
Redmi Note 5A (Standard)	daisy	Global	MIUI 9/10/11	Global and EEA
Redmi Note 5A Prime	davinci	China	MIUI China	China ROM only
Redmi 5A (CN)	rolex_cn	China	MIUI China	China ROM only

Using the firmware from the table for other purposes will lead to cyclic reboots or complete inoperability of the communication modules. Always check the model code in the section Settings → About phone before downloading files.

Please note that upgrading from China to Global requires unlocking the bootloader and often results in data loss. The reverse transition (Global to China) is sometimes blocked by Xiaomi servers if the bootloader has already been unlocked.

• 🔍 Always check the model code before downloading
• 🌍 Global ROM is not installed on China without unlocking
• 🚫 China ROM may not support Google Play out of the box

Possible problems and solutions

Sometimes glitches occur during the firmware process, such as error 1002, 2005 or endless loading in the logo Xiaomi. If your phone is not detected by your computer, try replacing the cable, USB port, or reinstalling the Qualcomm drivers.

If after flashing the phone turns on, but cannot boot into the system (Bootloop), try entering Recovery mode (Volume Up + Food) and perform “Wipe Data”. This will remove settings but may start the system.

If the device is “bricked” (does not respond to buttons and is not detected by the PC), you will need to enter EDL mode (9008). This often requires a special service utility and, possibly, a programmer to momentarily short circuit the contacts on the board. In such cases, it is better to contact a service center.

Some users are faced with the fact that after the update the GPS or camera does not work. This is often due to incorrect driver installation or lack of access rights. Flashing with mode clean all and lock usually solves these problems.

• 🔧 For Bootloop, reset your data via Recovery
• 🔌 If there is a connection error, check your USB drivers
• 🛠️Service cable may be required for EDL mode (9008)

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a custom kernel, make sure it supports your version of Android. Kernel and system incompatibility is a common cause of software failures.

What to do if the phone is not detected in Fastboot mode?

Try changing your USB cable, as many cheap cables only work for charging. Install ADB and Fastboot drivers manually through Device Manager. Also check if USB debugging mode is enabled if your mode requires it.

Is it possible to install global firmware on the Chinese Redmi Note 5A?

Technically this is possible, but only after unlocking the bootloader. However, if the bootloader is locked, the system will not allow you to install someone else's firmware. After installation, you may need to manually configure Google services.

Will the warranty be void when reflashing?

Unlocking the bootloader and installing unofficial software may void the warranty at official service centers. If you flash through the official Recovery menu, the warranty remains valid.

How to roll back to an older version of MIUI?

Rolling back to an older version (Downgrade) is often blocked by the security system. To do this, you will need Fastboot mode and the Mi Flash utility, as well as the availability of appropriate drivers and an unlocked bootloader.