The Xiaomi Mi 5c (codename meri), a unique device launched in 2017, holds a special place in Xiaomi's history. It was the first (and one of the few) smartphones to feature the company's self-developed Surge S1 chipset. With its elegant metal unibody design and a 5.15-inch Full HD display, it was a sleek and capable mid-ranger for its time.
Due to its custom-built chipset, the Mi 5c's development community was more limited compared to devices with standard Qualcomm or MediaTek processors. This made finding reliable and updated firmware a challenge for many users. Problems such as boot loops, system crashes, and the desire to switch from the China-only ROM to a more feature-rich, global-friendly version are common reasons for flashing a new ROM.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
Flashing firmware is a key solution for various software problems:
Always verify your device codename is meri before flashing. Installing the wrong firmware will permanently brick the device.Required Tools & Downloads
Before flashing, make sure you have the following:
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
Use this method if your device is bricked, stuck in a boot loop, or you want to return to factory MIUI.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Best for users outside China who want a global-like experience.
FAQs
Q1: What is the biggest challenge with the Surge S1 chipset?
The biggest challenge is the limited kernel source code and development community, which restricts the availability of custom ROMs and newer Android versions.
Q2: Can I get a newer Android version than 7.1.1?
Officially, no. Xiaomi ended support for the Mi 5c on Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
Q3: Does Xiaomi.eu ROM support OTA updates?
For the Mi 5c, Xiaomi.eu builds are typically stable and do not have weekly updates. However, you can manually flash newer versions via TWRP.
Q4: What happens if my flash fails?
You can always re-enter Fastboot mode and flash the stock ROM using Mi Flash Tool.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
Due to its custom-built chipset, the Mi 5c's development community was more limited compared to devices with standard Qualcomm or MediaTek processors. This made finding reliable and updated firmware a challenge for many users. Problems such as boot loops, system crashes, and the desire to switch from the China-only ROM to a more feature-rich, global-friendly version are common reasons for flashing a new ROM.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
- ✔ Official stock ROM download links (China firmware)
- ✔ Xiaomi.eu ROM for global use (multi-language + Google Play)
- ✔ Required tools, drivers, and preparations
- ✔ Step-by-step flashing tutorials (Fastboot & Recovery)
- ✔ Common FAQs and troubleshooting solutions
Flashing firmware is a key solution for various software problems:
- Unbrick / Recover from bootloop → If your device gets stuck on the Mi logo after a failed update.
- Return to factory state → Useful before selling or giving away the device to ensure all data is wiped and the software is original.
- Switch from China ROM to Xiaomi.eu → For multi-language and Google Play support, which is not available on the stock China ROM.
- Fix bugs and improve stability → A clean flash can resolve software glitches and improve overall system performance.
- Experiment with custom ROMs → While the options for the Surge S1 chipset are limited, some users may wish to install a custom ROM if one is available.
- Model: Xiaomi Mi 5c
- Release Year: 2017
- Chipset: Xiaomi Surge S1
- Display: 5.15” FHD IPS LCD (1920x1080)
- Battery: 2860 mAh non-removable
- OS at Launch: MIUI 8 on Android 7.1.1 Nougat
- Final Official MIUI Version: MIUI 10 (Android 7.1.1 Nougat)
- Codename: meri
Always verify your device codename is meri before flashing. Installing the wrong firmware will permanently brick the device.Required Tools & DownloadsBefore flashing, make sure you have the following:
| Tool / File | Purpose | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | Used for flashing official Fastboot ROMs | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC detects the device | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Needed to unlock bootloader | Official Unlock Page |
| TWRP Recovery (for meri) | Custom recovery for flashing .zip ROMs | TWRP Meri Build |
| Official Fastboot ROM (China) | Stock firmware for unbrick/restore | meri_images_7.8.14_20170814.0000.00_7.1_cn_e119959eb9.tgz |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Debloated, Google Play preinstalled, multi-language | xiaomi.eu_multi_MI5c_V10.2.1.0.NCJCNXM_v10-7.1.zip |
Method 1: Flashing Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
Use this method if your device is bricked, stuck in a boot loop, or you want to return to factory MIUI.
- Unlock Bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (one-time process).
- Boot into Fastboot Mode → Hold Power + Volume Down.
- Extract the TGZ file of the stock firmware on your PC.
- Open Mi Flash Tool, click Select, and choose the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect your device to your PC → Click Refresh to detect it.
- Choose the “clean all” option at the bottom.
- Click Flash. Wait until the tool displays a success message.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Best for users outside China who want a global-like experience.
- Unlock Bootloader (mandatory).
- Flash TWRP Recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Boot into TWRP → Power + Volume Up.
- Perform a factory reset (wipe Dalvik/Cache/Data).
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu ROM .zip to internal storage.
- In TWRP → Tap Install, select the ROM, and swipe to flash.
- Reboot → First boot may take up to 10 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: What is the biggest challenge with the Surge S1 chipset?
The biggest challenge is the limited kernel source code and development community, which restricts the availability of custom ROMs and newer Android versions.
Q2: Can I get a newer Android version than 7.1.1?
Officially, no. Xiaomi ended support for the Mi 5c on Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
Q3: Does Xiaomi.eu ROM support OTA updates?
For the Mi 5c, Xiaomi.eu builds are typically stable and do not have weekly updates. However, you can manually flash newer versions via TWRP.
Q4: What happens if my flash fails?
You can always re-enter Fastboot mode and flash the stock ROM using Mi Flash Tool.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Bootloop after flashing → Ensure you wiped Dalvik/Cache/Data in TWRP.
- Mi Flash Tool “cannot read from port” → Install correct Xiaomi USB drivers.
- Stuck in Fastboot mode → Force reboot by holding Power + Volume Up for 10s.
- Unlock tool stuck at 99% → Xiaomi enforces a waiting period (up to 168 hours).
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