The Xiaomi Mi 5X (codename tiffany) is a classic mid-range smartphone from 2017, known for its sleek metal body and capable dual-camera system. However, its legacy is defined by its globally-released twin, the Mi A1. It is absolutely critical to understand the difference: the Mi 5X (tiffany) is the China-exclusive version that runs MIUI, while the Mi A1 (tissot) is the global version that runs pure Android One. Their firmware is NOT interchangeable.
This guide is exclusively for the MIUI-based Mi 5X (tiffany). Since it was never officially sold outside of China, there is no official Global ROM. For the enthusiasts and collectors using this device internationally in 2025, the community-built Xiaomi.eu ROM is the essential software needed to transform it into a fully functional, multilingual device with Google Play Services. This guide will show you how to install its final, stable software: MIUI 11 based on Android 8.1.
This is the definitive conversion guide for the Mi 5X:
Why You Must Flash Your Mi 5X (tiffany)
For any international user of this specific model, flashing is not optional—it's necessary.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: tiffany)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official China ROM for emergencies and the essential Xiaomi.eu ROM for daily use.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Installing the Xiaomi.eu "Global" ROM (Recommended Method)
This is the standard and essential process for using a Mi 5X outside of mainland China.
➡ Your Mi 5X will now boot into a clean, multilingual system with full Google services, just like a global device.
Method 2: Flashing Official China ROM (For Unbricking)
Use this method only if your phone is bricked or you want to return it to its original, non-global factory state.
➡ This will restore your phone to the original Chinese software. From here, you can repeat Method 1 to install the globalized Xiaomi.eu ROM.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between the Mi 5X (tiffany) and the Mi A1 (tissot)?
They have nearly identical hardware, but completely different software. The Mi 5X runs Xiaomi's MIUI skin (for China), while the Mi A1 runs pure, stock Android One (for the global market). Their firmwares are incompatible and flashing the wrong one will brick your device.
Q2: I have a Mi 5X. Can I convert it to a Mi A1 with stock Android?
This is a very complex and high-risk cross-flashing procedure that can easily lead to a hard brick. The much safer, easier, and recommended method is to install the Xiaomi.eu ROM, which gives you a full global MIUI experience.
Q3: Is this phone still usable in 2025?
As a primary phone for daily tasks, it is not recommended. It is running a very old version of Android (8.1) with no security updates, making it vulnerable. It is a fantastic device for collectors, hobbyists, or for secondary use as a remote or music player.
Q4: Is there an official Global MIUI ROM for the Mi 5X?
No. It was a China-exclusive phone. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is the long-standing, community-made solution to this problem and is the standard for international users.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
This guide is exclusively for the MIUI-based Mi 5X (tiffany). Since it was never officially sold outside of China, there is no official Global ROM. For the enthusiasts and collectors using this device internationally in 2025, the community-built Xiaomi.eu ROM is the essential software needed to transform it into a fully functional, multilingual device with Google Play Services. This guide will show you how to install its final, stable software: MIUI 11 based on Android 8.1.
This is the definitive conversion guide for the Mi 5X:
- ✔ A critical explanation of the Mi 5X (tiffany) vs. the Mi A1 (tissot)
- ✔ The official China MIUI 11 firmware for unbricking and restoration
- ✔ The essential Xiaomi.eu ROM to provide a "global" experience with Google Apps
- ✔ Direct links to a working TWRP custom recovery and all necessary tools
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions to revive and globalize this classic device
Why You Must Flash Your Mi 5X (tiffany)
For any international user of this specific model, flashing is not optional—it's necessary.
- Install Google Play Store & Multi-Language Support → This is the most important reason. The stock China ROM lacks Google apps and full language support. Xiaomi.eu provides both.
- Remove All Chinese Bloatware → The Xiaomi.eu ROM is based on the China stable build but removes all the unnecessary Chinese apps and services, providing a clean experience.
- Revive an Old or Bricked Device → This guide provides the official Fastboot ROM to restore a phone that is stuck in a bootloop or otherwise bricked.
- Get the Final, Most Stable Software → The provided MIUI 11 build is the last and most polished official software the Mi 5X ever received, making it the most stable option for long-term use.
- Avoid Bricking Your Phone → By using this guide, you ensure you are using the correct firmware for tiffany and not the incompatible firmware for the Mi A1 (tissot).
Quick Device Overview (Codename: tiffany)
- Model: Xiaomi Mi 5X
- Release Year: 2017
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
- Display: 5.5” FHD IPS LCD
- Key Feature: The China-exclusive, MIUI version of the Mi A1 hardware
- OS at Launch: MIUI 8 on Android 7.1.2 Nougat
- Final Official OS: MIUI 11 on Android 8.1 Oreo (China Only)
- Codename: tiffany
CRITICAL WARNING: This firmware is for the Mi 5X (codename tiffany) ONLY. Do NOT attempt to flash this on a Mi A1 (codename tissot), and do not flash Mi A1 firmware on this device. The hardware has slight differences, and flashing the wrong firmware will result in a permanent, unrecoverable hard brick.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official China ROM for emergencies and the essential Xiaomi.eu ROM for daily use.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | For flashing the official China Fastboot ROM. | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC can communicate with your phone. | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Required to unlock the bootloader. | Official Unlock Page |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | Required to flash the Xiaomi.eu ROM. | TWRP 3.3.0 for Tiffany |
| Official China ROM | For Unbricking (MIUI 11 / Android 8.1) | V11.0.3.0.ODBCNXM |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM | Essential Global Conversion (MIUI 11) | V11.0.3.0.ODBCNXM |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Installing the Xiaomi.eu "Global" ROM (Recommended Method)
This is the standard and essential process for using a Mi 5X outside of mainland China.
- Unlock Bootloader: Your device's bootloader must be unlocked using the Mi Unlock Tool. This will erase all your data.
- Flash TWRP: Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down). Flash the downloaded TWRP image file with the command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-TWRP-3.3.0-0516-XIAOMI5X-CN-wzsx150.img - Boot into TWRP: After flashing, hold Power + Volume Up to boot directly into the newly installed TWRP recovery.
- Wipe Data: This step is mandatory. In TWRP, go to Wipe → Format Data and type "yes" to confirm. This removes the stock ROM's encryption.
- Transfer ROM File: Connect your phone to your PC and copy the downloaded Xiaomi.eu .zip file to its internal storage.
- Install the ROM: In the TWRP main menu, tap Install, select the Xiaomi.eu ROM .zip file, and swipe the slider to begin flashing.
- Reboot: Once finished, tap "Reboot System."
➡ Your Mi 5X will now boot into a clean, multilingual system with full Google services, just like a global device.
Method 2: Flashing Official China ROM (For Unbricking)
Use this method only if your phone is bricked or you want to return it to its original, non-global factory state.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your phone. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Extract Firmware: On your PC, extract the downloaded official China .tgz file twice until you have a folder with an images directory.
- Launch Mi Flash Tool: Open the tool as an administrator. Click "select" and choose the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect Device & Flash: Connect your phone, click "refresh" to see it listed, ensure "clean all" is selected at the bottom, and click "flash".
➡ This will restore your phone to the original Chinese software. From here, you can repeat Method 1 to install the globalized Xiaomi.eu ROM.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between the Mi 5X (tiffany) and the Mi A1 (tissot)?
They have nearly identical hardware, but completely different software. The Mi 5X runs Xiaomi's MIUI skin (for China), while the Mi A1 runs pure, stock Android One (for the global market). Their firmwares are incompatible and flashing the wrong one will brick your device.
Q2: I have a Mi 5X. Can I convert it to a Mi A1 with stock Android?
This is a very complex and high-risk cross-flashing procedure that can easily lead to a hard brick. The much safer, easier, and recommended method is to install the Xiaomi.eu ROM, which gives you a full global MIUI experience.
Q3: Is this phone still usable in 2025?
As a primary phone for daily tasks, it is not recommended. It is running a very old version of Android (8.1) with no security updates, making it vulnerable. It is a fantastic device for collectors, hobbyists, or for secondary use as a remote or music player.
Q4: Is there an official Global MIUI ROM for the Mi 5X?
No. It was a China-exclusive phone. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is the long-standing, community-made solution to this problem and is the standard for international users.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Error: "This ROM is for tiffany, your device is tissot": This message in TWRP or a flash tool is a safety check that has saved you from bricking your phone. It means you own a Mi A1, not a Mi 5X. You must find firmware specifically for the tissot codename.
- Bootloop after flashing Xiaomi.eu: You must use the "Format Data" option in TWRP before flashing. A simple "Wipe" of caches is not enough and will not remove the encryption from the stock China ROM.
- Mi Flash Tool fails with an error: Ensure you are flashing the official China .tgz file, not the Xiaomi.eu .zip. Also, run the tool as an administrator and check that your drivers are installed correctly.
- Google apps are crashing or missing: This is the expected behavior on the stock China ROM. The only proper solution is to flash the Xiaomi.eu ROM, which correctly integrates Google services into the system.