Taking a look back to late 2017, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 (codename rosy) was a true trendsetter. It was one of the first budget smartphones to popularize the modern 18:9 aspect ratio display, bringing a more immersive, "full-screen" design to a market previously dominated by wide bezels. With its reliable Snapdragon 450 processor, it was a durable and affordable workhorse for millions.
In 2025, this classic device is a relic from a different era of smartphone design. Its official software journey ended with MIUI 11 based on Android 8.1 Oreo. For the enthusiasts and collectors still using this durable phone, or for those pulling it out of a drawer for a new purpose, a clean firmware flash is the only way to combat years of software aging, restore usability, and make the device as functional as its vintage hardware will allow.
This is your complete restoration guide for the classic Redmi 5:
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi 5
For a vintage device like the Redmi 5, flashing is about restoration and maximizing usability.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: rosy)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware for your region or the recommended Xiaomi.eu ROM for better performance.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official MIUI 11 Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the most reliable method for unbricking your Redmi 5 or restoring it to its original factory state.
➡ Your phone will reboot into a completely clean, official MIUI 11 system.
Method 2: Installing the Optimized Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom Recovery)
This is the recommended path for the best possible day-to-day performance on the Redmi 5's limited hardware.
➡ Your Redmi 5 will now run a lighter, ad-free version of MIUI, which can significantly improve responsiveness.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Redmi 5 still usable in 2025?
For very basic tasks—calls, texts, offline music, maybe a simple weather app—yes. For modern social media, web browsing, or any gaming, its Snapdragon 450 processor and old Android version will provide a very slow and frustrating experience.
Q2: Can I get a newer version of Android on this phone?
Not officially. However, due to its popularity, you may find unofficial custom ROMs (like LineageOS based on Android 9 or 10) on forums like XDA-Developers. These community builds could offer better security and performance but may come with their own bugs.
Q3: My 16GB storage is always full. How can I manage it?
A clean flash is the best first step. After that, you must be disciplined. Use the lightweight "Go" and "Lite" versions of apps whenever possible. Use an SD card and configure your camera to save all photos and videos directly to it. Regularly clear the cache of apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Q4: Why was the 18:9 screen on the Redmi 5 important?
In 2017, most phones had a boxy 16:9 aspect ratio with large bezels at the top and bottom. The taller 18:9 ratio allowed for a larger screen in a narrower, more comfortable body with smaller bezels. The Redmi 5 was one of the first phones to bring this modern design trend to the affordable, mass-market segment.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
In 2025, this classic device is a relic from a different era of smartphone design. Its official software journey ended with MIUI 11 based on Android 8.1 Oreo. For the enthusiasts and collectors still using this durable phone, or for those pulling it out of a drawer for a new purpose, a clean firmware flash is the only way to combat years of software aging, restore usability, and make the device as functional as its vintage hardware will allow.
This is your complete restoration guide for the classic Redmi 5:
- ✔ Download links for the final official MIUI 11 (Android 8.1) firmware
- ✔ The lightweight, ad-free Xiaomi.eu ROM, recommended for better performance
- ✔ A direct link to a working TWRP custom recovery and all essential tools
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions to unbrick your device and give it a fresh start
- ✔ Realistic tips for using this classic phone in the modern day
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi 5
For a vintage device like the Redmi 5, flashing is about restoration and maximizing usability.
- Restore Usable Performance → If your Redmi 5 has become incredibly slow and laggy, a clean flash is the most effective way to clear out the clutter and make it functional for basic tasks.
- Free Up Maximum Storage Space → On a device with as little as 16GB of storage, a full wipe and flash is essential to maximize the tiny amount of space available for apps and data.
- Unbrick or Fix a Bootloop → The definitive guide to recovering a Redmi 5 that is stuck on the Mi logo or refuses to boot up.
- Remove Mi Account or Google FRP Lock → Flashing the stock firmware is a mandatory first step for technicians and advanced users attempting to unlock a second-hand device.
- Install a Lighter, Ad-Free MIUI (Xiaomi.eu) → The debloated Xiaomi.eu ROM can provide a noticeable performance improvement on the Redmi 5's limited hardware.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: rosy)
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi 5
- Release Year: 2017
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 450
- Display: 5.7” HD+ IPS LCD (18:9 aspect ratio)
- Battery: 3300 mAh
- OS at Launch: MIUI 9 on Android 7.1.2 Nougat
- Final Official OS: MIUI 11 on Android 8.1 Oreo (End of Life)
- Codename: rosy
A Vintage Classic: The Redmi 5 is running very old software by modern standards. In 2025, it is not recommended for security-sensitive tasks like mobile banking. This guide is intended for reviving the phone for basic use, hobby projects, or as a secondary "digital detox" device.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware for your region or the recommended Xiaomi.eu ROM for better performance.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | For flashing official Fastboot ROMs. | 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 3.2.1 for Rosy |
| Fastboot ROM (China) | Official MIUI 11 (Android 8.1) | V11.0.4.0.ODACNXM |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Official MIUI 11 (Android 8.1) | V11.0.2.0.ODAMIXM |
| Fastboot ROM (Russia) | Official MIUI 11 (Android 8.1) | V11.0.1.0.ODARUXM |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Recommended for Better Performance | V11.0.4.0.ODACNXM |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official MIUI 11 Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the most reliable method for unbricking your Redmi 5 or restoring it to its original factory state.
- Unlock Bootloader: Your phone's bootloader must be unlocked. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool. This will erase all data.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your Redmi 5. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Extract Firmware: On your PC, extract the downloaded .tgz Fastboot ROM 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 to the PC, click "refresh" in Mi Flash Tool, ensure "clean all" is selected at the bottom, and click "flash".
➡ Your phone will reboot into a completely clean, official MIUI 11 system.
Method 2: Installing the Optimized Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom Recovery)
This is the recommended path for the best possible day-to-day performance on the Redmi 5's limited hardware.
- Unlock Bootloader & Flash TWRP: Ensure your bootloader is unlocked. Boot your phone into Fastboot mode and flash the downloaded TWRP image file with the command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-TWRP-3.2.1-0201-REDMI5-CN-wzsx150.img - Boot into TWRP: Hold Power + Volume Up from a powered-off state to boot into the newly installed TWRP recovery.
- Wipe Data: This is mandatory. In TWRP, go to Wipe → Format Data and type "yes" to confirm.
- Transfer ROM File: Connect your phone to the PC and copy the downloaded Xiaomi.eu .zip file to its internal storage.
- Install the ROM: In TWRP, tap Install, select the ROM .zip file, and swipe the slider to begin flashing.
- Reboot: Once finished, tap "Reboot System."
➡ Your Redmi 5 will now run a lighter, ad-free version of MIUI, which can significantly improve responsiveness.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Redmi 5 still usable in 2025?
For very basic tasks—calls, texts, offline music, maybe a simple weather app—yes. For modern social media, web browsing, or any gaming, its Snapdragon 450 processor and old Android version will provide a very slow and frustrating experience.
Q2: Can I get a newer version of Android on this phone?
Not officially. However, due to its popularity, you may find unofficial custom ROMs (like LineageOS based on Android 9 or 10) on forums like XDA-Developers. These community builds could offer better security and performance but may come with their own bugs.
Q3: My 16GB storage is always full. How can I manage it?
A clean flash is the best first step. After that, you must be disciplined. Use the lightweight "Go" and "Lite" versions of apps whenever possible. Use an SD card and configure your camera to save all photos and videos directly to it. Regularly clear the cache of apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Q4: Why was the 18:9 screen on the Redmi 5 important?
In 2017, most phones had a boxy 16:9 aspect ratio with large bezels at the top and bottom. The taller 18:9 ratio allowed for a larger screen in a narrower, more comfortable body with smaller bezels. The Redmi 5 was one of the first phones to bring this modern design trend to the affordable, mass-market segment.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Mi Flash Tool shows a "sahara" or "xbl" error: This is a common error on older Qualcomm devices like this one. It can indicate a bad USB connection or a failing eMMC (storage) chip. Always try a different USB 2.0 port and cable first. If the error persists across multiple attempts, the phone's hardware may have failed.
- Bootloop after flashing: This is almost always solved by re-flashing using the "clean all" option in Mi Flash Tool, or by using the "Format Data" option in TWRP before flashing a custom ROM.
- The phone is still extremely slow after flashing: This is due to the fundamental hardware limitations of the Snapdragon 450 and the age of the software. A clean flash provides the best possible performance, but it cannot make an old phone new.
- TWRP asks for a password or shows encrypted files: You must use the "Format Data" option in TWRP to remove the stock ROM's encryption before you can flash a custom ROM or manage your files.