This guide is dedicated to a true entry-level classic from 2017, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A, also known as the Redmi Y1 Lite in India. It is critically important to identify this device correctly: this firmware is for the codename ugglite, the specific version that does not have a fingerprint scanner.
In 2025, the ugglite is a piece of vintage technology. Its official software support ended long ago with MIUI 11, which is based on the ancient Android 7.1 Nougat. This guide is a restoration manual for the hobbyists and technicians who need to revive this device. A clean firmware flash is the only way to restore basic functionality, fix bootloops, or completely wipe the phone for a new, simple purpose.
This is your essential maintenance guide for the classic Redmi Note 5A (ugglite):
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 5A / Y1 Lite
For a vintage device like this, flashing is about basic restoration and repair.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: ugglite)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware for your region and the essential flashing tools.
Flashing Method: Using Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot Mode)
This is the most direct and reliable method for completely restoring your Redmi Note 5A / Y1 Lite.
➡ Your phone will reboot into a completely clean, official MIUI 11 system.
FAQs
Q1: How can I be 100% sure I have the ugglite version?
The hardware is the only definitive way to tell. The ugglite (Redmi Note 5A / Y1 Lite) has a smooth back with NO fingerprint scanner. If you see a round sensor on the back of your phone, you have the ugg (Prime/Y1) version, and this firmware will brick it.
Q2: Is it safe to use this phone with a SIM card in 2025?
For basic phone calls and SMS texts, it is functional. However, using it for any online activity via mobile data or Wi-Fi is not secure. Android 7.1 has not received security patches in many years and is vulnerable to known exploits. Do not log into any personal accounts on this device.
Q3: Can I get a newer version of Android?
Not officially. You would need to find an unofficial custom ROM, but due to the device's age and low-end processor, stable and secure builds of any newer Android versions are extremely rare or non-existent for the ugglite model.
Q4: My phone is extremely slow. Will this flash make it fast?
It will make it as fast as it can possibly be. A clean flash will significantly improve performance over a device that has been in use for years. However, you must have realistic expectations. The Snapdragon 425 and 2GB of RAM are extremely limited by modern standards, and the phone will still be slow.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
In 2025, the ugglite is a piece of vintage technology. Its official software support ended long ago with MIUI 11, which is based on the ancient Android 7.1 Nougat. This guide is a restoration manual for the hobbyists and technicians who need to revive this device. A clean firmware flash is the only way to restore basic functionality, fix bootloops, or completely wipe the phone for a new, simple purpose.
This is your essential maintenance guide for the classic Redmi Note 5A (ugglite):
- ✔ A critical guide to identifying the ugglite (no fingerprint scanner) vs. the ugg (Prime/Y1) models
- ✔ Download links for the final official MIUI 11 (Android 7.1) firmware
- ✔ All the necessary tools and drivers to communicate with this vintage device
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions to unbrick your phone and restore it to a clean factory state
- ✔ Important warnings about the security and performance limitations of this phone today
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 5A / Y1 Lite
For a vintage device like this, flashing is about basic restoration and repair.
- Restore Basic Functionality → On extremely old and low-end hardware, a clean flash is the only way to make the phone run simple tasks without constantly freezing or crashing.
- Free Up Maximum Internal Storage → This is essential on a 16GB device. A full flash is the only way to clear out all old data and maximize the tiny amount of available space.
- Unbrick a Bootlooping or Bricked Device → The definitive method to recover a device that is stuck on the Mi logo or is completely unresponsive.
- Attempt to Remove Mi Account or Google FRP Lock → Flashing the stock firmware is a mandatory first step in any unlocking procedure for a second-hand device.
- Repurpose an Old Phone → A clean flash is perfect for wiping a device completely before turning it into a dedicated offline music player, alarm clock, or smart home remote.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: ugglite)
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A / Redmi Y1 Lite
- Release Year: 2017
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 425
- Display: 5.5” HD IPS LCD
- Key Feature: No fingerprint scanner (distinguishes it from the ugg Prime/Y1 version)
- OS at Launch: MIUI 8/9 on Android 7.1.2 Nougat
- Final Official OS: MIUI 11 on Android 7.1.2 Nougat (End of Life)
- Codename: ugglite
CRITICAL WARNING: This firmware is ONLY for the Redmi Note 5A / Y1 Lite (codename ugglite). It is NOT compatible with the Prime / Y1 version (codename ugg), which has a fingerprint scanner. Flashing the wrong firmware will brick your device. Due to its very old Android 7.1 software, this phone is NOT secure for any online use.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware for your region and the essential flashing tools.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | The official tool for flashing 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 |
| Fastboot ROM (China) | Official MIUI 11 (Android 7.1) | V11.0.2.0.NDFCNXM |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Official MIUI 11 (Android 7.1) | V11.0.3.0.NDFMIXM |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Older MIUI 10 (Android 7.1) build | V10.3.2.0.NDFCNXM |
Flashing Method: Using Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot Mode)
This is the most direct and reliable method for completely restoring your Redmi Note 5A / Y1 Lite.
- 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 phone. 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, and ensure "clean all" is selected at the bottom. This step is mandatory.
- Start Flashing: Click the "flash" button and wait for the process to complete. It will show a "success" message when done.
➡ Your phone will reboot into a completely clean, official MIUI 11 system.
FAQs
Q1: How can I be 100% sure I have the ugglite version?
The hardware is the only definitive way to tell. The ugglite (Redmi Note 5A / Y1 Lite) has a smooth back with NO fingerprint scanner. If you see a round sensor on the back of your phone, you have the ugg (Prime/Y1) version, and this firmware will brick it.
Q2: Is it safe to use this phone with a SIM card in 2025?
For basic phone calls and SMS texts, it is functional. However, using it for any online activity via mobile data or Wi-Fi is not secure. Android 7.1 has not received security patches in many years and is vulnerable to known exploits. Do not log into any personal accounts on this device.
Q3: Can I get a newer version of Android?
Not officially. You would need to find an unofficial custom ROM, but due to the device's age and low-end processor, stable and secure builds of any newer Android versions are extremely rare or non-existent for the ugglite model.
Q4: My phone is extremely slow. Will this flash make it fast?
It will make it as fast as it can possibly be. A clean flash will significantly improve performance over a device that has been in use for years. However, you must have realistic expectations. The Snapdragon 425 and 2GB of RAM are extremely limited by modern standards, and the phone will still be slow.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Mi Flash Tool shows a "sahara" or "xbl" error: This is a common error on very old Qualcomm devices. It can indicate a bad USB connection, but after so many years, it often points to a hardware failure of the eMMC (internal storage) chip, which is a non-repairable fault.
- Bootloop after flashing: This is almost always solved by re-flashing using the "clean all" option in Mi Flash Tool. A full wipe is not optional on this device; it is required.
- Apps won't install due to storage space: Even after a clean flash, the 16GB of storage is extremely small. You must use a microSD card for all media and only install the absolute essential "Lite" or "Go" versions of apps.
- "The system has been destroyed": This is a standard Xiaomi boot failure message. It does not mean the hardware is broken. The solution is to boot into Fastboot mode and re-flash the stock firmware.