The Xiaomi Mi 5 (codename gemini) was the company’s highly anticipated flagship for 2016. It was a “performance beast” in a compact and exquisitely designed package, being one of the first phones to launch with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor. The Mi 5’s design was a major highlight, featuring a premium 3D curved glass or ceramic back that fit perfectly in the hand. It also introduced advanced camera technology with 4-axis Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a fast front-mounted fingerprint scanner. For enthusiasts of this classic flagship, this page provides official fastboot ROMs for China and Global, the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM, and two versions of the TWRP custom recovery.
Important: You must verify your device is a Mi 5 (gemini). This firmware is not compatible with the later Mi 5s (capricorn), which has a different processor and a metal body. Flashing the wrong firmware will hard brick your phone.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Mi 5 (gemini)
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
- Display: 5.15″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 3000 mAh, 18W fast charging
- Original MIUI: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), MIUI 7
- Key Features: 3D Curved Glass/Ceramic Body, 4-axis OIS, Physical Fingerprint Scanner
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V10.2.1.0.OAACNXM | 8.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | gemini |
| Global | V10.2.2.0.OAAMIXM | 8.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | gemini |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V11.0.2.0.OAACNXM (Based) | 8.0 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | gemini |
| TWRP (Official) | 3.7.0_9-0 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | gemini |
| TWRP (wzsx150 Build) | 3.3.0 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | gemini |
How to Flash Official ROM (Mi Flash Tool)
This is a quick checklist for this device. For a complete tutorial on installing drivers, unlocking the bootloader, and troubleshooting, please read our master guide:
Read Our Ultimate Guide to Mi Flash Tool
Use this method to unbrick your phone or restore official MIUI firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Install TWRP & Flash Custom ROMs
Use this method to install the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM or other community-developed ROMs.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s limited stock recovery. It is the essential tool that allows you to install custom software (.zip files), create full backups of your system (a “Nandroid”), and perform other advanced maintenance. The official ROMs on this page do not require TWRP.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: This is a mandatory first step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool and be prepared for a potential waiting period.
- Flash TWRP:
- Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Using ADB & Fastboot tools on your PC, flash your preferred TWRP
.imgfile with the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-filename.img
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
- Install Custom ROM:
- In TWRP, it is recommended to perform a Wipe of Data, Cache, and Dalvik.
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu .zip ROM file to your phone’s storage.
- In TWRP, tap “Install,” select the .zip file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Mi 5 (gemini)
The Mi 5 is a classic flagship with some known characteristics. Please review these points.
- Hard Brick Recovery (EDL Mode): If your Mi 5 becomes completely unresponsive (hard bricked) after a failed flash, the primary recovery method is EDL Mode (Qualcomm 9008). This requires opening the phone and shorting two specific test points on the motherboard while connecting to a PC, which forces Mi Flash Tool to detect it for a low-level flash.
- Model Confusion Brick: Ensure your device is the standard Mi 5 (gemini). Flashing firmware for the Mi 5s (capricorn) will cause a hard brick due to different chipsets and hardware. The easiest way to tell is the back: the Mi 5 has a curved glass or ceramic back, while the Mi 5s has a brushed metal back.
- Bootloader Unlock Wait Time: The Mi 5 was one of the first devices where Xiaomi enforced a mandatory waiting period for bootloader unlocking. After you apply for an unlock, you may need to wait several days (from 3 to 15) before the Mi Unlock Tool will successfully unlock the device. This is normal.
- Screen Retention / Ghosting: The IPS display on some Mi 5 units was known to exhibit temporary image retention or “ghosting” after a static image was displayed for a prolonged period. This is a characteristic of the display panel hardware and usually fades over time. It cannot be fixed with software.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the main difference between the Mi 5 (gemini) and the Mi 5s (capricorn)? The Mi 5 (gemini) has a curved glass/ceramic back, a Snapdragon 820 processor, and a physical home button with a fingerprint scanner. The Mi 5s (capricorn) was an upgrade with a full metal body, a Snapdragon 821, and a then-new under-glass ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.
Q2. What was the final official update for the Mi 5? The Mi 5 launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and received its final major OS upgrade to Android 8.0 Oreo. Its final official MIUI version was MIUI 10. The Xiaomi.eu ROM provided is based on a later, China-only MIUI 11 build.
