Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro (whyred) Firmware Flash File Download [Stock Rom]

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro (codename whyred), launched in 2018, is a legendary mid-range smartphone that set new benchmarks for performance and photography. Marketed as “India’s Camera Beast,” it was one of the first phones in the world to feature the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor. Its acclaimed AI dual-camera system delivered flagship-level portrait shots, and the large 4000 mAh battery ensured all-day performance. The whyred became a massive success and a favorite within the developer community. This page provides the official fastboot ROMs for China, Global, and Russia, the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM, and the PitchBlack custom recovery for advanced users.

Important: You must verify your device is the Redmi Note 5 Pro (whyred). It is often confused with the Redmi 5 Plus (vince), which was sold as “Redmi Note 5” only in China. They are completely different phones, and their firmware is not interchangeable.

Quick Device Specs

• Device: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro (whyred)
• Release year: 2018
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
• Display: 5.99″ IPS LCD
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• Original MIUI: Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), MIUI 9

Required Downloads

Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery

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.

1. Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
2. Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the /images directory in Mi Flash Tool.
3. 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 PitchBlack Recovery & Flash Custom ROMs

Use this method to install the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM or other community-developed ROMs.

What is PitchBlack Recovery? PitchBlack Recovery Project (PBRP) is a popular custom recovery based on TWRP. It offers a different user interface and includes some extra customization features, but its core function is the same: it replaces your phone’s limited stock recovery to allow you to flash custom software like the Xiaomi.eu ROM, create backups, and root your device.

Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.

1. Unlock the Bootloader: This is a mandatory first step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Flash PitchBlack Recovery:
   • The PBRP download is a .zip file. Extract it to find the recovery .img file.
   • Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
   • Using ADB & Fastboot tools on your PC, flash the recovery .img file with the command:
     fastboot flash recovery PBRP-filename.img
3. Boot into Recovery: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
4. Install Custom ROM:
   • In PitchBlack, go to “Wipe” and perform the recommended wipes (e.g., Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
   • Transfer the Xiaomi.eu .zip ROM file to your phone.
   • In the main menu, tap “Install,” select the .zip file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
   • Reboot your system once complete.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between the Redmi Note 5 Pro (whyred) and the Redmi 5 Plus (vince)?
They are completely different phones. The Note 5 Pro (whyred) has a superior Snapdragon 636 processor and a dual-camera system. The Redmi 5 Plus (vince), which was sold as “Redmi Note 5” only in China, has a Snapdragon 625 and a single camera. The whyred model is the true global Redmi Note 5.

Q2. What is PitchBlack Recovery? Is it the same as TWRP?
PitchBlack Recovery Project (PBRP) is a custom recovery that is built upon the TWRP source code. It provides all the same core functions as TWRP but with a different, often preferred, user interface and some additional built-in tools. The installation process for custom ROMs is nearly identical.

Q3. What was the final official update for the Redmi Note 5 Pro?
The Redmi Note 5 Pro launched with Android 7.1 Nougat and received its final major OS upgrade to Android 9 Pie. The MIUI 12 builds provided on this page are the last official software updates for this model.

Q4. The Xiaomi.eu ROM is a .zip file. How do I install it?
The .zip file is a recovery ROM. It must be installed using a custom recovery like the PitchBlack Recovery provided after unlocking the bootloader. It cannot be flashed with Mi Flash Tool.

Troubleshooting

• Drivers: If your PC does not recognize the phone in fastboot mode, reinstall the Xiaomi USB drivers and run Mi Flash Tool as Administrator.
• Fastboot errors:
  • “error: not catch checkpoint” → This common error means you have selected the wrong folder. In Mi Flash Tool, be sure to select the parent folder that was created when you extracted the .tgz file, not the images folder inside it.
  • “Anti rollback error” → You are attempting to flash an older firmware version than what is currently on the device. Xiaomi’s Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) is active on this device and prevents downgrading.
• Custom Recovery Issues:
  • Recovery asks for a password → This means your phone’s storage is encrypted. The standard fix is to go to the “Wipe” menu and choose “Format Data”. This will erase everything on your internal storage.
  • Stuck on boot after flashing → If the phone doesn’t boot up after flashing a custom ROM, reboot to recovery, perform a full wipe (Cache, Dalvik, System, Data), and then re-flash the ROM .zip file.