The Redmi 5 Plus (codename: vince) was launched in 2017 and officially only ever received MIUI 11 based on Android 8 Oreo. Xiaomi dropped official support years ago, leaving this once-popular budget phone stuck on an outdated, insecure Android version. But thanks to the custom ROM community, you can now breathe new life into it by installing MIUI 13 based on Android 11, a massive three-version jump in both MIUI and Android.
This guide, based on hands-on practical experience, walks you through the entire process from verifying your bootloader is genuinely unlocked (a common pitfall) to flashing the ROM, fixing the missing Play Store issue, and an honest short review of what works, what doesn't, and what to expect.
Important transparency note (E-E-A-T): This is a ported custom ROM (MIUI Finch Global), NOT official Xiaomi firmware. It requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP. It will erase all your data. Play Integrity checks fail (all red), though in testing, WhatsApp and banking apps like Dana still worked. An annoying system-update notification appears and must be disabled manually. We'll cover all of this honestly below.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on hands-on testing of the MIUI Finch Global (MIUI 13, Android 11) custom ROM on the Redmi 5 Plus (vince). This is a community-ported ROM, not official Xiaomi firmware. Unlocking the bootloader and flashing custom software voids your warranty and carries inherent risks, including data loss and potential bricking. Always backup data, use trusted file sources, ensure sufficient battery, and follow instructions carefully. The author is not responsible for bricked devices or data loss. This guide is for educational purposes only.
Critical Things You Must Know Before Starting
1. This is a Custom ROM Not Official
The highest official MIUI version for Redmi 5 Plus is MIUI 11 (Android 8). MIUI 13 on this device is a community port it is not signed or supported by Xiaomi. This means no official OTA updates, and you must unlock the bootloader to install it.
2. Unlocked Bootloader (UBL) is Mandatory Verify It Correctly
A critical, often-missed detail: the "Mi Unlock status" screen can lie. It may show "This device is unlocked" even when the bootloader is still locked. The accurate way to verify:
- Enable Developer Options: Settings > About phone > Tap MIUI version 7 times
- Go to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options
- Check "OEM unlocking" if it is greyed out and cannot be toggled, your bootloader is genuinely unlocked
- If OEM unlocking is toggleable, your bootloader is still locked you must unlock it first (via Mi Unlock tool)
If your bootloader is locked, unlock it first and install TWRP before proceeding.
3. Everything Will Be Erased
The process includes Advanced Wipe + Format Data. Backup all photos, contacts, messages, and files before starting.
4. Play Integrity Will Fail
After flashing, Play Integrity / SafetyNet will show all red. This is normal for custom ROMs. In testing, WhatsApp and banking apps (e.g., Dana) still worked fine and did not detect the custom ROM. Your experience may vary by app.
Required Files
| File | Purpose |
| MIUI 13 ROM (MIUI Finch Global) | The main custom ROM (Android 11) |
| MIUI Apps package | Google apps + MIUI apps (Play Store, Chrome, etc.) flashed separately |
| TWRP recovery (specific build) | Backup in case your current TWRP doesn't support flashing this ROM |
Keep a copy of the MIUI Apps package on your PC it gets erased during Format Data and you'll need to re-flash it (explained in Step 10).
Step 1: Verify Unlocked Bootloader & TWRP
- Enable Developer Options (Settings > About phone > tap MIUI version 7x)
- Settings > Additional settings > Developer options
- Confirm OEM unlocking is greyed out (genuinely unlocked)
- Confirm TWRP is installed and functional
If either is missing: unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock tool, then flash TWRP via fastboot, before continuing.
Step 2: Boot into TWRP
- Reboot your Redmi 5 Plus
- Immediately press and hold Volume Up as it restarts
- Keep holding until TWRP recovery appears
Step 3: Advanced Wipe (Erases Everything)
1. In TWRP, tap Wipe > Advanced Wipe
2. Check these five partitions:
- Dalvik / ART Cache
- Data
- Cache
- System
- Vendor
3. Swipe to wipe
4. Wait for "Successful"
Do NOT check Internal Storage you need to keep the ROM files on your phone.
Step 4: Flash the MIUI 13 ROM
- Tap Home > Install
- Select the MIUI Finch Global (MIUI 13) ROM ZIP
- Swipe to confirm flash
- Be patient this takes several minutes
- Wait for "Successful"
Step 5: Wipe Cache & Dalvik (After ROM)
- Tap Wipe Cache/Dalvik
- Swipe to confirm
- Wait for completion
Step 6: Flash the MIUI Apps Package
- Tap Home > Install
- Select the MIUI Apps ZIP (includes Play Store, Chrome, Google apps)
- Swipe to confirm flash
- Wait for "Successful"
Step 7: Wipe Cache & Dalvik (Again)
- Tap Wipe Cache/Dalvik
- Swipe to confirm
Step 8: Format Data (Critical)
- Tap Home > Wipe > Format Data
- Type "yes" to confirm
- Tap the checkmark
- Wait for completion
This step is mandatory it removes old encryption and ensures a clean first boot. Note: Format Data will erase the MIUI Apps file from internal storage if you stored it there (which is why you keep a copy on your PC).
Step 9: Reboot to System (First Boot)
- Tap Reboot > System
- First boot takes 10–15 minutes be patient, do NOT interrupt
- Once at the setup screen, set up offline (skip Wi-Fi, skip sign-in) to reach the home screen quickly
Step 10: Fix Missing Play Store / MIUI Apps (Important!)
After first boot, you may notice Play Store, Chrome, and Google apps are missing. This happens because Format Data erased the MIUI Apps package. To fix:
- Copy the MIUI Apps ZIP from your PC back to the phone (via USB cable)
- Reboot into TWRP (reboot > hold Volume Up)
- Tap Install > select the MIUI Apps ZIP > Swipe to flash
- Wipe Cache/Dalvik
- Reboot to System
- Play Store, Chrome, and Google apps will now appear
Step 11: Initial Setup & First Updates
- Connect to Wi-Fi and sign into your Google account
- Update ALL apps via Play Store immediately the ROM ships with old app versions, which makes the phone feel slow/heavy at first. After updating, performance improves significantly.
- Set up your accounts and restore data as needed.
Short Review: How Is MIUI 13 on Redmi 5 Plus?
Based on hands-on testing after installation:
| Aspect | Status | Notes |
| MIUI version | ✅ MIUI 13 | Ported (MIUI Finch Global) |
| Android version | ✅ Android 11 | Upgraded from Android 8 |
| Mobile data / Calls | ✅ Normal | SIM, signal, calls work |
| Wi-Fi | ✅ Normal | Connects and works |
| Major bugs | ✅ None significant | Daily-driver usable |
| RAM extension | ✅ +1GB virtual RAM | Memory extension feature works |
| Play Integrity | ❌ All red | Normal for custom ROMs |
| WhatsApp / Banking (Dana) | ✅ Works | Not detected, no force-close |
| OTA Updates | ❌ Not working | Update notification appears but can't install |
The Annoying Update Notification
A system update notification will appear (since it's a custom ROM, the update can't actually install). It can't be dismissed normally. To remove it:
- Settings > Password & security
- Find the Updater / Update app in the list
- Disable it (wait until the toggle becomes active it turns blue)
- Reboot your phone the notification disappears after restart
Performance Note
If the ROM feels heavy or laggy right after installation, it's not the ROM it's because all apps are outdated. Update every app via Play Store first, and the phone will feel noticeably smoother.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue 1: ROM flash fails in TWRP (error 7 or similar)
Solution: Use the specific TWRP build provided with the ROM files older TWRP versions may not support this ROM. Re-flash TWRP via fastboot, then retry.
Issue 2: Bootloop / stuck on boot animation >20 minutes
Solution: Reboot to TWRP (Volume Up + Power). Re-do Advanced Wipe (Dalvik, Data, Cache, System, Vendor), re-flash ROM, wipe cache, flash MIUI Apps, wipe cache, Format Data, reboot. Ensure you didn't skip Format Data.
Issue 3: Play Store / Google apps missing after first boot
Solution: This is expected. Re-copy the MIUI Apps ZIP to the phone, re-enter TWRP, flash it again, wipe cache, reboot. (See Step 10.)
Issue 4: "Mi Unlock status says unlocked" but flashing fails
Solution: The Mi Unlock status can be fake. Check OEM unlocking in Developer Options if it's toggleable (not greyed out), your bootloader is still locked. Unlock it properly via Mi Unlock tool.
Issue 5: Banking apps detect custom ROM / force-close
Solution: In testing, WhatsApp and Dana worked fine. If a specific banking app fails, install Magisk + Play Integrity Fix + Shamiko modules via TWRP to hide root/custom ROM status.
Issue 6: Update notification won't go away
Solution: Disable the Updater app in Settings > Password & security > [app list], then reboot. The notification disappears after restart.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Keep all files on your PC as backup Format Data erases internal storage copies
- Use the provided TWRP build don't assume your existing TWRP works
- Never skip Format Data it's the #1 cause of bootloop
- Update all apps after first boot old app versions cause lag
- Disable the Updater app + reboot to kill the annoying update notification
- Charge battery above 50% before starting
- If you want banking apps guaranteed, plan to install Magisk + Play Integrity Fix afterward
Final Verdict
Upgrading the Redmi 5 Plus from MIUI 11 (Android 8) to MIUI 13 (Android 11) is one of the most dramatic upgrades you can give this aging device. Android 11 brings modern security patches, app compatibility, and features that simply don't exist on Android 8. The ROM is stable enough for daily use calls, mobile data, Wi-Fi, WhatsApp, and even banking apps work without major issues.
The trade-offs are honest ones: no OTA updates (with a slightly annoying notification), Play Integrity failing, and the extra step of re-flashing the MIUI Apps package. For a 2017 budget phone that Xiaomi abandoned years ago, getting three more Android versions and a modern MIUI experience is an incredible result and well worth the effort.
