Xiaomi Mi 5 may not get Android 8.1 Oreo update officially, but its users can still enjoy latest Android OS on it, thanks to the developer community. The Lineage OS team has released LineageOS 15.1 for Mi 5 that brings Android 8.1 Oreo and several added features to the device. Here is the installation guide to get Android 8.1 Oreo on Xiaomi Mi 5, Mi 5S and Mi 5S Plus with official LineageOS 15.1.
Recently, the Lineage OS released Android 8.1 Oreo based LineageOS 15.1 for a number of devices, which includes Xiaomi Mi 5 (Gemini), Mi 5S (Capricorn) and Mi 5S Plus (Natrium). The installation procedure is same for all these Mi variants, but users should unlock the bootlader first and then install TWRP recovery via ADB before flashing LineageOS.
With LineageOS 15.1, Xiaomi Mi 5 owners can enjoy stock Android UI, LineageOS features like Trebuchet Launcher, Snap camera, AudioFX, Jelly browser, Eleven Music Player, Live Display, Recorder, various gestures, Extreme power saver mode and more along with Oreo features.
Note that, LineageOS 15.1 is the first nightly build for Xiaomi Mi 5, which means it might be unstable. Therefore install the build at your own risk.
Note: The below guide assume that you have already unlocked bootloader of your device and installed latest version of TWRP.
Install LineageOS 15.1 from TWRP recovery
1. Download LineageOS 15.1 build (for example, ineage-15.1-20180226-nightly-gemini-signed.zip) for Mi 5 [here], Mi 5S [here] and Mi 5S Plus [here].
2. Download Google apps package from here (should be Oreo 8.1 compatible and arm 64)
3. Save both zip files on your phone’s storage.
4. Boot your device into TWRP (Switch off, and press Volume Up + Power until you see Mi logo).
5. In TWRP, tap ‘Backup’ button and create system backup (optional)
6. Now, tap ‘Wipe’ button, go to Advanced Wipe and select Cache, System and Data partitions to be wiped and then Swipe to Wipe.
7. Now, tap ‘Install’ button, browser to the ROM zip file, select and swipe to install. Then install Gapps zip file as well.
8. Once the installation completes, return to the main menu, select Reboot, and then System.
Note: f you are keep getting the Error 7 in TWRP when trying to install LineageOS 15 on your Mi 5, then check this guide.
