Xiaomi Mi5 runs on MIUI 8 currently. If you don’t like the stock MIUI, you can opt for a custom ROM. When it comes to choosing a custom ROM for your smartphone, the best option you will find is the Lineage OS. It was formerly known as CyanogenMod. LineageOS 14.1 is based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat. The firmware is free of bloatware. It is very much close to vanilla Android. 
There are many other reasons pushing you towards the installation of a custom ROM on your Xiaomi Mi5. Apart from being bloatware free, you also have the freedom of going out of boundaries since these custom ROMs are free of all kind of restrictions. Linage OS 14.1 is also the most popular aftermarket Android custom OS. The firmware for the Xiaomi Mi5 has now entered a stable state. Almost everything is working on it and you can keep it as your daily driver without a hiccup.
The installation of Linage OS 14.1 on the Xiaomi Mi5 is a little bit complex. The firmware requires your phone to be running on the MIUI 7.7.6 Global Developer firmware. You have to flash the 7.7.6 firmware if your phone is running on a different firmware before. Furthermore, you need a TWRP recovery running on your phone as well. This guide will now help you to install Lineage OS 14.1 Xiaomi Mi5 Custom ROM using the TWRP custom recovery.
Things to keep in mind
- This guide is only for the Xiaomi Mi5. It supports all models i.e. 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB variants.
- Charge your phone up to 50% to make sure that it lasts during the installation process.
- Backup everything from your phone.
- Follow this guide carefully.
Pre-requisites
- Download the MIUI 7.7.6 Global Dev Firmware.
- Flash the firmware using this guide: How To Flash Fastboot ROM on Xiaomi Phones using Xiaomi Mi Flash
- Now install the TWRP recovery on your Xiaomi Mi5.
Note: These are highly custom processes and are not recommended by device manufacturers. Rooting or flashing custom recovery also voids the warranty of your phone. In case of a mishap, TechBeasts or the recovery developers may not be held responsible. Make sure that you are doing this at your own risk.
Install Lineage OS 14.1 Xiaomi Mi5 Custom ROM
- Download Lineage OS 14.1.zip file and copy it to your phone’s internal storage.
- Download LinageOS 14.1 Root Addon and copy it to your phones internal storage.
- Download Gapps Mini or Micro for Android 7.1 and copy it to your phone’s internal storage.
- Boot your Xiaomi Mi5 into the TWRP recovery mode.
- Tap Wipe > Advanced Wipe > Select System, Cache and Data > Wipe all these.
- Now in TWRP’s main menu, Install > Locate and select Lineage OS 14.1.zip file > Swipe screen to flash.
- Get back to the main menu in TWRP, tap Install > Locate and select Lineage OS 14.1 Root Addon > Swipe screen to flash.
- Once again get back to the main menu in TWRP, tap Install > Locate and select Gapps package > Swipe screen to flash.
- After flashing all these files, reboot your phone to the system.
That’s all. In case something goes wrong, feel free to reach us out through the comments section.
