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Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A

From postmarketOS Wiki
Note This device is supported as part of a generic port. Refer to Generic MSM89x7 (qcom-msm89x7) for installation instructions and more information.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Prime
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A running XFCE4
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A running XFCE4
Manufacturer Xiaomi
Name Redmi Note 5A Prime
Codename xiaomi-ugg
Released 2017
Type handset
Hardware
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 (MSM8940)
CPU 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Adreno 505
Display 720x1280 IPS LCD
Storage 32G
Memory 3GB
Architecture aarch64
Software
Original software Android (MIUI)
Original version
The version the device was shipped with.
7.1.2 (MIUI 11)
postmarketOS
Category testing
Pre-built images
Whether pre-built images are available here.
no
Mainline
Instead of a Linux kernel fork, it is possible to run (Close to) Mainline.
yes
pmOS kernel
The kernel version that runs on the device's port.
6.13
Generic port Generic MSM89x7 (qcom-msm89x7)
Features
Flashing
It is possible to flash the device with pmbootstrap flasher.
Works
USB Networking
After connecting the device with USB to your PC, you can connect to it via telnet (initramfs) or SSH (booted system).
Works
Internal storage
eMMC, SD cards, UFS, ...
Works
SD card
Also includes other external storage cards
Works
Battery
Charging and battery level reporting works
Works
Screen
Display works. Ideally with sleep mode and brightness control.
Works
Touchscreen
Works
Multimedia
3D Acceleration
Works
Audio
Audio playback, microphone, headset and buttons.
Works
Camera
Broken
IR TX
Untested
Connectivity
WiFi
Works
Bluetooth
Works
GPS
Broken
Modem
Calls
Broken
SMS
Broken
Mobile data
Broken
Miscellaneous
FDE
Full disk encryption and unlocking with unl0kr.
Works
USB OTG
USB On-The-Go or USB-C Role switching
Broken
Sensors
Accelerometer
Auto screen rotation works in desktops e.g. Phosh or Plasma Mobile
Broken
Magnetometer
Sensor to measure magnetism
Broken
Ambient Light
Broken
Proximity
Broken
Hall Effect
Also known as flip cover sensor
Broken

Contributors

  • Flafflar

Users owning this device

  • Bczeman
  • Filip2cz (Notes: Prime version - this just added fingerprint reader, better camera and littlebit better cpu)
  • Flafflar (Notes: Broken camera)
  • Xiaoyu2006 (Notes: Broken display)


Installation

Note Warning: Flashing lk2nd is required, as it is a hard dependency. Without it the mainline kernel will not select the display panel (resulting in black screen on boot).
$ pmbootstrap init # choose Vendor: qcom Device codename: msm89x7
$ pmbootstrap install
$ pmbootstrap flasher flash_lk2nd
$ pmbootstrap flasher flash_rootfs

How to enter flash mode

While the phone is off, hold the Power + Volume Down buttons together for a few seconds.

How to enter EDL mode

EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode) is a special mode in Qualcomm devices that allows, among other things, flashing firmware even when the phone is completely bricked. This might come useful in case something goes extremely wrong and the device won't even boot to fastboot.

To boot into EDL, you must first disassemble the device in order to expose the motherboard points required. This phone is very easy to disassemble, you can search for videos on YouTube if necessary. Once you have removed the back case and disconnected the battery, find the points shown below on the motherboard:

EDL testpoints on Redmi Note 5A motherboard (highlighted in red)

These are the test points that enable EDL mode. With the battery disconnected, use a metal tweezer or a small wire to short these two points. While keeping them sorted, plug the phone to a computer. The device should show up as "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008". You can now use this tool to download firmware to your device.


See also