[Xiaomi Mi 5s Guides, News, & Discussion] Seehank:
Many people like me did buy its Xiaomi Mi 5S from Chine wich official Chinese ROM. The problem of this ROM is that unless you are Chinese you dont really enjoy it. But now since the official Global ROM was released all was supposed to be saved and beautiful. Except you could not flash it using the built-in flashing (update) tool of the ROM it just would not recognize it as valid and thats that.

First and most recognized solution you would find is Unlock bootloader and flash it via fastboot (MiFlash windows app). In order to unlock a Xiaomi you have to Apply for unlock and give them specific reason to grant you your wish (pretty lame). Than after unlock it will work. It takes them less then 10 days (official Xiaomi), if not you should write on their forum. Not sure if anyone did not get it, but its still stupid.

There used to be option to do this using EDL mode (or Download mode), but there is no EDL in Mi 5s any more, so no luck here either.

So here is option number two that will always work without unlocking bootloader. It will even work with bricked phones. It is called Deep Flash. This option works only with Qualcom machines (f.e. Snapdragon) and what it does is, it connects your smartphone to your computer via one of COM ports using the Qualcom drivers. Dont ask me how exactly, I dont know, dont care. It just works :D The whole point of this method is the Deep Flash Cable, you need it and you either make it yourself (real easy) od buy one on Aliexpress (easier, but you have to wait long).

Here is video with the procedure of deep flashing: https://youtu.be/tdk0d2Zrm9w

Here is an OK website with the whole procedure including how to make Deep Flash cable: http://www.stupdroid.com/2016/10/make-xiaomi-deep-flash-cable-and.html

Here is link to the official FASTBOOT Global ROM: http://en.miui.com/thread-454687-1-1.html

Here is link to MiFlash tool: http://en.miui.com/thread-345974-1-1.html - I beleive the new version already has Qualcom drivers included.

If windows was making you trouble and your Qualcom driver will not install here is why: http://en.miui.com/thread-237673-1-1.html

I also attach pictures of my cable and a schematic of what you are actually doing. It is really a simple thing to do. It took me like 20 minutes. No special skills required, and I used only sharp knife, did not even have a razer. I used some random cable, not genuine Xiaomi cable as the guide says. I used non copper cables to connect B and G (I canibalized some other old USB cable).

IMPORTANT NOTE, keep with the flash procedure exactly as it says, or you will get errors ("cannot receive hello packet") when flashing like I did.

1. MiFlash is not running on your PC, Your phone is turned OFF, The two cables (B and G) are connected together, Your Device Manager is ON

2. You connect the Deep Flash cable to your PC use USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0+ are reported not to work)

3. You connect the Deep Flash cable to your Mi5S

4. Wait for 10 seconds. (just count to 13 or something) - apparently this may save you from the "hello packet" error

5. You disconnect the two cables (B and G) - in Device Manager you will see something like Qualcom HS-USB Diagnostic 9008 - keep cables disconnected

6. Only now you launch MiFlash by going to C:\XiaoMi\XiaoMiFlash and Right-clicking on XiaoMiFlash.exe and Run as Administrator

7. In MiFlash tool Press Refresh button - you will see your phone on one COM port

8. Browse to your Global Rom (f.e. capricorn_global_images_V8.0.3.0.MAGMIDI_20161222.0000.00_6.0_global) under this folder you will see folder named image

9. Press Refresh one more time

10. Press Flash and have a coffe (took mine 5 minutes)

11. After you see nice green success you turn off MiFlash

12. Disconnect the cable from phone

13. Boot the phone - dont panic first boot is very long

There ya go. You are now on Xiaomi Mi5S with Global ROM with still locked bootloader. This guide should work with Mi5S Plus, but I did it on my Mi5S only.

Special thanx to XN Logos and his post about unbricking. This one is literarly the same method. But I myself ran around that post 10 times when searching for solution to my problem and never knew this in fact is solution to my problem aswell :silly:

Thanx to awaaas for mentioning the disclaimer about USB 3.0 ports.

Thanx to cerietke for mentioning the 10 second pause in step 4.