How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their performance, but over time, even the most powerful Redmi Note 5 can start to work unstable.

The solution is, in most cases, a complete return to the original state, which removes all user data, returning the software to the “out of the box” state, and in this article we will discuss in detail all available reset methods, including working through Recovery Mode and the standard settings menu.

It's important to understand that the memory cleanup process is irreversible, and if you don't back up your contacts and photos in advance, you can't recover them, and we've developed a step-by-step algorithm that minimizes the risks and helps you safely resuscitate your gadget.

Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure

Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring these steps can lead to the loss of important information or locking your Google and Mi Account. Make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%, as the process of formatting partitions can take a long time.

Back up all your valuable data. You can use cloud services or transfer files to your computer. Pay special attention to synchronizing contacts, as they are often stored in SIM card memory or locally in the phone book, not in the cloud.

• 📸 Backup photos and videos through the Google Photos app or copy the folder DCIM PC-only.
• 📱 Save important chats from WhatsApp and Telegram messengers to cloud storage.
• 🔑 Remember or write down logins and passwords from accounts that were previously associated with the device.

You also need to turn off the device search function if you plan to transfer your smartphone to a new owner, and you need to log out of all accounts, and if the goal is just to speed up your phone, you can skip logging out, but the data will still be deleted.

Method 1: Classic reset via MIUI settings

The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the built-in Android functionality, which is suitable for those cases when you remember the screen unlock password and have access to the desktop. The MIUI interface in the Redmi Note 5 model is intuitive, but the paths to the menu may vary depending on the firmware version.

Go to the main menu and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear. Scroll down to About or Advanced Settings. Depending on the version of the shell, the feature you're looking for may be in different places, but the logic remains the same.

You need to find the option "Reset" or "Recover and Reset" and the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. This is a standard security warning. If you are sure of your decision, click "Reset" or "Clear all data".

⚠️ Note: If the phone is installed PIN-unlock SIM-Remove the SIM before the procedure to avoid blocking the next reboot.

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the cleaning process will begin. The screen may go out and light up several times. Don't try to interrupt this process, even if it seems to you to be hanging. The waiting time can range from 5 to 15 minutes.

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If you have a custom theme installed, it is better to return the standard MIUI theme before reset to avoid possible visual bugs when you first download after cleaning.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If your smartphone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the logo, or you've forgotten your pattern lock, Recovery mode will help. It's a low-level menu built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main interface. The Redmi Note 5 uses a combination of physical buttons to enter this mode.

Turn the device off completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, and then the power button can be released, while still holding the volume. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu will appear with English text.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data string. After selecting this item, the system will request confirmation of the action, since it is critical.

• 🔽 Select Wipe All Data for complete cleanup.
• ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
• 🔄 Once the process is complete, select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot -> Reboot to System.

The first download after Hard Reset always takes longer than usual. The smartphone will optimize applications and create new system files. The screen can display the Android logo with the boot process.

Delete your Mi and Google account (FRP Lock)

One of the most common issues after a reset is activation blocking, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), a security mechanism by Google and Xiaomi that prevents the use of a stolen phone. If you reset a device without first logging out of accounts, the system will require you to enter a password from the last Google account used.

Xiaomi devices also have Mi Account protection, and if Find Device is activated, the phone will require a password from the Mi Account, which will make it impossible to use the phone without it, and resetting through Recovery will not help to remove the lock.

To avoid this situation, before reset, be sure to follow the following steps: go to the settings, find the Accounts and Sync section (or "Mi Account") and click "Exit" or "Delete Acca." Only after completely untie all profiles can you safely clean the data.

If you bought a phone with your hands and faced a requirement to enter someone else’s account, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the previous owner or provide a check for a purchase to the service center to remove the lock.

Solving problems after discharge

Sometimes, after the Wipe Data procedure, users are faced with unexpected behaviors, such as the phone can restart indefinitely (bootloop) or freeze during the initial setup stage. This does not always mean hardware breakdown, often the problem lies in software conflicts.

One common cause is damage to the system update partition or conflicting Android versions.If the phone doesn't boot for more than 20 minutes after a reset, try forcibly restarting it by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds.If that doesn't help, you may need to flash the device through your computer.

Also worth mentioning is the proximity sensor problem: on the Redmi Note 5, sometimes the sensor calibration gets knocked off after reset, and the screen doesn't go out during the conversation. To solve this problem, you can run the proximity sensor test on the engineering menu (call # # #6484###) and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to repeatedly enter incorrect passwords from your Google account after a reset.Security may temporarily block the ability to enter data for 24 hours or more.

If the phone is running but it is running out or warming up quickly in the first hours after reset, give it time.The background indexing and update processes of Google Play services put a high strain on the processor. Usually after 1-2 hours of standby, the situation normalizes.

Setup Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 after cleaning

Once the reset is successfully completed, you'll see a welcome screen, and at this point, it's important to set the basics right to make sure you're comfortable. Don't rush to restore all the applications from the backup at once, you better set up the system clean.

When connecting to Wi-Fi, the system will suggest updating MIUI. It is recommended to agree, as new security patches and bug fixes can solve the problems that led to your reset.However, if you have custom firmware, this step should be skipped.

In the process of setting up, you'll be asked to recover data from the cloud, be selective: restore only contacts and photos, and install the apps manually so you don't return junk files and old settings that caused conflicts to the system.

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Clean installation of applications manually takes longer, but ensures that hidden errors and cache of older versions of programs will not return to the system.

Problem prevention and optimization

In order to use radical measures like Factory Reset as little as possible in the future, you should follow the simple rules of operation of Xiaomi smartphone. Regular cleaning of the cache and monitoring of installed applications will help to maintain high performance.

Use the built-in Security app to clean up your garbage. Do not install programs from unknown sources, as they often contain advertising modules that slow down the processor. Also keep an eye out for free memory: filling internal storage is more than 90% critically slowing down the speed of writing and reading data.

Reboot your device periodically (at least once a week) and allow Android to properly complete the freeze and free up RAM, and following these simple guidelines will extend the life of your Redmi Note 5 and keep it running.