How to format Xiaomi Redmi 5: 3 ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used, but over time can start to brake, give out errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset Redmi 5: through the phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. We will detail each method, point out typical errors and give recommendations for preparation. If you have never done such manipulations, do not worry: the instructions are adapted for beginners, with explanations of each step.

Before you start, make sure your Redmi 5 is at least 50% charged, which will prevent a sudden shutdown during the process. Also prepare backups of contacts, photos and apps: after formatting, all user information will be erased.

Preparation for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Factory reset is an irreversible process that removes all data from your smartphone’s internal memory, including apps, accounts, photos and settings. To avoid losses, follow a few mandatory steps:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or manually copy files to your PC. Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) are also suitable, but note that you will need the Internet to restore them.
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 50% or more. If the battery runs out during reset, it can cause the system to crash.
• 📋 Write down your Mi Account details (logins, passwords). After reset, you will need to reauthorize, and without Xiaomi, some functions (for example, unlocking the bootloader) will not be available.
• 🔌 Prepare the cable. USB (If you are planning to reset via PC, it is better to use the original cord from Redmi 5 to avoid connection problems.

Pay special attention to tied accounts. If the phone has enabled Find Device or activated Mi Account lock, you may need to enter a password from the account after reset. Without it, it will be difficult to unlock the phone - you will have to contact Xiaomi support.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 5 from hand and do not know the data of the previous owner, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can lead to the locking of the device.In this case, first delete the associated Mi Account through the official Xiaomi website.

2. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, and if you do not want to use the computer, the procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require special skills.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select the Reset option.
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it, which is the safest way to do it because it's controlled by the operating system, but it won't help if the phone is locked, not turned on or stuck on the Xiaomi logo.

Save important files to your PC or cloud|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account|Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

Method 2: Formatting via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 5 doesn't respond to taps, is stuck on the screensaver or locked, resetting through Recovery, a special recovery mode, is built into the firmware and works even in case of serious system failures.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Next:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
• 📛 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese version).
• 🔄 Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
• ✅ After completion, select Reboot to restart.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Recovery may have different menu items. If you only see Chinese characters, look for their location: Wipe Data is usually the third or fourth item on top.

This method is effective for software failures, but will not help if the problem is in the hardware (for example, a faulty memory or processor). Also note that after resetting through Recovery, you may need to re-assign Mi Account.

Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical. It's suitable if:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery.
• 📱 You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

This method will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility. You also need to download the official firmware for Redmi 5 (version of Fastboot ROM) from the Miui Download site.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 5-10 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-outer (Fastboot logo).
2. Connect Redmi 5 to your PC via USB-cable.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Using a Fastboot without an unlocked bootloader can lead to your phone locking.If you're not sure the bootloader is unlocked, first check this through the fastboot oem device-info command in the terminal.If the response is Device unlocked: true, you can continue.

1. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Mi Flash Tool.

2. Use another USB-Port (preferably 2.0, not 3.0).

3. disable the antivirus - it can block the work of the utility.-->

Possible problems after formatting and their solution

Even if the reset is successful, there may be problems after the reset, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔒 Phone requires Mi Account password after reset: This means the device was linked to Xiaomi account. Enter the IDs that used the phone before. If you don't remember the password, restore it to Mi Account.
• 📵 No network after reset: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and check if data is enabled. SIM-The card is not defined, restart the phone or try inserting the card into another slot.
• 🔄 Phone constantly reboots: This is a sign of a damaged firmware. Try repeating the reset via Fastboot (method 3) or installing a new version MIUI.
• 📱 Touch buttons do not work: Enable Settings → Additionally. → Navigation buttons and activate the display of buttons on the screen.

If the phone doesn't turn on at all after formatting (black screen, no charging reaction), this may indicate a hardware malfunction, in which case contact the service center - self-repair without experience can aggravate the problem.

1. Number of installed applications (remove unnecessary ones).

2. MIUI version (update via Settings → About Phone → System Update).

Battery condition (a worn-out battery may cause lags).-->

6.How to recover data after reset

If you haven't backed up before formatting, the chances of returning deleted files are minimal, but there are. Here's what you can try:

• 🖥️ Recovery software: Use tools like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver or Recuva (for memory card); connect Redmi 5 to your PC and scan your internal memory.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Check Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Dropbox — some of the data may have been synced automatically.
• 📁 Local Copies: If you have connected your phone to your computer before, check folders DCIM, Downloads and Pictures on your hard drive – sometimes files are copied there automatically.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset if you plan to restore files. Each new photo or application reduces the chances of a successful recovery.

If the data was critical (for example, working documents), and you can not recover them, contact specialized laboratories. They use professional equipment to extract information directly from the memory chip, but this service is expensive (from 5 000 rubles).

7. Alternatives to full formatting

Factory reset is a last resort, and in some cases, the problem can be solved with less radical methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Apps, select the program that slows down and click Clear cache.This won't delete your data, but it can eliminate lags.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest firmware. Often bugs are fixed in new builds.
• 🚫 Disable autoboot: Many applications start when the system starts and consume resources. → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🛠️ Network Settings Reset: If you have problems with internet or Bluetooth, try Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.

If your phone is slowing down due to memory shortage, transfer files to a microSD card (if supported) or remove unnecessary apps. Use the built-in Cleanup utility in Settings to analyze occupied space.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 5 formatting