Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 5 series of mobile devices have proven to be reliable workhorses, but over time, even the most stable MIUI system can start to fail. Cache accumulation, conflicts after updates or malware often cause the smartphone to run slowly, reboot arbitrarily, or refuse to turn on completely.
The process of returning the device to factory settings seems simple, but it requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to turn the phone into a “brick.” It is important to understand that formatting is an irreversible process that will destroy all your personal information, including contacts, photos and installed applications.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail two main ways to perform cleaning: through the standard settings menu of the Android operating system and through the Recovery engineering menu. The second method is especially relevant if your Redmi Note 5 stopped responding to touch or blocked on the boot screen. We will look at the nuances of working with your Google account and Mi Account so that after a reset you do not encounter an activation lock.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start taking drastic measures, you need to do a series of preparatory steps to secure your data and ensure the smoothness of the process. Backup is the first and most important step. You can use the cloud services Mi Cloud or Google Drive, as well as local saving to a memory card or computer. Make sure that all important documents, correspondence in messengers and media files are stored in a secure place.
The second critical point is the battery level. The formatting process can take a lot of time. 10 before 30 minutes, and if the device turns off in the middle, it will damage the system files. 5 minimum 60-70%. It is also recommended to remove SIM-MicroSD card and memory card, if installed so as not to accidentally format external media along with internal memory.
⚠️ Warning: If your device has two-factor authentication enabled or account binding enabled, remember your passwords. After resetting, your phone will request the account that was last used on the device.
Remember to write down important passwords from Wi-Fi networks and applications, as they will have to be re-entered after reset. If you use third-party launchers or specific system settings, it makes sense to take screenshots of the current configuration, which will save time to reconfigure the interface to suit your habits.
☑️ Checklist before formatting
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
If your smartphone is functioning normally, the screen is touch-sensitive, and you can move freely through the interface, then this method is the most preferred and safe. It allows the system to correctly complete all background processes before cleaning. To begin, open the Settings app on the home screen or in the notification curtain.
In the settings menu, you need to find a section that can be called About Phone or Advanced Settings in different versions of MIUI firmware. You will need to find Reset settings. Depending on the shell version, the path can look like Settings → About Phone → Reset or Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset.
When you go to the desired partition, the system will offer several options, we are interested in the option to erase all data. When you select this item, the phone will warn you that all files will be deleted, PIN-code or password, the system will require you to enter them to confirm your identity.
Once confirmed, the preparation process will begin. The smartphone can flash the screen several times or reboot. Do not interfere with the device at this point. Android will shut down all applications and begin cleaning the memory partitions. This process is fully automated and does not require user participation until the screen of the initial setting appears.
Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode
If the phone is stuck, unresponsive or goes into an endless reboot, the standard method will not work, and you need to use Recovery Mode, which is a special diagnostic interface that is stitched into the device's memory regardless of the main operating system, and to enter this mode, the device must be completely turned off.
Press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue holding the volume button until the Recovery menu appears. The navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
In the menu that opens, select a language (usually English or Chinese), then go to Wipe Data. The system can request confirmation of action, requiring you to press Confirm. Some versions of Recovery will require you to enter a digital code that will be shown on the screen using volume buttons.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working, all actions are performed with strictly mechanical buttons on the body of the smartphone.
Once confirmed, the cleanup process will begin. The screen will display the progress bar. Once the procedure is complete, the phone will automatically restart. The first run after Hard Reset can take longer than usual, up to 5-7 minutes, since the system needs to recreate the file structure.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Accounts and activation blocking
Modern Xiaomi smartphones and Android devices are heavily secure, and it is essential to untie the device from Google and Mi Accounts before formatting. If you don’t, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the account that was last authorized, a theft protection known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
To deflect Mi Account, go to Settings → Mi Account, select your profile and click on the “Get Out” button. The system will require a password. Similarly, do with your Google account: Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google, select an account and click “Delete Account.” Only after these actions can you safely format the device.
If you forget your account password, it can take time to restore access and require access to your linked phone number or backup email. If you lose access to your account data, unlocking your device becomes a difficult technical task, often requiring you to contact the service center with a check for a purchase.
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Mandatory untiing of accounts before reset is the only way to avoid FRP blocking and device access issues after formatting.
Possible problems and methods of solving them
Unforeseen situations can occur during the formatting process, such as the phone might freeze on the Mi or Android logo. If it lasts more than 10 minutes, try to force the reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the problem recurs, the system partition may be damaged and you will need to flash it through the computer.
Another common problem is a data cleanup error in Recovery, which may indicate a physical flash memory malfunction or a critical file system failure, and in such cases, standard methods will not help, and you need to use programmers or contact specialists.
Below is a table of symptoms and possible solutions:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone hangs on the logo. | Update failure or damage to system files | Resetting via Recovery or Firmware |
| Google Password Request After Reset | The account was not deleted prior to formatting (FRP) | Entering account data or restoring access |
| Cyclical reboot | Application conflict or cache damage | Full reset (Wipe All Data) |
| The sensor does not work after resetting | Calibration or driver error | Firming stock firmware |
Also, consider that after a reset, some applications may not work properly until all system components are fully updated through the Google Play Store. 30-40 Minutes of background work after initial setup to stabilize processes.
Initial configuration after formatting
Once the formatting procedure is successfully completed, you will see a welcome screen. Select the interface language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. At this stage, the system will check for security updates and Android components. It is recommended to install all the proposed updates for stability.
Then you sign in to your Google account. If you plan to restore data from a backup, select the appropriate option. The system will offer to restore the list of applications, settings and passwords. You can choose to selectively restore so that you do not download garbage accumulated over the years of use.
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When setting up a new profile, refuse to install unnecessary pre-installed applications offered by the system to keep the Redmi Note 5 running.
Set up security settings: add a fingerprint if the sensor is working and install a reliable one. PIN-This will protect your data in the future, and when you're done, the customizer will suggest you set the theme and fonts, which you can do right away or put off for later.