Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliable “stuffing” and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires preparation for sale. In such cases, full formatting is the only way to return the device to “second life.” But how to do it correctly without turning the phone into a “brick”?
In this article, you'll find three proven reset methods, from simple soft resets through settings to hard formatting via Fastboot. We'll look at when each is needed, how to save important data before reset, and what to do if Redmi 5 doesn't turn on or is locked, and we'll also answer frequent questions: will formatting viruses, will it help with freezes, and how to avoid errors like Mi Account after reset.
Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting
Xiaomi Redmi 5 formatting erases all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. Even if you plan to reset your phone due to viruses or sales, pre-preparation will save you nerves.
Start by backing up.
- 📱 Use the built-in Settings function → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup: It will save system settings, messages and call logs, but it won't pull photos or videos.
- ☁️ Connect Mi Cloud (if your account is not blocked) and sync your contacts, notes and gallery. Check if there is enough space in the cloud - only 5GB is free.
- 💻 Copy files to your computer through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode in the Notification Curtain). Use Xiaomi to speed up PC Suite or Mi Phone Manager.
If the phone is locked or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to skip backups, in which case it's almost impossible to recover data after a reset without specialized software like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare -- and then without warranties.
⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 5 was enabled Mi Account and you do not remember the password, reset via Recovery or Fastboot will lead to locking the device.
Method 1: Soft reset via settings (if the phone is working)
This is the safest method, but it only works if:
- 🔓 The phone is unlocked and responds to touch.
- 🔋 Battery charge greater than 30% (the device should not be switched off during reset).
- 📶 No hardware damage (such as a broken screen or a broken power button).
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Additional → Backup and Reset.
- Select Settings Reset.
- Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
- Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
After the reset, the phone will turn on with factory settings, as after purchase, you will only have to go through the initial setting: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Google account (if required).
☑️ Checklist before soft reset
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)
If Redmi 5 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method erases all data, including viruses and settings, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot).
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu with a touch interface (in English or Chinese).
Further action:
- 📛 Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese version) → Wipe All Data.
- 🔄 Confirm the action by swipe or press Yes.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 2-5 minutes).
- 🔙 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.
⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account password and you don't remember it, don't try to guess! Three wrong attempts will lock the device for 24 hours. Instead, use the official recovery service or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)
This method is necessary in extreme cases:
- 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
- 📱 The phone is stuck in bootloop (infinite reboot).
- 🔓 You need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware.
You will need a computer with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
Step-by-step:
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
- Turn off Redmi 5 and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the Platform Tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers or try another cable.
- Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
Once you reboot, the phone will be fully formatted. If you plan to install custom firmware, unlock the bootloader with the command before you restart.
fastboot oem unlockBut remember: this erases all data and requires a link to a Mi Account.
1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.
2. Find Redmi 5 on the list (usually with a yellow exclamation point).
3. Right-click → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer → Select from the list.
4. Install the driver manually by selecting the Android Bootloader Interface.-->
Frequent Formatting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes face problems after a reset, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone asks for password from Mi Account after reset | Find Device or Mi Cloud was included. | Restore your password via account.xiaomi.com or contact support with a purchase check |
| After reset, the phone does not turn on (black screen) | Interrupted formatting process or battery drain | Charge your phone for 30+ minutes, then reset via Fastboot |
| Constant reboot (bootloop) | System or firmware partition damaged | Fly the phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official ROM |
| The camera or fingerprint sensor does not work after resetting | Drivers or module settings have been dropped | Update the firmware through Settings → System Update |
If Redmi 5 is slower than before it was reset, the reasons may be:
- 🔋 Worn-out battery (check battery health via ##4636## → Battery information).
- 📉 Outdated firmware (update to the latest version) MIUI).
- 🧹 Remains of viruses in the system section (only a complete flashing will help).
💡
If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after reset, check the background processes in Settings → Battery. Often the fault of automatically restored apps from Google account.
Formatting before selling: how to delete all data irrevocably
If you sell or give away the Xiaomi Redmi 5, a simple reset through settings is not enough. Data can be recovered using special programs. To permanently erase information, follow the following steps:
- Untie all accounts: 📧 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete your account. 🔵 Mi Account: Settings → Mi Account → Exit. 💳 Remove Linked Bank Cards in Google Pay or Mi Pay.
Encrypt the data:
Before reset, turn on encryption: Settings → Additional → Encryption and credentials → Encrypt your phone. This will make it difficult to restore files.
Perform a full reset:
Use the method via Fastboot (method 3) as it overwrites the userdata partition with zeros.
You can call the phone again.
For maximum cleaning, install the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
After this, it will be almost impossible to recover the data, but if the phone stored super-important information (such as photos of documents), it is better to physically destroy the drive.