Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings is a necessary measure when the device starts to brake, freeze or need to transfer it to a new owner. The procedure deletes all user data, applications and settings, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three official ways to perform the reset: through the settings menu, using the recovery menu and even remotely through the Mi Account.

It is important to understand that on Redmi 5, Fastboot reset is impossible without unlocking the bootloader, since Xiaomi blocks this method for data protection. We will only analyze legal and secure options that do not require root rights or special knowledge. If you have never done a reset, do not worry: the process takes no more than 10 minutes, and all the steps are illustrated in detail.

Before we get started, the main question is, why do you want to drop your phone at all?

• 🐢 Slowdown – the smartphone is lagging, applications are open for a long time, although memory is enough.
• 🔄 Preparation for sale – you need to delete all personal information without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔧 Failures – persistent errors, system application crashes or cyclical reboot.
• 📱 Removing viruses – if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.

But remember, resets are not a panacea, and if the problem is a physical malfunction (like a broken screen or a broken memory), factory settings won't help. SD-card, if it is used as an external storage device.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Factory resets are an irreversible process, and all photos, contacts, messages and apps will be deleted forever, so the first step is to save important data.

• 📸 Photos and videos – copy to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contacts – sync with Google Account or export to file VCF.
• 📝 Messages – Use apps like this SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game saves – link your game accounts to Google Play or social media.
• 🔐 Passwords – make sure you remember the username and password from Mi Account, otherwise, after reset, the phone may lock!

Pay special attention to the link to the Xiaomi account. Redmi 5 default feature is Find Device (device search), which after reset may require you to enter the Mi Account data used earlier. If you forget the password, restore it before resetting on account.xiaomi.com.

Also check the battery power: it should be at least 50%. If the phone turns off during the reset, it can damage the system files and "brick" the device.

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If you plan to sell your phone, go to the settings after the reset and manually disable the Mi Account binding in the Accounts → Xiaomi section. This will save the new owner from activation problems.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

If the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-code, this method is the best choice. It doesn't require any additional tools, and it only takes a few minutes.

Step instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select the Reset option.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed).
6. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

Once you reboot, you'll see the initial setup screen, like when you first turn on, where you can either reset the phone or turn it off for transfer to the new owner.

Backup checked | Battery charge >50% | Important notifications disabled | Account passwords saved-->

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account details that you do not remember, do not try to guess the password. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. In this case, only official unlocking through Xiaomi Support will help (you will need a purchase check).

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 5 is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touches, or you’ve forgotten the pattern lock, Recovery Mode reset will help, and this method works even if the system isn’t booting.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu (management is carried out by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

The Recovery menu on Redmi 5 can be in Chinese (if the firmware is not global).

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 The second item is Wipe Data (reset).
• 🔧 Connect with MiAssistant (for PC connection).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes after resetting via Recovery, this is a sign of firmware damage. In this case, you will need to reflash the device via Fastboot (but you need to unlock the bootloader for this).

Method 3: Remote reset via Mi Cloud (if phone is lost)

Xiaomi provides the ability to reset your phone remotely via Find Device, which is useful if your device is stolen or lost but it is connected to the Internet.

• 🔗 Phone tied to Mi Account.
• 📶 Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi enabled.
• 🔋 Device on (not discharged).
• 📍 Find Device is activated in the settings.

Remote discharge instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Find Device section, select your Redmi 5.
3. Press Erase Device (Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

It can take up to 30 minutes. After a successful reset, all data will be deleted and the phone will return to factory settings. But remember, if an attacker turns off the device or turns off the Internet, the reset command will not be executed.

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Remote reset via Mi Cloud doesn't work if your phone is out of sync or in airplane mode. Always check Find Device settings in advance!

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple procedure, users often encounter problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to solve them:

If the IMEI (phone does not catch the network) is missing after the reset, it means that the files with the modem settings have been deleted, and you can restore them through the engineering menu:

##4636## → Phone Information → Select SIM → Restore IMEI

If this method does not work, you will need firmware through Fastboot (but you need to unlock the bootloader for this).

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, Redmi 5 will offer to go through the initial setup.

• 🌐 Language choice – Chinese can be the default if the firmware is not global.
• 📶 Wi-Fi connection – without the Internet you can not log into Mi Account.
• 🔑 Signing in to Xiaomi account – if the phone was tied, this step is a must.
• 📱 Data recovery – you can restore backup from Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🔒 Setup of locking - it is recommended to install PIN-code.

If you're setting up your phone for yourself, restore the data from the backup.

1. Go through the initial setup to the desktop.
2. Go to Settings → Accounts → Xiaomi and untie the device from Mi Account.
3. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if any).

⚠️ Warning: Do not hand over the phone to the new owner with the Mi Account tied! this could result in the device being locked if the new user performs a reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions