How to reset Xiaomi Mi 5 to factory settings: full instructions with photos

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 5 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for firmware. However, missteps can lead to Mi Account locking, data loss or even a smartphone bricking up. In this article, three proven reset methods (including hidden Recovery 3.0 features) that work even on devices with a locked bootloader.

The Mi 5 is a feature that uses the older version of MIUI Recovery, which doesn't have the usual "Wipe Data" option, so instead you have to combine commands or use Fastboot, and we'll take each method into account nuances, from saving IMEI to bypassing the "This device is locked" error.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before zero

Before resetting the Xiaomi Mi 5, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and activation issues:

• 📱 Save it. IMEI: Write down numbers from a battery sticker or type in *#06#. After resetting, they can be reset if the device has been unlocked.
• 🔐 Unplug Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Without this, after resetting, the phone will require entering the username / password of the previous owner.
• 📁 Copy data: photos, contacts and messages. Use Mi Cloud or a physical connection to your PC (folder) DCIM For photos, Downloads for files).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to discharge can lead to a load cycle.

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to delete all Google accounts in Settings → Accounts. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to log in to their profile due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP).

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To speed up backup, connect the Mi 5 to your PC via the original cable and use the Mi PC Suite program.It automatically saves SMS, call log and applications to the cloud.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock/password. the interface may vary depending on the version of MIUI (on the Mi 5 it usually costs MIUI 8-10):

1. Open the settings (cog on the desktop).
2. Go to Additional Settings → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
4. Confirm the action by entering the lock password.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

If there is no Recovery and Reset, try an alternative route:

Settings → About phone → System update → Menu (three dots) → Reset settings

Make sure your phone is charged | Disable two-factor authentication in Mi Account | Copy files from internal memory |Remember your Google account password-->

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may have a "This device is locked" error after a reset, which means that the bootloader is locked. The solution is to link the device to Mi Account in Fastboot (see Method 3).

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

If the Mi 5 is stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch, use Recovery Mode. This model has MIUI Recovery 3.0, where there is no standard Wipe Data item.

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (English is recommended).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don’t have Wipe All Data in Recovery, use the following combination:

Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache → (return) → Wipe User Data

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader, and it's the only way to help if:

• 🔄 The phone is stuck in bootloop (cyclical reboot).
• 🔒 Forgot the lock password and Mi Account.
• 📱 We need to do custom recovery (TWRP).

Procedure:

1. Install Mi PC Suite and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
2. Turn off the Mi 5 and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Type commands in order: fastboot oem unlock fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the bootloader is locked, unlock it first through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding to the device 72 hours before unlocking).

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata and fastboot format userdata commands delete all data without recovery, including photos in internal memory. If you need to save files, first remove the memory card (if you have one).

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful Xiaomi Mi 5 reset, there may be problems, and here are the most common solutions:

• 📵 No network: IMEI Reset it to 0 or Null. Restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or program SN Writer Tool.
• 🔒 Requires Mi Account: Device is tied to old account.Use Mi Flash Tool with clean all and lock option).
• 🔄 Logo hovers: System partition damaged. Run your phone through Fastboot with official firmware.
• 📱 It doesn't work: Maybe the battery's dead. Connect the charger for 30 minutes, then try again.

If the phone stopped seeing after the reset SIM-maps, check network settings:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point settings (APN)

Make sure you select the right operator (not "Select automatically").

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After resetting via Fastboot, always check the integrity of the modem partition. If the IMEI is missing or there is no network, reflash this partition separately with the command fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin.

How to Avoid Mi Account Lockdown After Resetting

The main problem when selling Xiaomi Mi 5 is blocking Mi Account, which requires entering the username / password of the previous owner.

1. Before resetting, untie your account in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.
2. If the phone is already reset and asks for an account, try: Enter the previous owner's details (if the phone is purchased by a used one); Use the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option (removes the binding, but requires an unlocked bootloader); Contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase.

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: If a device has been stolen, it is impossible to unlock it without proof of purchase.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions