Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings: 3 working methods + error solving

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 thanks to a reliable hardware platform and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or require a complete reinstallation of the system, in such cases, helps reset to factory settings, a procedure that returns the smartphone to its original state.

In this article, you’ll find three proven ways to reset on Redmi 5 (including Redmi models). 5A Redmi 5 Plus, as well as instructions for saving important data, unlocking Mi Account and eliminating typical errors, we will pay special attention to the nuances associated with the blocked bootloader and the outdated version. MIUI, which often causes a failed discharge.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting the Redmi 5 to factory condition is required in several cases:

• 🔄 Slowdown: Smartphones start to lie, apps open for a long time, and animations twitch, most often due to cache clogging and memory fragmentation.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: if the antivirus has detected threats that are not removed by standard methods.
• 🔓 Preparation for sale: to delete all personal data (photos, messages, accounts) and transfer the device to the new owner.
• 🛠️ System errors: Constant reboots, application crashes, or inability to update MIUI.
• 🔄 Resetting password: if you forget the pattern lock or PIN-code (in this case, you will need a Mi Account).

It's important to understand that dumping is a radical measure. It removes:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data (including game settings).
• 📷 Photos, videos and music (if stored in internal memory).
• 📝 Messages, contacts and call logs (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🔑 Saved Wi-Fi passwords and accounts in apps.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the data from the Mi Account tied to the device, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can lock the phone.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Before you reset Redmi 5, make sure to back up. Here's what you need to save:

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Export through Settings → Google → Backup or use Mi Cloud (unless your account is blocked).
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your computer USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos.
• 🎮 Game data: link accounts to Google Play Games or social networks (e.g. Facebook for Clash of Clans).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords: Write them down manually or use applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).

For convenience, use the built-in MIUI backup tool:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup.
3. Tick the necessary data (contacts, SMS, applications) and click Create a backup.
4. The file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory.

If internal memory is damaged or your smartphone is not turned on, remove the memory card (if installed) – sometimes data can be recovered via an adapter on your PC.

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If you have TWRP Recovery installed, make a full backup of the system through it, which will allow you to restore the smartphone even after a failed reset.

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

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🔄 You need to quickly return factory settings without a computer.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter your password (if required) and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the smartphone requires Mi Account data input, use the linked account.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Backup and reset may be in Settings → System system → If you don't find it, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account (if tied)|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell your device)-->

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

If Redmi 5 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked with a password, use Recovery mode, which works even without access to the system, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone (clip the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press both Loudness up (+) and Nutrition at the same time.
3. Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. From the menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and Power for confirmation).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

If the phone requires Mi Account data to be reset via Recovery and you don’t remember it, the only way out is to officially unlock through Xiaomi’s website (it can take up to 72 hours).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 🖥️ You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
• 🔓 You are ready to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ MiFlash or utility ADB/Fastboot Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down (-) and connect the USB cable to your PC. Hold the button until the Fastboot screen appears.
3. On your computer, open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.
4. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the phone is rebooted, it will be in factory condition.If the bootloader is locked, it may need to be officially unlocked through Xiaomi's website.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably! If you plan to flash your smartphone, it is better to use MiFlash with full cleaning (clean all).

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, but it is guaranteed to work even on bricks (decommissioned devices).

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face problems.

If Redmi 5 fails to turn on or gives a No command error in Recovery after reset, try:

1. Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes (sometimes helps with a discharged battery).
2. Repeat the Recovery login, holding the buttons longer (15-20 seconds).
3. Swipe the official firmware through MiFlash (choose the version for your model!).

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful Redmi 5 reset, you will need to set up the following:

1. Choose the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (if you need a MIUI update).
3. Sign in to Google Account to restore contacts and apps.
4. Set up Mi Account (if you plan to use Xiaomi cloud services).
5. Restore the data from the backup (if you did a backup).

Tips for optimizing work after resetting:

• 🚀 Disable unnecessary apps: Go to Settings → Annexes → Remove rights and deactivate pre-installed software (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Video).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: after resetting completely discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times for the correct operation of the power controller.
• 🛡️ Update. MIUI: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Set up the lock: install it. PIN-code or fingerprint for security.

If the smartphone is slower than before the reset, check:

• 📱 Free Memory: Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse.
• 🔄 Background Activity: Limit Auto-Run Applications in Settings → Battery → Nutrition management.
• 🦠 Viruses: scan the system through Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5