How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi 5: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and ability to upgrade to MIUI 12. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give out errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Formatting (reset to factory settings) is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to format Redmi 5, including methods through Settings, Recovery and Fastboot. We will also discuss how to bypass Mi Account lock after reset (relevant for devices with a linked account), what data can be stored and what will be lost irretrievably, and pay special attention to the typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a brick - and how to avoid them.

When should I format Redmi 5?

Factory resets are not a panacea, but in some cases, they are the only way to bring a smartphone back to life. Here are the signals that it is time to think about formatting:

• 🐢 Phone slowed to unacceptable level: applications open 10-15 Seconds, animation twitches, although before everything worked smoothly.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: the device constantly goes into the reboot, without reaching the desktop.
• 🚫 System applications errors: departures com.android.phone, MIUI System or other critical services.
• 📱 Preparation for sale: to delete all personal data (photos, messages, accounts) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN (If the unlocking is not working through Mi Account).

Before formatting, however, check for alternative solutions:

• ⚡ Clear the Cash Applications in Settings → Annexes.
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files through the Cleaner (built-in application) MIUI).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (if available).

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 5 doesn’t turn on at all (no reaction to the power button, no charging indicator), the problem may be in the hardware — the battery, the plume or the motherboard.

Preparation for resetting: what to save and what to lose

Redmi 5 formatting removes all user data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 💬 Communications (SMS, chats in WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
• 📁 Uploaded files (music, documents, APK).
• 🎮 Game data (progress, preservation).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and network settings.

What can be recovered after resetting:

• ☁️ Data synchronized with Mi Account (contacts, notes, some settings).
• 📱 Backup copies created through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 💾 Files on the memory card (if it was not encrypted).

For reliable data storage:

1. Copy files to your PC via MTP (plug your phone over USB in file transfer mode).
2. Use Google Photos to back up your media files.
3. Export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Export.
4. Save the IMEI (type *#06# - useful if the network disappears after the reset).

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI 9–12:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if the system requests.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reset, you will be offered:

• 🌍 Choose a language and region.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• ☁️ Sign in to Mi Account (if the account was tied before resetting).

⚠️ Note: If after reset Redmi 5 requires you to enter the username / password from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember them - the phone will be locked! To unlock it, you will need official proof of ownership through the Xiaomi website (can take up to 7 days).

💡

If the phone hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic: wait 15-20 minutes. If nothing has changed during this time, try the Recovery method (see below).

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

Recovery is an emergency mode that allows you to reset your settings even if the MIUI doesn't boot. There are two types of Recovery for Redmi 5:

• 🔄 Stock (original) – preinstalled from Xiaomi.
• 🛠️ Castomy (TWRP) — If you have previously installed it for the firmware.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you have TWRP installed, the steps will be different:

1. Go to TWRP (similar to drain recovery).
2. Press Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the boxes Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage, Cache.
4. Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe)
5. After cleaning, press Reboot System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Recovery is unavailable or damaged.
• 📱 Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to stitch custom software).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 5.
2. Press Volume Down + Nutrition to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot erase system or fastboot flash without firmware can render your phone inoperable! Use them only if you are confident in your actions or follow a proven firmware instruction.

💡

Resetting via Fastboot doesn't delete the firmware, it only deletes user data. If MIUI is damaged, the phone may not boot again after reset, a complete firmware reflash will be required.

Method 4: Remote reset via Mi Cloud (if phone is lost or stolen)

If you have a Mi Account tied and your phone has Find the Device enabled, you can reset it remotely via the Xiaomi Cloud web interface.

• 🚶 Phone lost or stolen (to protect personal data).
• 🔒 You forgot your password and there are no other ways to unlock it.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 5.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Limitations of the method:

• ☁️ The phone must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The battery level should be at least 20%.
• 🔒 After the reset, the device will lock and require data input from the Mi Account when first turned on.

💡

If you sell Redmi 5, unplug the device from Mi Account in your account settings before a remote reset, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate it!

Method 5: Hard reset via test menu (hidden method)

A little-known way to reset is through Xiaomi's engineering menu, which works even if Recovery is blocked, but requires you to enter the code:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636##
3. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
4. Press and hold Debugging Information for 5-10 seconds.
5. A window will appear with a reset offer - confirm the action.

This method is not documented by Xiaomi, so:

• ✅ It works on most devices with MIUI 8–11.
• ❌ It may not work on the latest versions of the firmware.
• ⚠️ Do not use other combinations (e.g. #7780##) unless you are sure of their purpose!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple reset can go wrong. Here are the typical problems and solutions.

A few more critical points:

• 🔌 Don't turn off the cable. USB During a Fastboot reset, this can damage the partition EFS (responsible IMEI).
• 📡 If you are selling before you sell, take it out. SIM-map SD-Card – they may contain personal data.
• 🔋 The battery must be at least 50% charged, otherwise the phone may be turned off during the process.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions