How to format Xiaomi Redmi 5: a full reset through settings, Recovery and Fastboot

The Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, remains a popular budget smartphone, but over time even it begins to “slow down” due to clogged memory, conflicting applications or the consequences of failed firmware. Formatting (a factory reset) is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, “bricking” the phone or problems with the Mi Account.

In this guide, we will break down the three official methods of formatting Redmi 5: through the settings menu (the safest), Recovery mode (if the phone is not turned on) and Fastboot (for power users).

Before you start, check whether the phone is at least 50% charged (it should not turn off during the reset), whether there is a backup of important data (photos, contacts, SMS), and remember – after formatting Redmi 5, you will need to re-authorize in Mi Account, if it was previously tied.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Factory resets are not just the click of a button, but without preparation, you risk losing data without recovery or locking your device.

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. For Redmi 5, the firmware from MIUI 9 MIUI 12 (depending on the modification) The reset menu interface depends on the version.
• 🔋 Charging at least 50%: when discharged during formatting, the phone can go into mode EDL (emergency firmware) which requires special equipment for recovery.
• ☁️ Unplug your Mi Account (if you plan to sell your phone): go to Settings → Xiaomi account → If you don't, the new owner won't be able to activate the device.
• 📁 Create a backup: Use the built-in Settings tool → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. If you forgot the password from it, and the phone was blocked (for example, after theft), resetting via Recovery or Fastboot will not help - the device will require entering a login / password at the first download, in which case you will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Make a backup copy|Battery charge check|Unlock the Mi Account (if necessary)|Remember the password from your Google account|Ensure the stability of the Internet connection-->

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi 5 handheld and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, the factory reset will result in the phone locking, in which case you will need an official unlock through the service center (cost). ~1500–3000 ₽).

2. Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, responds to touches, and you remember the pattern lock./PIN-The interface may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI, But the general logic holds.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Additional section (in some versions System and Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Reset settings (in MIUI 12 can be called Reset all settings).
5. The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 📱 All data - full formatting (recommended). 🔄 Settings only – applications and files will be saved, but personal settings will fly.

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will start as a new one, with a MIUI welcome screen. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, the system will request authorization. If you forgot your password, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for longer than 10 minutes after reset, don't panic. Turn it off with a long press of the power button (15-20 seconds), then turn it back on. This helps in 80% of cases of freeze after formatting.

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

If Redmi 5 doesn't respond to touch, hangs on the screensaver or reboots cyclically, resetting through Recovery, an emergency recovery mode, will help.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection).
4. Select Wipe Data (in some versions of Wipe & Reset).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, you have custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After resetting through Recovery, it can fly off IMEI (This will cause network loss. To avoid a problem, write down before resetting. IMEI (Type *#06# and save it in a safe place.

Yeah, myself.|Yeah, at the service center.|No, but I want to learn.|No, I don't plan on.-->

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and it's used if you:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device from scratch (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 You need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Firmware archive for Redmi 5 (download on official website).
• 🛠️ Fastboot utilities and ADB (are part of Android SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the drivers. ADB And unpack the firmware archive into a folder. C:\fastboot_rom.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Connect Redmi 5 to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and go to the firmware folder: cd C:\fastboot_rom
5. Run the command to unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): fastboot oem unlock On the phone will appear a warning - confirm unlocking the volume button.
6. Run the firmware command: fastboot flash all The process will take 5-10 minutes. Don't turn off the cable!
7. Upon completion, type in fastboot reboot

If a FAILED error occurs during firmware (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), the bootloader is blocked. To unlock, you need to obtain permission from Xiaomi through the official website (you will need a linked Mi Account).

5.How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset

The main problem with formatting Xiaomi Redmi 5 is the activation lock Mi Account, which appears after the reset, if the phone was linked to the account. Even if you did everything correctly, the system may require entering the username / password of the previous owner.

Legal methods (if your phone is yours):

• 🔑 Restore your Mi Account password through the Recovery Form (access to your email or phone number is required).
• 📧 If an email is attached, check the Spam folder – sometimes the recovery code emails get there.
• 📞 If you have a phone number attached, ask for it. SMS code (which works even if it does) SIM-The card is now another operator).

If you bought your phone and locked it:

• 📄 Ask the seller for a purchase check and contact the Xiaomi service center (the cost of unlocking) ~2000 ₽).
• 🔧 Use informal methods (at your own risk): Firmware through EDL (Requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account. bypassing TestPoint (needs a soldering iron and electronics experience).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial Mi Account Bypassing Methods Can Lead to Total Loss IMEI It can also be locked remotely by Xiaomi if it detects interference with the firmware.

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If you buy Xiaomi Redmi 5 handheld, be sure to check whether Mi Account untied before payment. To do this, ask the seller to make a reset through the settings in front of you. If after the reboot the phone requires a password - refuse to buy.

6. Frequent errors after formatting and how to fix them

Even if the reset is successful, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone is slower to work after reset than before formatting, the reason may be:

• 🐢 Memory Fragmentation: Optimize through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 📉 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Background Processes: Turn off autoloading unnecessary apps in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.

7.Alternatives to full formatting: when reset is not needed

You don't always need radical formatting, and if the goal is to just speed up your phone or make room, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean up and delete unnecessary files. This will free up 1-3 GB without losing data.
• 🔄 Reverse updates: if the lags appeared after the update MIUI, Return to the previous version via Recovery (requires a backup copy).
• 🛠️ Resetting of graphic settings: in MIUI There's a hidden menu to reset the graphics. Type in the dialer: ##4636## → Battery Information → Menu → Reset graphics settings
• 📦 Removal of system applications: by ADB You can uninstall unnecessary services (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) without root rights: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.videoplayer

If the problem is in a particular app (such as Instagram or Telegram constantly crashing), instead of a full reset:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find the problem app and tap the Warehouse.
3. Choose Clear the cache and Clear the data.
4. Reinstall the app from Google Play.

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If the phone is slower after the MIUI update, try turning off the animation interface. To do this, activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in the settings), then in Settings → Additional → For developers, set all animation options to Animation disabled.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions