How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: 3 working methods + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even it eventually begins to “brake”, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling. Formatting solves 90% of software problems, but many users are afraid of losing data or finally “kill” the phone. In this article, three proven ways to reset (including methods for locked screen), step-by-step instructions with a photo, and solving typical errors like hanging on the Mi logo or the “No command” error.

It's important to understand that formatting deletes all the data -- photos, contacts, messages, installed applications. But if you forget your pattern lock or password, resetting via Recovery or Fastboot is the only way to get back to the device. We'll go through each method in detail, taking into account the nuances of MIUI firmware and the features of the Redmi Note 5 hardware (codename whyred).

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (when reset via Fastboot - 100%).
• 📱 Backup data (use Mi Cloud or Google Account).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (for PC methods).
• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (if you plan to use the Mi Flash Tool).

1. Reset via phone settings (the safest way)

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password or pattern lock.
• 🔄 Want to save data to Mi Cloud (synchronization must be enabled in advance).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Erase all data).
3. Flick through the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
4. Enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked) or the pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action with the Remove Everything button.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, and it's important that if you reset it, "This device is locked," you have your Mi Account enabled and you need to enter your login/password.

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If you reset your phone and you don't remember the old password, try 123456 or 000000, which works for devices without a Mi Account in 30% of cases.

2. Formatting via Recovery Mode (for locked phone)

If the screen is locked and Find My Device is turned off, this is your only chance. Redmi Note 5 uses standard Recovery from Xiaomi, but with nuances:

• 🔄 It works even without a PC connection.
• ⚠️ Deletes all data without recovery.
• 🔧 It does not require unlocking the bootloader (unlike Fastboot).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up 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 for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese:

• 📛 Third item at the top (data cleanup).
• 🔄 First item in the submenu —.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes after resetting via Recovery, it means that the firmware is damaged).

3. Full reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is the most radical and is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery does not open or gives an error.
• 📱 Phone is locked and Mi Account is not tied.
• 🖥️ You have access to a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 5 (code whyred).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\whyred).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an error called “Couldn’t find fastboot devices” – check the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

4. Solving Errors After Formatting

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi Note 5 may not behave properly.

If the IMEI is missing or the network is not working after formatting:

1. Check if the IMEI backup is saved in the /data/nvram folder (before reset).
2. If not, restore the IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Write Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI The official way is to contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase.

5. How to save data before formatting

If the phone is still responding to touch, but you're planning a reset, make sure to back up.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup: Save contacts, messages, notes, photos (if synchronization is enabled).
• 📱 Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization: Save contacts, calendar, some app settings.
• 💾 Local Copy: Use the TWRP Recovery (if installed) or applications like Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🖥️ Copying on PC: Connect the phone to USB Transfer files and copy folders DCIM, Downloads, Pictures.

Important: Mi Cloud provides only 5 GB of space for free. If more data is available, buy additional space (from 200 rubles / month) or use Google Photos for a photo / video reserve.

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Even if you back up to Mi Cloud, you will have to manually restore some data after the reset (for example, saving games or setting up individual applications).

6. Alternative methods of discharge (if nothing works)

If the standard methods did not help, try:

• 🔧 Dumping through ADB: Turn on Debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 once, then additionally → Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell recovery. --wipe_data

Find My Device

1. Go to Google Find My Device.
2. Select your Redmi Note 5 and click Erase Device.

⚠️ It only works if the phone is connected to the Internet and geolocation is enabled.

EDL Mode

It requires a special cable (EDL cable) and Mi Flash Pro. Used if the phone does not respond to buttons and is not detected in Fastboot.

EDL is a last resort and can lead to a total loss of warranty, and should only be used if other methods have failed and the phone does not turn on at all.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 5 formatting