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

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires complete cleaning before selling. Hard reset is a universal solution for such cases, but the Redmi 5 has nuances: binding to a Mi Account, locking the bootloader and the risk of “bricking” if you do not act correctly.

This article provides three proven reset methods (via menus, buttons and PC), instructions for bypassing locks, and answers to frequent questions: what to do if the phone does not turn on after reset, how to save photos before cleaning and why it asks for a password from an old account. All methods are tested on Redmi 5 with MIUI 9-12 firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

When to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 – 7 Good Reasons

Factory resets are not a panacea, but in some cases, they are the only way to make the smartphone work again. Here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 🐢 The phone is lying down, the apps are spontaneously closing, and MIUI It stops even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-Unlocking through Mi Cloud is not working.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring the device – to delete personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔄 After a failed firmware update, when the smartphone hovers on the Xiaomi logo or cyclically reboots.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that is not removed by the antivirus (for example, banner ads in the status bar).
• 🔧 System errors: persistent notifications “Com.android.phone process stopped” or failures in the communication module.
• 🛠️ Preparing for firmware through Fastboot or TWRP — Clean system reduces the risk of errors.

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is a hardware problem: a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard, in which case repairs are required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 5 with a tied Mi Account may require the previous owner to enter the username/password after reset. If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the seller untie the device from your account!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (software reset)

The safest method is to reset directly from the operating system, which is fine if the phone is switched on and you remember the unlock password.

• ✅ No need for PC or additional tools.
• ✅ Save the ability to unlock through Mi Cloud (if the account is tied).
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select the option “Reset settings” (on some firmware – “Erase all data”).
3. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking “Reset settings”.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will start with the initial setup screen, as after purchase, and if you request Mi Account data at this point, the device was linked to the previous owner's account.

Backup photos and contacts|Remember the username/password from the Mi-account|Connect the charger (the battery must be charged) >50%)|Make sure that SIM-The card is removed (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

Method 2: Hard Recovery (volume buttons + power)

If the phone is not turned on, getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or locked, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires care: wrong actions can lead to data loss or lock the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in Chinese firmware, the interface can be in Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select “Wipe Data” (or “In Chinese”) and then “Wipe All Data”.
6. Confirm the action by selecting “Confirm” (or “”).
7. Once completed, select “Reboot” to reboot.

If after resetting the phone asks for a password from the Mi-account, and you do not know it, try:

• 🔑 Enter your account details (if your phone was linked to your profile).
• 📧 Use the "Forgot Password?" function at account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ Contact the unlock service (paid, requires proof of ownership of the device).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 5 firmware may call the "Wipe Data" option differently (e.g., "Factory Reset"). If the Recovery menu doesn't have the right partition, then custom firmware is installed - in this case, you need firmware through Fastboot.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔄 Requires a complete flashing (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for the unlocked bootloader!).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming.
• 📦 Firmware for Redmi 5 (download from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Instructions:

1. Install Xiaomi drivers and run the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Keep Volume down + Power 5-7 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to a PC. Mi Flash should define a port (e.g., COM3).
4. In the program, click "Select" and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all – clean all and lock – clean + lock the bootloader (only if you plan to sell the phone).

Flash

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data without recovery, including photos on internal memory. If you need to save files, remove the microSD card before the procedure.

💡

If after firmware the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo, try to go to Recovery (Power) + Volume up) and make Wipe Cache. This often solves the problem without re-routing the firmware.

How to save data before resetting – 4 reliable ways

Resetting to factory settings removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📞 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 💬 Communications in SMS and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.

Methods of backup:

1. Mi Cloud: 🔗 Go to Settings. → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup. 📱 Select data to save (contacts, messages, photos, notes). ⚠️ Disadvantage: Free only available 5 GB, and downloading large files can take hours.
2. Google Account: 🔗 Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization. 📱 Enable synchronization for contacts, calendar and application data. ⚠️ Photos are synced only if Google Photos are enabled.
3. Local copy on PC: 💻 Connect your phone to your computer through USB (Select the File Transfer Mode). 📁 Copy the folders. DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp/Media hard-drive.

MicroSD Memory Card

• 📱 Transfer important files to a memory card (via any file manager).
• ⚠️ After reset, the card can be removed and inserted into a new phone.

To back up messages from messengers, use the built-in functions:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup (saves history in Google Drive).
• 📌 Telegram: export chats through Settings → Additionally. → Export of data.

💡

Even if you back up, check the integrity of the file: open a few files on a PC or other device. Often users copy the data but forget to make sure it's not corrupted.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

After resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5, there may be software or hardware-related problems, and consider typical problems and solutions:

1.The phone asks for a password from the Mi Account after the reset

This is a theft protection that is activated if the device was tied to a Xiaomi account.

• 🔑 Enter your account details (if your phone was yours).
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it through the recovery form.
• 🛠️ If the phone is bought with hands and the seller has not untied the account, contact him for data or use the lamentable unlock services (from 500). ₽).

2.The phone does not turn on after a hard reset

Possible causes and actions:

• 🔋 Battery is discharged – connect the charger and wait 15-20 minutes.
• 🔧 Firmware is damaged - run your phone through Fastboot (see Method 3).
• 🔌 Iron problems – if the phone does not respond to charging and buttons, carry to the service.

3. Permanent reboots or lags after discharge

This may be related to:

• 🔄 Unstable firmware - update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Residual data – make Wipe Cache in Recovery.
• 🔋 Faulty battery – check its health through the AccuBattery app.

4.The network or Wi-Fi is not working.

After reset, the settings of the communication module may be lost.

• 📶 Manually select the operator: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → Wireless networks → Additionally. → Resetting network settings.
• 📡 Reflash the radio module (requires root rights or firmware via Fastboot).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions