How to remove safe mode on Xiaomi Redmi 5: all working methods

Safe Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 5 is an Android diagnostic mode that automatically disables all third-party apps, leaving only system ones. It can activate spontaneously after a failed update, a program conflict, or even accidentally pressing buttons when rebooting. If your smartphone boots with the words "Safe Mode" at the bottom of the screen and the application icons turn grey, don't panic: it's not a virus or a breakdown.

The main problem is that in this mode, many functions are limited: widgets do not work, notifications from third-party programs are disabled, and some settings are simply not available. On Redmi 5 (mido model), exiting safe mode usually does not require complex manipulations, but there are nuances. For example, if the smartphone freezes or the power button does not respond, standard methods will not work. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios from basic to emergency.

Why does Redmi 5 go into safe mode on its own?

On Xiaomi Redmi 5, safe mode can turn on for several reasons, and not all of them are obvious.

• 🔄 Incorrect completion of work: if the battery was pulled out (on models with a removable battery) or the phone was discharged “to zero” during the update.
• 📱 Application conflict: Some programs (especially those with administrator rights) may cause download failures.
• 🔧 Firmware errors: after a failed update MIUI or reset to factory settings.
• 🎯 Accidental pressing: Pressing the button Reduce volume while on (this is the standard combination for entering safe mode on Android).

Interestingly, Redmi 5 can still stick to safe mode even after the cause is eliminated, such as if the conflict application is already deleted but the phone is still loaded into safe mode, and this is due to the system cache, which keeps the state of the last boot.

Method 1: Standard Reboot (the simplest method)

In 80% of cases, a normal reboot is enough to exit Safe Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 5.

1. Press the power button for 2-3 seconds.
2. In the menu that appears, select "Reboot" (or Restart if English).
3. Wait for the full shutdown and automatic switching on of the smartphone.

If after the reboot, the "Safe Mode" label disappears, the problem is solved. If not, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Note: Do not use the option "Switch off" followed by manual activation. MIUI This can activate the safe mode again.

Make sure that the battery is > 20%

Close all applications (swipe up in multitasking)

Turn off the charger (if connected)

Do not press volume buttons during reboot-->

Method 2: Forced reboot (if the phone is getting stuck)

If the Redmi 5 doesn't respond to pressing or the power button doesn't work, try the hard reset, which simulates battery extraction (even on models with a non-removable battery):

1. Press and hold the Power + Volume button at the same time.
2. Hold them for at least 10 seconds until the screen goes out.
3. After vibration release the buttons – the phone should restart automatically.

Redmi 5 with MIUI 9 firmware and below sometimes requires you to press Power + Turn down the volume. If the first option didn't work, try the second.

Method 3: Removing Conflict Applications

If Safe Mode is activated again after the reboot, it is likely that one of the installed applications is to blame.

• 🛡️ Antiviruses (Avast, 360 Security, Clean Master)
• 🔄 Optimizers and boosters (DU Speed Booster, CCleaner)
• 🎮 GameGuardian, Freedom (Freedom)
• 📱 Nova Launcher (Apex Launcher, Nova Launcher)

To find the culprit:

1. Load in Safe Mode (if not there already).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
3. Sort the list by installation date (⋮ → Sort by: Installation date).
4. Remove the last 3-5 installed programs.
5. Reboot the phone.

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If you’re not sure which app is to blame, try disabling autoruns for all third-party programs: Settings → Permissions → Autoruns and disable everything except system ones.

Method 4: Resetting cache via Recovery

If previous methods failed, the problem may be the damaged cache of the system. On Xiaomi Redmi 5, it can be cleaned through the Recovery menu without losing user data:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up and Hold Until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in Chinese firmware it can be in Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
7. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

This method is safe for your data, but it will reset temporary system application files. Once rebooted, the first download can take up to 5 minutes - that's normal.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings by deleting all your files.

Method 5: Complete resetting of settings (extreme case)

If none of these methods worked, the last option is hard reset, which will bring Redmi 5 back to factory status by deleting all data, including apps, photos, and settings.

• 🔄 The phone is constantly loaded in safe mode.
• 📵 The sensor or buttons are not working.
• 🔧 Previous methods have failed to produce results.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Increase Volume to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a password if it was set).
5. After reset, select Reboot to System.

If you haven't backed up, it's going to be really hard to recover your data after a hard reset. On Redmi 5, you can try tools like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData, but you can't guarantee success.

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Before resetting, try connecting your phone to your PC and copy important files via MTP (if safe mode allows).

What if the Safe Mode is turned on after each update?

Some Xiaomi Redmi 5 users are faced with the fact that Safe Mode is activated after each MIUI update.

• 🔄 Incompatibility of firmware with installed modifications (for example, modified build.prop).
• 📱 Damaged section /data, where the application settings are stored.
• 🔧 Conflict with Magisk or other root solutions.

Decisions:

1. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot (instructions are available on the 4PDA forum).
2. Remove root rights if installed (via Magisk Manager or SuperSU).
3. Reset via the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option (remove everything, including internal memory!).

If the problem persists, it may be a hardware failure (such as a damaged flash memory), in which case only a replacement motherboard will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi's safe mode 5