How to Reboot or Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5: From a Soft Reboot to a Complete Reset

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, remains a popular budget smartphone due to reliable β€œstuffing” and support for MIUI. However, even the most proven devices sometimes fail: hang on the Mi logo, slow down due to overcrowded memory or require a complete reset before selling. In this article, all the current ways to restart Redmi 5, from a basic reboot to recover via Fastboot and unlock the bootloader.

We will not only look at standard methods (such as holding the power button), but also hidden combinations for exiting the brick when the phone does not respond to charging or does not load beyond the boot animation. Particular attention is paid to the nuances of the Redmi 5 firmware (codename rosy), including the differences between the global (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China) versions of the software.

1. Soft reboot: when the phone responds to buttons

If Redmi 5 works but it's slowing down or turning, the first thing you should do is try a soft reboot, which is data-safe and doesn't require unlocking the bootloader.

  • πŸ“± Applications suddenly close or issue errors.
  • πŸ”„ The phone is slow to respond to touch.
  • πŸ“Ά Network problems (not catching mobile Internet or Wi-Fi).

For a soft reboot:

  1. Hold the Power button (on the right side of the smartphone) for 8-10 seconds.
  2. On the screen will appear menu with options to Turn off, Reboot and Emergency mode.
  3. Select Reboot and confirm the action.

πŸ’‘

If the menu doesn't appear, hold the Power button until it vibrates (about 15 seconds) and the phone will force it to turn off.

After the reboot, check if the problems persist. If so, move on to the next method. Importantly, a soft reboot does not delete data, but it does not solve deep system failures (for example, file corruption /data or /system).

Hard Reset: When the phone doesn’t respond

If Redmi 5 is stuck on the Mi logo, does not turn on or cyclically reboots, you will need a hard reset via Recovery Mode. This method erases all user data (photos, contacts, applications), but saves factory firmware. On models with a locked bootloader, a hard reset may require you to enter your Mi Account after rebooting.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (hold Power + Volume up until vibration).
  2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

On the Recovery menu:

  • πŸ”§ Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese version) β†’ Wipe All Data.
  • πŸ”„ Confirm the action with a swipe or a choice of Confirm.
  • πŸ“± After reset, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you know the username/password of your Mi Account|Prepare. SIM-check-up IMEI post-discharge-->

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter a Mi Account and you don't remember it, you will need to unlock the bootloader or contact the service center. MIUI 10 This problem is more common.

3.Reboot to Fastboot: for firmware or unlock

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi 5 is used for:

  • πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
  • πŸ“₯ Custom firmware installations (TWRP, LineageOS).
  • πŸ› οΈ System Restore after Failed Update.

To get into Fastboot:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Power + Volume down and hold until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.

To work with Fastboot, you will need a PC with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed and ADB utility.

fastboot devices # Check the connection of the device


fastboot oem unlock # Unlock the bootloader (requires Mi Account binding)




fastboot flash recovery twrp.img # Install custom recovery

What if Fastboot doesn’t recognize your phone?
1. Check the cable. USB (Use the original from Xiaomi). 2. Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for Redmi 5 Snapdragon processor 450). 3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 4. Disable driver signatures in Windows (use bcdedit command for this). /set testsigning on in CMD on behalf of the administrator).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 5 erases all data and requires you to link your Mi Account to the device. Without this, you can't flash your phone through Fastboot.

4. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

The factory bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 5 is locked to protect against unauthorized changes, so you need to unlock it to flash custom firmware or restore the phone after a brick.

  1. Linking a Mi Account to a device: πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. πŸ”§ Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers and include OEM-unlock. πŸ”— Link your Mi Account in the Mi Unlock Status section.
  2. Requesting permission to unlock: πŸ’» Download the Mi Unlock Tool on PC. πŸ”‘ Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your phone. πŸ“‹ Connect Redmi 5 in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions (it may take 72-720 hours to wait!).

Unlocking

  • πŸ”“ Once the request is approved, reconnect the phone and press Unlock in the Mi Unlock Tool.
PhaseWaiting timeWhat do you do?
First account bindingInstantly.Turn it on. OEM-unlocking.
Request for unblocking3 to 30 days.Wait for notification in Mi Unlock Tool.
Final unlock5-10 minutesConnect your phone to Fastboot and press Unlock.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Redmi 5 will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted, including photos on internal memory. Use this method only if other reboot methods have not helped.

Yeah, I unlocked it myself.|Yeah, but through the service center.|No, I'm afraid I'll lose my guarantee.|No, there was no need.-->

5. EDL recovery: if the phone doesn't turn on

If Redmi 5 does not respond to any combination of buttons (does not come to Recovery or Fastboot), the last option is the firmware through the buttons. EDL-This is an Emergency Download Mode:

  • πŸ’» Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  • πŸ“ Firmware for Redmi 5 (codename rosy) in.tgz or.mbn format.
  • πŸ”§ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the USB cable to the PC (buttons hold for 20-30 seconds).
  3. Device Manager should have Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 entry.
  4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

πŸ’‘

EDL-The mode is the only way to restore Redmi 5 if it does not show signs of life (does not vibrate, warm, not charge).However, this method requires firmware skills and can lead to complete data loss.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi will block IMEI Use only official firmware from the site MIUI Download.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you reboot or reset Redmi 5, users face typical problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The phone will not turn on after resettingBattery discharged or firmware damagedCharge 30 minutes, then try logging into Fastboot
Requires a Mi Account after Hard ResetLoader locked.Unlock the bootloader or restore the backup via TWRP
This device is locked in FastbootNot tied to Mi Account.Link your account in settings and wait 72 hours
Cyclical reboot (bootloop)The /system partition is damagedFastboot or EDL phone via Fastboot

If Redmi 5 does not reset SIM-map, check it out:

  • πŸ“Ά Correct installation of the tray (on Redmi 5 2 nano-SIM or 1 are supported) SIM + microSD).
  • πŸ” Status. IMEI (Enter the dialer *#06#).
  • πŸ“‘ Network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Select the network (select the Automatic mode).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reboot Redmi 5 without losing data?
Yes, if the phone is responding to buttons. Use a soft reboot (holding the power button) or reboot via the Settings menu β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset. Hard Reset and Fastboot/EDL firmware will delete all data.
The phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the update.
Try: Keep Power + Volume up to 15 seconds for forced shutdown. Log in Recovery and make Wipe Cache (does not erase data). If it doesn't help, perform Hard Reset (see section 2).
How to reset Redmi 5 if you forget your pattern lock?
There are two options: Through Mi Account: 5 times enter the wrong key β†’ will appear button Forgot password? β†’ Log in to Mi Account. Through Recovery: perform Hard Reset (data will be deleted). If the Mi Account is not tied, you will need to unlock the bootloader.
Can I use Redmi 5 without a PC?
Partially. You can: Update your firmware through Settings β†’ Update system (official updates only). Install custom Recovery (TWRP) through the Official TWRP App (requires an unlocked bootloader). For a complete firmware reflash (for example, after a brick), the PC is mandatory.
The camera doesn't work after the reset.
Probable causes: Camera files in /system are damaged (flashboot will help). No drivers (relevant to custom firmware); Hardware malfunction (check the camera at the service center). Try resetting the camera settings: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Camera β†’ Storage β†’ Clear data.