Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, released a few years ago, is still a popular device, but over time its performance can be reduced due to accumulated digital debris. Many users face situations when the device starts to work slower, freezes or requires transfer to a new owner, in such cases, the only right solution is a complete cleanup, returning the gadget to the state “out of the box”.
The process of erasing data may be required not only to sell the device, but also to eliminate software errors that cannot be fixed by conventional methods. It is important to understand that a complete reset is a radical measure that will irrevocably delete all your personal files, so preparation should be approached as responsibly as possible. In this guide, we will look at all the available cleaning methods, from standard settings to deep format through the engineering menu.
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure you keep all your important contacts, photos and documents. Google's modern cloud services make it easy to recover information, but only if the backup was created in advance. Let's take a closer look at the preparatory phase to avoid losing valuable data.
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Before any resetting operations start, remove SIM-MicroSD card and memory card, if installed so as not to accidentally format external media or lose access to the number.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
The initial phase is critical, as it determines whether you can restore access to your accounts after cleaning up, first of all, you need to check the link of your Google account and Mi Account. If you just perform a reset without untying your accounts, Activation Lock's security system can lock the phone after turning on, requiring you to enter a password from your old account.
Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. The process of formatting the system partition can take 10 to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage the bootloader or turn the smartphone into a “brick.” Connect the device to the charger or make sure that the battery is stable.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell your phone, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social media) before resetting. otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your password.
It’s also worth checking for important files in hidden folders or system directories that don’t always sync automatically to the cloud, and once you’ve made sure you have backups and enough charge, you can go directly to cleaning methods.
☑️ Pre-reset check
Resetting settings through the smartphone menu
The easiest and safest way to clean the Redmi Note 5 is to use the built-in functionality of the Android operating system, which is suitable for most users whose phones are in working condition and respond to touch. First, go to the main menu and find the Settings icon.
In the settings list that opens, you need to scroll down to Advanced Settings (some versions of MIUI may simply call this option "Advanced"). This is where the memory and system management tools hide. Find Recovery and Reset and click on it.
There will be a few options on the screen, but we are only interested in one, Settings Reset, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Before final confirmation, carefully read the list of what will be deleted: photos, music, apps and accounts.
After clicking the Reset button (or Clear All), the device will request confirmation in the form of entering a pattern lock, PIN-It's a defense mechanism against accidental activation of the function by children or by strangers, and once confirmed, a process will begin, which may take some time, after which the phone will restart in its clean state.
Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo, or the screen doesn't respond to touch, the standard menu method becomes unavailable, and in such cases, a recovery mode known as Recovery Mode is used, which allows you to perform what's called Hard Reset, forcibly clearing all memory partitions.
To enter this mode on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, you need to turn the device off completely. Then you need to press two buttons simultaneously: Volume+ (volume up) and Power. Hold them until the Mi logo appears on the screen, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button.
When the Recovery menu appears (usually black background and text in English or Chinese), the volume buttons (up/down) control the menu, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it.
- 🔹 Select the Wipe All Data option for complete cleanup.
- 🔹 Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- 🔹 Wait until the process is completed, as reported by the inscription “Data wiped successfully».
- 🔹 Choose Back to Main Menu and then Reboot -> Reboot to System.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed exclusively with mechanical volume and power buttons, so press them clearly and with a slight delay.
Deletion of accounts and protection against blocking
One of the most common problems after a reset is blocking the activation (FRP — Factory Reset Protection is a Google security feature that prevents the use of a stolen or lost phone. If a Google account is entered on a device, after the reset, the system will require you to enter a password from that account.
To avoid problems, before resetting through the settings menu, it is recommended to manually delete your account. Go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync (or "Google Accounts"). Select the desired email address and click Delete Account.
A similar procedure is worth doing with the Mi Account, which is deeply integrated into the shell of MIUI. Being in the Mi Account menu, click on the “Exit” button. This action will break the connection between the hardware of the smartphone and Xiaomi servers, which is especially important when selling a device.
What to do if I forget my account password?
Comparison of cleaning methods and their consequences
Users often wonder if there is a difference between a regular reset and formatting via Recovery.Technically, both methods result in deleting user data, but the depth of cleaning system files may vary.A typical reset via menus often leaves some logs and app cache, whereas Hard Reset via Recovery produces deeper formatting.
Below is a table that will help you choose the best method depending on your situation and the condition of the device.
| Parameter | Reset via Settings | Hard Reset (Recovery) | Third-party programmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | Depends on the program. |
| Difficulty of implementation | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | High-pitched |
| Depth of cleaning | Standard. | Deep. | Depends on the software. |
Using third-party software such as ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or specialized software on a PC is only advisable if both of the above methods do not work.
Frequent post-reset problems and their solution
Once the Redmi Note 5 reboots, you'll see the screen of initial setup, and at that point, you might have questions, like, the phone can think for a long time in front of the desktop, and that's OK, because the system is busy optimizing applications and restoring databases.
If the device is bootlooping indefinitely, the system partition may have been damaged or the reset procedure interrupted, in which case it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. However, in 90% of cases, repeating Hard Reset via Recovery solves the problem.
Another common situation is that there is no network or Wi-Fi immediately after turning on. Make sure you set the date and time correctly, as with downed time settings, security certificates may not work, blocking the Internet connection.
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After the first switch on a new or reset phone, let it lie down on Wi-Fi for 10-15 minutes without active action – this will allow the system to complete background optimization.
Recommendations for initial setup
When the cleaning process is complete and the phone welcomes you, don’t rush to install all the apps at once. Start by updating the system. Go to Settings -> About phone and check for MIUI updates. This will ensure that the latest security patches are installed.
When you restore data from Google backup, select only the necessary applications. Excessive background programs can slow down Redmi Note 5 again. Try to install only proven software from the official Google Play store.
Now your smartphone is clean, safe and ready to go, and cleaning your cache regularly and removing unused apps in the future will help you avoid having to reset completely for a long time.