Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to factory settings: a detailed guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) is a popular smartphone of 2017, which is still in active use. Over time, any gadget begins to โ€œbrakeโ€, give errors or require transfer to a new owner, in such cases, helps reset to factory settings โ€“ a procedure that returns the device to the state โ€œout of the boxโ€.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to reset Redmi 5 Plus, including methods through settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot, as well as instructions for saving data, unlocking Mi Account and solving typical errors. All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI 12/14 and are suitable for models with unlocked or locked bootloader.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Factory reset is an irreversible process that deletes all user data, including:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
  • ๐Ÿ“ท Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map)
  • ๐ŸŽต Music, downloads and documents in internal memory
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Wi-Fi passwords, accounts in apps
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game saving (if not linked to an account)

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

Make a backup copy of the data|Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Unplug your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Get out. SIM and SD-map (optional)-->

Important for owners of Redmi 5 Plus: if you forget the password from Mi Account and it is tied to the device, after resetting the phone will require entering credentials. Without them, it will be impossible to unlock the smartphone (you will need to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase).

โš ๏ธ Note: On the Redmi 5 Plus models with MIUI 10 and below after reset, an activation error may occur due to an outdated security certificate. MIUI 11+ before discharge.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if:

  • ๐Ÿ”“ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ No critical errors in the system

Instructions:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the About Phone section โ†’ Additional โ†’ Recovery and Reset.
  3. Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI, the item may be called Resetting All Settings).
  4. The system will tell you what to delete: ๐Ÿ“ฑ All data (including applications) ๐Ÿ“ Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

Drop it.

The process will take 3-7 minutes. The phone will restart and start with the original setup wizard, as after purchase.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the Redmi 5 Plus hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don't panic - that's normal for the first 10-15 minutes.If the hanging lasts longer, try Method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

Use this method if:

  • ๐Ÿšซ The smartphone does not load beyond the logo MI
  • ๐Ÿ”„ There are constant reboots (bootloop)
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code

To log in to Recovery Mode on Redmi 5 Plus:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 8-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in Chinese or English).

Control in Recovery is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down - move, Power - select).

  1. Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
  2. Confirm Wipe All Data (or )
  3. Once you have finished, select Reboot โ†’ Reboot to System.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Redmi 5 Plus firmware may not have Wipe Data in Recovery, which means custom recovery is installed (e.g., Wipe Data, TWRP). Choose Advanced Wipe for this purpose. โ†’ Mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System โ†’ Swipe to Wipe.

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
If the phone vibrates after holding Power + Volume up, but does not load the menu, try: 1. Connect the charger and try again. 2. Hold the buttons 15-20 seconds (sometimes it takes longer). 3. Use the Power + Volume combination down (rarely, but it works on some versions of the firmware). If nothing helps, go to method 3 (Fastboot).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a PC and USB-It's useful if you want to use it:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged
  • ๐Ÿ”’ You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!)
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Refuse the device after a failed update

The work will require:

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Windows computer 7/10/11 (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB)
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Original. USB-cable (better from the set)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi)
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to stitch custom software)

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off Redmi 5 Plus and turn to Fastboot: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds until the image of a hare in a hat-eared.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC. Install the drivers if the system requests them.
  3. Download and unpack the Mi Flash Tool. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder (for example, vince_global_images_...).
  4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (full reset) or Save User Data (save user files, but not guaranteed).
  5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
Firmware modeWhat's removedWhen to use
Clean AllEverything, including user dataWhen selling, critical errors, change of ownership
Save User DataSystem files onlyTo restore the workability without loss of photos / contacts
Clean All and LockAll + Locking the loaderOnly for experienced users (re-unblocking required)

๐Ÿ’ก

Use the Fastboot only as a last resort. Mistakes can turn the Redmi 5 Plus into a brick.

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting

If you reset the Redmi 5 Plus and see a request to enter the Mi Account, then the device was tied to the Xiaomi account. Without the correct username and password, you can not unlock the phone (this is a measure of protection against theft).

Options:

  • ๐Ÿ“ง Call for Xiaomi support: If you are the original owner, provide a check or box with the IMEI. Unlocking will take 3-7 days.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Service center: if the phone is purchased from hand, ask the seller to provide account details or documents to the device.

โš ๏ธ Note: Mi Account โ€œTracesโ€ are distributed on the Internet through EDL-mode or flashing. on Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 12+ These methods don't work, because the system blocks the download of unofficial software.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset Redmi 5 Plus, users face typical problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Hanging on the MI logo after being resetDamaged system files or incompatible firmwareRepeat the reset via Fastboot with Clean All selection
The โ€œNo Commandโ€ Error in RecoveryDamaged recoveries or the wrong combination of buttonsTry to keep the power + volume up 15-20 seconds
Cannot connect to the PC in FastbootThere are no ADB drivers or faulty cablesInstall Android SDK Platform-Tools and use the original cable
After reset, there is no net (IMEI reset)Modem partition is damaged (often after unofficial firmware)Restore your IMEI with the Mi Flash Tool or contact the service

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), which requires a diagnosis at a service center.

Through the Settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | I haven't tried-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset Redmi 5 Plus without losing data?
No, a full reset always deletes user data. However, you can: Backup through Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Backup. Copy photos/video to a PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). Export contacts to a.vcf file. Once reset, you can recover the data from the backup.
What to do if the phone needs an old one after resetting PIN-code?
This is the case if the protective system has been activated before. PIN for SIM-Card or device encryption Solutions: Enter the last used PIN (if you remember. PIN from SIM โ€” insert SIM-If the phone is encrypted, a Fastboot reset with Clean All should help.
How to reset Redmi 5 Plus if you forget your pattern lock?
Use Recovery Mode (method 2) or Fastboot (method 3). If the Mi Account is not tied, the phone will start without locking after reset. If it is tied, you will need to enter account data. Importantly, on Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 12+, you can not bypass the pattern lock through ADB or Safe Mode - only a full reset.
How long does it take to dump?
Time depends on the method: through settings: 3-7 minutes; through Recovery: 5-10 minutes; through Fastboot: 10-20 minutes (including firmware); if the process is delayed (>30 minutes), interrupt it with a long hold of the power button and try again.
Can the reset be cancelled after the process has begun?
No, once the reset is confirmed, the process is irreversible. Interruption (e.g., battery extraction) can lead to: Loss of all data without recovery, damage to system files (bootloop), needing to run through Fastboot.