Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings: 3 working methods + data storage

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing system failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important data, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone.

Redmi 5

rosy

Qualcomm Snapdragon 450

MIUI

lock-up

Recovery Mode

Fastboot

Before you start, answer the key question: why do you need a reset? If the goal is to fix lags or errors, it may be enough to clear the cache or update the firmware. If you are preparing a phone for sale or transfer, a full reset is a mandatory security measure.

Preparation for resetting: what to do necessarily

A factory reset is not just a couple of buttons, an unprepared device can lose critical data, including contacts, photos and even access to a Google account.

Pay special attention to backup. Redmi 5 has a built-in Settings feature → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Alternatives:

• 📱 Mi Cloud: syncs contacts, notes, photos (requires a Xiaomi account).
• 🖥️ Computer: Connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp.
• ☁️ Google Drive: Automatically saves contacts, calendar and some app settings.

If you forget the Mi Account password, a reset may result in a device lock (requiring username/password input after rebooting).This is a feature of Xiaomi protection that cannot be circumvented legally.

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Click on the avatar and select Exit.
3. Confirm the exit - this will untie the account from the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you are selling Redmi 5, it is not enough to simply log out of your Mi Account. You must also delete all associated devices in your account on account.xiaomi.com, otherwise the new owner may face a lockdown.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, you remember the pattern lock/PIN-The main advantage is that you have minimal error risk and you can choose which data to save.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional.
3. Go to Backup and Reset.
4. Slip Settings Reset.
5. Choose to Erase All Data (or Reset Settings if you want to save media files).
6. Enter the password/pattern lock for confirmation.
7. Click Reset the phone and wait until it is completed (it will take 3-10 minutes).

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it, and if the phone requires Mi Account data, but you haven't untied it, that's OK. Type in the username/password to unlock the device.

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If Redmi 5 hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don't panic.Give it 15-20 minutes - the first download after reset can take a long time due to application optimization.

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

If Redmi 5 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock, a hardware reset via Recovery will help, which works even with damaged firmware, but has nuances:

• ✅ Does not require an unlocked bootloader.
• ❌ Delete all data, including files on internal memory.
• ⚠️ On some versions MIUI You may need to enter your Mi Account password after resetting.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi 5:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold for 5-7 seconds until the MI logo and menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If you see Mount in the Recovery menu /system or E:unknown command error, which means that the firmware is damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see Method). 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader, and it is suitable for cases where:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock and Recovery is blocked.
• 📱 Phone "Brick" (not even included in Recovery).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS fixed ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Firmware archive for Redmi 5 (download from official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\rom\redmi5).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume reduction for 5-7 seconds.
4. Connect your phone to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait until the end (green tick in the program) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you are running Redmi 5 with the bootloader locked, the Mi Flash Tool may give you an anti-rollback error. MIUI, The solution is to download the firmware of the same or newer version.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most critical mistakes that can turn a reset into a nightmare:

🔴 "This device is locked" (Mi Account):

Appears after reset, if not untie the Xiaomi account.

• Enter the login/password from the attached Mi Account.
• If you forget the data, restore access through the Xiaomi website.
• If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him or contact Xiaomi in support (a purchase check will be required).

🔴 "No command" at Recovery:

A screen with a reclining android and a No command sign means the Recovery menu hasn't loaded.

1. Press the power + Volume increase for 10-15 seconds.
2. If it doesn’t work, try another combination: Power + Volume.
3. In the extreme, run your phone through Fastboot.

🔴 The phone will not turn on after resetting:

If the screen remains black after the procedure:

• Connect the charger for 30 to 60 minutes – the battery may have run out.
• Try going to Fastboot (Power + Volume Reduction) and flashing your phone again.
• If the indicator does not burn - a problem with iron (possibly disconnected battery plume).

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If Redmi 5 requires an old Wi-Fi password or Google account after reset, that's OK. After reset, the phone forgets all settings, including saved networks, enter the data again or skip the step.

Reset vs. Firmware: Which is Best for Redmi 5

Many users confuse factory reset and firmware reflash, and let's look at the key differences:

When enough discharge:

• 📱 Phone slows or glips.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock (unless Recovery is blocked).
• 📦 Prepare the device for sale.

When you need a flashing:

• 🔧 After a failed update (MIUI loadless).
• 🛡️ You need to remove viruses embedded in system files.
• 🆕 Want to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

If you’re not sure what your Redmi 5 needs, start with a simple reset via the settings menu. 80% of the time, it’s enough to fix the problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions