The Xiaomi Mi 5, released in 2016, is still a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware (Snapdragon 820, 3/4 GB of RAM) and current support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling. Hard reset is a universal solution to such problems, but the Mi 5 has nuances: from binding to Mi Account to locking the bootloader.
In this article you will find 3 proven ways to reset (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), instructions for saving data, as well as solutions to typical errors - for example, when the phone requires a password after reset or hung on the Mi logo.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start
Resetting to factory settings removes all data from internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even files on the memory card (if used as internal storage).
- 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge can lead to the "bricking" of the device.
- 🔑 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. After resetting, Mi 5 will require authorization if Find Device was previously enabled.
- 📡 Disable Google Account (if used). Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and delete the account, otherwise it may work after the reset FRP-lockdown.
If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:
- 📦 Extract. SIM-Memory card (if not used as internal memory).
- 🔄 Log out of all accounts (Mi Account, Google, Social Media).
⚠️ Note: On the Mi 5 with the unlocked bootloader, resetting via Recovery can result in a loss of ability to flash the device through Fastboot.If you plan to install custom firmware, use the method through settings.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. It's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
- Select Settings Reset.
- Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
- Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
If the menu does not include Additional, try an alternative route:
Settings → About the phone → Reset settings → Erase all data⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After selecting a reset, you will be asked to enter a password from Mi Account, even if Find Device is disabled. If you do not remember the password, use the method through Recovery (see next section).
☑️ Preparing for reset via settings
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the Mi 5 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock, reset via Recovery is the only way out. Xiaomi Mi 5 uses stock Recovery from MIUI, but its functionality is limited.
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some versions of Wipe & Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
- Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).
If after resetting the phone requires a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you will have to use Fastboot (mode 3) or contact the service center to unlock.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method requires a computer and a Mi Flash Tool utility, but it is the only one that is guaranteed to bypass Mi Account lock (if the bootloader is unlocked), suitable for "brick" devices or if the first two methods did not work.
You'll need:
- 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- 📦 Mi Flash Tool and stock firmware for Mi 5 (gemini version).
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, follow the instructions below).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
- Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't flash cust | Damaged firmware files | Download the firmware again, check the checksum |
| Device not found | Fastboot drivers not installed | Install Mi PC Suite or Drivers Manually |
| Anti-rollback check | Trying to flash the old version of MIUI | Use the firmware no older than the current one |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Mode is incorrectly selected (Clean All instead of Save User Data) | Repeat the firmware with the correct mode |
⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware with Clean All option deletes all data without recovery, including the contents of internal memory. If you need to save files, use Save User Data, but this does not guarantee bypassing Mi Account.
1. reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator.
3.In Device Manager, check that the phone is identified as Android Bootloader Interface.-->
How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 5
If the bootloader is locked, firmware via Fastboot is impossible. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires waiting (usually 72 hours).
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on your PC.
- Turn on the phone Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Link Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Mi Account.
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and connect to the PC.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions. Expect a confirmation SMS (may take up to 3 days).
After unlocking the bootloader, you can flash custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or reset your phone via Fastboot without restrictions.
💡
Unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the phone! make a backup in advance.
Solving problems after discharge
Even after a successful reset, problems can arise. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them:
1.The phone requires a password from the Mi Account
If Find Device was previously enabled, Mi 5 will request data from Mi Account after resetting.
- 🔑 Enter the correct password. If you forgot, restore it through the official website.
- 📧 Contact the previous owner (if the phone is purchased by a used phone) and ask them to delete the device from their account via Find Device.
- 🔧 Swipe your phone through Fastboot (method 3), but it will only work with the bootloader unlocked.
2.The phone is stuck on the Mi logo after being dumped
Reasons:
- 🔄 Interrupted resetting process (for example, due to battery discharge).
- 📥 Damaged firmware (if dropped via Fastboot).
Decisions:
- 🔋 Squeeze the power. + Volume down 20 seconds for forced reboot.
- 📥 Repeat the firmware via Fastboot with another version MIUI.
- 🔧 If the phone doesn’t respond, try flashing through EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
3.The sensor or buttons do not work after resetting
This could be due to incompatible firmware or damage to the plume connector.
- 🔄 Sweep through the stock. MIUI for Mi 5 (Gemini version).
- 🛠️ Disassemble the phone and check the connection of the screen plume (requires repair skills).