Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even it eventually begins to slow down, glitch or require a complete reboot of the system. reset to factory settings helps solve most software problems, from constant lags to errors after a failed update. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, locking the device or even “bricking” the phone.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), as well as step-by-step photo instructions, data retention tips and solutions to typical errors. We have taken into account all the nuances of the Redmi 5A - from the features of MIUI to work with boot modes.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but 80 percent of the time it helps bring a smartphone back to life without having to go to the service.

• 🐢 The phone is very slow, applications are constantly flying out, and animation “popods” even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Bugs: sensors do not work, sound is lost or the sensor reacts with a delay.
• 🔒 You have forgotten your pattern lock or password and Mi Account unlock is not available.
• 📱 The smartphone is infected with viruses that cannot be removed by antiviruses (for example, advertising software or Trojans).
• 🔧 You need to transfer or sell your phone and you want to erase all personal data without the possibility of recovery.

But resetting won't help if the problem is hardware, like a broken screen, a faulty battery, or a damaged motherboard, and that's when repairs are needed.

Preparing for resetting: how to save data?

Resetting to factory settings completely erases the phone’s internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. Unless you back up in advance, it will be impossible to recover data (except for files on a microSD card, unless it is encrypted).

Here is what needs to be saved first:

• 📸 Photos and videos: copy to PC via USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 📞 Contact: Export to the VCF-File through the Contacts app or sync with Google Account.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (Available on Play Market).
• 🎵 Music and documents: transfer to a memory card or to the cloud (Yandex Disk, Dropbox).
• 🔑 Passwords and settings: Write down data from Wi-Fi, accounts, and two-factor authentication (e.g. codes from Google Authenticator).

Make backup photos and videos

Synchronize contacts with Google Account

Save SMS and Call History

Write down passwords from Wi-Fi and apps

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Remove the memory card (if you do not need cleaning)-->

Pay special attention to the associated accounts:

• Unplug your Google Account if you plan to sell your phone (otherwise, the new owner will not be able to log in).
• Make sure to remember the username and password from Mi Account – confirmation may be required after the reset.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 5A Encrypting is enabled, resetting via Recovery can take up to an hour!

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, and it's the easiest and most reliable method because it's controlled by MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Slip on Settings Reset.
4. Select Delete all data (if you want to clean the memory card, mark the appropriate item).
5. Enter the unlock password (if requested) and confirm the action.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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

If the Redmi 5A is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, resetting through Recovery, a special recovery mode, works even without a password, but requires precise steps.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. In a few seconds, you'll see the Recovery menu.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the characters (data cleanup) and (confirm).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 5A After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter the Mi Account data tied to the phone. If you do not remember the password, the phone will be locked!

💡

If the sensor doesn’t work in the Recovery menu, connect your phone to charge – sometimes this helps stabilize power and restore the response to touch.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two did not work or you need to completely reflash the phone (for example, after a failed update). ADB and Fastboot.

What needs to be done:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the MIUI version).
3. In the Developer Settings, activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear, which means that the connection is established.)

adb reboot bootloader

The phone will be rebooted to Fastboot mode (black screen with the inscription Fastboot and a bunny in the hat).

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once the commands are done, the phone will restart and start the reset process, which is the most radical method, which erases all data, including the MIUI settings, but leaves the firmware intact.

💡

Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring the phone back to life if it doesn’t respond to other methods but requires knowledge of working with the command line.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory).

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state.

• 🔄 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version MIUI.
• 🔒 Set up protection: Set a new password or pattern lock (do not use simple combinations!).
• ☁️ Recover Data: Sign in to Google Account and Mi Account to return contacts, photos and apps.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus: for example, Malwarebytes or built-in scanner in Google Play Protection.
• 📱 Optimize Performance: Turn off animation in Developer Settings and limit background processes.

If your phone is working better but still slowing down, try:

• Remove unnecessary applications (especially those that start at launch).
• Clear the cache through Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
• Turn off automatic synchronization of unnecessary data (e.g. game backup).

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To avoid repeated crashes, clear the cache of system applications every 2-3 months through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points (menu) → Clear the cache of all applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5A