Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, not all users know that hard reset removes not only apps and settings, but also all personal data, including photos, contacts and messages. This article will help to avoid losing important information and perform the procedure correctly - regardless of the condition of the smartphone.
The Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) was released in 2017, but is still popular due to its balanced performance.However, over time, even this reliable device can start to “brake” due to overloaded memory or software conflicts. Resetting through the standard menu only works if the phone turns on and responds to touch – otherwise you will need Recovery mode or a connection to a PC via Fastboot.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before proceeding with a reset, make sure you have a backup of important data. Xiaomi Redmi 5 does not automatically save information - all photos, videos and documents will be permanently deleted.
For backup, use:
- 📱 Mi Cloud – Cloud storage from Xiaomi (available 5GB for free). → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup.
- 💻 PC through USB — Connect your phone to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads and Documents.
- 🔄 Google Account - syncs contacts, calendar and some settings. Included in Settings → Accounts. → Google.
- 📦 Third-party apps like Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup for full backup.
Pay special attention to the authorization in Mi Account. If you forget your username/password, after reset, you may need to confirm the original account to unlock (Mi Account Lock), which is protection against theft, but it also creates problems when selling the phone.
⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 5 from hand and do not know the data of the previous owner, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot will lock the device.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (software reset)
This is the easiest method available if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and is suitable for eliminating software lags, preparing for sale or transfer of the device.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Select Settings Reset.
- The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Reset all settings (removes apps and settings) 🗃️ Cleaning internal memory (deleting user files)
graphical key
PIN-code
Drop it.
Once the procedure is complete, the phone will turn on with factory settings, as after purchase, you will only have to go through the initial setup, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%
Backup of important data
Remember the username/password from the Mi Account
Disable your Google account (if you are planning to sell)
Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from the Mi Account, but you do not remember it, do not try to choose a combination - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)
This method comes in handy if Redmi 5 is not turned on, hovers on the logo or does not respond to touch. To log into Recovery, you do not need special programs - only physical phone buttons.
Step instructions:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Hold it together: 🔘 Power button (Power) 🔼 The Volume Up button (Volume Up)
Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
Recovery
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
Wipe Data → Wipe All Data
Confirm
Reboot → Reboot to System
It can take up to 10 minutes, and don't interrupt it or take out the battery, which can damage system files.
What happens if the Recovery does not open?
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery won't open | Faulty buttons or damaged software | Try Power + Volume Down or use Fastboot |
| The phone vibrates and turns off. | Too low battery charge | Charge the device to at least 30% and try again |
| Recovery menu in Chinese | Global firmware not installed | Orientate by location of points (first – Wipe Data) |
| "Can't mount /data" error | The file system is damaged. | Select Wipe Data Re-Select or Switch the Device through Fastboot |
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method requires connecting Redmi 5 to your computer and using the Fastboot utility.
- 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
- 🔧 Recovery is damaged or missing
- 📦 You need to stitch the original firmware over the custom
The work will require:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website)
- 📄 The firmware for Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy)
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\rom\redmi5).
- Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds. Release the buttons when the image of a rabbit in a fastboot mode appears.
Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
Mi Flash Tool
Select
clean all
Flash
Once successful, the phone will automatically restart, a method that is guaranteed to delete all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but requires caution that improper actions can turn the device into a brick.
1. Have Qualcomm drivers installed (you can download via Mi PC Suite).
2. whether the original USB cable is used (cheap cables often do not support data transfer to Fastboot).
3. Whether debugging is included USB Developer settings (if the phone is responsive at least a little).-->
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common:
1.The phone does not turn on after reset
Possible causes:
- 🔋 The battery was drained during the procedure. → Charge your phone for 30 minutes and reset again.
- 📴 Firmware damaged. → Fastboot the device via Fastboot (method 3).
- 🔌 Maternity board malfunction → Go to the service center.
2.Requires a password from the Mi Account after resetting
This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection.
- 🔑 Restore your password through account.xiaomi.com.
- 📧 If your account is not yours, ask the previous owner for an uncoupling of the device.
- 🛠️ In extreme cases – contact the authorized Xiaomi service with documents on the phone.
3. "No command" error in Recovery
That means the standard Recovery is damaged.
- 🔄 Try to clamp down the Power + Volume Up for 15 seconds – sometimes re-entry helps.
- 📥 Install custom Recovery (TWRP) via Fastboot.
- 📦 Sweep the original firmware (method 3).
💡
If after resetting the phone began to work slower than before the procedure, the cause may be worn memory (capacity). NAND-In this case, only replacing the motherboard or using the phone without heavy applications will help.
How to speed up Redmi 5 after resetting
Factory settings will return the phone to its original performance, but over time, the lags may reappear.
Optimization of the software:
- 📵 Turn off autoloading of unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
- 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
- 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest stable version (MIUI 12 - the last official for the Redmi 5).
Hardware recommendations:
- 🔋 Replace the battery if it is discharged faster than before. 4-5 Watches - worn-out battery causes sudden shutdowns and lags.
- 💾 Use a microSD class memory card A1 or A2 for transferring applications (setting up in Settings) → Annexes → Move it to SD).
- 🧹 Blow out the connectors from dust – overheating due to pollution reduces productivity.
If even after optimizing the phone is “braking”, consider installing custom firmware based on Android 10/11 (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).This requires unlocking the bootloader and experience with ADB, but can significantly improve smoothness.