Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: 3 working methods

Why is the Redmi 5A a must-have?

The Xiaomi Redmi 5A, despite its venerable age (the model was released in 2017), is still a popular device due to the balance of price and functionality. However, over time, even the most reliable gadget begins to “brake”: applications take a long time to load, the system emits errors, and the battery goes down in a few hours. 80% of these cases helps reset to factory settings – a procedure that returns the smartphone to a “clean” state, as after purchase.

But it's not always software that's the problem, for example, if the Redmi 5A stopped turning on after falling or getting moisture, it's not likely to help, because it's going to require a diagnosis of iron, and here are the typical "symptoms" that you should consider resetting:

• 🐢 The system hangs on the Mi logo or is cyclically rebooted (bootloop»)
• 📱 The lock screen does not respond to password input (especially after the update) MIUI)
• 🔄 Applications spontaneously close or issue a “stopped” error»
• 📶 Network problems: does not catch mobile Internet or Wi-Fi, despite the work SIM-map

It’s important to understand that resetting is a radical solution: it deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications, if backup has not been done, so before the procedure, you should weigh the pros and cons, as well as familiarize yourself with alternative optimization methods (cleaning the cache, rolling back updates).

Preparation for discharge: 5 mandatory steps

Unprepared resets can result in the loss of important data or even the “bricking” of the device (if you interrupt the process).

1. Backup. Use the built-in Settings tool → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local backup or third-party services like Google Drive (for contacts, photos) and Mi Cloud (if your Xiaomi account is tied).
2. Check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. When discharged through Recovery, discharging during the process can cause failure.
3. Find out the MIUI version. This will help you recover the device if something goes wrong. Pathway: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
4. Untie your Xiaomi account (if you plan to sell your phone). Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.
5. Remove the memory card and SIM, which will save them from random formatting (especially for MicroSD, if it is used as internal memory).

If you reset Redmi 5A because of a forgotten password, note that after the procedure, you may need to enter data from a previously associated Mi Account (Mi Account Lock function), without which the phone will turn into a “brick”.

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

This is a good way to do this if your smartphone is turned on and you remember the unlock password, and it's as simple as possible and minimizes the risk of failure.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Additional section (in some versions of MIUI System and Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. The system will suggest you choose what to reset, and we recommend that you mark all data for complete cleaning.
6. Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock.
7. Press Reset and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the phone requires you to enter your Xiaomi account information but you do not remember it, use the unlock instructions at the end of the article.

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If the Redmi 5A doesn’t turn on for more than 10 minutes after a reset, don’t panic. Sometimes the first download takes up to 15-20 minutes due to application optimization.

Method 2: Recovery reset (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Redmi 5A is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, Hard Reset will help with Recovery.This mode allows you to control the device using physical buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. If it freezes, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the item.
4. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

Important: Redmi 5A uses older versions of Recovery (without touch control), so all actions are done with buttons. If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of items (usually Wipe Data is the second or third on top).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (for example, due to a damaged Recovery), the reset is left over via Fastboot mode using a PC, which requires the installation of drivers and the Mi Flash Tool program, but is guaranteed to bring the phone back to life.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11)
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website)
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 5A (Fastboot version, not Recovery)

Instructions:

1. Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC (usually installed with the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off Redmi 5A and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds until the hare in the eardress cap appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (full clean) and press Flash.
6. Wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes) and automatically restart.

⚠️ Warning: This method completely reflashes the device, so use it only as a last resort.If you choose the wrong firmware version (for example, for another model), the phone may fail.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, Redmi 5A will appear in a “virgin” form – with factory firmware and no unnecessary applications. The first turn-on will take longer than usual: the system will optimize the preinstalled programs.

Checklist for setting:

• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network (set up) APN, if SIM snoop).
• 🔑 Restore data from backup (if you did backup via Mi Cloud or Google).
• 🔒 Set up the screen lock (we recommend using it). PIN-code instead of a pattern lock, it is more reliable).
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Dr.Web) and check the system for viruses.

If you have new problems after the reset (e.g., the camera or speaker is not working), it is likely that hardware damage is to blame, in which case only repair will help. It is also worth checking whether the IMEI firmware has crashed - without it, mobile communication will not work. You can restore the IMEI through the engineering menu (code # #4636#), but this is a topic for a separate article.

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After a Redmi 5A reset, you may need to re-activate your Xiaomi account, even if you untied it. That's fine - just log in to your data.

Risks and Possible Problems in Resetting

Resetting to factory settings is relatively safe, but it also has pitfalls, and these are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If you have dropped Redmi 5A You can only unlock it through Xiaomi's official service, by providing a purchase check. Forgery of documents or using left-handed services often leads to the final loss of the device.

Other possible difficulties:

• 🔋 The phone doesn't turn on after it's reset, because the battery runs out during the process, or the firmware crashes. Solution: plug it into charging for 30 minutes, then reset it again.
• 📱 The screen flashes or artifacts appear, the culprit is a damaged display or a plume. Resetting here won't help, we need to replace the screen.
• 🔊 The mobile phone is missing, and most of the time it means loss. IMEI. It can be restored through the engineering menu or the firmware of the module.
• 🔄 Bootloop: This is caused by a firmware conflict. Solution: run your phone through Fastboot (method 3).

If the Redmi 5A starts to work even worse after reset (for example, it warms or discharges quickly), this may indicate wear of the battery. The battery in this model is easy to replace itself - it is attached to double-sided tape, and costs a new one about 500-800 rubles.

How to unlock Redmi 5A after resetting if you forget your Xiaomi account

One of the most frustrating things is when, after a reset, the phone demands data from the Mi Account and you don't remember it, and unfortunately, it's legally impossible to get around this protection: Xiaomi introduced it to combat theft, but there are several ways to get access back:

Official methods:

• 📧 Password recovery: Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Forgot Password, and follow the instructions. You will need access to your linked email or phone number.
• 📄 If you lose access to your email, write to Xiaomi’s support team (via the website or official social networks) with proof of purchase (check, box with a check). IMEI).

Unofficial methods (use at your own risk!):

• 🔓 Dumping through EDL. It requires special equipment (EDL Mi Flash does not work on all devices and can lead to blocking IMEI.
• 🛠️ The last option is if the phone is a memory card, and the new fee will cost 3,000 to 5,000 rubles.

⚠️ Warning: Buying "unlocked" phones on the secondary market is fraught with problems.The seller could have used illegal methods to bypass Mi Account Lock, which can cause the device to lock again after an upgrade or reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5A