How to reset to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: the full guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. The device, released in 2018, is still in active use, but over the years can slow down, produce errors or require complete cleaning before selling. Unlike new Xiaomi models, the Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) has nuances in the reset procedure associated with the MIUI version and the type of bootloader unlock.

This article covers all the current ways to reset: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot. We will discuss when each method is appropriate, how to prepare the phone so that you do not lose important data, and what to do if the reset is frozen or ended in error.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution. Here are typical scenarios when it is worth considering a hard reset for the Redmi 5 Plus:

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and other unlocking methods did not work.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring the device – to delete all personal data.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI, When the system is unstable.
• 🚨 Errors like "System" UI Stopped" or "Com.android.phone process stopped".

However, a reset will not help if the problem is hardware, such as a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard. In such cases, it is better to contact the service center. Also, you should not reset your phone if you are not sure about the associated Mi Account - after the reset, you may need to enter a login and password.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 5 Plus with the bootloader locked, resetting via Fastboot will result in an "anti-rollback" error!

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

The unpleasant surprise after reset is the loss of photos, contacts or messages. To avoid this, follow a few steps:

1. Backup. Use the built-in Settings tool → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local backup or third-party applications like Titanium Backup (requires root).
2. Sync your data with the cloud. Enable Mi Cloud sync for contacts, notes and photos: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. Make sure you know the username and password from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone may require authorization.
4. Charge the battery by at least 50%, interrupting the process due to discharge can lead to a "brick" of the device.

If you reset your phone because of a locked screen, you can’t back up, so try connecting your device to your PC and copying files via MTP (if USB debugging is enabled). The Redmi 5 Plus also has EDL mode, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a dedicated cable.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the system that is running, and it works if the phone is turned on and you can log in to the settings menu.

Instructions for Redmi 5 Plus:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Additional (or Advanced Settings in older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip Settings Reset.
5. Select Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
6. If required, enter PIN-code.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

On Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 10-12, the path may be slightly different: sometimes it's called Recovery and Reset. If after a reset, your phone asks you to enter your Mi Account, use the previously associated account. If you forgot your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.

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If the phone takes longer to load (over 15 minutes) after a reset, don't panic.The first download after a hard reset on Redmi 5 Plus can take up to 20 minutes due to app optimization.

Method 2: Recovery (hard reset)

If the phone doesn't turn on, hovers on the Redmi logo or doesn't respond to touch, resetting through Recovery mode will help. On Redmi 5 Plus, this method works even with a locked bootloader, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the Power button and the Volume Up button (+) at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds), then let them go.
4. You'll be taken to the Recovery menu (English or Chinese) and use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese firmware).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
7. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Some versions of MIUI for Redmi 5 Plus may have a "No command" error with the Android robot lying down.

• Press and hold the Power button + Volume up again.
• If it doesn’t work, try connecting your phone to charge and try again.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5 Plus with a blocked bootloader reset via Recovery will not delete data from the partition /data For deep cleaning, use Fastboot. 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 Redmi 5 Plus bootloader unlocked (device shows "Unlocked" when booting).
• 🖥️ You have a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed and a fastboot tool.
• 🔧 All sections should be cleaned, including /data and /cache.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down (-) to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number appears), execute the command to completely reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For Redmi 5 Plus with a locked bootloader, these commands will not work – a “FAILED (remote:’Flashing is not allowed in Lock State’)” error will appear. In this case, unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool tool (requires a tied Mi Account and wait 72-360 hours).

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Resetting via Fastboot is the most radical method, but requires an unlocked bootloader. On Redmi 5 Plus with a locked bootloader, use only Recovery or the settings menu.

What to do if the reset does not help or the phone is blocked

Sometimes, after a reset, the Redmi 5 Plus behaves unexpectedly: it doesn't turn on, asks for a password, or gives out errors.

• 🔐 Requires Mi Account after reset: Enter the associated account details. If you forgot your password, restore it on Xiaomi. If the account is not yours (phone bought with hands), contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 🔄 Hanging on the Redmi logo: Try logging back in to Recovery and resetting. If it doesn't work, run your phone through Fastboot or EDL (PC).
• 📵 Not turning on after reset: Connect to charge for 30 minutes - maybe the battery has gone down. If it didn't work, check the cable and power supply.

If the phone starts to work worse after the reset (for example, it discharges quickly or overheats), the hardware may be the problem.

1. Check the battery status in Settings → Battery (if the phone is turned on).
2. Install clean firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA forums).
3. Contact the service center if you suspect a malfunction of iron.

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Redmi 5 Plus may be missing after reset IMEI (No network. This is treated by recovering nvram files through MTK Engineering Mode or Firmware through SP Flash Tool. But it requires root or access. EDL-regime.

How to recover data after resetting

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the reset method:

• 📱 Reset via the settings menu: Data is not completely deleted – you can try to restore it with DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone (requires root.

For recovery:

1. Install a recovery program on your phone (such as DiskDigger).
2. Select the section to scan (usually /data).
3. Wait for the analysis to be completed and save the files found to a memory card or PC.

If you need to restore the IMEI or serial number, use the engineering menu:

1. Dial in ##4636###.
2. Go to Phone Information and check for IMEI status.
3. If you don’t have an IMEI, use tools like Maui META (for MediaTek processors) or QCN Rebuilder.

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI Redmi 5 Plus with Snapdragon 625 processor requires access to the EDL-Xiaomi’s authorized account and the mode of the network, and the wrong actions can lead to the loss of the network forever!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 5 Plus reset