Xiaomi smartphones are deservedly popular due to their excellent value for money, but even reliable devices can eventually encounter software errors. The Redmi 5 model, released a few years ago, is still relevant for many users, but the accumulation of temporary files or update conflicts can lead to unstable system operation. If your phone starts to work slowly, freezes or you forget the pattern lock, the only right solution is often to return to the original state.
In this detailed guide, we’ll look at all the ways you can reset your device completely. You’ll learn how to safely clear memory through the standard settings menu, and how to act in emergency situations when the screen doesn’t respond to touch. Complete data cleanup is a radical but effective measure that returns your gadget to factory speed and eliminates most software failures.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about the consequences of this procedure: All user data, including contacts, photos and applications, will be permanently deleted unless you back it up in advance. We have prepared a structured guide to help you avoid critical errors and successfully complete the flashing or cleaning process.
Preparing for complete deletion of data
The factory reset procedure requires pre-preparedness, as it will result in a clean device similar to the one you just bought in the store. The first step should be to back up all the important information, since it will not be possible to restore it after formatting with standard means. It is recommended to use the Google Drive cloud service or the built-in Mi Cloud to save contacts and notes.
Pay special attention to the battery level before the manipulation. The process of cleaning files and reinstallation of system components can take from 10 to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can cause damage to the bootloader. The optimal charge level is considered to be above 60%, which guarantees a successful completion of the operation without risks.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Google account, as after a reset, the system will require you to enter it to confirm ownership of the device (protection) FRP).
It is also worth removing the MicroSD card if it is installed in the slot. Although the system usually offers a choice of what to clean, physical removal of the media completely eliminates the risk of accidental formatting of your archives and media files stored on the external card.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The safest and easiest method is available to every user, provided the phone interface is functioning normally and the screen responds to touch, which does not require special knowledge or connection to the computer, all actions are performed through the standard interface of the MIUI operating system. First, unlock the screen and go to the main desktop.
Find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear, and open it. In the list that opens, you need to scroll down to About or Advanced Settings, depending on the version of the firmware installed, and that's where the system management tools are hidden.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Click on Resetting (can be called “Factory Resetting»).
- 🗑️ Select the option to Clear all data or “Erase all data».
- 🔒 The system will request the input of a pattern lock or screen unlock password to confirm.
- ✅ Press the confirmation button and wait for the device to reboot.
Once confirmed, the system will alert you that all files will be deleted, and by agreeing to this, you start a process that will take a few minutes, the phone will automatically restart, and the initial setup will begin, as when you first turn on a new gadget.
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If you have two-factor authorization enabled in Google, make sure you have access to a phone number or backup email, as a confirmation code may be required after the reset.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the operating system is damaged, the phone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen is no longer responding, you need to use Recovery Mode Recovery Mode, which allows you to perform Hard Reset using physical control buttons, bypassing the software shell, which is a versatile solution for most boot problems.
To enter recovery mode on Xiaomi Redmi 5, you need to turn the device off completely. Make sure the phone is really off, not in sleep mode. Then press two buttons at the same time: Volume Up and Power.
Hold both keys until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released while holding the volume key. In a few seconds, you will see a menu with a black background and text often duplicated in Chinese. Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up and down), and the choice of item is made by a short press of the power button.
The sequence of actions in the Recovery menu:
- 🔽 With volume buttons, select Wipe Data (or "Erase Data»).
- 🔽 In the next menu, select Wipe All Data.
- 🔄 Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- 🔄 Once the process is complete, select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot -> Reboot to System.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Method 3: Delete passwords through Google
In situations where you have forgotten the pattern lock, but the phone is connected to the Internet and tied to your account, you can try to unlock the device remotely. This method does not always work, because it depends on the security settings and the Android version, but it is worth trying before resorting to full formatting.
You need to go to the official Google Find Device website (android.com/find) and log in under the same account you used on the blocked Redmi 5. If the device is online, you will see it on the map. From the control menu, select the option “Clean the device”.
This command will force you to reset your settings to factory settings, delete all the data along with the lock screen, and it's important to understand that after this procedure, the phone will require you to enter a password from your Google account when you turn on, so you won't be able to log in without knowing the credentials.
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
Each of these approaches has its own advantages and applications, and understanding the differences will help you choose the most suitable option for your particular situation. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the methods.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Recovery Mode | Remotely (Google) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | No. |
| Data retention | No (full reset) | No (full reset) | No (full reset) |
| We need the Internet. | Not necessarily. | No. | I'll be sure. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
The settings menu is preferable if the phone is stable, as it is the most controlled process. Recovery mode is a "heavy artillery" for cases of serious failure. Remote reset is convenient if the device is lost or locked but is on the network.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may encounter various difficulties in restoring the system, and one of the common problems is hanging on the Mi logo after reset, which may indicate damage to system files or lack of space for temporary operations, in which case it is recommended to repeat the procedure through Recovery Mode, selecting the Wipe Data option again.
Another common situation is blocking a Google account (FRP), where if a phone requires you to enter a password from an account you don't remember after a reset, it's not possible to unlock the device in the standard way, which is a security measure to prevent the use of stolen phones, and the only legal way is to restore access to your account through Google's website.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to repeatedly enter incorrect passwords or graphic keys after reset, this can lead to a temporary lock of the device for several hours or days.
If the phone doesn't turn on at all and doesn't respond to buttons, it may be hardware, such as a discharged battery or a power button malfunction. Try leaving the device on charge for 30-40 minutes using the original cable and power supply before making conclusions about the breakdown.
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If after all attempts to reset the phone continues to behave unstable, it is likely that you need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.