How to Reset Your Settings on Xiaomi Mi 5: All Ways (2026)

Xiaomi Mi 5 is the legendary smartphone of 2016, which is still used by many users. Over time, the device can start to slow down, emit errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution for most software problems, but on the Mi 5, this process has its own nuances due to the outdated version of MIUI and the features of the hardware platform.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to reset for Xiaomi Mi 5 (including Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus models), as well as solutions to typical problems that arise after the procedure. We will look at options for a working phone, a locked screen and even “bricks” after a failed update. Particular attention is paid to saving IMEI data and unlocking the bootloader, which is critical for older Xiaomi devices.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure

Resetting your Mi 5 is not just a matter of pressing a button, but it can result in losing your IMEI, blocking your Mi Account, or even turning your phone into a brick.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. On older Mi 5 batteries, the discharge during the reset may interrupt the process.
• 📱 Remove the screen lock (PIN, Once reset, the phone will require you to enter your Mi Account data, and without the unlocked screen, it will not be possible.
• 🔐 Make sure you remember the Mi Account information. If the phone is linked to the account, you will need authorization after the reset.
• 📁 Save important data. Photos, contacts and messages can be transferred to the PC via MTP Or in the Mi Cloud cloud.

Pay special attention IMEI. On the Mi 5 with custom firmware or after unofficial unlocks of the bootloader, this parameter can reset:

⚠️ Note: If your Mi 5 has been previously sifted by an unofficial firmware (e.g., via a SP Flash Tool, write down the current IMEI (Type *#06# on paper. Once reset via Fastboot, they can reset and be hard to repair.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for a working phone)

The easiest method is to use the built-in reset feature in MIUI. It is suitable if the phone is turned on, touch-responsive and you have access to the menu. The instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI on the Mi 5 (from 7 to 12).

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Additional section (on MIUI 7-8) or About Phone section (on MIUI 9+).
3. Select Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
5. If required, enter the password from the lock screen.
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once you restart, the phone will start in its initial setup mode.

• 📱 Do not miss the Mi Account peg step if the phone was previously tied.
• 🔄 If the phone asks for an old Google Account after reset, it has been activated. FRP-The solution is in section 5.
• ⚡ On the Mi 5 with the bootloader unlocked, a warning This device is unlocked may appear after the reset.

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If the phone hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don't panic.Give it 15-20 minutes - the old Xiaomi models on the Snapdragon 820 processor can slowly perform the first boot.

Method 3: Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phone)

If the Mi 5 does not respond to touch, forgotten pattern lock or phone is stuck on the logo, will help reset through the Recovery. Xiaomi Mi 5 default installed Stock Recovery (factory recovery), which supports reset without password.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a Recovery menu with a minimalist interface.

In the Recovery menu on Mi 5, the control is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection).

1. Select Wipe Data (on some versions – Wipe & Reset).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account password and you don't remember it, don't try to guess! After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for "bricks" and serious failures)

If the Mi 5 doesn’t even turn on in Recovery, or if a failed update has brought in Black Screen, a Fastboot reset will help, a method that requires a computer and Xiaomi drivers installed.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 📦 Archive with Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Mi 5 (download from official website).
• 🔧 Qualcomm 9008 Drivers (for phone recognition in mode) EDL).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers on your PC.
2. Unpack the firmware for Mi 5 (for example, gemini_global_images_V12.0.1.0.QAAMIXM_20201020.0000.00_10.0_global) cyrillic.
3. Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press the Loudness Down + Power button for 10 seconds. Release when the image of a hare in a Fastboot hat appears.
4. Connect the Mi 5 to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait until it is finished (green tick in Mi Flash) and turn off the phone.

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Resetting via Fastboot on the Mi 5 erases all memory, including the internal drive (/data).If the phone had important files, their recovery after such a procedure is almost impossible.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version. MIUI, The solution is to download the firmware of the same or newer version. On Mi 5, the current version is the same. MIUI You can find it on the XDA-Developers forum.

5. Solving problems after discharge

Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 5 can be unstable.

5.1 The phone asks for an old Google Account (FRP)

If the message “This device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account...” appears after the reset, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection is activated. This is a standard Android feature that locks the phone after the reset if it was tied to Google Account.

How to get around:

1. Enter the last Google Account that was on your phone.
2. If you don’t remember the password, restore it through Google’s recovery page.
3. If the phone is purchased from hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, contact him for remote unlocking.

5.2 Loss of IMEI after discharge

On the Mi 5 with custom firmware or after reset via Fastboot, the IMEI (phone does not catch the network, in signal status - No services) may be lost.

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. Go to Phone Information and check for IMEI status.
3. If there is no IMEI (empty field), use utilities like SN Write Tool or Maui META (requires a PC and cable).

The telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

If the Mi 5 does not respond to the power button after reset:

• 🔋 Connect the charge and wait 30 minutes – the battery may be completely drained.
• 🔌 Try to pin the volume down. + Power for 20 seconds (forced reboot).
• 💻 If nothing helps, repeat the reset via Fastboot (section 4).

6.How to avoid problems when resetting on Xiaomi Mi 5

To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

• 📱 Do not reset your settings via Recovery if your phone is tied to Mi Account and you do not remember your password.
• 🔄 Do not interrupt the reset process (especially via Fastboot). /system.
• 📦 Use only official firmware for Mi 5. ROM (For example, LineageOS can cause problems with the communication module.
• 🔧 Check the version. MIUI Mi 5 cannot be installed on a version older than the one already standing (anti-rollback error).

Alternative discharge methods

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

7.1.Dumping through ADB (for developers)

If the phone is enabled debugging over USB, you can reset through the ADB command:

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data

This method works even if the screen does not respond to touch, but the phone is determined by the PC.

7.2 Reset via Mi Cloud (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can reset it remotely via Mi Cloud:

1. Sign in to your Mi Account.
2. Select the Mi 5 device in the list.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.

⚠️ Note: After a remote reset, the phone will be locked until the data from Mi Account is entered!

7.3. TestPoint reset (for "bricks")

If the Mi 5 doesn’t respond to any buttons (full “brick”), you can use the TestPoint method, which requires disassembling the phone and closing contacts on the board to force you to enter EDL mode.

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Before disassembling the Mi 5, watch the video guides on YouTube tagged Mi 5 TestPoint. A fault in closing contacts can knock your phone out!

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 5