How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing software failures. The Redmi 5A model (codenamed riva) is still popular due to its reliability, but even it is not immune to performance problems or a forgotten pattern lock.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to reset, from the standard menu to Recovery mode to even remote reset via Mi Account, focus on the nuances of unlocking if you forget your password, and also warn against the typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” Regardless of the reason — whether it’s a sale, viruses or brakes — you will find here step-by-step instructions with illustrations (in text format) and answers to frequent questions.

Important: Redmi 5A is MIUI-based, and the reset process may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (e.g. MIUI 9 vs MIUI 12). All methods in this article are tested on current versions of the software, but if your phone hasn't been updated in a long time, some menu items may be called differently.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data.Reset completely deletes:

• 📱 Contacts, messages and call history (unless synced with Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos and videos in internal memory
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents
• 🔑 Saved passwords from Wi-Fi and applications
• 🎮 Game and App Settings (Progress May Reset)

If you drop your phone before selling, remember to log out of your Mi Account – otherwise the new owner won’t be able to use the device!

1. Reset via the settings menu (the easiest way)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, you remember the unlock password, and you want to return the factory settings without unnecessary manipulation.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, and the Redmi logo will appear on the screen, and then the wizard of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

Battery stock. > 50%|Disable Google Account (if any)|Synchronize contacts with Mi Cloud|Delete SD-card (if used)-->

⚠️ Warning: If the phone requires you to enter the old Mi Account password after reset, you did not log out before cleaning.

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on or locked)

If Redmi 5A does not respond to the screen, freezes on the logo or you forgot the pattern lock, Recovery mode will help. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires care - improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or lock the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with blue inscriptions in English).
4. Use Volume Down for navigation and Volume Up for selecting a point.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleanup).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
7. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone reboots and starts setting up from scratch, if the error "This device is locked" appears after the reset, then the Mi Account account is tied to the device - additional unlocking will be required.

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If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, select the hieroglyphics item (data cleanup) and confirm.

Remote reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you forget your unlock password and can’t log in to the menu or Recovery and your phone is linked to Mi Account, you can reset it remotely via Xiaomi’s website.

• 🔗 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
• 📱 Find the device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 5A.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After a successful reset, the phone will restart and prompt you to go through the initial setup. If the device was offline, the reset command will be executed the next time you connect to the Internet.

⚠️ Note: Remote reset via Mi Account does not work if the phone is disabled Find the device or it is in Flight Mode mode.

Yes, I had to reset | No, I always remember passwords | Using a fingerprint | I keep backup codes-->

4. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., software is damaged or bootloader is blocked), you'll have to use Fastboot mode, USB-Cable and Minimal Knowledge of Working with ADB/Fastboot.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (will not damage ports!).
• 📦 Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to link to Mi Account).

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 5A and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the bootloader is locked, you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool before reset (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting for new accounts).

5. How to unlock Redmi 5A after reset if you need a Mi Account password

One of the most common problems after a reset is asking for a Mi Account password, even if you logged out before clearing, and this is due to the Mi Cloud Lock feature, which links the device to your account to protect against theft.

Methods of unlocking:

1. Enter the correct data: If you remember your login/password, enter it on the lock screen. After successful authorization, the phone will be unlocked.
2. Reset via Mi Cloud (described in Section 3): Works if the device is online.
3. Official unlock: Contact Xiaomi support with a check to buy. the process can take up to 30 days.
4. Unofficial methods (at your own risk!): 🛠️ Firmware through EDL (requires an authorized developer account). 🔧 Mi Account Unlock Tool (the risk of blocking the account!).

Important: Unofficial methods can result in IMEI or Mi Account locking.If the phone is bought with hands, contact the previous owner to unblock the device.

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If Redmi 5A asks for Mi Account password after reset and you don’t remember it, the only legal way to unlock it is to ask Xiaomi for proof of purchase.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Redmi 5A. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Mistake 1: Resetting with a discharged battery

If the charge is below 30%, the phone may shut down during the process, causing damage to system files. Always charge the device to at least 50% before resetting.

Mistake 2: Interrupting the process

Do not remove the battery or turn off the phone during a reset (especially in Recovery or Fastboot) and this can result in loss of IMEI or "brick" (inoperable state).

Mistake 3: Wrong firmware

If you are flashing your phone through Fastboot, always check the firmware version. Installing software for another model (e.g. Redmi 5 instead of 5A) will make the device inoperable.

Mistake 4: Ignoring backup

Many users forget to save data before resetting.Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or physical copying to your PC for backup:

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf).
• 📷 Photo and video (copy folder) DCIM).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords (apps like WiFi Password Viewer).

Mistake 5: Buying a Locked Phone

When buying a Redmi 5A, always check to see if it is untied from the Mi Account.

1. To do the reset on you.
2. Go through the initial setup to the desktop screen.
3. Show in Settings → Accounts that the device is not tied to Mi Account.

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Before buying used Xiaomi, check the IMEI lock status on IMEI.info. If the Blacklisted status, the phone is stolen or blocked by the operator.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions