Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has a reputation for reliability, but even the most stable MIUI system sometimes requires drastic measures. Users of the Redmi Note 5 (also known as the Redmi 5 Plus in the global market) often face the need to return the gadget to a factory state, which can be caused by the accumulation of system debris, the sale of the device or critical errors in the interface.
The Full Reset procedure, or Hard Reset, is the most effective way to fix software failures, and it completely clears internal memory of user data, returning the software to its original state, and it is important to understand that this process is irreversible, so it should be approached with the utmost care and preparation.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to return the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory parameters. We will look at the standard method through the settings menu and the alternative option through the Recovery Recovery mode, which is indispensable when the screen is locked.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before any manipulation of system files begins, a number of preparatory steps must be taken, and ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important contacts, photos and documents. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be missed under any circumstances.
Make sure your Redmi Note 5 has a battery charge of at least 50-60%. The process of formatting memory partitions is energy intensive, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment can damage system files, turning the phone into a brick.
⚠️ Attention: Setting reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, music, installed apps and accounts. SD They are usually saved, but extracting it before the procedure is a safest solution.
If you have the option to turn on your device, use the built-in MIUI tools to create a backup. Go to the settings section, select About Phone, and find the backup menu, and you can save folder structure, messages, and calls.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu
The safest and easiest method is available to every user if the smartphone screen is functioning normally and you know the unlock code, which involves using the standard interface of the Android operating system with the MIUI shell.
To start, open the main app menu and find the Settings icon, and in the settings list that opens, scroll down to Advanced Settings, which is where key system management functions are hidden.
Inside the menu, find the Recovery and Reset option. When you click on it, you will see the Reset option. The system will alert you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or pin if it is installed.
- 📱 Open “Settings” and go to “About Phone».
- 🗑️ Select “Reset Settings” (or “Erase All Data»).
- 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password to confirm.
- ⏳ Wait for the reboot process to be completed.
Once confirmed, the phone will automatically reboot. The Xiaomi logo and progress indicator may appear on the screen. Don't touch the device at this point, as the /data and /cache partitions are being formatted.
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If you are selling a phone, you should definitely take it out. SIM-card and memory card before reset so that the new owner does not gain access to your personal data.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the logo, or you've forgotten the pattern lock, the standard path through the settings will be unavailable. In this case, Recovery mode is used. This is a low-level environment built into the device's memory.
To enter this mode on the Redmi Note 5, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released while keeping the volume high.
Keyboard combination: Power + Volume Up (before vibration / logo)When the Recovery menu opens, the volume buttons (up/down) control the selection and the power button confirms the selection. Find the Wipe Data item and select it. You will need to confirm the selection at the Wipe All Data item.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working; navigation is done exclusively with mechanical volume and power buttons.
Once the cleanup is complete, the system will prompt you to return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) or reboot (Reboot). 5-10 minute.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Mi Account Problem and Activation Block
One of the most common problems after a reset is requesting a Mi Account, a built-in security system Xiaomi designed to protect the device from theft. If an account was entered on the phone before the reset, the system will require you to enter a password from it on the first activation.
This is a Find Device mechanism that blocks access to the system until the owner proves that they own the device, and if you forget your password, it's very difficult to unlock the phone, and you often need to go to the service center with a check to buy it.
| Account status | Pre-discharge action | Post-reset result |
|---|---|---|
| Account tied | Didn't log out. | Password Mi Account is required |
| Account tied | Dropped out of the account. | Phone unlocked. |
| Account untied | Not required | Phone unlocked. |
| Forgot the password. | Recovery attempt | Blocking activation |
To avoid problems, be sure to untie the device from your account before resetting. Go to settings, select Mi Account and click "Exit." Only then can you safely format.
Actions after discharge has been completed
When the formatting process is complete and the phone has restarted, you will see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new device, and you will need to select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and log into your Google account.
MIUI will offer to restore data from the cloud if you have backed up before, allowing you to quickly return contacts, notes and schedules, but larger files such as photos and videos are better copied manually from a computer or external drive.
After initial setup, it is recommended to check for system updates immediately. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Installing the latest version of MIUI will close security vulnerabilities and improve the stability of the Redmi Note 5.
- 🌐 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- 🔑 Sign in to your Google and Mi accounts.
- 🔄 Check for updates Android/MIUI.
- 📲 Install the necessary applications from the Play Market.
Note that immediately after a reset, the phone may be slower than usual for the first 15-20 minutes, which is because the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background.
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The first 20 minutes after resetting the phone can warm and run slowly – this is a normal process of system optimization, which does not require intervention.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face difficulties, and the most common problem is a “bootloop” when the phone is constantly turned off and on, without reaching the desktop.
If the Redmi Note 5 is stuck on the logo after a reset, try re-entering Recovery mode and resetting.Sometimes once isn't enough to completely clean the Dalvik cache.
In more complex cases where a software failure is critical, it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.This is a more complex procedure requiring an unlocked bootloader and ADB drivers.
⚠️ Note: If the phone goes into a cyclical reboot even after resetting, there is a high probability of hardware failure, such as problems with eMMC memory or overheating of the processor.
Don't panic if the process seems protracted. The process of formatting the userdata partition on the Redmi Note 5 can take up to 15-20 minutes, especially if the internal memory has been filled almost completely.