How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 settings: the complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 smartphones sooner or later face the need to return the device to its original state, which can be caused by selling the gadget, transferring it to another user or serious software errors that cannot be eliminated by conventional methods. The data cleanup procedure is a radical measure, but often the only right one to restore the stable operation of the operating system. MIUI.

The process of returning to factory settings removes all personal information, so it needs to be approached with full responsibility. It is important not just to press a button, but to properly prepare the device so that you do not lose important contacts and photos forever. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods, from the standard settings menu to using the engineering mode Recovery.

Setting resets are the process of erasing user data and returning system files to the “out of the box” state. On Redmi 5, this feature is built deep into the security system, which requires careful execution. We will look at the nuances of working with a Google account and Mi Account so that after a reboot you do not encounter an activation lock.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before any manipulation of Xiaomi system files begins, you need to back up. The built-in MIUI tools allow you to save contacts, SMS, call history and even desktop layout to the cloud server or locally. Ignoring this step will lead to irretrievable loss of data that can not be recovered by standard means.

The process of formatting internal memory requires stable power, since interrupting the recording of system files can damage the bootloader. The battery charge before the procedure should be at least 60-70% to ensure successful completion. If the device runs out at a critical moment, the phone can turn into a brick.

You also need to unplug the device from the security accounts. If the phone has enabled the "Find Device" function in Mi Account or Google FRP protection, after the reset, the system will require you to enter a password from the previous owner. Without this data, you will not be able to log in, and the phone will remain locked.

• 📱 Make a backup of contacts and media files on SD-card.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery level is above 60%.
• 🔓 Turn off the screen lock (pattern lock, PIN-code).
• 📡 Extract. SIM-card and memory card, unless you plan to format them with your phone.

Keep in mind that cleaning up internal memory will affect all installed applications and their data. Save important files from the messenger folders, as after reinstalling the applications, the correspondence history will be lost if a separate copy was not made inside the application itself.

Reset via the MIUI settings menu (Standard Method)

The safest and easiest way to get Redmi 5 back to factory is to use the system’s regular menu, a method that is suitable for most users who have access to the desktop and smartphone settings. MIUI is intuitive, but has its own way of placing menu items in different versions of the firmware.

To start, go to the settings section. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, the path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the item responsible for advanced settings or device state, and here the function of complete deletion of data is hidden.

In the menu that opens, select Reset or Erase All Data. The system will issue a warning that all files will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering the screen unlock password if it was set earlier.

It's important to know that a standard menu reset often marks data as deleted, but technically it can stay on the disk until it's overwritten. For a normal sale, that's enough, but if you're worried about privacy, it's worth filling up the memory with unnecessary files after the reset and repeating the procedure again.

Once the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart, and the first run will take longer than usual, as the system will reconfigure the baseline settings and check for updates.

Using Recovery Mode for Resetting

If Xiaomi is not booting, it is stuck on the logo or access to the settings menu is blocked, Recovery mode is used. This is a special diagnostic interface built into the device memory that allows you to control the system at a low level.

To get into the recovery menu, turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or the Recovery menu appears. On Redmi 5, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.

From the menu, select a language (usually only English and Chinese are available). Next, look for Wipe Data or Clear Data. Some versions of Recovery may require confirmation of action by entering a code word that appears on the screen, such as yes.

Once you select Wipe All Data, the system will warn you of the consequences. Confirm the action. The process will take some time, after which the phone will prompt you to return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) or reboot.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with physical volume and power buttons. Be careful not to choose a data cleanup point randomly if you were planning only a reboot.

This method is more “hard” and is guaranteed to delete all data, including cache and system logs that may have caused errors in the device, and is especially useful when removing forgotten screen lock passwords, although newer versions of Android and MIUI may require account confirmation.

Deletion of accounts and protection against resetting

Xiaomi smartphones today are equipped with a powerful anti-theft system. Before resetting Redmi 5 settings, it is critical to unplug the device from Mi Account and Google Account. If you do not do this, after turning on the new owner will see an activation screen requiring you to enter the password of the previous owner.

To delink Mi Account, go to settings, find the "Mi Account" section and click "Exit." The system will request a password. Once successful, the account status will change and the device's association will be removed from Xiaomi servers. A similar procedure must be repeated for a Google account under "Accounts and Sync".

If you plan to sell a phone but can’t remember passwords, resetting your settings through the menu may not help, as the system will still request authorization, in which case only a complete flashing of the device using a computer and special utilities such as the Mi Flash Tool helps, but this requires deeper technical knowledge.

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is activated automatically if a Google account has been added to the device, which means that even after the memory is fully formatted, the phone “remembers” the last user, and it is almost impossible to circumvent this protection in legal ways without a password.

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If you sell a phone, take screenshots or photos of your current About Phone settings (MIUI version, build number) and pass them on to the customer to help them understand which version of the software is installed and whether they need to update immediately.

Solving and eliminating errors

Unforeseen situations may occur when resetting your settings on Redmi 5, such as a phone that freezes on the Mi logo or enters a cyclic bootloop, often due to damage to system files or a lack of free memory before starting the procedure.

If the device is stuck on the logo for more than 10-15 minutes, try to force the reboot by holding the power button for 10-20 seconds. If this does not help, you will have to re-cover the Recovery mode and try to reset. Sometimes it helps to clear the cache (Wipe Cache) without deleting user data, but on newer versions of MIUI this item is often hidden or combined with a full reset.

Another common problem is an error when updating or crashing during data recording, in which case the phone may not turn on at all. The only solution is to flash the device through the computer using official software from Xiaomi. For Redmi 5 (codenamed ros), stable versions of firmware are available, which can be found on the official forum.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the reset or flashing process by removing the battery (if it is not removable) or turning off the cable. USB. This can damage the persist or modem partition, which will deprive the phone of communication (IMEI null).

If the phone is slow after reset, give it time. During the first hours after installation, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, during which time the device can heat up and consume more energy than usual.

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Cyclical reboots after resets are most likely to indicate system file damage or hardware conflict, and 80 percent of the time, re-resets through Recovery or flashing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)