How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why Redmi 5 reset could be a lifesaver for your smartphone

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings is a radical but often necessary step to solve system problems. This 2017 budget smartphone, despite modest by modern standards, features (Snapdragon 450 processor, 2/3 GB of RAM), is still in demand due to the reliability and support of custom firmware. However, over time, even it begins to “brake”, give out errors or be blocked due to a forgotten password.

Unlike flagships, Redmi 5 has a limited margin of performance, and accumulated digital debris — app cache, fragmented files, remnants of deleted programs — can turn it into a “brick.” Resetting to factory settings in this case works as a “hard reboot”: deletes all user data, returns the original MIUI parameters and often solves problems with hanging, overheating or sudden shutdowns. But it is important to understand: if the cause of the malfunction is a physical failure (for example, a bloated battery or a damaged motherboard), reset will not help.

Before you start, you have to answer two questions: why do you need a reset, and are you willing to lose all your data? If the goal is to sell your phone, you just need to clean up through the settings. If Redmi 5 is locked or not turned on, more radical methods will be needed. Next, we'll go through all the scenarios, from the simplest to the emergency.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The safest and most recommended method is to reset directly from the MIUI interface. It's suitable if Redmi 5 is turned on, touch-sensitive and you have access to the menu. The main advantage is that you can back up important data before cleaning.

To get started, open the Settings app (the gear icon on your desktop) and follow the following steps:

1. Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
2. Slip on the item Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will tell you which data to clear: 📱 All data (including apps, settings, accounts) 📁 Internal memory (photo, video, music) 🔄 Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data)

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password (if installed).

Drop it.

The phone will automatically reboot and start with factory settings, like after you buy it. The first turn on may take longer — that's okay.

Backup in Mi Cloud or on PC|Record the username and password from the Mi Account (if linked)|Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Remove the memory card (unless you want to format it)-->

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 5 has enabled the Mi Account security lock (link to the Xiaomi account), after reset, you will need to enter the username and password from this account. Without them, the phone will turn into a “brick”! Make sure to remember the data or untie the device in advance in Settings → Mi Account.

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

If Redmi 5 doesn't respond to the screen, the password is forgotten, or the system reboots cyclically, Recovery will help. This method does not require access to the desktop, but has a nuance: Redmi 5 has Chinese Recovery installed by default (if the firmware has not changed), where the menu is in English or Chinese. We will analyze both options.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g, C:\redmi5_fastboot).
2. Turn off Redmi 5 and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 5-7 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC – a hare in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo) will appear on the screen.

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Clean all

Flash

Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data without recovery, including linking to Mi Account. If the phone was stolen, after this procedure it can be activated again - this is a vulnerability of Xiaomi's protection system. Always lock your device through Find Device before selling!

1. Download Mi Phone Manager.

2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode.

3.In Windows Device Manager, update the driver for the exclamation mark device by specifying the driver folder from the Mi Phone Manager.-->

What to do after reset: the first steps with a clean Redmi 5

After a successful reset, the phone will start with factory settings.

1. Setting up the language and region: Choose Russian (or another language you want), specify the country - Russia (important for the correct operation of the mobile network).
2. Network Connection: Connect to Wi-Fi or Insert SIM-a mobile Internet card. SIM Not determined, check if it is not installed. PIN-code (default on Redmi 5 it is disabled).
3. Sign in to your Google/Mi Account: If your phone asks for authorization to your Mi Account, enter the details (if you don’t remember, restore your password on account.xiaomi.com). You can skip your Google account, but without it, the Play Market won’t work.

Data recovery

• If you have backed up through Mi Cloud, select Restore from the Cloud.
• For a local copy, connect the phone to your PC and copy the files manually.

After the initial setup, it is recommended:

• 🛡️ Update MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔄 Disable unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) via Settings → Annexes.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

💡

After resetting, Redmi 5 can run faster, but don’t expect miracles: the weak Snapdragon 450 processor and 2-3 GB of RAM remain the main limiters. For smooth operation, install a lightweight firmware (such as MIUI Lite) or roll back to Android 8.1 Oreo (the latest stable version for this model).

Typical Redmi 5 Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that make a reset a nightmare.

Another common problem is endless downloading (the phone hangs on the Redmi logo).

• 🔄 The discharge process was interrupted (for example, due to a discharged battery).
• 📱 Unofficial firmware with errors is installed.
• 🛠️ Memory damage (in this case, only a chip replacement will help).

Solution: Press Power + Volume up 20 to 30 seconds for a forced reboot. If it doesn't work, run your phone through Fastboot (Method 3).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Redmi 5 Reset