Xiaomi’s Redmi 5 Plus has proven to be a reliable device with a great screen and autonomy. However, like any complex electronics, it can run into software errors, buildup of system debris, or performance issues over time. If the gadget starts to run slowly, freezes, or you forget the pattern lock, the only effective solution is often to return to the original state.
The process, known as Hard Reset, completely cleans the device’s internal memory by removing all user data, apps, and settings.This is a radical but often necessary measure to restore the stable operation of the Android-based MIUI operating system. Before starting the procedure, it is important to understand all the risks and prepare the device so that valuable information is not lost forever.
In this article, we will discuss all the available reset options: through the standard settings menu, using the Recovery engineering menu and remotely through the Google account. We will also discuss the important nuances of working with the MIUI shell, activation blocking and the preparatory steps that ensure the successful completion of the operation without damage to iron.
Preparing the smartphone for a complete reset
Before you start the cleaning process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important contacts, photos and documents that will not be recoverable, the first step should always be to back up the data.
Copy all important files to your computer, cloud storage, or microSD card if your firmware version supports it. Pay special attention to messenger folders, as your correspondence history is often stored locally. Also make sure that your battery is at least 50-60% so that your device does not turn off at a critical time when you write system files.
☑️ Checklist before reset
A critical point for Xiaomi users is to know the password from the Mi Account. Once reset, the system will require authorization from an account that was previously associated with the device. If you do not remember the login details, access to the phone may be lost due to security.
⚠️ Note: If you do not remember the password from the Mi Account associated with the phone, it is better not to reset the settings until you restore access through the Mi Account site, otherwise the device may be blocked.
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The safest and easiest method available if you can unlock the screen and log in is preferred for users who simply want to clean the phone before selling or fix minor software glitches.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the point responsible for resetting or deleting data.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Click on the Settings icon on your desktop.
- 📂 Select the section "Advanced settings" or immediately "About the phone».
- 🔄 Find the item "Resetting settings" or "factory settings».
- 🗑️ Click the “Erase all data” button and confirm the action.
The system can warn you several times about the consequences and request to enter the PIN code unlock the screen. Once confirmed, the smartphone will restart, and the deletion process will begin, which will take from 5 to 15 minutes.
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Before resetting via the settings menu, turn off the internet if you’re afraid the phone will try to sync old data immediately after turning on, although with a full cleanup, this is unlikely.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Menu
If the phone doesn't turn on, it's stuck on the logo, or you can't get into the menu because you've forgotten your password, it uses Recovery Mode, a deep level of access to the system that allows you to clean up even when the interface is broken.
To enter this mode on the Redmi 5 Plus, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
In the menu that opens, you can navigate with volume buttons (up/down), and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. In new versions of Recovery, you may need to select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
After the cleaning process is completed, which will appear as a progress bar, select Reboot to restart the system. The first on-line after Hard Reset will last longer than usual, as the system needs to re-initialize all components.
Remote reset via Google Find My Device
There is an alternative method that allows you to reset the settings Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus remotely, this is true if the phone is lost, stolen or the screen is not fully responsive to touch, but the device is connected to the Internet.
To implement this method, you will need access to a computer or other smartphone with the Internet. Go to the official Google Find My Device service and log in to the same Google account that was used on the problem phone.
The service interface offers three main options, but we are interested in only one:
- 🔊 Replay the signal – the phone will start ringing loudly.
- 🔒 Lock the device – set a new password and messages on the screen.
- 🗑️ Clean the device - a complete reset to factory settings.
Select the clean option. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted permanently. Once confirmed, the command will be sent to the phone, and once it is online (if it was offline), the reset process will begin.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Remotely (Google) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need access to the menu. | Yes. | No. | No. |
| We need the Internet. | No (for the process itself) | No. | Yes (required) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | Depends on the link. |
The activation block problem (FRP Lock)
Modern smartphones are equipped with a system of protection against theft, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection). After performing a reset by any of the described methods, the first boot system will require you to enter a password from Google account, which was synchronized with the device previously.
It's a security measure to prevent new owners from using a stolen phone, so if you reset your personal phone, just enter your data, and problems arise if the device is bought with their hands and the previous owner has not untied the account.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to circumvent FRP With the help of third-party software, you can permanently lock your device or disrupt your security system. Always buy phones only from trusted vendors.
Xiaomi also has similar protection through Mi Account, where if the phone was tied to a Mi Account and the Find Device feature is enabled, you will need to enter your username and password from your Xiaomi account after the reset.
Solving typical errors in resetting
The process of returning to factory settings does not always go smoothly. Users may experience a logo hover, a cyclic reboot, or an error in installing updates immediately after a reset.
If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 15-20 minutes, try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.If this does not help, it may be damaged system partition, and you will need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
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Cyclical reboot after reset often indicates damage to system files or hardware conflict requiring flashing over the PC.
Another common problem is the “failed to check the update” error, which can occur if system time is down or servers are overloaded, in which case you can skip this step and set up the phone manually.