Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give errors or require complete cleaning before selling, in such cases, helps reset to factory settings, a procedure that returns the smartphone to the state of “out of the box”.
In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and PC), learn how to save important data before reset, figure out how to unlock the bootloader and solve typical errors. And we will answer the questions that Redmi Note 5A users often ask after a failed reset, if your smartphone freezes, does not turn on or requires a complete flashing, here you will find a solution.
1.Reset preparation: what to do before cleaning your smartphone
Resetting to factory settings is the complete removal of all data from the internal memory of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A. It will not be possible to recover photos, contacts or messages after the procedure unless you back up in advance.
- 📱 Sync accounts: check if your Google, Mi Account and social networks are linked to the device. After the reset, you will need logins and passwords to re-enter.
- 🖼️ Save Media: Transfer photos, videos and music to your computer, cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or external drive.
- 📞 Export Contacts: Use the export function in vCard or sync with Google Contacts.
- 🔐 Remove the account binding: if you plan to sell a smartphone, untie Mi Account and Google in the settings, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device.
Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader if you are going to install custom firmware after reset. On the Redmi Note 5A, this procedure takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi policy) and requires binding the Mi Account to the device. Without an unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to flash your smartphone through the Fastboot.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Mi Account linked to the Redmi Note 5A, Recovery reset can lock the device! in which case you will need official unlocking through Xiaomi Support.
2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)
This is a good method if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, and it takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI - Erase all data).
- Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
- If necessary, enter a pattern lock or PIN-code.
- Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.
The smartphone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process. The Xiaomi logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen. Do not interrupt the process, this can damage the system files. Once completed, the device will boot to a post-purchase state.
Google and Mi Accounts are synchronized
Are photos and videos saved?
Exported contacts
Is the protection disabled by the pattern lock (if necessary)
Is the smartphone charged at least 50%
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If after resetting the Redmi Note 5A requires you to enter a password from Mi Account that you do not remember, use the official recovery page.
3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone is not turned on)
If the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked with a pattern lock that you forgot, resetting through Recovery will help.This mode allows you to control the device without fully loading the system.
- Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
Control in Recovery is carried out by the volume buttons (Up/Down - move, Power - select).
- 🔄 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
- 📛 Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- ✅ Wait for the process to be completed (Success will appear on the screen).
- 🔙 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.
If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, your Redmi Note 5A has custom firmware installed, in which case you can search for Advanced Wipe and check Dalvik Cache, System, Data, Cache.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-activate the device via Mi Account. If you don't remember the login details, the smartphone will become a brick"!
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for power users)
This method is suitable if:
- 🔧 The smartphone doesn’t turn on at all (even in Recovery).
- 🔄 Requires a complete flashing (for example, after a failed update).
- 📦 You need to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
The work will require:
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
- 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi Note 5A (The code name of the device is ugg or ugglite).
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to install unofficial software).
Step-by-step:
- Install drivers: Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. Connect the smartphone turned off to your PC by holding Volume down (to log in to Fastboot). Wait for the drivers to install (Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager).
- Download the firmware: Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 5A From Xiaomi (select Fastboot, not Recovery) Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., Fastboot, not Recovery, C:\MIUI\ugg_global_images_...).
- Sweep through the device: Open the Mi Flash Tool and press Select to select the firmware folder. Make sure the smartphone is program-defined (the bottom should show up). COM-Select Clean All mode and press Flash. Wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes.
| Type of firmware | Download link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official (Fastboot) | mi.com/miuirom | Choose the version for ugg (Redmi Note 5A) |
| Castomium (TWRP) | XDA Developers | Requires an unlocked bootloader |
| Stock (Recovery) | miuirom.org | Suitable for recovery through Recovery |
⚠️ Note: If the error "This device is locked" appears during firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, then the bootloader is blocked. Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Account binding is required).
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If your smartphone doesn't turn on after you've run it, try pressing Power + Volume up for 20-30 seconds to force you to restart. If that doesn't work, repeat the procedure with another version of the firmware.
5.Typical Redmi Note 5A reset errors and their solutions
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "This device is locked" on Fastboot | Blocked bootloader | Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool |
| The smartphone vibrates, but does not turn on | Damaged firmware or battery drained | Charge 30 minutes, then reset via Recovery |
| "Mi Account Locked" After Reset | Xiaomi’s linked account is not untied | Restoring access to Mi Account or contacting the service |
| E:Unknown command in Recovery | Unofficial or damaged Recovery | Re-flash the official Recovery via Fastboot |
| Cyclical reboot (bootloop) | Firmware conflict or damaged sections | Run Wipe Data in Recovery or re-shove it |
If after the Redmi Note reset 5A does not SIM-map, check it out:
- 📶 Is it inserted correctly? SIM (The device supports Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM or MicroSD).
- 📡 Network settings: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Setting up APN and select the operator manually.
- 🔄 Software Update: Sometimes network errors are fixed in new versions MIUI.
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If the smartphone requires a password from Mi Account after reset, but you don't remember it, DO NOT try to enter random combinations. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.
6.How to unlock bootloader on Redmi Note 5A before resetting
If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or HavocOS), you must unlock the bootloader first.
- ⏳ Wait 72–168 hours: After linking the Mi Account to the device, Xiaomi blocks unlocking for 3–7 days.
- 📱 Account Link: The smartphone must be authorized Mi Account, which has not changed in the last 30 days.
- 🔗 Official tool: Mi Unlock Tool is used.
Step-by-step instructions for unlocking:
- Download and install Mi Unlock Tool on PC.
- Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
- Activate. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Connect the Redmi Note 5A to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.
- If you receive a waiting message, wait until the time is specified (usually 72 hours).
- After unlocking, restart the smartphone.
Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the device! So back up first and then start the procedure.
7. Data recovery after reset: is it possible?
If you forgot to save important files before reset, the chances of recovery are minimal, but there are.
- 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger (for photos and videos), EaseUS MobiSaver (for contacts and messages), Recuva (a universal solution for Windows), these programs scan the internal memory of the smartphone for deleted files. However, the work requires root access, which after reset will have to be re-accessed.
- ☁️ Cloud backups: Check Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk - it is possible that files were synced automatically. Restore contacts via Google Contacts (if sync was enabled).
- 📱 Service centers: Some workshops offer services for data recovery from internal memory, starting from 3,000 rubles, but there is no guarantee of success.
⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, do not restore data after a reset. This may lead to a leak of personal information. → Format Data).