Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones is known for their reliability, but over time, any operating system can start to run unstable. If your Redmi 5 Plus starts to slow down, freeze or stop booting, the most effective solution is often a complete return to its original state. This procedure, known as Hard Reset, deletes all user data and restores the software to a clean state.
Many users are afraid to do this on their own for fear of damaging the device or permanently losing important contacts and photos. However, if you follow the algorithm carefully, the process is safe and takes no more than 10-15 minutes. In this guide, we will discuss all available recovery methods, including working through the engineering menu and Recovery mode.
Before you take any drastic action, you need to understand that a reset via Recovery deletes data without the possibility of recovery, if you did not make a backup in advance.We will consider ways to prepare the gadget to minimize the risks of loss of information, and also discuss the nuances of working with a Mi Account, which can lock the device after the reset.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before any manipulation of system files, it is critical to protect your data. The Android operating system in the shell of MIUI erases all the contents of internal memory, including contacts, messages, installed applications and media files, when reset, ignoring this stage can lead to lost memories.
The easiest way to save data is to use the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud service. Go to your profile settings and check if sync is activated for contacts, calendar and notes. For photos and videos, use the Google Photos app, which will automatically upload media to the cloud when you have a Wi-Fi connection.
It's also worth checking the battery level. The process of formatting the memory partition and reinstalling system files requires energy. If the device turns off at the time of writing the system tables, this can lead to a software failure known as a "brick." Make sure the battery is charged at least 50-60%.
Pay special attention to your Google and Mi Account. Once reset, the system will require you to enter a login and password from an account that was previously associated with the device for security reasons. If you forget this data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)
The most gentle and simple method is available directly from the operating system, which is suitable if the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you can get into the main menu, and it is ideal for selling the device or transferring it to another user.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in the About Phone item. Inside this section, you'll need to find the Reset button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen, and the system will alert you to the consequences.
The screen will show you a list of options, which you need to select "Erase everything" if you have a pattern lock or a digital code installed on the device, the system will ask you to enter it to confirm the operation, and then the preparation process for the reset will begin.
⚠️ Note: If you have a memory card installed on your phone, the system may suggest formatting it as well. Be careful when choosing options so that you don't accidentally delete files from an external drive if you need them.
Once confirmed, the smartphone will restart and begin the cleaning process.The screen may go out and light up, and the Redmi logo will be displayed longer than usual.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is stuck, does not respond to touch or can not boot the operating system, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This method works at the bootloader level and does not require access to the phone menu.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released while keeping the volume still.
When the Main Menu appears, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is with the power button. You need to select the Wipe Data section. In some firmware versions, this menu can be in English or Chinese.
Inside the section, select the Wipe All Data option and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The system will again warn you of data loss. After completing the process, which takes a few seconds, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Table of comparison of discharge methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have systematized the main differences between software reset via settings and hardware reset via Recovery. Each method has its own application characteristics depending on the state of the gadget.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi Account. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | No (we need the internet) |
| File retention | No (removes everything) | No (removes everything) | No (removes everything) |
| Difficulty of implementation | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Use when getting stuck | Impossible. | Maybe. | Maybe. |
Solving problems: Forgotten password and lock
A common cause of reset is a forgotten pattern lock or digital pin. If you can't unlock the screen, the method through the settings menu is not available. The only option is Hard Reset via the buttons described above.
However, once you turn on the cleaned phone, you'll be greeted by a FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock screen, which is Google's protection, which requires you to enter an account that was synced to the phone before the reset, and you won't be able to use it without that data.
A similar situation occurs with Mi Account. If Find Device was enabled, the phone will require authorization to the Mi Cloud.This is done to protect against theft: even flashing or resetting will not help an attacker access the device.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to guess passwords repeatedly. After several unsuccessful attempts, the system may block the input for a long time or require unlocking through the linked email, which will delay the process.
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If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, try to restore access via i.mi.com from your computer before resetting your phone so you don’t end up with a locked device.
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
Unforeseen situations can occur during the reset process, such as a phone that might be stuck on a Redmi or Android logo, which often means that the system partition has been interrupted or damaged, and then re-entering Recovery and selecting Reboot helps.
Sometimes, after a reset, the touch screen stops responding or doesn't work properly. This is a temporary driver failure. Try to completely drain the battery before you turn it off, then charge the phone to 100% when it's off.
If the device says "System has been destroyed" or restarts endlessly (bootloop), it may be damaged firmware, in this case, a simple reset is not enough - you will need to flash through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility and official firmware.
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Cyclical reboot after reset is often solved by completely discharging the battery or flashing the device through the PC.