Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, helping to fix software failures, get rid of viruses, prepare the device for sale or simply return a clean system after long use. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account or even “bricking” the smartphone if interrupted.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all reset methods: through phone settings, Recovery mode, and using Fastboot for difficult cases. We will discuss how to bypass Mi Account lock after reset (if you forgot your password), what data can be saved in advance, and what to do if the Redmi Note 5 does not turn on after the procedure.
When do I need to reset to factory settings?
Resetting is not a panacea, but in some situations it becomes the only solution.
- 📱 Strong lags and brakes: if the smartphone began to “stutter” even after cleaning the cache and removing applications, resetting will return performance.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot: Redmi Note 5 constantly restarts and does not load beyond the logo – a classic symptom of damaged firmware.
- 🦠 Viruses or malware: if the antivirus fails and the phone installs suspicious apps.
- 🔓 Preparation for sale: to delete all personal data, including accounts, photos and messages.
- 🔧 Errors after the update MIUI: If the sound is gone after the update, the camera or sensors are not working.
Before resetting, however, check out more gentle methods:
- Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
- Remove unused apps and turn off autoload.
- Try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update (if available).
⚠️ Note: If Redmi Note 5 is blocked via Find Device (remote lock Xiaomi), reset will not help – the phone will remain locked until the password from the Mi Account is entered.
Preparation for resetting: what to save and how?
Reset removes all data from internal memory, including:
- 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
- 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
- 🎵 Music, downloads and documents.
- 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
To avoid losing something important, follow the following steps:
Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Cloud
Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud
Save SMS via an application (e.g. SMS Backup & Restore)
Record the IMEI of your phone (type *#06#)
Remove the memory card (if any) – it is not affected by the reset
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Pay special attention to IMEI — if it goes off after a reset (rarely, but it happens), it will be difficult to restore it without recording. Also check if the phone is linked to the Mi Account: if so, you will need to enter a username and password after the reset.
Yes, everything was gone forever | Yes, but part was recovered | No, always backup | Never reset-->
Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)
If the Redmi Note 5 turns on and reacts to touch, use this method. It's the simplest and least risky.
- Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select to erase all data (reset).
- If necessary, enter the password from the lock screen or Mi Account.
- Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.
The phone will reboot and start the reset process (it will take 5-15 minutes), and once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.
⚠️ Note: If the phone has been turned on protective PIN-code SIM-If you reset the card, you'll need to re-enter it. SIM-The card won't work!
What to do if the reset is stuck in the "Data erasure" stage? If the process is stalled for more than 30 minutes, force the phone to restart by clamping the Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds. After restart, repeat reset via Recovery (method 2). --> Method 2
Recovery Mode Reset (if phone doesn't turn on) If the Redmi Note 5 doesn't load beyond the logo or freezes, use Recovery Mode. This method is also suitable if you forgot the password from the lock screen. Turn off the phone (press Power for 10 seconds if it freezes). Squeeze the power at the same time + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (English or Chinese). Use volume buttons for navigation and Power for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar). Confirm by selecting Confirm. Once complete, select Reboot → If you need to enter a password from Mi Account in Recovery, but you do not remember it, go to the section about bypassing the lock. Problem Reason Reset solution Not to start Damaged Recovery section Wash Recovery through Fastboot (method) 3) Hanging on the Mi logo Firmware Conflict Wait 30 mint or stitch clean MIUI Requires Mi Account Password Xiaomi Account is tied to the device Enter data or bypass the lock (see below) Error "Cannot mount" /data" Damaged File System Run Wipe Cache before reset 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users) This method is used if: 🔧 Recovery damaged or missing. 🔒 Phone is blocked by Mi Account and you don’t remember password. 🛠️ You need to flash a clean firmware after a failed update: 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool. 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original). 📁 Firmware for Redmi Note 5 (Download from the official website. Instructions: Turn off the phone. Squeeze the power. + Volume down to enter Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear). Connect your phone to your PC. Launch Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (Redmi Note 5 should be defined). Select Clean All mode (full clean) and press Flash. Wait for the completion (5-10 minutes) and reboot. ⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data without recovery, including IMEI Only use this method if other methods have not helped. 💡Fastboot reset is the only way to bypass Mi Account lock without a password, but requires an unlocked bootloader? If after the Redmi Note reset 5 requires you to enter the username and password from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, there are several ways to solve it: 🔑 Restore Password: Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Forgot Password and follow the instructions (access to email or phone associated with your account is required). 📧 Contact Xiaomi Support: Providing a purchase check or a box from your phone (where indicated) S/N), You can confirm possession of the device. 🛠️ Squeeze through EDL: The method for power users requires special cable and software (e.g. QFil), and it is risky to "brick" the phone. If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him. 5 It's an Emergency Download Mode that allows you to flash a phone even with a damaged Bootloader. Used by service centers, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account to unlock. --> What if the phone doesn't turn on after reset? If the Redmi Note 5 doesn't respond after reset, follow the following steps: Check charging: Connect the phone to the charger for 30 minutes - the battery may have completely run out. Forced reset: Squeeze Power + Volume up for 20 to 30 seconds. Reset via Recovery: If the phone vibrates or flashes the indicator, repeat the reset (method 2). Fastboot: If the screen remains black, run the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (method 3). If nothing helps, hardware problems may occur: 🔋 Failure of the battery or power controller. 🔌 Damage to the charging connector or motherboard. 💾 Memory chip dump (rarely, but after a fall) In such cases, contact the service center. Self-repair without experience can exacerbate the problem. FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Can you recover data after reset? If you didn't backup, the chances are minimal. There are programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but they only work if the phone didn't write new data after the reset. Redmi Note 5 has a recovery efficiency of less than 30%. Will a reset delete the firmware or only user data? Reset via settings or Recovery only deletes user data (photos, apps, settings). MIUI They're left intact, except for the Fastboot firmware, which reinstalls the whole system. SIM-card and memory card before resetting? SIM-The card is not required to be removed, but if it is protected. PIN-code, write it down - after resetting the code will need to enter again. The microSD is better removed: although the reset does not affect it, in rare cases the file system can be damaged. Why did the IMEI disappear after the reset? This is due to damage to the NVRAM partition where the IMEI is stored. It can be restored through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the NVRAM firmware through the SP Flash Tool. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service. How to untie the old Mi Account before selling? Before reset, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Exit. If the phone is already reset, the new owner will enter the data through the Fast.