How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Why you need to reset Redmi 5A to factory settings and when to do it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the smartphone back on track, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a boxy state, most commonly used in three cases:

First, if the phone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Redmi 5A, released in 2017, does not always work correctly with new firmware versions due to limited 1/2 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB of memory. Reset helps eliminate conflicts of system files. Second, the procedure is mandatory before selling or transferring the device to another person - it is a guarantee that your photos, messages and passwords will not fall into the wrong hands. And finally, a reset may be necessary after unsuccessful experiments with root rights, custom firmware or viruses that block the system.

But it’s important to understand that on Redmi 5A, resetting through the standard menu doesn’t delete data from the microSD card, but it erases everything from the internal drive, including screenshots, downloads and app cache. If you forget the password from the Mi Account account associated with the phone, the device can lock after the reset, more on this in the error section.

Ready to Reset: What to Save and How to Avoid Data Loss

Before you start resetting, make sure you have backups of important information. Redmi 5A does not support automatic cloud redundancy in Google Drive due to MIUI limitations, so you will have to act manually.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Export through Contacts (menu) → Import/Export) or sync with Google Account in Settings → Accounts.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your computer USB-cable (file transfer mode) or upload to Google Photos/Yandex.Disk.
• 🎵 Music and Documents: Check Download folders, DCIM Documents – their contents will be removed.
• 🔑 Passwords and settings: login from social networks, Wi-Fi, banking applications.

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, banking services). If you do not have backup codes or a linked phone number, access to accounts may be lost! Also check if Redmi 5A is linked to Mi Cloud services - after reset you will need to enter the username and password from Mi Account, otherwise the phone will be blocked.

⚠️ Note: If you have used protection through a pattern lock or PIN-If you forget the code, resetting it through the settings menu will not help - you will need Hard Reset (section 4.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, responds to touches, and you remember a pattern lock or PIN-The instructions are relevant to Redmi. 5A any version MIUI (including MIUI 12 and newer. Follow the steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Slip on Reset settings (on some firmware - Erase all data).
4. The system will tell you what to delete: 📱 Annexes and their data 🗃️ Media files (photos, videos, music) 📞 Settings and accounts

Reset the settings

It takes 3-5 minutes. The phone will reboot and you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If at this stage the error "failed to reset", try alternative methods (sections 3-4).

Checked availability of backup copies of important data

The phone is charged at least 50%

All accounts (Google, Mi) are disabled if you plan to sell your device

Memorized password from Mi Account (if tied)

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If after reset, the phone asks you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, use the instructions from section 6. Also note: Redmi 5A with MIUI Global sometimes has a bug when after reset, the Russian language disappears from the menu. To return it, connect to Wi-Fi and update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 5A is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touch, or is locked with a pattern lock, you'll need to use Recovery, which erases all data, including network settings and accounts, and you'll need to:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 30% (otherwise the reset may be interrupted).
• 🖱️ Buttons Power and Volume+ (They are workers – check in advance).

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Power + Volume Up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (black screen with English text).
4. Use Volume Down for navigation and Power to select. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (entry may be required) PIN-code SIM-maps, if they are installed).
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe All Data on the Recovery menu, just Wipe Cache, you have custom firmware installed.

1. Choose Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
2. Go back to the main menu and select Factory Reset.
3. Confirm the reset and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 5A After Hard Reset, you may see an error "This device is locked" with a requirement to enter Mi Account data. If you do not remember the password, use Section 6 or the official unlock service from Xiaomi (you will need a purchase check).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if the lock password is forgotten)

If Redmi 5A blocked due to a forgotten pattern lock or PIN-You can reset your password remotely, but you can access your Mi Account, and this only works if you meet three conditions:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔗 The device is linked to Mi Account (checked through account.xiaomi.com).
• 🔄 Find the device activated in the settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your Redmi 5A (by model or IMEI).
3. Press Find the device. → Unlock.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on the security settings).
5. The phone will receive a command to reset the password. After the reboot, enter a new PIN or graphical key.

If this method doesn’t work, try an alternative option through the Mi Cloud app:

1. Install the official Mi Cloud app on another smartphone (available on Google Play).
2. Sign in with the same account as Redmi 5A.
3. Select the device in the list and click Delete Data.

Important: After such a reset, the phone may require re-activation through Mi Account. If you do not remember the password, use the restore function on the Xiaomi website or contact support with a purchase check.

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If you don’t have access to Mi Account but your phone is linked to a Google Account, try resetting your lock password through Google Find My Device, and the device must be connected to the Internet and have geolocation enabled.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi 5A

If none of these methods worked (for example, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account that you don’t remember), there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with a purchase check for official unlocking.
2. Use informal tools like Mi Flash Unlock or EDL Mode, but this requires skill and can lead to a blink (completely inoperable) device.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi 5A may not behave properly, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔄 The phone is fixated on the Mi logo, which means that the reset is interrupted or the system files are damaged. Try repeating Hard Reset or scrolling the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).
• 🔒 Mi Account requires, but you forgot it: use section 6 or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 🌐 No Russian on the menu: connect to Wi-Fi and update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: If after the Redmi reset 5A It stopped turning on at all (black screen, no vibration), there may have been an error when writing system files, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or EDL Mode using a computer. Don't try to disassemble the phone yourself, which can lead to a loss of warranty (if it's still valid).

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If after resetting the phone is slower than before the procedure, check the animation settings: go to Settings → About phone, tap 5 times on the MIUI version, then turn off Windows Animation and Transition Animation in the Developer Settings.

How to unlock Redmi 5A after resetting if you forget your Mi Account

One of the most frustrating situations is when, after a reset, the Redmi 5A requires data from the Mi Account that you don't remember. Xiaomi has introduced this protection to combat theft, but it often becomes a problem for legitimate owners. Here's what you can do:

Option 1: Restore access to your Mi Account

1. Go to the password recovery page.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Confirm your identity via SMS or backup email.
4. Create a new password and log in to your phone.

Option 2: Officially unlocked through Xiaomi support

• 📄 Prepare a purchase check or warranty card (required!).
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi through the official website, specifying:
• 🕒 Wait 3-7 days for an answer, and if you decide yes, you will be sent an unlock code.

Option 3: Unofficial methods (at your own risk!)

If you don’t have a check, you can try:

• 🔗 Buy unlock code on specialized forums (for example, 4PDA), But there is a risk of getting caught by fraudsters.

Important: informal methods can result in a loss of warranty or a device brique. If the phone is bought with hands, the chances of unlocking without a check are minimal - Xiaomi requires proof of legal ownership.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 5A Reset