How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings: the full guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 face the need to completely clean the device’s memory sooner or later, which may involve selling the gadget, transferring it to another user or trying to fix software errors accumulated over a long period of operation. Factory Reset returns the operating system to its original state by removing all user data, applications and settings. Before starting the procedure, it is extremely important to understand the irreversibility of the process.

Modern versions of the MIUI shell have many layers of protection, so a simple reboot is not enough for deep cleaning. If your device is stable but needs cleaning, it is better to use standard methods through the settings menu. However, in cases where the system does not boot or lock the screen, more radical methods will be required through Recovery mode. We will consider all available options.

The main rule before any manipulation of the file system is to create a backup. Even if you plan to sell your phone, make sure that your contacts, photos and correspondence are stored in the cloud or on your computer. Losing important information can be a nasty surprise that can not be fixed by software methods.

Preparation of the device for complete reset

The preparation process takes as much time as the cleaning procedure itself, and requires careful attention to detail. The first step is to synchronize the data with your Google or Mi Account. Make sure that the sync settings are ticked against contacts, calendar and notes. Photos are best uploaded to Google Photos or copied to an external medium.

The second critical point is battery power. The data partition formatting process is energy-intensive, and a sudden power outage in the middle of the procedure can damage system files. 5 minimum 60-70%. It is also recommended to remove the microSD card and SIM-map before work starts, so as not to accidentally wipe the data on an external drive.

Don’t forget to turn off account protection if you plan to sell your device. Modern versions of Android and MIUI have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. If you just reset with buttons, the new owner won’t be able to activate the phone without your password. So it’s better to log out in advance via the Settings menu → Mi Account → Sign out.

Reset via the system settings menu

The safest and easiest way to bring the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 back to factory status is to use the built-in operating system functionality. This method is suitable for devices whose screen responds to touch, and the menu opens without errors. You will need to go to Settings, then find the About phone or additionally where the reset button is located.

After selecting the Reset option, the system will suggest you choose the type of cleaning. There are usually two options available: clean all data or clean up without deleting media files. To completely delete information, choose the first option. The system will warn you several times about the consequences and ask for a graphical key or a screen unlock pin to confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: After pressing the confirmation button, the process will go automatically. The phone can restart several times, and the logo can be displayed on the screen. MI Don't interrupt this process, even if it takes 10-15 minute.

Some firmware versions may have slightly different paths. Look for Advanced Settings → Recovery and Reset. If the device is slow, this may take longer than usual, and the main thing is to wait for the desktop to fully load after the procedure is completed.

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If the phone requests a password from the Mi Account after the reset, and you do not remember it, the restoration of access is possible only through the official Xiaomi website with the provision of a check of purchase.

Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the operating system is not booting, the screen is locked or the sensor is not responding, the only way out is to use Recovery Recovery mode. To enter this mode on the Redmi Note 5 turned off, you need to press the power button and the volume button at the same time. Hold them until the MI logo appears.

In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume buttons (up/down), and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. Depending on the version of Recovery, the interface can be text or graphic. Select the Wipe All Data option to completely delete the information.

Once the selection is confirmed, the system will request final consent, often requiring you to enter the word yes or select Confirm. Once the cleanup is complete, select Reboot or Reboot. The first on after Hard Reset will be long-lasting, as the system creates new configuration files.

⚠️ Warning: Entering Recovery mode on some devices with protection enabled may require unlocking over the Internet or entering a lock screen password.

Resetting a forgotten password through Mi Account

If you forget your pattern lock or pin code, but your phone is connected to the Internet, you can use the device search service, which works if the device has previously logged in to Mi Account and enabled the Find Device function. Go to the official website of the service from a computer or another smartphone.

Sign in with your login and password. Select your Redmi Note 5 from the device list. The available actions will include the Erase option. When you execute this command, your phone will receive a signal to delete all data, including the lock password, and the device will be reset to factory settings remotely.

This is only effective when you have an active connection to the network, and if the phone is off or in aerial mode, the command will be executed as soon as the device is online, and it's a powerful tool that also allows you to block stolen gadgets.

Using the Fastboot team and ADB

For advanced users who cannot use standard methods, there is a way to reset via computer using USB debugging.This method requires the ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on the PC. If the phone previously had USB debugging enabled, you can connect to it even when the screen is locked in some cases.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and open the command line. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is determined, you can send a command to restart in recovery mode:

adb reboot recovery

Once you go into recovery mode, you can use commands to format partitions, but standard adb doesn’t always allow you to make a full swipe without superuser rights, and this method is most often used to log into Recovery if the volume buttons on the Redmi Note 5 are faulty.

⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB Incorrect formatting commands can turn a phone into a brick that requires flashing through MiFlash.

Decisions and Errors After Resetting

After Factory Reset, users may experience a variety of nuances of how the system works, such as a phone that can stay on the logo for a long time when it first boots. This is normal, as applications are optimized and the system cache is created. 10-15 minute.

Another common problem is the requirement to enter a password from a Google account that was used earlier, which is FRP protection. If you don't remember the data, it will be difficult to restore access without going to the service center with documents, and you can also experience increased battery consumption in the first hours of operation, until the system adapts to your style of use.

If the sensor is not working properly after reset or if artifacts are observed on the screen, it is possible that the problem is hardware in nature or that the device needs to be flashed through a clean version of firmware.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on for more than 20 minutes after reset, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds.

Comparison of data dumping methods

To make it easier to choose the best way to clean your Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is best for your particular situation, whether it is a scheduled cleanup or emergency access restoration.

Choose a method based on the current state of your gadget. Regular prevention is enough to reset through the settings every six months. Use hardware buttons only in critical situations. Remember that regular creation of backups is the key to the safety of your data in any case.