Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings: the full guide

Why Xiaomi Redmi 5 Reset is Necessary and When to Use It

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to restore the smartphone to work, which removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the device to a “box-like” state, most often used in three cases: before selling a phone, when critical system failures or after unsuccessful firmware experiments.

Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy), released in 2017, is still popular due to its price-performance balance. However, over the years, its software can become clogged with residual files, conflicting updates or viruses. Reset helps solve 80% of software problems, including constant reboots, application errors and slowdowns. But it is important to understand that this is not a panacea for hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a failed battery).

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current ways to reset Redmi 5, their pros and cons, as well as give recommendations for the preparation of the device.

Preparing your phone for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you back up your data, and it will delete everything: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, even some system settings, and it will be impossible to recover information after reset without a backup.

Here's what needs to be done:

• 📱 Sync your contacts and calendar with your Google or Mi Cloud account. → Accounts. → Google/Mi Account and enable synchronization.
• 📷 Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud storage (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk). Use a wired connection or wireless transmission over Wi-Fi (applications like Send Anywhere).
• 🔑 Write down the passwords from the apps. After the reset, you will have to log in again to all services. Keep your logins/passwords in a safe place (for example, in KeePass or a notebook).
• 📡 Make sure you know the details from your Mi Account. After a reset, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from your Mi Account if you previously enabled the Find Device feature.

Also check the battery power, which should be at least 50%, if the reset is interrupted due to discharge, this can lead to serious errors in the system. If the phone is very glitchy and does not hold the charge, connect it to the charger before the procedure.

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If you plan to sell Redmi 5, after the reset, remember to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks) and untie the device from the service Find My Device.

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you have access to the settings menu, and it's the safest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select the Additional section (or Advanced Settings in some versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Restore and Reset (or Reset settings).
4. Slip on Resetting (could be called Delete All Data).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock, if installed.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone or Delete everything.

The phone will restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like when you first turn on.

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged |

Backup of important data |

Remember the password from the Mi| account

Disable two-factor authentication (if enabled)-->

⚠️ Note: If the device protection function Mi was activated on the phone (it turns on automatically when you link the account), after reset, you will need to enter the username and password from Mi Account. Without this data, it will be impossible to unlock Redmi 5!

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

If Redmi 5 doesn’t respond to the power button, freezes on the logo or reboots cyclically, resetting through Recovery will help, which works even in severe system failures, but requires care.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, hold the power button 10-15 seconds before vibration).
2. Press the button combination: Power button + Volume button Hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the item.
4. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (password may be required).
6. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

It can take up to 15 minutes, and if you reboot your phone, it freezes again, maybe it's the firmware problem, you'll need to reinstall it through Fastboot.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lost your phone or it was stolen, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely, and this is also useful if the device is locked but connected to the Internet.

For this:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 5 (if it is connected to the network).
3. Click on the basket icon or Delete data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

Remote reset only works if you meet three conditions: the phone is on, connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi), and the Find Device function is activated in the Mi Account settings. If at least one of the conditions is not met, the reset command will not reach the device.

⚠️ Note: After a remote reset, Xiaomi Redmi 5 may require you to enter data from Mi Account on the next turn on. Without them, it will be impossible to unlock the phone.

Yes, through Mi Account|

Yes, through Google Find My Device|

No, I always do it by hand.|

I didn't know it was possible.-->

What to do if Redmi 5 requires Mi password after reset

One of the most common problems after a reset is a request for data from Mi Account, which is because of Mi Cloud Protection, which links the device to your account to protect against theft, and if you don't remember your username or password, unlocking your phone will be difficult, but possible.

Here are 3 official ways to solve the problem:

• 🔑 Restore access to your Mi Account. Go to account.xiaomi.com, click Forgot your password? and follow the instructions. You will need access to an email or phone linked to your account.
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi for support by providing your purchase check and device details (IMEI), You can request unlock. The answer can take up to 7 days.
• 🔧 Use the official unlock tool (Mi Unlock Tool) which is only suitable for unlocking the bootloader, but sometimes helps in this case. Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the policy: unlocking through this tool requires proof of ownership.

Informal methods (such as firmware through EDL or using security holes) can lead to a complete loss of warranty and even a phone failure.

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If you buy a Redmi 5 with your hands, be sure to check if it is untied from your previous Mi Account. Ask the seller to reset with you and make sure the phone doesn’t require someone else’s data to be entered after the reboot.

Frequent Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5 and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple procedure like resetting can go wrong. Here are 5 common user mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• ⚡ Interrupting the reset process: If you pull out the battery or force the phone to turn off during cleaning, it can lead to a breeze (completely inoperable.
• 🔋 Low battery power. With less than 30% charge, the phone may shut down at the most inopportune moment. Charge it to at least 50% before resetting.
• 🔒 A forgotten password from Mi Account. If you don't remember your account details and your phone is tied to it, resetting can render your device useless.
• 📱 Use of informal firmware. If Redmi 5 has custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS), resetting through standard Recovery can lead to errors. TWRP.
• 🌐 No backup. Many users forget to save data and then regret it. Always backup before resetting!

If the phone is unstable after reset (for example, quickly discharges or overheats), this may indicate battery wear or iron problems, in which cases the reset will not help - you will need a diagnosis in the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Redmi 5 Reset