How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: from soft-reset to hard-reset

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the brand's most popular smartphones, but even it is not immune to crashes, viruses or the need to transfer the device to a new owner.Reset to factory settings solves 90% of software problems, but requires accuracy: wrong actions can lead to blocking MI-This guide provides three proven ways to reset (including hidden Recovery and Fastboot features), tips for saving photos and contacts, and analyzing common mistakes users face.

It's important to understand that Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) has two versions, global (Global) and Chinese (China), the version depends on the Recovery interface, the availability of Google services and even the method of unlocking the bootloader. We took these nuances into account, so the instructions are suitable for any firmware: MIUI 9/10/11/12 or custom builds like Pixel Experience. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires a password after reset, here you will find a solution.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Cleaning Your Phone

The reset erases all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map)
• 📞 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📱 Installed applications and their settings
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, social media accounts
• 🎵 Music, downloads and files in internal memory

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

Upload photos to Google Photos or PC|Export contacts to VCF-file|Write it down. IMEI phone number (dial *#06#)|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Unlock cards and accounts from Mi Pay-->

Pay special attention to IMEI, which is the unique identifier of your Redmi Note 5. If the network disappears after the reset, knowing IMEI will help restore it through the engineering menu. Also check if the phone is tied to the Mi Account: if so, after the hard reset you will need to enter your login and password. On the Chinese versions of the firmware without detachment of the account, the reset will lock the phone forever.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi Note 5 from hand, make sure that the previous owner untied his Mi-account. otherwise, after reset, the phone will turn into a “brick” requiring input of other people’s data.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

The safest method is if the phone turns on and responds to touch.

• 🔄 Removing viruses or unnecessary applications
• 📱 Acceleration of the system
• 🔓 Preparation for sale (but does not guarantee complete cleaning)

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (check the relevance of the firmware).
2. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Reset your settings → erase all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process (5-15 minutes) and then you'll be asked to configure the device as new. SD-maps, but resets all system settings, including:

• 🔊 Sound profiles and alarm clocks
• 📶 Network settings (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet)
• 🔋 Optimizing the battery

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If after reset the phone began to work slower, try to disable animation in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to the version, then in the Developer Settings turn off all animations).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method is needed if:

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Redmi logo
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code
• 🦠 Virus blocks access to settings

There are two types of Recovery for the Redmi Note 5:

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu.

In the stock recovery:

1. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If the error "Can't mount" appears in Recovery /data", This means damage to the partition, in which case only the firmware through the Fastboot will help (see Method). 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or missing
• 📱 The phone doesn't respond to the buttons.
• 🔄 You need to refashion the device from scratch.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11
• 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged)
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi Note 5 (whyred)
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked – see the instructions below)

Steps:

1. Download the official firmware for your version (Global/China) and unpack it in a folder.
2. Install Qualcomm and Mi Flash Tool drivers (you can download it at xiaomiflashtool.com).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it reboots to a clean state, and all data is erased without recovery, including:

• 📲 IMEI (unless backup is made)
• 🔐 Mi Account Information (if not untied)
• 📁 Files in internal memory

Yes, I stitched |No, but I want to learn |Tryed, but it turned out brick |I trust only service centers-->

How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 5 before resetting

If you plan to use Fastboot or install custom firmware, the bootloader must be unlocked. On the Redmi Note 5, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility, but there are nuances:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: go to Settings → Mi Account and log in.
2. Enable OEM Unlock in Developer Settings (activated by taps on the MIUI version in About Phone).
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the program.
4. Connect your phone to Fastboot and follow the utility’s instructions.

Important:

• 🕒 Unlocking takes up to 720 hours (30 days) – Xiaomi gradually reduces the timer with regular account use.
• 📱 After unlocking all data will be erased.
• 🔒 On Chinese versions (China) ROM) Additional confirmation may be required through SMS.

⚠️ Note: If you have unlocked the bootloader but have not installed custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), Your phone will become vulnerable to viruses. Always install firmware only from trusted sources.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi Note 5 may not behave properly.

If the phone does not turn on after reset (black screen, no reaction to charging), check:

• 🔋 Battery: Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then try turning on.
• 🔌 Cable and Power Unit: Try another cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Power button: if it stops, repairs are required.

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If after the reset, the phone requires the account of the previous owner, contact him to untie the device. Xiaomi does not help in such cases without a purchase check.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Reset