How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A Factory settings: 3 proven methods

Xiaomi Redmi 5A — One of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017, and despite its age, the device is still in active use today due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling, in such cases, helps reset to factory settings – a procedure that returns the smartphone to its original state, removing all user data, applications and settings.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (via the Settings menu, Recovery Mode and Mi Account), as well as answers to key questions: what to do if the phone does not turn on, how to save important data before resetting, and why the device can freeze during the process. We will also discuss the unique nuances of the reset for Redmi. 5A, version-related MIUI and features of the hardware platform.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is a radical solution that should only be resorted to in extreme cases, and these are typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or screen unlock password.
• 📱 Planning to sell or transfer your phone to another person – a reset will delete all personal information.
• 🤖 The device is infected with viruses or suspicious software that is not removed by standard methods.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI There were critical errors.

However, before resetting, make sure that the problem is not solved by more gentle methods. 5A You just got slower, try it:

• 🧹 Clean the cache manually through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary apps and files (especially heavy games or videos).
• 🔋 Replace the battery – on older devices, a worn-out battery can cause lags.

⚠️ Warning: Factory reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If you don't back up, it won't be possible to recover the information!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and unexpected problems.

1. Create a backup copy

Even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, keep a copy of the important data.

• 📞 Contacts: sync with Google Account or export to.vcf file.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game progress: link your gaming accounts to Google Play or social media.

For a quick backup of the entire system, go to Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. However, note that this method does not save some application settings.

2.Make sure the phone is charged

Minimum battery level before reset is 50% if during the Redmi process 5A It will be discharged, it may lead to:

• 🔄 Hanging on the logo MI (so-called "brick").
• 🔌 Loss of ability to charge in the standard way.
• 🛠️ Need to reflash the device via Fastboot.

If the battery is worn out and discharges quickly, connect the phone to charge with the original cable for the time of reset.

3.Find out the version. MIUI phone model

Some reset methods depend on the firmware version.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and the device model.
3. Take a picture or record this data, which may be needed for recovery.

On the Redmi. 5A usually one version is installed MIUI 9-12 (depending on region and updates).If you have custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), the reset process may differ.

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone to 50% or more|Get a version. MIUI model|Disable your Mi Account (if you plan to sell)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

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

If the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, it's the fastest and most secure method. MIUI It does not require additional tools.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or System and Device in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Click Backup and Reset.
4. Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
5. The system will tell you what to reset, and we recommend that you mark all the points:

password

Drop it.

After resetting, the phone will automatically reboot and prompt you to set it up as new.

What to do if there is no reset menu?

On some versions MIUI (especially localized) the path to reset may be different:

Settings → About phone → System update → Three points (menu) → Resetting settings

If this path does not work, use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen) and enter the request “reset”.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5A s MIUI 10 and below after reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account, even if you have disabled it!

💡

If after reset, the phone asks you to enter the old password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.

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

If Redmi 5A It's a logo freeze, it doesn't respond to touch, or you forgot your unlock password, and it's a Recovery Mode reset, which works even without access to the system, but it requires care.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi 5A

Unlike the new Xiaomi models, where you need to hold the power and volume button to enter Recovery, on Redmi. 5A combination:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press and hold the volume button (+) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear on the screen (usually 5-10 seconds).

You'll see a few items on the menu in Chinese or English, and we're interested in:

Step-by-step reset via Recovery

1. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data) using volume buttons.
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. On the next screen, select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Confirm the action (you may need to enter Yes or another code).
5. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
6. Select Reboot and confirm the reboot.

Once you reboot, the phone will look like new. If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items (usually Wipe Data is the second or third on top).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI for Redmi 5A After resetting through Recovery, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, even if you haven't used it!

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

If you forget the screen unlock password, but remember the data from the Mi Account attached to the phone, you can reset the device remotely.

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Mi Account was tied to device before locking.
• 🔋 Battery level not lower than 20%.

Remote discharge instructions

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is tied to Redmi 5A.
3. In the menu, select Find Device (Find Device).
4. The map will show the location of your phone (if it is turned on).
5. Select the Erase Device option.
6. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.
7. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

After a successful reset, the phone will restart and be ready to set up. If the device has been turned off or not connected to the network, the command will be executed the next time it is turned on.

Limitations of method

This method has several nuances:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work if your Mi Account isn’t tied to your phone.
• 🌐 Requires an active internet connection on Redmi 5A.
• ⏳ It may take longer than a local reset.
• 🔒 After the reset, you may need to re-authorize in the Mi Account.

If your phone is not connected to the network but you remember your account data, try connecting it to Wi-Fi via the notification menu (if the screen is unlocked) or use mobile internet (if the screen is unlocked). SIM-card).

💡

Remote reset via Mi Account is the only official way to unlock Redmi 5A, If you forget the screen password, but remember that it works only with a tied account and an active Internet connection.

What if the reset doesn’t help or the phone is stuck?

In rare cases after the Redmi reset 5A It can be incorrect, like hanging on a logo, cyclically rebooting, or not turning on at all:

1.The phone is stuck on the logo MI post-discharge

This is one of the most common problems.

• 🔋 Interrupted discharge process (for example, battery is dead).
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware (especially if customized ones were put before) ROM).
• 🔌 Conflict with previously installed Magisk or Xposed modules.

Decision:

1. Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the first download after a reset takes a long time.
2. If it doesn’t work, try logging back into Recovery Mode and resetting (Wipe Data).
3. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to refashion your phone via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

2. Cyclical reboot (bootloop)

If the phone is constantly rebooting and doesn’t reach the settings screen, the fault is usually:

• 🔄 Damaged boot section of firmware.
• 🗃️ Data conflict in the section /data.

Decision:

1. Try resetting the cache via Recovery (Wipe Cache).
2. If it doesn’t work, do a full reset (Wipe Data) again.
3. In extreme cases, reflash the phone with the official firmware through Fastboot.

3.The telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

If the screen remains black after reset and the charging indicator does not respond, it is possible to:

• 🔋 Full discharge of the battery (even if the charge was before the reset).
• 🔌 Damage to the charging controller.
• 🛠️ Hardware failure (for example, battery plume dump).

Decision:

1. Connect your phone to the original charger and wait 30 to 60 minutes.
2. Try holding the power button for 20-30 seconds (sometimes it helps with deep discharge).
3. If nothing works, contact the service center - the problem may be hardware.

⚠️ Note: If you have been searching for Redmi 5A With custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting to factory settings can cause the system to fail. TWRP or Fastboot.

How to recover data after resetting?

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on what reset was performed:

• 🔄 Reset via the settings menu: data is deleted irrevocably (unless backed up by Mi Cloud or Google).
• 🔧 Recovery Reset: Also erases everything, but sometimes files can be recovered using specialized programs (such as Dr.Fone or DiskDigger).
• 🌐 Remote reset via Mi Account: deletes data completely, without recovery.

Recovery of photos and files

If you haven’t formatted your internal memory (just reset your settings), try the following methods:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB And check if memory is defined as a removable disk. If so, use programs like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery.
2. If the phone is not recognized, try removing the memory card (if it was inserted) and scan it separately.
3. You can use Google Photos to restore photos from internal memory (if automatic synchronization was enabled).

Keep in mind that the chances of recovery are higher the less you use your phone after a reset, and each new record reduces the likelihood of success.

Reestablishment of contacts and communications

If your contacts are synced to your Google Account or Mi Account, they will be automatically restored when you first connect to the Internet.

• 💬 Use backup copies from SMS Backup and Restore (if previously used).
• 📧 Check your emails – some messengers (like WhatsApp) link your story to your email.

If nothing works, go to a dedicated data recovery service, but keep in mind that it can be expensive and not always effective.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5A