Reset all settings on Xiaomi Mi 5: 3 proven ways (2026)

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 5 is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of a failed upgrade. The model, released in 2016, is still popular due to its performance and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, even such a reliable device can start to “brake”, emit errors or behave unpredictably, in such cases, a full reset becomes the only way out.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset your settings on the Mi 5: through the phone menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Each method has its own nuances, from ease of execution to the risk of data loss. Importantly, on the Xiaomi Mi 5, resetting via Fastboot requires an unlocked bootloader, otherwise the device can turn into a “brick.” We will also tell you how to prepare for the procedure so you do not lose important files, and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands.

If your Mi 5 is stuck on the logo, does not turn on or gives an error "No command" in Recovery, do not panic - in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.

1.Reset preparation: how to save data and avoid errors

Before you start resetting, make sure you keep all the important data.

• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google Account or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 🎵 Music, documents and files in internal memory
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, application settings and accounts

Synchronizing with Mi Cloud or Google Drive will save some data, but not all. For example, SMS messages and call logs are not always automatically backed up. For reliability, we recommend manually copying files to a computer or external drive.

1. Connect the Mi 5 to the PC via USB-cable (in file transfer mode).
2. Copy the DCIM (photo), Downloads, Documents and Pictures folders.
3. Export contacts to the.vcf file via the Contacts app.
4. Save a list of installed apps (you can use Settings → Apps or third-party utilities like App Backup & Restore).

⚠️ Note: If you are using a pattern lock or PIN-The code, and the smartphone doesn't respond to input, resetting through Recovery is the only way out, but in that case, all the data will be lost without the possibility of recovery.

Also check the battery power - it should be at least 50%.If the Mi 5 turns off during the reset, it can damage system files and need to flash it.

Save photos and videos|Synchronize contacts|Copy documents|Charge the battery. >50%|Make sure you're stable. USB-cable-->

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)

If your Xiaomi Mi 5 is turned on and responsive to touch, this method is the fastest and safest. It requires no additional tools and is suitable for most users.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting (or Resetting to Factory).
4. The system will prompt you to enter a password from the Mi Account (if tied).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 3-5 minutes. After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the phone requests data from a Xiaomi account that you do not remember, you will have to use alternative methods (see section 4).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 10 and older) Restore and Reset may be called Backup and Reset. If you don't find a section, search the settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

This method is not suitable if:

• 🔒 The phone is locked with a pattern lock.
• 🛑 The device hung on the Mi logo.
• 🔄 The system emits an error when trying to reset.

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If the Mi 5 doesn’t turn on for more than 10 minutes after reset, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 5 does not respond to touch, hovers on the screensaver or gives errors when booting, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires care - improper actions can lead to loss of access to the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select the Wipe Data option → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If instead of the Recovery menu, you see an Android with a red exclamation point and the words "No command," then the standard recovery is damaged.

• Press the Power button + Volume up again for 10 seconds.
• If the menu does not appear, you will need to flash through Fastboot (method 3).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Recovery may require you to enter a password from your Xiaomi account. If you do not remember it, the reset will not be possible without official unlocking.

After a successful reset, the phone will reboot to factory state. If the process is delayed (more than 15 minutes), try re-entering Recovery and selecting Wipe Cache Partition, and then restarting.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is the most radical and requires an unlocked bootloader.

• 🔧 Recovery is not working or damaged.
• 📱 The phone does not turn on at all (black screen).
• 🔄 We need to reflash the device to clean. MIUI.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 📄 Firmware for Xiaomi Mi 5 (you can download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (for Windows).

Instructions:

1. Turn off Mi 5.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (unarched!) and press Refresh.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is not unlocked, the phone may turn into a "brick" after the command fastboot oem unlock. Check the lock status by the command: fastboot oem device-info If the response Device unlocked: False, unlock the bootloader first via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and wait 72 hours).

Once you flash it through Fastboot, all the data will be erased and the device will return to the factory firmware, and if you installed a custom Recovery (like TWRP), it will also have to be restored again.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring the Mi 5 back to life if it doesn't respond to other methods, but it's the riskiest option to be prepared for.

5 Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 "phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset" → Wait 10-15 minutes. If it doesn't work, reset via Recovery or Fastboot.
• 🔒 "Requires a password from Xiaomi account after reset" → If you don’t remember the data, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com. In extreme cases – contact the support with proof of ownership of the device.
• 📵 "Not activated after reset via Fastboot" → The firmware may not have been right for your model (Mi 5 has gemini and capricorn versions for Mi). 5s). Check the exact model name in documents or on the box.
• 🔌 "Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot" → Install the drivers. ADB, try another USB-In Device Manager, the phone should be displayed as Android Bootloader Interface.

If the Mi 5 starts to overheat or discharge quickly after reset, it may be due to:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery (after 5)+ service).
• 🛠 Incorrectly installed firmware (for example, global instead of Chinese).
• 📱 Background processes (after reset, the system can index files).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is reset via Fastboot and it gives an error "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, so you are trying to install firmware not for your model. Download the correct version from the official website, taking into account the region (Global, China, EEA).

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After the reset, take your time to restore the data from the backup. First, check the phone in a “clean” state, this will help identify hardware problems.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 5 will offer to go through the initial setup.

• 🌍 Language and region choice → Please indicate Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi connection → Use a stable network to download updates.
• 📱 Log in to Xiaomi account → If you don’t remember the data, skip this step (but note that some features will be limited).
• 🔄 Updating the system → After reset, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If you plan to sell a phone, don't log in to accounts and set it up - just turn it off after the reset. The buyer has to go through the setup on their own.

To speed up the Mi 5 after resetting:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: go to Settings → About the phone, tap 5 times on the version MIUI, Then in the Developer Settings, select Windows Animation = Off..
• 🔋 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 🗑 Clean the cache regularly: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is slowing down after reset, it may be the flash memory (typical for 2016 devices) that will help if you replace the memory chip in the service center.

7. Alternative recovery methods (if the reset did not help)

If none of the methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔧 Flip-through EDL-regime → Requires special equipment (Qualcomm 9008) and is used in service centers for the restoration of bricks".
• 📱 Installation of custom firmware → For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience. You will need an unlocked bootloader and experience with the device. TWRP.
• 🔄 Replacement of motherboard → Extreme measure if the problem is in the hardware (e.g., a burned memory chip).

To reflash through EDL you will need:

1. USB-Qualcomm cable (or jumper on the board).
2. Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
3. Firmware in.mbn format for your model.

⚠️ Attention: Self-employment with EDL It can lead to total loss. IMEI If you're not sure about your abilities, you can call the experts.

If you decide to install custom firmware, consider:

• ✅ Pros: the latest version of Android, the lack of excess software.
• ❌ Cons: possible bugs, loss of warranty (if it is still valid), risk of damage to the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions