How to reset Xiaomi 5 to factory settings: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi’s smartphones, including the popular Redmi Note 5 and the flagship Mi 5, are renowned for their reliability and performance. However, users often face the need to return the device to its original state during operation, which may be required when selling a gadget, when serious software failures or when the system begins to work unstable due to accumulated “digital debris.”

The factory reset procedure, known as Hard Reset, removes all user information, including contacts, photos, apps installed, and account settings. It is important to understand that once you click the confirmation button, it will not be possible to return deleted files without a prior copy, so you need to carefully prepare the device before any manipulations begin and make sure that important data is safe.

In this guide, we will discuss in detail all available methods of resetting on Xiaomi 5 devices. You will learn about the nuances of working with the Recovery menu, the features of entering Fastboot mode and how to bypass the locking of a Google account. Following the instructions will allow you to safely clean up memory and restore the factory speed of the MIUI operating system.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you start taking action, you need to perform a number of preparatory activities. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of critical information or locking the device security mechanisms. The first thing you should do is back up all the data. You can use Google Drive cloud services, built-in synchronization function Mi Cloud or third-party programs for PC.

Be sure to check the battery level. The process of formatting the system partition can take from 5 to 15 minutes, and at this time the device should work steadily. If the phone turns off in the middle of the procedure, there is a risk of damage to the bootloader or errors in the file system, which will require flashing through the computer.

It's also important to untie your device from your accounts. Modern versions of Android and MIUI have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. If you reset your phone without leaving your Google or Mi Account beforehand, the next time you activate it, the system will require you to enter a password from the previous owner, and without that data, the phone will become a brick.

⚠️ Note: Remove the microSD card before starting the procedure. MIUI People usually ask if they need to format an external card, and there's a risk of accidentally deleting files from it.

Make sure you know your credentials. Once reset, the phone will behave like a new one you just bought in the store; you will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password, restore your apps and log in to services; and having a recorded password from your main Google account on hand will save you a lot of time and nerves.

Reset method through system settings menu

The easiest and safest way to get Xiaomi back to factory is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system, which is suitable for cases when the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop. The algorithm of actions is universal for most models, including the Redmi Note 5 and Mi 5.

To start, open the Settings app. In the list, find the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the list or at the top, depending on the version of MIUI). Inside this menu, select Reset. The system will warn you about the consequences of this action again.

There are two main options on the screen: Reset (returns only system settings, data remains) and Clear Everything (complete reset). We need the second option. After selecting Clear Everything, the system can request a pattern lock or a pattern lock. PIN-screen unlock code to confirm the operation.

Once confirmed, the deletion process will begin. The screen may go out, then the Mi or Android logo will appear with a progress indicator. Don't touch the device at this point. Even if it seems like the process is stalled, it's better to wait 10-15 minutes before panicking.

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If you have two-factor authentication enabled, make sure that the phone number or backup email is available, as the system may request a confirmation code when you log in to your account after a reset.

When you finish the procedure, the phone will restart and you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language, which means that Factory Reset has been successful and the device is ready for initial setup, and all user data will be permanently deleted.

Xiaomi 5 Reset with Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or the touch screen doesn't respond, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode, which allows you to perform a hard reset at the bootloader level, ignoring the operating system's state. Physical control buttons are used to enter this mode.

The order of action is to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up button ("Loudness +") and the Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the Power button can be released, continuing to hold Volume + until the Recovery menu appears.

This menu uses volume buttons (up/down for moving) and power buttons (to confirm your choice). The interface language can be English or Chinese. If you see Chinese characters, look for the item with the icon of the globe or gear to switch the language to English.

We need Wipe Data, and when you select that, you'll open a submenu where you want to select Wipe All Data, and the system will ask for confirmation, select Confirm, and you'll start a formatting process that will be reported by the status bar at the bottom of the screen.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical buttons. Be careful when selecting points so that you do not accidentally start the reset.

After the process is completed, the screen will display the message “Data wiped successfully.” Press the power button to return to the main Recovery menu, then select Reboot and confirm the transition to Reboot to System. The first download after Hard Reset can last longer than usual, up to 5-7 minutes.

Using Fastboot and Computer to Reset

For advanced users or in situations where standard methods do not work, it is possible to reset via the Fastboot interface using a computer. USB-cable, installed driver ADB/Fastboot Basic skills of working with the command line.

To enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi 5, turn off your phone and press the volume button ("Loudness -") and the power button at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, or the words FASTBOOT. Connect the device to the PC.

Open the command line on your computer in the ADB tool folder. Enter a command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device appears in the list, you can execute a command to clear user data (wipe):

fastboot erase userdata

This command will delete the partition with user data, but will not affect the system files. To fully return to factory state, you often also need to clear the cache:

fastboot erase cache

Once you have completed the commands, type fastboot reboot to reboot, which is especially useful if the Volume+ button on the device is faulty and you can’t log in to Recovery in the classic way.

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The Fastboot method requires an unlocked bootloader for full flashing, but erase commands work on most devices in a runoff state.

Comparison of discharge methods and their features

Different ways to return to factory settings have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of your Xiaomi and the goals you are pursuing.

The method through settings is most convenient for the planned sale of the phone, as it correctly completes all processes and deletes accounts. Recovery Mode is a "heavy artillery" for non-working systems. Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool are used more for repair and recovery from critical errors.

It is worth noting that when using a computer and tools like Mi Flash, there is a risk of “sheltering” the device if you choose the wrong type of firmware (for example, Clean All vs Clean All and Lock).

Frequent post-reset problems and their solution

After you run Hard Reset, you sometimes experience unexpected device behavior. One of the most common problems is that you have to load a lot. It can take up to 10 minutes to start a first time after you reset, because the system optimizes applications and checks files. Don't rush to reboot your phone by force.

Another common problem is blocking a Google account (FRP). If you haven't logged out before resetting through Recovery, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized Google account. This is anti-theft protection. Without a password, it's officially almost impossible to unlock the device.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requests a password from Mi Account after reset, it means that the Find Device function has been activated.

You can also experience a quick battery drain in the first hours of operation, because the background processes re-index the data and update the applications, and let the phone run in Wi-Fi-connected state for about an hour, and things will normalize.

If the sensor is not working properly after reset or if artifacts are observed on the screen, try resetting again. If the problem recurs, there is likely a hardware malfunction or damage to the system partition that requires complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions