The Xiaomi Mi5, released in 2016, is still a working or backup device for many users, but over time, the MIUI operating system may become unstable, accumulating errors and cache, which leads to a slowdown in the interface, and in such situations, the most effective solution is to completely reset the device to factory parameters.
This procedure is necessary not only to fix software failures, but also to safely sell the gadget or transfer it to another user. It is important to understand that Hard Reset completely deletes all user information, including contacts, photos and installed applications.
In this guide, we will look at all the ways to return the Mi5 to its original state: through the standard settings menu and using the control buttons in Recovery mode, and pay attention to possible problems, such as blocking a Google account or Mi Account, that may occur after cleaning.
Preparing the device for resetting settings
The first and most critical step is to save important data. Since the process of formatting internal memory is irreversible, you should take care of backups yourself. Xiaomi Mi5 owners are advised to use cloud services or transfer files to your computer.
Pay attention to the battery charge. If the device is turned off due to discharge during the reset process, it can damage the system files and not be able to turn on further. Charge the smartphone to at least 60-70% before the procedure begins.
- π± Backup your contacts through sync with Google or Mi Cloud.
- πΈ Copy photos and videos to cloud storage or on PC.
- π Make sure the battery is above 50%.
It's also worth checking if the phone is linked to accounts. If you're planning to sell the device, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account and Google account in advance, otherwise there's anti-theft protection, and the new owner won't be able to activate the device without your passwords.
βοΈ Ready to dump
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The easiest and safest method is available if the smartphone turns on and you can get into the main menu, which is ideal for those who want to simply clear the memory or sell a working phone.
The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but it usually looks like this: Settings β Advanced Settings β Restore and Reset. Here you are interested in the Reset option. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted.
β οΈ Note: If the device has a screen lock enabled (pattern lock, PIN-The system will require you to enter a code or password to confirm the reset operation, and once confirmed, the smartphone will restart and begin the cleanup process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes. Do not interrupt the process or press buttons until the screen of the initial settings, specific to the new device, appears. π‘Before resetting through the settings menu, remove SIM-MicroSD card and memory card, so as not to accidentally format external media. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode If the phone freezes, does not respond to touches or does not load to the desktop, you will have to use hardware buttons. This method is called Hard Reset, and it allows you to run a cleanup bypassing the operating system. First, turn off Xiaomi completely. Mi5. Press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume until the Recovery menu appears. This menu is controlled by volume buttons (up/down), and the power button selects. Recovery action sequence: 1. Select language (English) 2. Select Wipe Data 3. Select Wipe All Data 4. Confirm 5. Select Reboot After selecting Wipe All Data, the system will request confirmation. Select Confirm and wait until the process is complete. When "Data wiped successfully" appears, select Reboot. β Reboot to System. The first turn on after such a reset will be long. What to do if the menu Recovery in Chinese?If you see Chinese characters instead of English text, it means that you have a Chinese version of the firmware installed. In this case, be guided by vα» trΓ buttons: usually the confirmation button is on the right or bottom. Select the top entry to the reset menu, then confirm the action again. In extreme cases, you can try changing the language in the main Recovery menu, if such an option is available (the first item on top). Reset method comparison table The method choice depends on the current state of your Xiaomi Mi5. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine the best option for your situation (PC) Access to menu Yes No No (Fastboot needed) Complexity Low Average High Error Risk Minimum Low Average Mi Account Deletion Yes (with deletion) No (remains) Only Clean All As can be seen from the table, the method through Recovery is a universal solution for non-functioning devices. However, it doesn't remove account protection if the phone was previously tied.Fastboot mode and Mi Flash Tool on the computer are used for deep flashing, but this already requires a firmware file. π What is your problem with Xiaomi? Mi5?Forgot the screen password Phone is frozen and not turned on Just want to clear the memory Sell the phone and erase data The problem of blocking Google and Mi Account One of the most common problems after a reset is the request for an account that was synchronized with the device before. FRP (Factory Reset Protection. If you reset your phone through buttons, the system will require you to enter a password from the Google account that was on the device before the reset. A similar situation occurs with Mi Account. If the Find Device function was activated, the phone will lock and require authorization. This is done to protect against theft: even after flashing the attacker will not be able to use the smartphone. π Enter only passwords that were previously used on this device. π Make sure there is a Wi-Fi connection to check the data. π If you have forgotten your password, restore access via Google or Mi.com from another device. β οΈ Attention: Bypassing the lock FRP Mi Account by third-party methods can be regarded as a violation of the rules of use of the software and often leads to unstable operation of the system in the future. Mi5 They may experience a situation where, after a reset, the phone is in a cyclic bootloop, which often happens if the system partition is damaged or the failure occurs during the recording of data. Sometimes users complain that files they planned to save have been lost after the reset, which happens if the option of formatting internal memory was chosen during the cleaning process instead of external memory. SD-Always double-check the partition to clean. If the phone stopped responding to the buttons after trying to reset, try a forced reboot. Press the Power button and hold it near it. 15-20 It's a second before the device vibrates and starts to boot again. π‘Cyclical reboot after reset most often indicates damage to system files, which requires a complete flashing of the device through the PC. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Will the information be deleted from the memory card when resetting Xiaomi? Mi5? By default, resetting via the settings menu does not affect the external SD-map. However, when reset via Recovery, the option "Wipe" is sometimes offered. SD If you don't want to lose your photos and documents on a flash drive, be careful when selecting menu items and better remove the map before the procedure. How long does it take to completely reset the settings? Normally, the data cleanup process takes from the first place. 5 before 10 However, the first activation after reset (application optimization and system configuration) may take up to a few minutes. 15-20 Don't panic if the Mi logo is on the screen longer than usual. Can I reset the phone if the screen is broken and not working? If the sensor is not working, but there is an image, you can try to connect it. USB-mouse-adapter OTG. This will allow you to control the interface and enter the reset settings. If the screen is black, only the Recovery Mode will help, provided that the phone vibrates when it is turned on. What if the phone requires a password after reset, and I don't remember it? FRP. You need to restore access to your Google account via your computer (website) google.com/accounts/recovery). Without entering the correct account data, which was on the phone before the reset, unlock the device by legal means will not work. π‘After a successful reset and first setup, immediately enable two-factor authentication for your Mi Account β this will significantly improve the security of your data in the future.