How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems. This budget smartphone, released in 2017, still remains popular due to its reliability, but over time can start to slow down, issue errors or require cleaning before selling. Unlike the new Redmi models, the Redmi 5A has its own reset nuances associated with the MIUI version and hardware limitations.

In this article, you will find three working methods of resetting: through the phone settings, using Recovery Mode, and even if the smartphone does not turn on. We will examine each step in detail, warn about possible risks (for example, loss of data when resetting via Fastboot without a backup), and give tips on how to avoid typical errors. If you have never reset Xiaomi before, do not worry: the instructions are adapted for beginners, with photos and explanations.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps.The Redmi 5A doesn't have a memory card slot in some versions, so backing up data can be a problem.

• 📱 Battery level: at least 50%. Resetting at low charge can lead to a breech (breaking of firmware).
• 🔒 Mi Account: if the phone is linked to the Xiaomi account, after the reset, you will need to enter the username and password. FAQ.
• 📁 Backup: Contacts, photos and apps. Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive.
• 🔌 Cable USB: If you have to reset via PC, check the operability of the cable and ports.

Pay special attention to the binding to the account Mi. If you forget the login details, the reset can lock the phone forever! In this case, only the official service center Xiaomi with the confirmation of the purchase will help.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5A version MIUI 9 and below after reset, you may need to enter your old Wi-Fi password to reconnect to the network. Write it down in advance or turn off router protection.

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

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, this method is the best choice. It requires no additional tools and takes only 5-10 minutes.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting (on some firmware - Reset all settings).
4. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code or pattern lock, if installed.
5. Click Reset the phone and wait for the process to complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it.This method doesn't affect the data on the memory card (if it's installed), but it cleans the internal memory completely.

Battery level checked|Created a backup copy of important data|Two-factor authentication in Mi Account is disabled (if used)|Remembered. PIN-code-->

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 5A If you have custom firmware installed (e.g. LineageOS), resetting through settings can lead to a boot cycle).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't respond)

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not turn on or does not respond to touch, Recovery Mode will help - a special recovery mode. On Redmi 5A, it starts with a combination of buttons, but there are nuances:

• 🔄 Nana MIUI 10 and newer Recovery Mode supports touch input.
• 🖱️ Nana MIUI 9 and older, the control is carried out by the volume buttons (Up/Down) and power buttons (Selection).

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then the Wipe Data (or Clear Data) option.
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (on older versions – Yes).
5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the menu is in English, focus on the location of the items:

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If the phone doesn't respond to the button combination, try plugging it into charging for 5-10 minutes, then try again. Sometimes a dead battery blocks the entrance to Recovery Mode.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader. It is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even boot in Recovery Mode.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (legal only for owners!).

The work will require:

• Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi)
• ADB/Fastboot Drivers for Redmi 5A
• Firmware file in.tgz format for your model (download only from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers on your PC.


2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).




3. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.




4.In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (should be defined by Redmi 5A).




5. Press Flash and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).




6.The phone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Attention: Continuous use of Fastboot on Redmi 5A battery-free (<30%) It could damage the power controller. Charge the phone before the procedure!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 5A users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔄 "The phone hangs on the logo after the reset: usually associated with a damaged cache. Go to Recovery Mode and select Wipe Cache, then restart.
• 🔒 "Requires old password after reset: Factory Reset Protection feature (FRP). Enter the data from the last Google account that was on your phone.
• 📵 "Not enabled after Fastboot: check if you downloaded the correct firmware (should match the model code, for example, ugg for the global version).
• 🔋 "It discharges quickly after reset: it's normal -- after reset, the system indexes the files and calibrates the battery.

If it's gone after the dump. IMEI (The phone is not catching the network, it was probably damaged. NVRAM-You can recover it through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the utility. SN Write Tool, but it takes skill.

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If the phone is slower than before the procedure, check the animation settings in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to open the developer menu).

How to recover data after resetting

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

For recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (after reset, you may need to unlock the screen).
2. Use programs like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData to scan your internal memory.
3. If the phone is not identified, try removing the memory card (if any) and scan it separately.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions