How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to factory settings: the complete guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to factory settings is a radical but effective way to fix performance issues, remove viruses, or prepare the device for sale. However, doing the wrong thing can lead to data loss or even a “brickle” smartphone. This article features three proven reset methods, detailed instructions for each, and tips for saving important information and recovering from the procedure.

The Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) was released in 2018, but is still popular today for its balanced specs.However, over time, even this smartphone begins to brake, overheat or give out errors. Resetting to factory settings helps to return the device to a “second life”, but requires caution – especially if you use informal firmware or unlock the bootloader.

Before you start, make sure that the problem does require a reset, sometimes just clear the cache, delete unwanted apps or update the firmware, and if you are determined to return your smartphone to a "clean" state, follow the instructions below. We will look at all possible scenarios, from a simple reset via the menu to recover via Fastboot in case of serious crashes.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Factory reset removes all data from the device’s internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages, and installed apps. Even if you plan to restore information from a backup, some data (such as saving in games or settings for apps) may be lost forever.

The first thing you need to do is back up. You can use:

• 📱 Built-in Mi Cloud (requires a Xiaomi account)
• 💾 Local backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset
• 🖥️ Third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (root rights required) or Google Drive

Pay special attention to the following data:

• 📞 Contacts (synchronize with Google Account or export to.vcf file)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy on PC or in the cloud)
• 📝 Communications SMS/MMS (Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🎮 Save games (if important, transfer manually or via Helium)

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked on your device. If so, you may need to re-unblock after the reset, which will delete all data again. You can check the bootloader status by going to Fastboot (turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume down) and looking at the inscription at the bottom of the screen:

• 🔓 Unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked
• 🔒 Locked – the bootloader is blocked

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

This is a method that works if your smartphone is turned on, touch-sensitive, and you have access to the menu, and it's the safest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or About Phone in some versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Reset settings (or Reset to factory settings).
5. Choose Delete all data and confirm the action.

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and when it is completed, the device will automatically restart and prompt you to configure it as new.

Is the phone at least 50 times loaded%|Is it connected to Wi-Fi (to download updates after resetting)|Are your contacts synchronized with Google?|Are important files saved to an external drive?-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone has a password or pattern lock, after reset, you may need to enter the Mi or Google account details associated with the device!

If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset (more than 15 minutes), try forcibly rebooting it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the problem recurs, move to the next method.

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

If the Redmi 5 Plus doesn’t respond to touch, is stuck on the screensaver or is constantly restarting, use Recovery Mode, which works even in severe system failures, but requires care.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when the Recovery menu appears (usually in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
7. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

In some versions of MIUI, the Recovery menu may be in Chinese.

• 🧹 — Data Cleanup (analogue of Wipe Data)
• 🔄 — restart

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, you have custom firmware installed, in which case you will need Fastboot (method 3) or flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

Once reset via Recovery, it can take up to 15 minutes to turn on the first one, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen stays black for a long time.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🛠️ Recovery Menu is damaged or missing
• 🔓 Reset with unlocked loader required

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)
• 🛠️ Fastboot utility (part of Android) SDK Or Mi Flash Tool)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume down before the Fastboot screen (Android robot labeled Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the folder with Fastboot.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo after the fastboot reboot command, then the firmware is damaged, in which case you will need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with a choice of the Clean All option.

• 🔌 Connect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0)
• 🖱️ Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers manually
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, try it:

• 📶 Reinstall SIM-map (take out and insert back in)
• 🔄 Manually select the operator in the Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system

6.How to recover data after reset

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

• 📱 Reset via the settings menu – data is deleted programmatically, you can try to restore it using DiskDigger, Recuva or 7-Data Recovery (root required).
• 🔧 Recovery or Fastboot reset – data is deleted at low level, recovery unlikely.

To recover photos and videos:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Run a recovery program (e.g. EaseUS MobiSaver).
3. Select the internal memory partition and start scanning.
4. Save the files found on the PC.

If the phone doesn’t turn on but is defined by the PC as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, you can try recovering data via EDL Mode, but it requires special skills and hardware.

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The most reliable way to save data is to back up regularly, and even if you restore some files after a reset, the integrity and quality of the files are not guaranteed.

7. Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus

8.Alternatives to dumping: when it is possible to do without radical measures

Before you resort to a full reset, try the less radical ways to optimize the Redmi 5 Plus:

If the phone brakes:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Remove unused applications through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Turn off animation: activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to Version) MIUI in About Phone), then in Developer Settings set Windows Animation Scale, Transition Animation Scale and Animator Duration Scale on Off..

If the battery goes down quickly:

• 🔋 Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery and disable voracious apps.
• 🌙 Activate Economy mode in battery settings.
• 🔄 Reverse to a more stable version MIUI (If the problem occurs after the update).

If Wi-Fi/Bluetooth is not working:

• 📶 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔄 Refuse the module WCNSS Fastboot (requires skills).

If none of these methods worked, then resort to a complete reset, and in most cases, the problems are solved with less radical methods.