How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to factory settings is a procedure that can solve most software problems, from forgotten passwords to persistent freezes. However, the wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a brick. This model, released in 2018 (codenamed vince), has its own features when reset via Recovery and Fastboot, which are important to consider.

Many users mistakenly believe that resetting through phone settings and Recovery Mode are the same thing, but the difference is that the first method saves some of the system files, while the second method completely clears the partition. /data. If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, you're going to need a hard reset, but there's a nuance: Redmi. 5 Plus with a locked bootloader (bootloader) some methods may not work without first unlocking.

In this article, we will discuss all current reset methods, including hidden MIUI features, how to get around common errors (such as This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device), and give a checklist to prepare the device.

When do I need a Redmi 5 Plus reset?

Factory reset is not a panacea, but 80 percent of the time it helps bring a smartphone back to life. Here are the specific situations where the procedure is warranted:

• 🔒 Forgot the password, PIN or a pattern lock is the only way to unlock the device without losing data (unless you have a Mi Account link).
• 🐢 The phone is slowing down very quickly, after 2-3 years of Redmi 5 Plus accumulates garbage in the cache, which leads to lags even when 3 GB RAM.
• 📱 Constant reboots or “downs” in Recovery are a sign of damage to system files, often after a failed update. MIUI.
• 🚫 No virus or adware is removed – some Trojans are embedded in system applications, and they can only be removed by a complete reset.
• 🔄 Preparing for sale – Clearing all data (including Google and Mi accounts) for the new owner.

But there are cases where resetting won't help or even hurt:

• 🔋 Battery swollen - this is a hardware problem requiring battery replacement.
• 📡 The communication module does not work (no network, Wi-Fi) – often a damaged chip or antenna is to blame.
• 💧 Fluids get in - reset can aggravate contact corrosion.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 5 Plus was bought from hand and tied to someone else’s Mi Account, reset via Recovery will not remove the binding.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Even if the phone doesn't turn on, preparation will reduce the risk of losing important data.

Charge the battery to at least 50%|Download the original firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (code vince)|Prepare. OTG-cable (if the screen is not working)|Save. IMEI (box-and-battery)|Disable two-factor authentication in Mi Account (if the phone is turned on)-->

Pay special attention to data retention. If the phone turns on but you forgot your password, try these methods:

• 📱 Connect to a PC – use programs like Mi PC Suite or Dr.Fone for photo and contact extraction (works if debugging is enabled) USB).
• ☁️ Check the cloud copies — MIUI automatically syncs contacts with Mi Cloud if you have an account link.
• 🔌 Use it. OTG-Adapter – if the screen is broken but the sensor is working, connect the mouse to navigate.

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all but responds to charging (the indicator burns), try EDL emergency mode.

1. Download Mi Flash Tool and Vince firmware from en.miui.com.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds – the phone should be determined in Device Manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Sweat through Mi Flash with the clean all option (this is a full reset + unlock).

⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL If the bootloader is locked and the phone is not turned on, contact the service center - acting alone can lead to irreversible locking. IMEI.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft)

The safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and you know the password.
• 🔄 No critical errors in MIUI (For example, infinite loading).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (check that the MIUI version is stable, not beta).
2. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
3. The system will prompt you to choose what to clean. To completely reset, mark: ✔ Delete all data (including applications) ✔ Clear internal memory ✔ Delete Mi Account (if tied)
4. Confirm the action with a password from Mi Account (if required) and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will turn on with the initial setup, as after purchase, if this device is locked on the screen, then the device was tied to another Mi Account - you will need to enter the original data.

💡

If the phone asks for an old password after reset and you don’t remember it, try entering a combination of 8 zeros (00000000) – sometimes this works on older versions of MIUI for Redmi 5 Plus.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (hard)

This method is used if:

• 🔒 Forgot the lock password.
• 📵 Phone is not turned on (hangs on the logo) MI).
• 🛠 We need to refashion the device.

Redmi 5 Plus has two types of recovery:

1. Stock (MIUI Recovery) - limited functionality, but works without unlocking the bootloader.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

If the phone doesn't turn on after reset or if it gives a No command error, then the /system partition is damaged, and then only flashing through Fastboot or EDL will help.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a PC and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

• 🔧 Recovery won't open.
• 📦 You need to run the original firmware.
• 🔓 The loader is unlocked (mandatory condition!).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it to the root of the C:\ drive.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb folder.
4. Enter commands in order: fastboot devices fastboot oem unlock fastboot flashing unlock fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If a Device not unlocked error appears after the fastboot oem unlock command, then the bootloader is locked.

1. Go to en.miui.com/unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be tied to your phone!).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions (unlocking takes up to 72 hours).

⚠️ Note: Redmi 5 Plus with firmware MIUI older than version 10.2, unlocking the bootloader erases all data, including internal memory. If the phone had important files, try recovery methods first. TWRP or Mi Flash in mode EDL.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users are experiencing problems, and here are the most common errors on the Redmi 5 Plus and how to fix them:

• 🚫 "This MIUI Solution: download the official firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (for example, for Redmi Note 5).
• 🔄 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI After reset Reason: damaged section /system or MIUI. Solution: Fastboot with clean all option or use Mi Flash Tool.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔋 Battery Charge – A discharged battery can interrupt the reset process.
• 🔌 Cable USB — Use the original Xiaomi cable (cheap counterparts often don’t transfer data to Fastboot).
• 🖥 Version MIUI — In beta versions, the reset may not work properly.

💡

If after reset, the phone requires a password from Mi Account and you do not know it, DO NOT try to enter random combinations. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven’t done a backup beforehand, the chances of returning the data depend on the reset method:

• 📱 Soft reset (via settings) – some files can remain in the folder /MIUI/backup.
• 🔧 Severe discharge (through Recovery/Fastboot) — data deleted without the possibility of recovery by standard methods.

Recovery methods:

1. Memory scanners: Use DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or 7-Data Recovery. Connect your phone in MTP mode (if it turns on) or remove the memory chip (requires a soldering iron).
2. Cloud services: Check out Mi Cloud (https://i.mi.com), Google Photos or Google Drive – it’s possible that the data has been synced automatically.
3. Physical recovery: If the phone is not turned on but is defined as a Qualcomm 9008, you can flash a special phone. EDL-Data extraction file (requires skills).

For Redmi 5 Plus, there is a nuance: if the Find Device function was enabled in the Mi Account before the reset, you can try to find the phone through the web version of Mi Cloud and send a command to unlock (does not work on all firmware).

⚠️ Note: Do not use software like KingRoot or iRoot to recover data after a reset. They often install malware and can permanently damage the firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions