How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: instructions and nuances

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing critical failures in the MIUI. This budget smartphone, released in 2017, still remains popular due to its reliability, but over time even it begins to “brake”, issue errors or require a complete firmware reinstallation. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where reset is often integrated into cloud services, the Redmi 5A has its own features – for example, mandatory binding to the Mi Account for some recovery methods.

Many users mistakenly believe that resetting solves all problems, but in practice it can both save the device and make the situation worse — especially if you do not take into account the nuances of a locked bootloader or damaged memory parts. In this article, we will discuss three official methods of resetting (via settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Flash Tool), and also explain how to avoid typical errors, such as the appearance of the inscription “This device is locked” after a failed attempt.

If your Redmi 5A doesn't turn on, hangs on the logo or requires a password from the previous owner, don't rush to bring it to the service. In 80% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself, following our instructions.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. On the Redmi 5A, a reset without prior preparation can result in a device locking through the Mi Account if phone search or data protection has been previously activated.

1. Save important data. Reset will delete everything: photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Use Mi Cloud (if configured) or copy files to your computer via MTP-Connection. Please note: backup via Settings → Additionally. → Backup does not save all data (for example, Wi-Fi passwords and some application settings are not portable).

2.Make sure the phone is at least 50% charged.Stop the reset process due to a discharged battery can cause the device to "brick" (unworkable state).If the Redmi 5A does not hold the charge, connect it to the charger during the procedure.

3. Check the Mi Account link. If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account, you will need to enter the username and password to unlock after the reset. You can find out if the account is linked to you in Settings → Xiaomi Account. If you do not remember the login details, restore them in advance on account.xiaomi.com.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Save photos and contacts on PC/cloud

Remember the username and password from Mi Account (if linked)

Disable Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google)

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4. Disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP).This is reset protection that is activated if a Google account has been added to the phone. To avoid requesting a login after a reset, delete all Google accounts in Settings → Accounts → Google. If the phone is already locked, you will need to enter the last account you use.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Mi Account, Google, Social Networks) and disable Find Device in your security settings.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, touch-responsive and you have access to the menu. It is the simplest and least risky, since it does not affect system partitions deeply. The instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI installed on the Redmi 5A (including MIUI 9/10/11).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).

2. Go to the Additional Settings section (in some versions of MIUI it may be called System and Device).

3. Select Restore and Reset (or “Reset” in newer versions).

4. Slip on Reset settings (sometimes the item is called "Delete all data").

5 The system will propose to enter PIN-code or pattern lock, if installed.

6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone settings (or similar button).

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 5 to 15 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you purchase it.

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset, don't panic. Give it 10-15 minutes - sometimes the first download takes longer due to app optimization.

This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most users, but it will not help if:

• 🔐 The phone is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code you don't remember.
• 🤖 The device does not turn on or hangs on the logo MI.
• 🚫 Reset menu access is disabled (for example, due to parental control).

⚠️ Note: If you are dropping your phone because of a sale, but you plan to leave your SIM card in it, delete all messages and call logs beforehand.

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

If the Redmi 5A doesn't respond to touch, hangs on the screensaver, or requires a password that you don't know, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which is more complicated, but it works even on bricks, provided the bootloader isn't damaged.

1. Turn off the phone. If it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.

2. Press the button combination:

Press and hold the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.

Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 5-10 seconds).

3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the item. The interface can be in Chinese or English - navigate by icons.

4. Select Wipe Data (or "Clear Data," in Chinese). Confirm the action by selecting Yes.

5. After clearing the data, go back to the main menu and select Reboot (or ') to reboot.

If the phone requests Mi Account data after the reset, enter the username and password from the account that was previously linked, without this data, you will not be able to unlock the device - this is protection against theft.

Yeah, I did it myself.|Yeah, but I had to look for a menu translation.|No, I'm afraid to break something.|I tried it, but it didn't work out.-->

Method 3: Hard reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This is a good method if the first two methods fail, for example, because of a damaged firmware or a blocked bootloader, and it involves completely flashing the phone through the computer using the official Mi Flash Tool. Attention: this method requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to a loss of warranty if the phone is still on it.

1. Download the necessary files:

Mi Flash Tool (official site of Xiaomi)

- Firmware for Redmi 5A (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery) can be downloaded from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater (choose the riva model, codenamed Redmi 5A).

2. Unlock the loader:

Go to Mi Unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool.

- Launch the utility, log into your Mi Account and follow the instructions. the process can take up to 72 hours (Xiaomi imposes a limit on unlocking).

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Reduction when the device is off).

3. Squeeze the phone:

Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.

- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.

Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (the screen should display the hare in the hat-eared).

Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.

Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to the clean system.

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Use the Mi Flash Tool only as a last resort. The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick if you choose the wrong version of MIUI or interrupt the recording process.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or gives you errors after firmware, try repeating the process with another firmware version (e.g. older or newer). Also make sure you downloaded firmware for the riva model – firmware for other Redmi devices won’t work.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 phone is stuck on startup logo after reset: This could be caused by damage to system files.Try repeat reset via Recovery or flash the phone through Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Requires a password from Mi Account, but none: If the phone was bought with hands, contact the previous owner.If it is your account, restore access through the Xiaomi site.
• 📱 Sensor not working in Recovery: In this mode, the sensor is turned off – use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selecting.
• 🔌 Computer doesn't see phone in Mi Flash Tool: Install Mi drivers USB Driver and try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be in the hardware (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case we recommend contacting the service center.

How to Avoid Mi Account Lockdown After Resetting

One of the most frustrating things about the Xiaomi Redmi 5A is that it's tied to your Mi Account after you reset, and if you're tied to your account and you don't remember the login details, it's really hard to unlock it. Here's how to avoid this problem:

1. Before resetting, untie the account:

Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.

Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Get Out.

- Confirm the exit - it will untie the phone from the account.

2. disable the "Find device" function:

In the same account settings, disable the Find Device option.

This will prevent blocking through Mi Cloud after resetting.

3. If the phone is already locked:

Try to restore your account access through the Xiaomi website (use a linked email or phone number).

If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support team with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 5A (Find Device can remain active even after you log out. To ensure that you do not block, reset via the Mi Flash Tool with full cleanup).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions