How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to work, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state, most often in three cases:

First, if the phone starts to slow down or spontaneously reboot. Over time, temporary files, app cache and system errors accumulate, which slow down even on the powerful Snapdragon 636 processor. Second, a reset is necessary before selling or transferring the device to another user - this ensures that your personal data (photos, messages, passwords) do not fall into the wrong hands. Third, the procedure helps to eliminate critical failures when the smartphone does not respond to touch, does not load beyond the logo or gives a MIUI crashed error.

But it's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea; it won't fix hardware breakdowns (like a faulty battery or a broken display), it won't remove viruses if they get into system files, and it won't help bypass Mi Account lock without knowing your login/password, and it'll require you to reset everything from connecting to Wi-Fi to synchronizing accounts.

If you’re in doubt about whether you need this procedure, try the more gentle methods first: manually cleaning the cache (Settings → Memory → Clear the cache), removing unnecessary apps, or updating MIUI to the latest version.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps that will save you from losing important data and unexpected problems.

One is to back up, and even if you're planning to reset because of the sale of your phone, keep copies of your photos, contacts, and documents.

• 📱 Mi Cloud – built-in cloud from Xiaomi (Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backups! 5GB free available.
• 💻 Computer - connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads and Documents.
• ☁️ Google Drive – sync contacts, calendar and photos through Settings → Google accounts → Synchronization.

The second is to remember or remove your Mi Account details. After the reset, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was tied to the device. If you forget the data, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, you risk getting a "brick" - a locked device.

Third, check the battery power, make sure it's at least 50 percent, and if the reset is interrupted by a discharge, it can damage the system files and cause you to have to run through the Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If you have used a pattern lock or PIN-code, but do not remember it, resetting through the settings menu will not be possible. In this case, immediately go to the method through Recovery (section 3).

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Keep a backup copy of the data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Unplug your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Resetting All Data).
4. Fly through the warning and click Reset settings.
5. When you request, enter a graphical key/PIN or password from Mi Account.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, the MI logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen, do not turn off the device at this time, this can cause a firmware failure, and once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setting, as when you first turned on.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, try to restore access through the Xiaomi website or contact support. EDL-The mode (only for experienced users).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on for longer than 15 minutes after reset, try pressing the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot.

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

If the Redmi Note 5 doesn’t load beyond the logo, freezes on the lock screen, or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery, which works even when system files are damaged, but requires precise execution of instructions.

To enter Recovery:

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.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo and menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone needs a pattern lock again after the reboot, it means that the reset did not delete the gesture.key file.In this case, repeat the procedure, but in step 4, select Wipe All Data (include internal storage) - this will completely clear the internal memory, including the system lock files.

⚠️ Note: Some Recovery firmware may not have Wipe Data, which means that the phone has custom recovery installed (e.g., Wipe Data, TWRP). In this case, select Advanced Wipe. → Check Dalvik, Cache, Data, Internal Storage → Swipe it out for confirmation.

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

This method is used if the first two methods did not work, or you want to completely reflash the phone (for example, after a failed update).

We warn you that doing the wrong thing can turn your phone into a brick, a method that is only recommended if you are confident in your skills or follow proven instructions.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred). Select the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the disk C:\ (for example, C:\whyred_fastboot).
3. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
5. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
7. At the bottom of the program, select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock the bootloader).
8. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes, which is normal. If the program gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the bootloader is blocked on the phone, in which case you will need to unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (you need a Mi Account and wait 72 hours).

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The firmware through the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data without recovery. Use this method only if other methods have not worked.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

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

1.The phone requires Mi Account data after reset

This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection, if you don't remember your login/password:

• 🔄 Try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com (you will need a linked email or phone number).
• 📧 If recovery doesn’t help, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of device ownership (check, box, etc).
• 🛠️ In the extreme, you can try to bypass the lock through EDL-the mode, but it requires special equipment and risks voiding the warranty.

2. the telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

If the screen is black or the MI logo is on for more than 20 minutes:

• 🔋 Connect the charger for 30 minutes – it is possible that the battery has run out during the process.
• 🔄 Try to enter the Recovery (Food) + Volume up) and repeat the reset.
• 💻 If nothing works, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 3).

3.The sensor or camera does not work after the reset.

This may indicate:

• 🔧 Firmware damage - reflash the phone with the official version MIUI.
• 🔌 Hardware malfunction – if the problem remains after firmware, contact the service center.
• ⚡ Custom Recovery Conflict – Install Standard Recovery via Fastboot.

4. Cannot connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network

After reset, the settings of the communication module may be lost.

• 📶 Manually add network to Settings → Wi-Fi → Add a network (specifying the type of security).
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 📱 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Reset vs. firmware: which is better to choose

Many users confuse factory reset and firmware reflash, so let's figure out what the difference is and when to use it.

Reset (Hard Reset):

• ✅ Remove only user data and settings.
• ✅ Save the current version MIUI and core.
• ✅ Fast (5-15 minutes) and does not require a PC.
• ❌ Does not correct system file errors.
• ❌ Does not update the firmware version.

FLASH:

• ✅ Completely replaces system files with new ones.
• ✅ Can update/downgrade version MIUI.
• ✅ Corrects critical failures caused by firmware damage.
• ❌ Requires PC and Fastboot skills.
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” with errors.

The choice of method depends on the problem:

• 📱 If the phone is slowing down, glitching or preparing to sell → discharge.
• 🔧 If critical errors occur after the update (cyclical reboot, lack of network) → need firmware.
• 🆙 If you want to update the version MIUI manually → firmware.

After firmware is run through the Mi Flash Tool, the phone may lose its warranty if an unofficial firmware was used or the bootloader was unlocked. Official updates through Settings → System Update warranty is not canceled.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions