How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings: all ways

When do you need to reset the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, and the smartphone, released in 2018, is still popular thanks to its robust hardware (Snapdragon 636, 3/4 GB of RAM) and long support for updates, but over time even it starts to slow down, issue errors, or get blocked due to incorrect user actions.

The main reasons for discharge are:

• 🐢 Slowing down after long use (cache clogging, memory fragmentation).
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock or password is the only way to unlock your device without losing data (unless you have a Mi Account connected).
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that cannot be removed by standard methods.
• 📱 Preparation for sale – clearing personal data before transferring to a new owner.
• 🔄 Failed update MIUI, resulting in a "brick" (infinite loading, system errors).

It's important to understand that resets delete all user data -- photos, contacts, messages, installed applications. SD-the card (if it is used as an external drive) will remain intact.Before proceeding, make sure you have a backup copy.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the easiest and safest method available if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, suitable for routine cleaning before selling or eliminating software lags.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a password (if it is set).
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Remember Mi Account details (logins/passwords)|Backup to Mi Cloud or PC|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Extract SIM and SD-map (optional)

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What to do if you don't have a "Settings Reset" option? Some versions of MIUI may have different paths. Alternative route: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. If you don't have an option, upgrade your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi Note 5 activates Device Protection (in the security settings), after the reset, you will need to enter the Mi Account data that was tied before the cleanup!

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This method will come in handy if the smartphone does not turn on, hovers on the MI logo or does not respond to touch.

Step-by-step:

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. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow text in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Problems logging into Recovery? If the button combination doesn't work:

• 🔋 Check the battery power – if the charge is below 5%, the menu may not open.
• 🔌 Connect the charger and try again in 5 minutes.
• 🤲 Try an alternative combination: Nutrition + Loudness down (on some firmware).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (if Recovery is not available)

If the Redmi Note 5 doesn’t boot even in Recovery, but it reacts to a PC connection, you can use Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not use cheap analogues!).
• 📥 Xiaomi Drivers (Official Website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh – the program must determine the device.
5. Select the Clean All option and click Flash.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (3-5 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface").

2. Use a USB 2.0 port (on some PCs, USB 3.0 is incompatible with Fastboot).

3. disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, type in the command line on behalf of the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).

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⚠️ Note: Fastboot resets ALL data, including files on internal memory, and returns the firmware to the stock version. If a custom firmware (such as LineageOS) was installed on the phone, it will be erased after the reset, and the device will return to the original one. MIUI.

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (if password is forgotten)

If you forget your pattern lock or password, but your phone has a Mi Account attached, you can reset the lock without losing data, which only works if you have access to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or a mobile network).

How to unlock:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password 5 times in a row until the message Forgot the password appears.
2. Click on this label and select Unblock via Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password or pattern lock.

What to do if you don’t remember your Mi Account details?

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If you bought Redmi Note 5 handheld, make sure that the previous owner untied his account Mi. Otherwise, after the reset, the phone will be locked ("Mi Account Lock"), and you can only unlock it through the official Xiaomi service (you need a check or a sales contract).

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 5 will turn on in its initial setup mode, as after purchase, to return the phone to working condition:

Adjustment steps:

• 🌍 Choose the language (Russian or English).
• 📶 Connect to a Wi-Fi network (recommended for downloading updates).
• 🔑 Enter your Mi Account details (if required after resetting).
• 📱 Restore data from a backup (if it was created in Mi Cloud or on PC).
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Post-reset optimization:

• 🚀 Turn off animations to speed up work: go to Settings → About the phone, press 5 times on the version MIUI, Then in the Developer Settings, install Windows Animation = 0.5x.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to protect against malware.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the Redmi Note 5 may end up being reset in error.

Error 1: The phone hangs on the MI logo after being reset.

• Reason: Damaged system files or incompatible firmware.

Error 2: After a reset, a Mi Account that is not required requires.

Error 3: You can’t log in to Recovery or Fastboot.

• Cause: Faulty buttons or hardware failure.
• Solution: Try plugging your phone into charging and trying again, and if it doesn't work, you need to repair the buttons.

Mistake 4: Mi Flash Tool is a Critical Error.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions