How to Make Hard Reset on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: All Ways (2026)

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but even it isn’t immune to software failures, viruses, or a forgotten pattern lock. In such cases, hard reset becomes the only solution.

In this article, we’ll take 4 proven ways to make Hard Reset on the Redmi Note 5 (including the Redmi Note 5 Pro and Redmi Note 5A models) relevant to MIUI 14/13/12 and Android 9/8.1. We’ll take a look at resets through settings, Recovery, Fastboot and even if the phone doesn’t turn on. And we’ll also answer key questions: what to do with the Mi Account, how to save data and why the smartphone may not respond to commands.

What is Hard Reset and When is It Needed?

Hard Reset is the complete deletion of all user data and the return of the smartphone to the factory settings. Unlike a normal reset, it affects:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 🔑 System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, display)
• 📁 Files in internal memory (photos, videos, documents)
• 🔒 pattern lock, PIN-code, fingerprints

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Hard Reset requires the following:

• 🔄 The smartphone is slowing down or constantly restarting (bootloop»)
• 🔐 Forgot your password/pattern lock and can’t unlock the screen
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware
• 📱 Before selling/transferring the phone to another user
• 🔧 After a failed update MIUI (black screen, errors)

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note 5 with a locked bootloader, Hard Reset via Recovery may require you to enter your Mi Account data. If you do not remember your username / password, use the method via Fastboot or contact the service center.

Reset Preparation: What to Do Before Hard Reset

Before you reset Redmi Note 5, follow these steps to avoid data loss and account issues:

1. Save important data: 📸 Photos and videos: copy to PC via USB Or upload it to Google Photos./Mi Cloud 📞 Contacts: sync with Google Account or export to file VCF 📝 SMS and records: use applications like SMS Backup & Restore

Check out the Mi Account

If the phone is tied to Mi Account, you may need to enter your login/password after the reset. Make sure to remember the data or untie the device in Settings → Mi Account → Devices.

Charging the battery

The charge level should be at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during reset, this can damage the firmware.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 5 feature Find Device is enabled, after resetting, the phone may lock before entering Mi Account data. → Mi Account → Find Device.

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

The easiest method is to reset directly from the system, which is fine if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the unlock password.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (or Additional → Recovery and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data (or Reset all settings).
5. Enter. PIN-code/pattern lock, if required.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process (3-10 minutes) and after completion you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will show a direct link to the desired section.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If the Redmi Note 5 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery Mode.This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires physical access to the buttons.

How to log in to 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 on for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In Recovery, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.

Resetting instructions:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
2. Next up is Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
4. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
5. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 5-10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/Mac) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

The phone will reboot and start setting up from scratch, which will delete all data, including the link to the Mi Account, but will not affect the firmware.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bypass the locking of your Mi Account after Hard Reset if you don’t remember the login details.

Method 4: Hard Reset via Mi Cloud (Remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, use the remote reset via Mi Cloud.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi Note 5 from the list of devices.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Cons of the method:

• ❌ The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ❌ After the reset, the device will still require the entry of Mi Account data.
• ❌ It does not work if the Find Device function is disabled on the phone.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you run Hard Reset on Redmi Note 5, you run into typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory) in which case, contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions