How to make a hard reset on Xiaomi Redmi 5: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 5, launched in late 2017, is still popular due to its reliability and availability, but users are faced with the need to completely clear the device of data over time, which may be caused by selling the gadget, transferring it to another owner or trying to fix software errors such as freezes and interface failures, in such situations, standard cleaning of the cache is not enough, and a more radical approach is required.

A complete reset procedure known as hard reset returns the phone to factory status, which means deleting all user files, settings, installed apps and accounts. Before any manipulations, it is imperative to be aware of the irreversibility of this action. It will be impossible to restore photos, contacts or correspondence deleted in this way without prior backup, so you should not neglect the creation of a backup.

In this article, we will discuss all the available methods for returning Redmi 5 to factory settings. You will learn how to reset through the standard system menu, how to enter Recovery mode for deep cleaning and what to do if the device is locked or not turned on. We will also touch on the topic of unlocking your Mi and Google account, since modern versions of Android strictly monitor data security.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you start active actions, you need to perform a number of preparatory operations. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important information or lock the device after a reboot. The first step is to create a full backup of data. Xiaomi owners can use built-in cloud storage or third-party services to save contacts, calendar and notes.

The second critical point is battery power: the process of formatting internal memory requires stable power supply. If during the procedure the phone turns off due to a discharge, there is a high risk of damaging system files and turning the smartphone into a brick. Charge the device to at least 60-70% before work begins.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Google account and Mi Account. Once reset, the system will require authorization from these services to confirm ownership of the device (protection) FRP).

It is also worth removing microSD cards and SIM-The cards before the procedure, although the current versions MIUI It doesn't usually affect external drives when reset, physical retrieval of the memory card ensures that you don't accidentally format your personal archives along with the system.

Method 1: Reset via system settings (Soft Reset)

The safest and easiest method for most users is to use the built-in operating system functionality, which is relevant if your Redmi 5 is turned on, the screen is touch-sensitive, and you have access to the main menu. The action algorithm is as standardized as possible for the MIUI shell.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to Advanced Settings. In some firmware versions, this section may simply be called "Additional." This is where the system management tools hide. Find the "Recover and Reset" or "Reserve and Reset" section.

In the menu that opens, select the option "Reset settings." The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Here it is important to pay attention to the check box "Clear all data." If you just want to reset your network or calendar settings, this option can not be selected, but for a full hard reset it is mandatory. Once confirmed, the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process.

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Before resetting via settings, turn off internet (Wi-Fi and mobile data) to avoid accidentally synchronizing deletion of files with the cloud during the process.

The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of memory filled. It usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Don't touch the device at this time. Once completed, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 will restart and greet you with the screen of the initial setting, as if you just took it out of the box.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode

If the system doesn't boot, the phone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen doesn't respond, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, a deeper method that allows you to bypass a broken interface. On Xiaomi devices, this mode is entered by a combination of physical buttons.

Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, and then you can release the power button while you keep the volume down. In a few seconds, you'll see the Recovery menu, where the volume button controls and the power button selects.

From the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English or Chinese), then go to Wipe Data, then you need to confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data, the system will again warn about the consequences, and after confirmation, the formatting process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed as a percentage.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen does not work. Navigation is carried out only with the volume buttons (up/down) and the on button (select/confirm).

Once the procedure is completed, the message “Data wiped successfully” will appear on the screen. Select the option “Back to Main Menu” and then “Reboot –> “Reboot to System”; the first run after such a reset can last longer than usual, sometimes up to 10 minutes, as the system needs to recreate the basic file structure.

Method 3: Reset a forgotten password through the Mi Flash Tool

In situations where access to the device is blocked by a forgotten pattern or password, and Recovery does not help reset protection (due to activated FRP lock), you may need to flash or use specialized software. The official Mi Flash Tool allows you to completely clean the memory of the phone by connecting it to the computer.

For this method, you will need a PC with Windows OS, USB-cable ADB/Fastboot. Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 (codename ros) in Fastboot format (archive.tgz). Unpack the archive in the root of the C disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic or spaces.

C:\ros_global_8.2.3.0.ODAMIEK\images

Launch it. flash_all.bat Or use the Mi Flash Tool GUI. Connect the phone turned off by pressing the volume button (Fastboot mode). In the program, press Refresh, select the device and click Clean All. This action will completely erase all memory partitions, including user data, and install a clean system.

Using this method requires caution. Choosing the wrong firmware or interrupting the process can lead to hardware errors. Make sure the device model matches the firmware codename exactly. For Redmi 5, this is important, as there are Plus and 4A modifications whose firmware is incompatible.

Common Errors and How to Resolve Them

Users often face a variety of problems during reset, one of the most common being a cyclical bootloop, where the phone is constantly restarted without reaching the desktop, which may indicate damage to the system partition or a lack of space for temporary files during reset.

Another common problem is requiring you to enter a Google account after a reset that you don't remember, which is the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) mechanism, which can only be circumvented legally by restoring access to your account through Google's site, and attempts to use third-party crawls often lead to unstable system operation.

Below is a table of major errors and possible solutions:

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If after resetting the phone continues to behave unstable, the problem may lie not in the software, but in the wear of flash memory or battery.

Also worth mentioning is the "Can't verify update" error, which sometimes occurs when you try to reset through the update menu, which means that the integrity of the update file is broken or the version of the software does not match the current one, in which case only a manual reset via Recovery or PC will help.

Set up Redmi 5 after returning to factory settings

Once the hard reset is completed, you will have a clean system. The initial setup of Xiaomi Redmi 5 will take a few minutes. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account. It is recommended to immediately upgrade to the latest available version to eliminate known security vulnerabilities.

During the setup process, the system will suggest recovering data from the backup. If you used the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud, you can return contacts, sms and a list of installed applications. However, photos and heavy files are better restored manually so as not to overload the initial setup process.

Pay attention to privacy settings. When you first start, you should turn off the diagnostic data transfer to Xiaomi, unless you plan to participate in the user experience improvement program. Also check the permissions for system applications to make sure they do not have excessive access to your data.

To optimize battery life after reset, let the phone lie on charge for about an hour without active action, the system will conduct internal file indexing and database optimization, which in the first minutes can cause heat and increased power consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)