How to make a hard reset on Xiaomi Mi5: a guide

The Xiaomi Mi5, released back in 2016, remains a legendary device for many users thanks to its flagship hardware of the time.However, like any electronics, it is prone to software failures, accumulation of system debris and reduced performance over time. When the phone starts to run slowly, freeze or refuse to accept correct passwords, the most effective solution is often a complete reset.

Known as Hard Reset, the procedure brings the device back to factory status by removing all user data, apps and cache, a radical but necessary step to resuscitate the gadget. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the ways you can perform this operation so you can safely restore your Mi5 to work without going to the service center.

Before you start taking action, it is important to understand that there are different methods of resetting: software through settings, hardware through Recovery mode and deep reset through the computer. The choice of the specific method depends on whether your phone is turned on and access to the menu is unlocked. Be sure to back up important data, since after the procedure it will be impossible to restore them with standard means.

Preparation for resetting settings and important nuances

The beginning of any serious manipulation of the smartphone file system should be accompanied by a preparatory stage. Ignoring simple security rules can lead to the loss of valuable photos, contacts and notes. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of recording system files.

Mi Account holders need to be especially careful, and if you don't remember the password from the account linked to the phone, the reset may trigger the "Find Device" protection that locks the device, which will require the username and password that were previously used.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell the phone or transfer it to another person, be sure to unplug the Mi Account before resetting.

It is also worth checking for an SD card. If it is installed, it is best to remove it before starting the procedure, so as not to accidentally format the external storage along with the internal memory. Although modern versions of MIUI usually require confirmation, the risk of human error is always present.

You can use cloud services or local copying to your computer to sync your data, and it will take time, but it will save your memories and your work files, and then you can start to reset your data after you've done all the preparations.

Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu

The easiest and safest option for those who have their phone turned on and the screen reacts to touch, a method that requires no special knowledge and is suitable for most users who want to simply clean the device. Go to the main menu and find the Settings icon.

Next, the algorithm is: scroll down to About Phone or Advanced Settings (depending on the firmware version). Find Reset. The system will offer two options: Reset (saving files) and Erase everything. We need the second option for a full hard reset.

Once you select the erasure option, the system will ask you to enter a graphical key or password to unlock the screen, which is protection against accidental deletion of data by children or by strangers, confirm the action, and the phone will restart to begin the cleaning process.

The latency depends on the amount of memory you have. Don't interrupt the process even if the screen goes out or the phone seems to be hanging. The modern Snapdragon processors installed in the Mi5 are quick to do the job, but the background processes can make adjustments.

Method 2: Hardware reset via Recovery Mode

If your phone is stuck, doesn't respond to touch, or you've forgotten your unlock password, you can't log in through the menu, and then Recovery mode comes to the rescue, and it's a low-level environment built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main interface.

To enter the Xiaomi Mi5, you use a standard button combination. Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press both the Volume+ button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume.

You'll see a menu with a few items in English or Chinese, and you'll see the volume buttons (up/down) and the power buttons, and you'll need Wipe Data or Clear Data.

Once you select Wipe Data, the system can request confirmation, because it is irreversible. Some versions of MIUI require you to enter a special code or confirm through an account if the phone has been previously activated, a security measure to prevent the device from being stolen.

⚠️ Note: Some global firmware may require a Wi-Fi connection to verify your Google account after a Recovery reset (FRP Make sure you remember the data from your Google account.

Method 3: Deep reset and firmware via Fastboot

For advanced users or in cases where the Recovery partition is damaged, there is a Fastboot mode, which allows you to interact with the phone directly through the computer using special utilities, which is the most powerful tool in the arsenal of the owner Xiaomi.

To enter this mode, turn off your phone and press the Volume button along with the Power button. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, with the inscription: FASTBOOT. Connect the device to the PC through high-quality USB-cable.

The computer will require the Mi Flash Tool and the official firmware for Mi5 (codename gemini).It is important to download the version that corresponds to the region of your device to avoid problems with communication frequencies and NFC.

fastboot devices


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fastboot reboot

Using the command line requires care. A single-letter error can cause the phone to stop booting (bootloop), but if done correctly, it's a guaranteed way to revive even a heavily damaged software system.

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Use it. USB-port 2.0 on the back of your computer to connect in Fastboot mode. USB 3.0 on some motherboards may not work stable with Qualcomm drivers.

Problems solved after Hard Reset

Once the procedure is completed successfully, the phone will restart. The first run can take 5 to 15 minutes. This is normal, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files. Don't try to speed up the process by re-energizing.

If the device is stuck on the Mi logo or restarts indefinitely, it may be damaged cache partition or firmware, in which case you should repeat the login to Recovery and select the Wipe Cache option (if available separately) or try to reflash the device again.

A common problem is the quick discharge of the battery immediately after reset, which is due to background indexing of files and updating Google services, and let the phone run quietly for a couple of hours, connected to Wi-Fi, so that it stabilizes.

In rare cases, you may need to recalibrate the sensor, dial ##64663## (engineering menu) and run screen tests on the phone menu, and if touchscreen problems persist, it may be a hardware malfunction that is not related to software.

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The first run after a reset always lasts longer than usual because of system optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)