Hard Resets on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A: 3 ways to completely reset

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give errors or require preparation for sale, in such cases, helps hard reset — a complete reset to factory settings.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to make a hard reset on the Redmi Note 5A: through the settings menu, using Recovery Mode and using Fastboot. We will detail each method, point out the possible risks and give recommendations for data retention. If your smartphone is frozen, does not turn on or requires unlocking, here you will find a solution.

Important: The reset procedure deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and apps. Make sure to back up before you start!

What is Hard Reset and When You Need It

Hard reset (or hard reset) is a forced reset of a smartphone to factory settings. Unlike a normal reset, it deletes all user data, returning the device to the "out of the box" state. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A, the procedure can be performed through a software menu or hardware buttons.

The main reasons for discharge are:

• 🐢 The smartphone is strongly slowing down or spontaneously rebooting
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or unlock password
• 📱 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another user
• 🛠️ Fixing Errors After Failed Update MIUI
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that is not removed by standard methods

On the Redmi Note 5A, hard reset can be done in three ways: 1) Through MIUI settings (if the phone turns on), 2) Through Recovery Mode (if the smartphone freezes or does not respond), 3 Through Fastboot (for experienced users in case of serious failures).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, note that after a hard reset, you will need to enter your Mi Account information if it was tied to the device. 5A fail!

Method 1: Hard Resets via MIUI Settings

The easiest method is to reset directly from the phone menu, which is suitable if the Redmi Note 5A is turned on, touch-sensitive and you have access to settings, which requires no additional tools and takes no more than 5 minutes.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select the Additional section (or About Phone in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Restore and Reset (or Reset settings).
4. Slip on Resetting (may be called Erase All Data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

And then the phone automatically restarts and starts cleaning up, and the run time depends on the amount of data -- usually takes 3 to 10 minutes -- and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like you did after you bought it.

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account (if tied)|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, you can restore access only through the official Xiaomi website!

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode

If the Redmi Note 5A doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which is a special recovery mode built into Xiaomi's firmware, and you don't need a computer or any additional software to log in, just hardware buttons.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button and the Volume Up button (+) at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
5. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
6. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese version).
7. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
8. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items: the first item is reboot, the second is a data reset, the third is a cache cleanup.

Select the second item for resetting.

The cleaning process in Recovery takes up to 15 minutes than through the settings. Don't interrupt it or turn off the phone during the reset! Once you reboot, you get a clean device with no user data.

Method 3: Hard Resets via Fastboot (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (for example, because of a damaged firmware), the Fastboot option remains, USB-Xiaomi cable and installed drivers. It is suitable for cases where:

• 🔄 The phone is stuck in bootloop (constant restart)
• 🛠️ Recovery Mode is not opened or damaged
• 📦 You need to reflash the device after a failed update

To reset via Fastboot, follow the following steps:

Preparation of the computer:

• Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
• Install ADB/Fastboot drivers (can be used via Android SDK or Minimal ADB).
• Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 5A (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).

2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 5A.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down button (-).
3. Hold until the screen with the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).

Connection to a computer and reset:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool and press Select to select the downloaded firmware.
3. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
4. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (10-20 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart to a clean state, a method that completely reinstalls the firmware, so it's effective even in severe software failures.

⚠️ Note: Using Fastboot can cause a device to break if the wrong firmware is selected or the recording process is interrupted!

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Before you run through Fastboot, check the phone model in the settings (Settings → About Phone → Model). There are several modifications for the Redmi Note 5A: ugglite (standard) and ugg (with NFC). Download the firmware strictly for your version!

What to do after a hard reset

After the successful reset of the Redmi Note 5A, the initial setup is to be made.

Data recovery:

• 📱 If you made a backup through Mi Cloud, log in to your Xiaomi account and recover your data.
• 🖥️ If the copy was on the computer - connect the phone to USB and transfer files manually.
• ☁️ You can use Google Account for contacts and photos (if it was synced before resetting).

Optimization of work:

• 🚀 Turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Safety:

• 🔐 Set a new password or pattern lock (do not use simple combinations!).
• 🛡️ Enable Find Device in Mi Account settings to protect against theft.
• 📵 Check the permissions of applications in Settings → Confidentiality.

If the reset was done to correct errors, but problems remain (for example, the phone still brakes), it may be a hardware malfunction, in which case we recommend contacting the service center.

Table: Comparison of Hard Reset Methods on Redmi Note 5A

The choice of method depends on the state of your Redmi Note 5A. For most users, the first two methods are sufficient. Fastboot should only be used in extreme cases or if you have experience with firmware.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When performing hard resets, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery Mode

• 🔋 Check battery power – at a level below 20%, the device may not respond to the buttons.
• 🔌 Try to connect the charger and try again.
• 🔄 Hold the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds) – sometimes it takes longer.

2.After the reset, a Mi Account is required, but it is not

• 📧 Try to restore access through the official website.
• 📞 If the phone was bought from hand, contact the previous owner to unbundle the account.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

3.Reset interrupted and phone not switched on

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes, then reset again.
• 🖥️ If it doesn’t work, use the Fastboot method (described above).
• 🚨 If the screen is black, it may indicate a hardware failure.

4.After the reset, there are old files left

• 🗃️ Check the folder. MIUI/backup — Sometimes backups are saved automatically.
• 🧹 Reset again by selecting Wipe All Data in Recovery.
• 📁 Remove the remaining files manually through the file manager.

If none of the methods worked, it may be the hardware (for example, damaged memory or motherboard), in this case, self-repair is not recommended - it is better to consult specialists.

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Always check your battery power before reset! at levels below 30% increases the risk of a procedure failure, especially through Recovery or Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions