Hard resets Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: the complete guide to reset

Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus smartphone (also known as Vince) periodically face the need to completely clean the device’s memory, which can be caused by a sale of a gadget, critical operating system errors or a forgotten pattern lock.

This operation requires care, because it is irreversible, and in this article we will discuss in detail all available reset methods, from standard Android settings to the Recovery engineering menu, and also pay attention to the possible risks and features of working with the MIUI shell.

Before you start taking action, make sure you are fully aware of the consequences. Recovering deleted files without prior backup will be almost impossible, even using specialized software.

Preparation of the device for complete reset

The first and most important step is to save important information: Hard Reset irrevocably erases contacts, messages, photos and installed applications, and backups can be done through your Mi Cloud account, Google Drive, or simply by transferring files to your computer.

Be sure to check the battery level. To successfully complete the procedure, the battery must be charged at least 50-60%.If at a critical moment the Redmi 5 Plus smartphone turns off due to discharge, this can damage the system partitions and inability to further load.

You also need to turn off account protection if you plan to transfer your device to another person. Modern versions of Android have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security, and if you just reset with a button, the new owner can't activate the phone without your Google account password.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60% for process stability.
• ☁️ Create a backup of contacts and photos in cloud storage.
• 🔓 Sign out of Google and Mi Accounts before resetting.
• 📱 Extract. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card to avoid damaging their data.

⚠️ Note: If you have a memory card installed on your phone, be sure to remove it before starting the procedure. Formatting internal memory can sometimes affect the external drive if it was identified as part of internal storage.

Don't ignore sync checks. Make sure your photos are actually uploaded to the cloud by opening them from another device or browser. Often users forget that the photos are only in the local Camera folder and were not sent to the server.

Method 1: Resetting through system settings

The easiest and most secure method is available if you remember the screen unlock password and have access to your desktop, which is ideal for preparing your smartphone for sale or for routine trash removal.

To start, go to the main menu and select Settings. Next, scroll down to Advanced Settings (in some versions of MIUI it may simply be called "Advanced"). Find Recovery and Reset and click on it.

In the menu that opens, select Reset option. The system will alert you that all data will be deleted. If you are ready, click Reset (or Clear All) button. The device may request input. PIN-code or pattern lock to confirm the operation.

Once confirmed, the deletion process will begin, which will take a few minutes, and the smartphone will automatically restart and launch as a new one, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. This is a standard procedure that does not violate the warranty.

Method 2: Hard Rescue via Recovery Mode

If your phone is stuck, it doesn't turn on, or you forget your unlock password, you'll have to use Recovery, a deeper level of interaction with the system that allows you to manage partitions of memory bypassing the operating system.

To enter this mode on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume.

When the Recovery menu (usually a black screen with text and an orange/blue button) appears, you can control the selection of items using volume buttons, and confirm the action with a power button. In some versions, control via touchscreen is supported.

From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data. The system will alert you to data loss. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The formatting process will take a while, after which a success message will appear. Press Back to Main Menu and select Reboot -> Reboot to System.

Solving Google Account Problems (FRP)

Google's FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security system is designed to protect the owner's data in the event of a device being stolen. If you've done a hard resket through Recovery but haven't deleted your Google account beforehand, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized account when you first activate it.

It's not a bug, it's not a virus, it's a regular security feature, and without the right data, the phone will become a brick for the average user, and you can't get around that protection in legal ways without a password.

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If you buy a used Xiaomi phone, always ask the seller to make a full reset and log out of your account, which ensures that the device does not lock at your home the first time you turn on.

In cases where the password is forgotten, the only official way to restore access is to restore an account through the Google site from any other device. Attempts to use third-party software to bypass FRP often result in the complete inoperability of the firmware.

Possible errors and ways to eliminate them

Unforeseen situations can occur during the reset process, and users are most likely to experience a cyclic bootloop, where the phone constantly displays the Mi logo and shuts down again, which may indicate damage to system files.

If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 10-15 minutes after reset, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds. If that doesn't help, you may need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the formatting or firmware process. USB or battery discharge during data recording in memory can cause damage to the bootloader, which will require complex repairs in the service center.

Another common problem is the message "Can't verify update" or the update check error, which often happens when you try to update or reset on modified firmware, in which case you may need to unlock the bootloader.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Hard Resket is an effective tool for solving software problems, but requires you to back up important data before starting the procedure.