Introduction: when to reset and what is it dangerous
Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings is a radical solution that can both save a smartphone from software glitches and turn it into a “brick” if approached incorrectly. This device, released in 2018 based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 and MIUI 9/10, still remains popular among users, but its firmware is clogged with cache, conflicting updates and remnants of remote applications. In 70% of cases, a complete reset solves problems with freezing, overheating or fast battery discharge, but it is important to understand this device from malfunctioning.
Before you start, answer three questions: 1 Have you tried less radical methods (cleaning cache, rolling back updates, removing "heavy" applications)? 2 Do you have a backup of contacts, photos and messages? After reset, you can not restore them without a backup. 3 Do you know the password from the Mi Account? Without it, after reset, the smartphone can be locked forever (especially if the Find Device function was previously activated).
If you have one question that you say no to, you have to fix it first, otherwise you risk losing data or getting a bootloop when the device is stuck with the Redmi logo and doesn't boot any further, and then we'll go through the three official reset methods, their pros/cons and typical errors.
Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (most secure)
This is a good way to do it if you turn on, you react to touch, you have access to the settings menu, and the main advantage of this is to keep the ability to unlock through Mi Account after reset (as opposed to hard methods via Recovery). MIUI 10–14.
Steps for discharge:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and make sure the firmware is up to date. If you have updates, install them before resetting.
- 🔄 Return to the main settings menu and go to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
- 🔐 Select Settings Reset, then Erase all data. The system will request a password/pattern lock (if installed).
- ⚠️ A warning will appear on the screen to delete all data. Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings.
It takes 3-7 minutes. The smartphone will reboot, and you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. Importantly, if you previously tied Mi Account, after the reset you will need to enter a login / password to unlock (FRP-lock).
Make a backup in Mi Cloud or on PC|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Unlock Google Account (Settings) → Accounts)|Remember the data from the Mi Account-->
⚠️ Note: If after reset, the smartphone requires an old password that you do not remember, do not enter at random - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.
Method 2: Hard Recovery Reset (if the phone doesn't turn on)
If the Redmi Note 5 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked with a pattern lock, you will have to use Recovery mode, which erases all data, including internal memory, but does not affect the microSD card (if installed).
Instructions:
- 🔋 Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- 🔄 Press the power button at the same time. + Loud up and hold for 8-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- 📱 Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English).
- 🖱️ Use volume buttons for navigation and power to confirm. select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. After completion, select Reboot.
If after the reboot, the smartphone asks for a password again, then the Mi Account protection was activated.
- 🔓 Enter the data from the Xiaomi account to which the phone is linked.
- 🌐 If you do not remember the password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com before entering Attempt. 5/5.
- 🛠️ If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand) contact the previous owner or use the Fastboot method.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The discharge is interrupted by 50% | Lack of battery power | Connect the charger and repeat the process |
| After the reset, there's no net. | The modem's firmware is down. | Check out the Mi Flash Tool. |
| Recovery in Chinese | Global firmware replaced by Chinese | Select English from the menu (3rd line) |
| Phone asks for password after reset | FRP-blocking activated | Enter Mi Account data or reset via Fastboot |
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This is a last chance if the first two don't work. It requires a computer, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for occasions:
- 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten after reset.
- 🤖 The smartphone is stuck in bootloop (infinite download).
- 📱 We need to reflash the device to clean. MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- 💻 Download and install: Android SDK Platform-Tools (for fastboot) Official firmware for Redmi Note 5 (select the Fastboot version).
Loudness down + Nutrition
Fastboot Mode
Fastboot
Platform-Tools
fastboot oem edlIf the team doesn’t work, try:
fastboot flashing unlock(You may need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.)
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware or interrupting the process may result in loss of IMEI or a non-functioning module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. If the network signal is missing after the firmware, check it out. IMEI team *#06# If necessary, restore it through SN Writer Tool.
💡
Before you use Fastboot, disable the antivirus – it can block Mi Flash Tool files as potentially dangerous.
How to save data before resetting
If your phone is still turning on, but you are afraid of losing data, use these methods:
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable sync for contacts, notes and photos. Please note: free available only 5 GB.
- 💾 Local backup: In the menu Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and Reset Select Local Backup. The file will be saved to internal memory (folder) MIUI/backup).
- 🖥️ ADB Backup (for advanced): Connect your phone to your PC, enable Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 Once, then return to the additional → For developers) and execute the command: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab
If the phone doesn't turn on but the screen is responding to backlight, try removing the memory card (if the data was on it) or connecting the smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode and using utilities like Dr.Fone to extract files. Keep in mind that the chances of success are 30-50%, since Xiaomi encrypts user data.
💡
Even if you backup your Mi Cloud, photos and videos in their original quality won't be saved -- the cloud compresses them. Use a wired PC connection to make a full copy.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems.
1.The smartphone does not go out of Fastboot mode
Reason: The loader is damaged or the firmware is blown off.
Decision:
- 🔄 Try to reboot the command: fastboot reboot
- 📥 If it doesn’t work, swipe your smartphone again through the Mi Flash Tool by selecting the Clean All option.
2. After reset, there is no network (no signal)
Reason: IMEI crashed or modem was damaged.
Decision:
- 📞 Check it out. IMEI, typing *#06#. If it's displayed Null/Unknown — Restore it through SN Writer Tool (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
- 📡 Refuse the modem section through Fastboot: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin (file NON-HLOS.bin file-file).
3.Hanging on Mi logo after reset
Reason: Firmware conflict or incompatible version of MIUI.
Decision:
- 🔄 Go to Recovery and make a Wipe Cache.
- 📲 Switch your smartphone to a stable global version MIUI (for example, V12.5.3.0 For the Redmi Note 5).