How to reboot Xiaomi Redmi 5: from soft restart to full reset

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a popular smartphone, which even after years is actively used for its reliability. However, any technique periodically requires a reboot: the application freezes, the system begins to slow down, then after the update there are glitches. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to restart Redmi 5 β€” from a standard reboot to forced reset via Recovery mode, and explain when and what method to apply.

It is important to understand that not all reboots are the same: a soft reboot simply restarts the system without losing data, whereas a hard reset can delete all user information. We will describe each option in detail, specify the risks and give recommendations on how to choose the best way depending on the situation.

1. Standard reboot (soft restart)

This is the safest and most recommended method, and it should be used in 90% of cases, it does not delete data, it does not reset settings, it does not require special knowledge, it is suitable if the smartphone simply slows down, the applications do not respond or you need to update the configuration of the system after changing the settings.

How to do this:

  • πŸ”„ Press and hold the power button (located on the right end of Redmi 5) for 2-3 seconds.
  • πŸ“± On the screen will appear menu with options to Turn off, Reboot and Emergency mode.
  • πŸ” Select Reboot and confirm the action.

If the screen is not responsive to presses, but the smartphone is still on (for example, the backlight of the buttons is on), try to press the power button for 10-15 seconds - this will force the device to turn off.

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If problems persist after rebooting, check for space in memory (Settings β†’ Memory). A filled storage often causes brakes.

2. Forced reset (hard restart)

This method is used when the smartphone is completely frozen: does not respond to touch, does not turn off through the power menu, and the screen is either black or shows a single image (for example, the MIUI logo when booting). Unlike a soft restart, there is an emergency power outage, which can lead to the loss of unsaved data in open applications.

Instructions:

  1. Press the power button and hold it for at least 20 seconds (even if the screen is gone earlier).
  2. Release the button after the Redmi logo appears or vibrates.
  3. Wait for the system to fully load (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).

If the smartphone does not respond even to prolonged retention of the power button, the problem may be a discharged battery or hardware malfunction, in which case, connect it to charging for 15-30 minutes, and then try again.

What if after a hard restart the smartphone does not turn on?
If Redmi 5 shows no signs of life after a forced reboot: 1. Connect the original charger and leave for 1-2 hours (even if the indicator does not burn). 2. Try to pinch Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds - this can start charging mode. 3. If the screen remains black, the problem may be in the power controller or battery - diagnostics are required at the service center.

3.Reboot through Recovery Mode

Recovery mode is a service menu that allows you to perform deep operations with the system, including resetting settings and cleaning the cache. Recovery is useful if the smartphone constantly reboots on its own, does not load beyond the logo or after the update there are critical errors.

How to log in to Recovery and restart:

  1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – use a forced restart from the previous section).
  2. Press the power and volume buttons up simultaneously.
  3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-10 seconds).
  4. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
  5. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

πŸ”‹ Battery charge of at least 30%

πŸ”Œ Original charger connected (in case of long-term operations)

πŸ“± Backup of important data (if you plan to reset)

πŸ” Checking the smartphone model (some versions of Recovery differ)

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If there is no Reboot to System option in the Recovery menu, select Reboot or Power Off, and then turn on your smartphone in the standard way.

Once a week.

Only when it's hanging.

After the updates

I never reboot.

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4. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset is a last resort measure that completely erases all data on a smartphone, including apps, photos, accounts and settings.

  • πŸ“± The smartphone is locked (forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code).
  • 🐒 The system is very slow even after restarting.
  • πŸ”„ After updating MIUI critical errors have been made.
  • 🦠 Suspicion of viral infection.

How to make Hard Reset on Redmi 5:

  1. Enter Recovery Mode (see previous section).
  2. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
  3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
  4. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot to System.

The process can take 5-15 minutes. After the reboot, the smartphone will be like a new one – you will need to reconfigure the language, connect to Wi-Fi and restore data from the backup (if you have one).

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Hard Reset deletes ALL data, including files on internal memory. If your smartphone is recognized by your computer, pre-copy important information via MTP or ADB.

5.Reboot via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t help and the smartphone is still reacting to the connection to the computer, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires customization. USB-Debugging and working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your computer.
  2. Turn it on on Redmi 5. USB-debugging (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Press 7 times, then return to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers).
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable and confirm the debugging permit.
  4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices

(The name of your device should appear)

adb shell reboot

(soft reboot)

For forced reboot use:

adb shell reboot -p

If your smartphone is not detected via adb devices, try reinstalling drivers or using another one. USB-cable (original).

6. Solving problems after restart

Sometimes, after a reboot, Redmi 5 behaves incorrectly, and let’s look at typical situations and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The smartphone does not turn on after restartBattery discharged, loader failureCharge 30+ minutes, try logging in to Recovery (Power + Volume Up)
Constant reboots (bootloop)Damaged firmware, module conflictReset the cache in Recovery (Wipe Cache) or reflash through Fastboot
The sensor does not work after restarting.Touchscreen driver failurePerform Hard Reset or re-flash your smartphone
No network after restartCommunication module failure, IMEI errorCheck the settings. APN (Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks)

If after several reboots problems persist, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, battery plume dump or damage to the motherboard).In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the service center.

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After any reset, Redmi 5 may request a login and password from a previously linked Mi Account. If you don’t remember the data, use the recovery service or contact Xiaomi for support.

7. When to contact the service center

Not all problems are solved by software reboot, but there are some signs that you can trust professionals.

  • πŸ”₯ The smartphone overheats even after a restart (may indicate a malfunction of the battery or processor).
  • πŸ’§ On the screen appeared divorces, stripes or artifacts (damage to the matrix or plume).
  • πŸ”Œ Does not charge or discharge quickly (battery wear, power controller failure).
  • πŸ“Ά There is no network, although SIM-The card is good (problems with the antenna module).

The cost of diagnostics in official Xiaomi service centers is usually 500-1000 rubles, and repairs (for example, replacing the battery) costs 1500-3000 rubles depending on the malfunction.

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If Redmi 5 is warranty, DO NOT perform self-repair or disassembly.This voids Xiaomi's warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 5 restart

Can I reboot Redmi 5 if the power button is not working?
Yes, there are two ways: Connect your smartphone to charge, sometimes it automatically triggers a reboot. Use ADB (if debugging is enabled): enter the adb shell input keyevent 26 command (emulating the power button pressing). If the button is physically broken, you will need to replace it at the service center.
Why did the photos disappear after the restart?
This could have happened for two reasons: you accidentally chose Wipe Data in Recovery instead of a normal reboot. SD-Try to recover data using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (if the smartphone is determined by the computer). In the future, store important files in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or on a removable memory card.
How to cancel the reset to the factory settings, if it has already begun?
You can't interrupt the Hard Reset process -- it'll be over anyway. However, you can: Wait until the reset is over and restore the data from the backup (if you have one). If the reset is frozen during the formatting phase, try forcibly restarting the smartphone (pressing the power button for 20 seconds), but this can damage the system files.
Should I take it out? SIM-card and memory card before resetting?
No, it's not necessary. Hard Reset doesn't affect the data on the SIM-card and removable memory card (microSD: SIM-The card contains contacts that will not be deleted, but it is better to sync them with your Google account. The memory card is not formatted, but some system files (for example, the application cache) can be cleared.
Can I re-start through the Engineering Menu?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The engineering menu (#4636##) is designed for testing and can cause your smartphone to function unstable when settings are incorrect. For a normal reboot, use the standard methods from this article.