Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, released in 2018, but still in active use.Over time, any gadget starts to slow down, give out errors or simply requires a “clean start” before selling.Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution for most software problems, but if executed improperly can lead to data loss or even “bricking” the device.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince): through system settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances associated with MIUI 12/14 and bootloader lock, which are often missed in standard instructions, and you will learn how to save important data before reset and what to do if the smartphone does not turn on or requires a password after the procedure.
When do I need to reset to factory settings?
Resetting is not always a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary:
- 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
- 🔄 Before selling or transferring the device to another person (to delete personal data).
- 🔐 Forgot the pattern lock or password to unlock the screen.
- 🛠️ After a failed update MIUI or custom-fixing.
- 📱 The device is infected with viruses or advertising software that is not removed by standard methods.
However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge (the reason is more often in hardware malfunction of the battery).
- 📡 Network problems (may be associated with an antenna module or SIM-card).
- 💥 Physical damage to the screen, speaker or buttons.
⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 5 Plus doesn’t turn on at all (no charging response, doesn’t vibrate when you press the buttons), resetting through software methods won’t work.
Resetting: How to save important data?
The factory reset completely removes all data from the smartphone’s internal memory, including:
- 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
- 📱 Contacts, SMS Call history (unless synced with Google or Mi Account).
- 🎵 Music, documents and files downloaded manually.
- 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to a Google Play or Mi Game Center account).
- ⚙️ Application settings, Wi-Fi networks and passwords.
To avoid losing important information, follow the following steps:
- Synchronize data with the cloud: 📱 Contact: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts. 📸 Photo: Use Google Photos or Mi Cloud (in camera settings, enable autoloading).
- Copy files to your computer: Connect Redmi 5 Plus over USB, select File Transfer (MTP) mode, and copy DCIM, Downloads, Documents folders.
- Save SMS and call history: Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
Export notes and application data:
- MIUI has built-in Backup (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset).
⚠️ Note: If you have a Can't mount error in Recovery /data or E:unknown command, which means that the data partition is corrupted, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see the next section).
What if the sensor in Recovery is not working?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader, which can be useful if:
- 🔧 Recovery does not start or gives out errors.
- 📦 We need to reflash the device to clean. MIUI.
- 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and smartphone is locked after reset.
It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to the clean system.
💡
Fastboot reset is the only way to bypass Mi Cloud Lock if you forget your Xiaomi account details. However, for this, the bootloader must be unlocked before the device is locked!
What do I do after the dump?
After a successful reset, the Redmi 5 Plus will launch as a new one.
- Language and region setting: Choose Russian (or any other language you want), and specify the country of Russia (or your region) is important for Google services to work properly.
- Network connection: Insert SIM-map and set up mobile Internet or connect to Wi-Fi.
- Sign in: Sign in to Google Account (required to access the Play Market) and connect to Mi Account (if you plan to use Xiaomi services).
Data recovery:
- If you made a backup through MIUI Backup, restore it to Settings → Additional → Backup.
- Copy the files back to your phone via USB.
If there are problems after the discharge:
- 🔄 Logo obsession MI: Repeat the reset via Recovery or flash the device through Fastboot.
- 🔒 Requires Mi Account password: restore access to your account or contact Xiaomi.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Can't mount /data in Recovery | Data partition or file system damaged | Swipe your device through Fastboot with a Clean All selection |
| After reset, asks for an old password | The device has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection enabled. | Enter the Google Account that was tied before the reset |
| Fastboot doesn't see the device | Drivers not installed or damaged USB-cable | Install the Mi Flash Tool (it has drivers) or try another cable/port |
| The reset is interrupted, the phone is not turned on. | Power is out or the user interrupts the process. | Try re-entering Recovery or Fastboot and repeat resetting |
⚠️ If you have lost sight of the Redmi 5 Plus after resetting via Fastboot SIM-The cards or modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) were probably installed for another model or region, and you need to flash the correct version. MIUI for vince (global or Chinese, depending on the original firmware).