How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations: Maybe your device started to brake after the MIUI update, or you plan to sell the device and want to delete all personal data. Or maybe the phone fell into the hands of a child, and now the screen is full of unnecessary applications, and the system is malfunctioning. In any case, a full reset (or hard reset) will return the Redmi Note 5 to its original state, the same as it was immediately after purchase.

But before you start, it’s important to understand that this operation will delete everything – photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and even Wi-Fi settings. If you don’t back up in advance, it will be extremely difficult (and sometimes impossible) to recover data, especially for users who have never synced their Xiaomi account with Mi Account or cloud services. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods, as well as how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the phone does not turn on after the procedure.

Although Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred) was released in 2018, it is still popular with users due to its robust hardware and custom firmware support, but over the years, even such a hardy device can start to “glut,” resetting to factory settings often becomes the only way to return the device to its former performance without going to the service center.

Unlike the new Xiaomi models, where the reset procedure may differ due to the updated MIUI shell, the Redmi Note 5 is simple.

• 📱 Through phone settings – if the device is turned on and you remember the pattern lock/password.
• 🔧 Recovery Mode – if the phone is stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch.
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool – if previous methods did not work or you need to reflash the device.

Before you go to the instructions, answer one question:

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you reset the Redmi Note 5, follow a few steps, or you risk losing important data or experiencing recovery problems.

Backup is the most critical stage, and even if you're planning to dump your phone because of the sale, keep copies of documents, photos and contacts in case something goes wrong.

• ☁️ Sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, messages and photos. make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free available 5GB).
• 📁 Local copy on PC: connect the phone to the computer through USB, Select the file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM (Photo/video, Downloads and Documents.
• 🔄 Exports SMS and calls: use apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play) to save message history and call logs.

If you don't remember the Mi Account password, a Recovery reset may lock your phone because of the Mi Account Lock feature, in which case, after the procedure, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the account that was associated with the device. If you can't remember the data, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com.

Also check the battery power – it should be at least 50%.If the phone runs out during reset, it can damage system files and “brick” the device.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Make sure you remember your Mi Account information|Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

2. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if your Redmi Note 5 is turned on and responsive to commands.It is suitable for fixing software failures, cleaning the system from debris or preparing the device for transfer to another user.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Slip on the Reset item.
4. The system will prompt you to choose what to reset. To clean up completely, mark Delete all data (including applications).
5. Enter a password or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes. The phone will reboot, and you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it. If the device hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after the reset (more than 20 minutes), this may indicate that the system files are damaged, in which case you move to the next method.

What to do if the “Settings Reset” item is not available?

In some versions of MIUI (especially custom firmware), the menu may look different. Try an alternative path: Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three dots in the upper right corner → Reset.

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If you’re resetting your phone before selling, remember to log out of your Google and Xiaomi account in Settings → Accounts menu, otherwise the new owner won’t be able to use the device without your data.

3. Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

If the Redmi Note 5 doesn’t turn on, freezes on the screensaver or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which will also help if you forget your pattern lock or password.

Note: Some versions of MIUI may require you to enter data from Mi Account after resetting via Recovery, even if you have not previously linked an account.

How to log in to Recovery and make a reset:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
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 see the Recovery menu in English or Chinese.

Control in Recovery is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down for moving, Power for selecting).

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese version).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after the reboot the phone requires you to enter data from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, you will have to contact Xiaomi support or look for workarounds (for example, through the Mi Unlock Tool, but this is risky).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two methods did not work, or you want to reflash the device to a clean version. MIUI. He wants a computer, USB-Specialty and cable software - Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of the Mi Flash Tool can turn a phone into a brick, a method only recommended for those who have already dealt with Xiaomi firmware or are willing to take risks.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website (or a proven source like XDA Developers).
2. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) from en.miui.com. Choose the Fastboot version (file with.tgz extension).
3. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\whyred).
4. Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot Mode: press the Power button + Volume down before the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
5. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
7. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
8. Select firmware mode: 🔄 Clean All – Complete cleaning and firmware (recommended). 📦 Clean All and Lock – the same, but with bootloader lock (only for official firmware). 🛠️ Save User Data - firmware without deleting data (not suitable for resetting).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process.

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Use the Mi Flash Tool only as a last resort. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the Xiaomi service center.

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even if the reset is successful, users sometimes experience problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after reset, Redmi Note 5 does not determine SIM-map, check if the modem firmware has crashed, and then only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All mode selection will help.

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after an incorrect reset, and if the phone's settings don't show IMEI or it shows Null/Unknown, you can restore it through the engineering menu:

1. In the phone application, type the combination ##4636##.
2. Go to Phone Information and check for IMEI status.
3. If you don’t have an IMEI, use programs like Chimera Tool or SN Writer (requires an authorized account).

If the purpose of the reset is to make room, first check what exactly is taking up the memory:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. See which apps or files take up the most space.
3. Delete unnecessary data manually or transfer it to a memory card.

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Before you reset your phone due to “brakes”, try turning off animations in the developer settings. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times), then to Settings → Additional → For developers and set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Duration of Animation to Off..

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note 5