How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017 but still in active use.Over time, any gadget starts to slow down, glitches or simply requires “cleaning” before selling. Hard reset solves most software problems, but it’s important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or lock the device permanently.

In this article, you will find 3 proven reset methods (through settings, buttons and Mi Account), instructions for unlocking after reset, and answers to frequent questions – from “how to save contacts” to “what to do if the phone does not turn on after hard reset.” All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14) and work even on locked devices.

If your Redmi 5A is getting stuck on your logo, asking for a password after a reset, or not responding to touch, you'll find solutions here, and for those who are afraid of losing data, we've prepared a backup checklist.

1.When you need a Redmi 5A reset - 7 signs

Factory reset is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are the signals that your smartphone needs a "reboot":

• 🐢 The phone slows down even when opening simple apps (such as Settings or Calls).
• 🔄 Applications spontaneously close or issue an error “Application is stopped».
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch (especially after falling or getting moisture).
• 🔒 The device is locked after multiple incorrect password input.
• 📲 There are always banner ads or suspicious notifications (possible virus).
• 🔋 Battery discharges in 2-3 hours without active use.
• 📦 You are going to sell or give up your phone – a reset will delete all personal information.

If the problem is physical damage (a broken screen, a broken camera, a bloated battery), reset won't help, it needs repairs. But in 80% of cases, hard reset returns the Redmi 5A to "life."

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought with hands and tied to someone else's Mi Account, resetting through settings can lock the device! in this case, use the unlock method via Mi Cloud.

2.Reset preparation: how not to lose important data

The reset erases all the information from the phone's internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps.

Synchronize contacts with Google account

Copy photos/videos to your computer or cloud

Record the IMEI of your phone (in case of locking)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Disable protection with a pattern lock (if any)

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Methods of backup:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable sync for contacts, notes, SMS.

If the phone is not switched on or locked, try removing the memory card (if the data is on it) and connecting it to another device via an adapter.

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If you have forgotten the password from Mi Account tied to the phone, restore it to account.xiaomi.com. After reset, you may need to enter a login / password!

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it is only available if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the password/pattern lock.
• 📶 No connection to someone else's Mi Account.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
5. When you request, enter a password/pattern lock.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will restart and start the cleaning process (3-10 minutes) and then you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the username / password from Mi Account, and you do not know them - do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

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Resetting via settings is the only way that does not require disabling FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection on Redmi 5A.

4. Method 2: Hard reset via buttons (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Redmi 5A is stuck on the logo, does not respond to charging or is locked, then hardware reset via a combination of buttons will help.

• 🔄 Loaded loading (bootloop).
• 🔒 Forgotten password/pattern lock.
• 📵 Black screen (if the phone vibrates when you press the buttons).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the buttons at the same time: Volume up (+) + Power.

10-15 seconds

Mi

Recovery

In the recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

Reboot

On Redmi 5A, the recovery menu can be in Chinese! If you see characters, look for the item with the pictogram "erase" (usually the second one on top).

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if the phone is locked)

If after resetting Redmi 5A requires you to enter a username / password from Mi Account, and you do not know them, there are two options:

1. Official unlock (if your phone is yours, but you forgot the data).
2. FRP bypass (if the phone is bought from hand and tied to someone else’s account).

Official release:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and restore the password.
2. Enter the data on the phone screen.
3. If your account is not yours, contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support with a check to buy.

FRP bypass (at your own risk!):

This method works on MIUI before version 12. New versions will require firmware through Fastboot.

1. On the lock screen, click Add Account.
2. Select Google and enter any email/password (even non-existent).
3. After an authorization error, click on the browser settings (or Privacy Policy).
4. You will get to the browser – download FRP Bypass APK (for example, from here).
5. Install the app and follow the instructions to bypass the lock.

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP After this unlock, some features (such as Find Device) may not work properly. Use this method only if the phone is legally purchased, but the previous owner did not untie the account.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 5A will launch with a welcome screen.

1. Select Russian (or other language you want).
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Connect to the network to download updates.
3. Sign in: If your phone is yours, log in to your Mi Account. If you buy from hand, skip this step (click Skip or Set later).

Data recovery:

Mi Cloud

Google

Protection setting:

Password.

pattern lock

PRO update:

Settings → About the phone → System update

Post-reset optimization:

• 🚀 Disable unnecessary applications: Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: Discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to protect against malware.

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After reset, check the phone's IMEI (type *#06#). If zeros are displayed instead of the number, the firmware is damaged and you need to restore the IMEI through the engineering menu.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after the proper reset, there can be problems.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a motherboard is damaged), in which case, contact Xiaomi’s service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions