Xiaomi Mi 5A is a popular budget device that, despite its years, is still used by many owners as a reliable device for basic tasks. However, over time, the Android operating system can start to work unstable, accumulating cache, errors in the registry of applications and system debris.
The reset procedure, known as Hard Reset, completely clears the device's internal memory of user data, including contacts, photos, messages and installed apps.This is a radical but often necessary step to fix software glitches, interface freezes or prepare the phone for sale to a new owner.
It is important to understand that after this operation, it will be impossible to restore deleted files without prior backup, so before starting any manipulation of system files, you must carefully prepare and make sure that important information is stored on external media or in cloud storage.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you go to the immediate steps of cleaning the memory, you need to perform a number of critical preparatory steps. Ignoring these steps can lead to loss of valuable data or problems with activating the device after the restart.
Make a copy of your contacts by syncing them to your Google or Mi Account. Photos, videos, and documents are best copied to your computer or uploaded to the cloud, as internal memory will be fully formatted, and write or remember passwords from important applications that are not automatically synced.
Be sure to check the battery level. To safely carry out the procedure, the charge should be at least 50-60 percent. If the phone turns off due to discharge during the reset, this can damage the system partitions and the operating system cannot be booted further.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember your Google account and Mi Account. Upon reset, the system will require you to enter a login and password to confirm ownership of the device as part of the theft protection.
The second important step is to extract the microSD card if it is installed in the slot. Although modern firmware versions usually offer a choice of cleanable drive, physical extraction of the card ensures that your personal files on it will not be affected by random formatting.
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Mi 5A back to factory is to use the built-in operating system functionality, which is suitable for cases where the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop and settings menu.
To start, open the main application menu and find the Settings icon. In the list of options that opens, you need to scroll down to the Additional section or immediately look for Advanced Settings, depending on the version of the MIUI shell. Next, select the Recovery and Reset menu.
In this section, you will be greeted with the option Reset, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted, if the device has a lock screen, you will need to enter a pattern lock or a digital code, after confirmation of action, the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process.
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- 🔍 Go to the section Additional → Recovery and discharge.
- 🗑️ Press the Reset button and confirm the action.
- 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password for authorization.
The process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory filled, at which time the Mi logo or download animation can be displayed on the screen, do not interrupt the process or try to turn off the phone until it goes to the original setting screen on its own.
☑️ Ready to dump
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the operating system is not booting, the screen is not responsive to touch or the phone is stuck on the logo, you need to use Recovery mode. This method allows you to reset at a deeper level, bypassing the Android interface.
To enter recovery mode on the Xiaomi Mi 5A, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume.
When the Recovery menu comes up, the control is done with volume buttons (up/down for moving) and power button (to select). The interface language can be English or Chinese. Select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data, and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. Navigation on the menu is carried out exclusively by physical volume and on buttons.
Once the cleaning process is complete, the system will suggest returning to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) or restarting (Reboot).
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Delete your Google Account (FRP) before resetting
One of the most common problems after resetting is the locking of the device by the FRP security system (Factory Reset Protection), which is designed to protect the owner’s data in the event of a phone theft, but can become an obstacle for a legitimate user who has forgotten passwords.
To avoid blocking, it is strongly recommended that you delete your Google account from your phone settings before you reset. To do this, go to Settings, look for Accounts and Sync, or Users and Accounts.
In the list, select your Google account, click on it, and select Delete or Sign Out. The system can request a password to confirm it, and once the account has been successfully deleted, it should not be on the user list.
The same procedure should be done with Mi Account. If the binding to the Xiaomi account is active, the phone can request a password from it immediately after turning on. Delete the binding in the settings (Mi Account → Sign out) will protect you from unexpected locks.
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
Users often wonder which reset method is more effective, and in fact, both methods have the same result: completely deleting user data and returning system files to their original state.
Resetting through the settings menu is more "soft" and controlled. The system shuts down processes, disables services correctly, and cleanses. This method is preferable when the phone is functioning normally. The method through Recovery is emergency and used in case of serious failures.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of both methods for the Xiaomi Mi 5A model:
| Parameter | Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | A working interface is required | Available with a non-functioning OS |
| Difficulty | Low (automated) | Medium (requires accuracy) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) |
| Implementation time | 10-15 minutes. | 5-10 minutes |
The choice of the specific method depends solely on the current technical condition of your smartphone. If you can get on the menu, use the first method. If the phone is hanging on the logo, your choice is only Recovery.
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After resetting, it is recommended not to install all applications at once, let the system work in its pure form for 10-15 minutes so that the background processes stabilize.
Solving problems after discharge
After the reset procedure is completed and the first download is completed, users may encounter a number of typical situations that are not broken, and understanding these processes will help avoid panic and unnecessary actions.
The first download can last up to 10-15 minutes, during which time the Android operating system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files. The screen can go out and light up, this is normal behavior. Don't try to restart the phone during this period.
The device can get hotter in the first hours of use, due to the processor’s active work when indexing files and the background load of Google services, and increased battery consumption is also possible, which normalizes after 1-2 charge-discharge cycles.
- 🔋 Long load: be patient, the system is configured.
- 🔥 Heating of the body: normal in the first hours of operation.
- 📉 Battery discharge: stabilizes after a couple of days of use.
- 📡 Network Search: It Can Take Time to Change SIM-map.
If the phone is constantly restarting (cyclic reboot) or the screen remains black for more than 20 minutes, this may indicate damage to system files, in which case you may need to flash the device using your computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility.
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Cyclical reboot after reset most often indicates damage to the system partition or incompatibility of the installed version of the firmware with the hardware of the device.