How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 5A

factory-setting

But how do you do this correctly on Redmi 5A so you don't lose important data or turn your phone into a brick? In this article, we'll look at all the reset methods available, from the standard menu to Recovery mode and even remote control via Mi Account. You'll also learn how to prepare for the procedure, what to do if your smartphone doesn't respond to commands, and how to recover data after a reset.

Important: Redmi 5A came in several versions (for example, with 2/16 GB or 3/32 GB of memory), but the instruction is suitable for all versions, including global (riva) and Chinese (riva with MIUI China). If your device is blocked by an operator (for example, MegaFon or Beeline), the reset will not remove the binding to the network – this will require a breakup by IMEI.

Before you start, answer one question:

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Setting reset is an irreversible process that deletes all user data, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos, videos and music in internal memory
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts in social networks and instant messengers
• 📋 Notes, calendars and other personal data

To minimize losses, follow the following steps:

1. Create a backup. Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party applications:

• 🔄 Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup
• ☁️ Sync your data with Mi Cloud (requires a Xiaomi account)
• 📱 For media files suitable Google Photos or transfer to PC USB

2. Make sure the phone is charged. The reset process can take up to 10-15 minutes, and an interruption due to battery discharge will make it impossible to turn on the device without flashing through the Fastboot. The optimal charge level is at least 50%.

3. Find out the MIUI version. This will help if you need to restore the firmware after a failed reset. Path: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write down the number or take a picture of the screen.

4. Untie your accounts. If you're selling a phone, delete your Google and Mi Account attachments:

• 📎 Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account
• 📎 Settings → Mi Account. → Get out.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 5A Device Protection (in some versions) MIUI), After reset, you will need to enter the password from the last Mi Account. Without it, the phone will be locked! → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Device protection.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The procedure takes 5-7 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Additional section (in some versions of MIUI System and Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. The system will suggest you to choose which to delete. We recommend that you mark all data (including internal memory).
6. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
7. Press Reset and wait for the reset.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, and the Redmi logo will appear on the screen, and then the wizard of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

What to do if there is no reset menu? In rare cases, the Reset option may be hidden (for example, on custom firmware).

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times to activate developer mode)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Resetting settings

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, restore access through account.xiaomi.com. EDL) It may lead to a blockage. IMEI!

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 5A doesn’t respond to the screen, freezes on the logo or is locked with a pattern lock, a Recovery reset will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires care – incorrect actions can lead to the loss of Recovery.

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: Volume up (+) + Power.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Select a language (e.g. English) from the menu, then tap on Wipe Data.
5. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
6. After cleaning, press Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot)
• 🧹 The second item is Wipe Data (cleanup)
• 📥 Third item - Connect with MiAssistant (for firmware)

The Redmi 5A uses Xiaomi’s stock Recovery, but if you’ve previously installed custom (like TWRP), the steps may differ. In TWRP, you need to select Wipe → Format Data, then type yes for confirmation.

Method 3: Remote reset via Mi Cloud (if phone is lost)

If you lost the Redmi 5A or it was stolen, but it had a Mi Account attached, you can do a remote reset, which is also useful if the phone is locked, but you have access to another device with the Internet.

For remote reset:

Advantages of the method:

• 🌍 It works from anywhere in the world (only the internet is needed).
• 🔒 No need for physical access to the phone.
• 📡 You can track the location of the device before resetting.

Limitations:

• ❌ The phone must be connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• ❌ The Mi Account must be linked to the device before loss.
• ❌ After resetting, the phone will not unlock - you will need to enter account data at the first turn on.

⚠️ Warning: If you sold your phone and didn't untie your Mi Account, the new owner won't be able to use it! To avoid this, be sure to remove the device from the list in Mi Cloud after resetting.

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If your phone is stolen, lock it through Lock Device before being reset via Mi Cloud, which will prevent an attacker from accessing your data until it is completely cleared.

5.What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosing problems

In 10 percent of cases, the Redmi 5A may not work properly after a reset, either by slowing down, or by failing to turn on at all.

Problem 1: The phone hangs on the Redmi logo after being reset.

Problem 2: After the reset, a request for a Mi Account password appeared, but you do not remember it.

Problem 3: The phone turns on but doesn't see SIM-map.

• 📶 Possible cause: Reset damaged modem settings or NV-data files.
• 🛠 Solution: Fastboot your phone with official firmware. If the problem persists, check the physical condition of the slot. SIM-maps (possibly oxidation of contacts).

Problem 4: After resetting, the phone became discharged faster.

• 🔋 Possible cause: background processes or unoptimized firmware.
• 🛠 Solution: Calibrate the battery: fully discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions. disable auto-run of unnecessary applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-run. Install a more recent version. MIUI (if available).

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If the phone is unstable after reset, don’t rush to carry it for repair. 80% of the time, it helps to re-flash through Fastboot from the official Xiaomi website.

6. Data recovery after reset: is it possible?

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on what type of reset was performed:

1. Soft reset (via the settings menu).

• 📁 The data on the external memory card (microSD) remains intact.
• 🗃 Files in internal memory are deleted, but you can try to restore them using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (root access is required).
• ☁️ Data synced to Google or Mi Cloud is automatically restored when first enabled.

2.Severe reset (via Recovery).

• 🚫 Internal memory formatted at low level – data recovery unlikely.
• 🔧 If the phone was on OEM Unlock and custom Recovery installed (e.g, TWRP), The chances are higher – you can connect the phone to the PC and use it ADB file-extract.

3. Remote reset (via Mi Cloud).

• 🔒 All data is erased without recovery (encryption is used).

To restore photos and contacts:

• 📷 Check the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails on the memory card - sometimes there are miniatures.
• 📞 Contacts can be restored from Google backup (if sync was enabled).
• 💾 For deep scanning, use Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (only works on intact partitions).

⚠️ Note: If you plan to sell your phone, do not restore data after reset! New files can overwrite old ones, but fragments of personal information (photos, messages) will still remain in memory. TWRP or specialized utilities like SD Card Formatter.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Redmi 5A. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Mistake 1: Resetting the Mi Account without detachment.

If you sell a phone and you haven't deleted your Xiaomi account, the new owner won't be able to use it.

Mistake 2: Interrupting the resetting process.

If you take out the battery or turn off the power during cleaning, the phone may stop turning on.

• Make sure the battery is >50%.
• Do not press any buttons while the process is underway.

Error 3: Use of unofficial firmware after reset.

Installing custom ROMs (like LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloop will lead to bootloop.

• Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• Install only firmware compatible with Redmi 5A (riva).

Error 4: Reset via Fastboot without a backup persist.

On some versions of MIUI, cleaning the persist partition causes the loss of IMEI.

• Before firmware, save /persist folder via TWRP or ADB.
• Use the fastboot erase persist command only as a last resort.

Mistake 5: Buying a phone with a Mi Account tied

If you bought a used Redmi 5A and it requires a password from the previous owner, it will be difficult to return it.

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If you often sell or buy used Xiaomi phones, save this link to check the status of Mi Account. Enter the IMEI of the device to see if the account is associated with it.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions