Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to the reliable “stuffing” and support for MIUI updates. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down: cache, temporary files accumulate, and incorrect application settings can lead to failures, in such cases, resetting to factory settings is the most radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance.
But how do you do this on Redmi 5 to avoid turning your phone into a brick? In this article, we’ll break down three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), tell you how to save important data before the procedure, and warn you of common mistakes users make, and you’ll also learn what to do if your smartphone hangs on the MI logo after a reset is one of the most common problems for Redmi 5 owners with custom firmware.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start
Factory reset is the complete removal of all user data from your device. Even if you plan to sell the Redmi 5, take a few steps to avoid unpleasant surprises.
First, back up. MIUI has a built-in tool for this: go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. The system will save:
- 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
- 📸 Photos and videos (but it is better to copy them on PC)
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords
- 🎮 Preserve some games (not all!)
Second, unplug accounts. After a reset, you may need to re-enter your Mi Account if the device has activated Find Device. To avoid blocking, go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and click Out. Do the same for Google and social media.
⚠️ Note: If you forgot the password from Mi Account, and the phone is linked to the account, after reset, the device may require you to enter a login / password to unlock. Restoring access to the account through Xiaomi can be difficult - prepare the data in advance!
Finally, charge the battery to at least 50%. Recovery can take up to 10-15 minutes to reset, and if the phone runs out at that point, the consequences will be unpredictable, from "hanging" on the logo to complete loss of functionality.
Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (the easiest)
If your Redmi 5 is powered up, not slowing down, and you can go to the settings menu, this is the best option. It doesn't require any additional tools and is suitable even for beginners.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section (the last item on the list).
- Select Backup and Reset.
- Slip on Settings Reset.
- The system will tell you what to reset: 🔄 All settings (including networks, sound, display) 📱 All application data (cache, logins, settings) 📂 Media files (if you have not made a backup copy)
Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
Wait for the reboot (usually takes 3-5 minutes).
Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it. If the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, enter it -- that's okay with account-based devices.
Battery charge > 50%|Backup created|Accounts untied|Password from Mi Account known-->
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially custom) item Resetting may not be available. In this case, use Recovery (mode 2).
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If Redmi 5 is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touches, or is locked with a password you’ve forgotten, Recovery mode will help, which works even on dead devices, but requires care.
Steps to Enter Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
- Hold them until the MI logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 5-10 seconds).
In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select item) are controlled.
- Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
- Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.
Instructions:
- Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
- Turn off Redmi 5 and press the Power button + Volume Down button to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat will appear on the screen).
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install drivers for Xiaomi.
- Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
This method completely cleans the partition with user data, but does not affect the system files. If the problem was in the firmware, you will need to reinstall it through the Mi Flash Tool.
💡
If the phone is not detected after the fastboot device command, try another one. USB-port or cable, often the problem is a faulty cord!
Table: Comparison of reset methods for Xiaomi Redmi 5
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | It works when you lock it. | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through MIUI settings | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | 3-5 minutes |
| Recovery Mode | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | 5-10 minutes |
| Fastboot | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | 10-15 minutes |
| Mi Flash Tool (flashing) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | 20-30 minutes |
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you do the reset correctly, Redmi 5 users are facing problems.
1.The phone hangs on the MI logo after being reset.
Cause: system partition or incompatible firmware is damaged.
- 🔄 Try resetting through Recovery.
- 📥 If it doesn’t help, try the device through the Mi Flash Tool (download the official firmware for Redmi 5 from the Xiaomi website).
2.After reset, requires a password from Mi Account, which is not available.
Reason: Find Device was activated on the device.
- 🔑 Try to restore access to your account through the official website.
- 📧 If email is attached, check your email – sometimes Xiaomi sends backup codes.
- 🛠️ In extreme cases, contact the service center with proof of purchase.
3. The sensor is not working after reset.
Cause: Display drivers fail. Solution:
- 🔄 Do another reset through Recovery.
- 📱 If the problem remains - sew the phone with the official firmware.
💡
If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, don't panic! 90% of the time, the problem is solved by resetting or flashing it again, and the main thing is not to interrupt the process or pull the battery out during the operation.