Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, despite its age, remains a reliable device, but over time, software failures can disrupt its stable operation. The accumulation of system debris, conflicts after unsuccessful updates or the desire to transfer the gadget to a new owner are just some of the reasons why you may need a full reset (Hard Reset).
The memory and settings cleanup procedure requires care, as it completely destroys user data. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to perform this operation on the MIUI shell installed on the Redmi Note 5. You will learn how to prepare the device, what risks exist, and how to correctly reset through the settings menu or Recovery mode.
Before you take any drastic action, make sure you understand the consequences: Factory reset permanently deletes all photos, contacts, apps and files from your phone's internal memory. We've prepared a step-by-step guide to help you perform the procedure safely and avoid locking your device with your Google account.
Redmi Note 5 Preparation for Full Reset
Start with the critical phase of data backup. Since the Hard Reset process will format all the valuable files to an external medium or to the cloud. Xiaomi owner can use the built-in Settings → Advanced Settings → Backup and Restore to create a local copy of the system and applications.
The second step is to check the battery level, and interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage the system partition and turn the smartphone into a brick. Make sure that the charge is at least 50-60%, or better connect the device to the charger during the operation.
Pay special attention to your Google account. If you reset your settings without deleting your account, Activation Lock security will require you to enter your password the next time you turn on. To avoid problems, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google, select your address and click Delete Account.
☑️ Preparation for discharge
Do not forget to remove the microSD card and SIM-Although a menu reset does not usually affect external drives, an accidental error or choice of full clean mode in Recovery can affect them.
Method 1: Reset via MIUI system settings
The simplest and safest way to get the Redmi Note 5 back to factory status is to use the standard operating system interface, which is ideal if the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the settings menu. The MIUI shell action algorithm is standardized and understandable even for beginners.
To start, open the main menu and find the Settings icon. Scroll down to the bottom of the Advanced Settings section. This is where the system management tools, including the reset function, are hidden. In some firmware versions, this item may be simply called "About Phone" or be located in the "System and Device" section.
Inside the Extended Settings menu, select Backup and Reset. The system will offer several options, but we are interested in the Reset button (or “Erase All Data”). When you click on it, the smartphone will warn you to delete all files and require confirmation of action through the input of a pattern lock or unlock password.
⚠️ Warning: Once confirmed, the reset will restart and begin the cleaning process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.Do not attempt to interrupt this process or remove the battery (if it is not removable) so as not to damage the file system.
Once the cleanup is complete, the device will restart automatically, and you will see a welcome screen similar to the one you saw when you first turned on your smartphone in the store, at which point you can reconfigure the language, the Wi-Fi, and restore data from a previously created backup.
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If the phone asks for a password from a Mi Account after a reset, make sure you remember the login details. Without them, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If Android doesn’t boot, freezes on the logo, or the touch screen doesn’t respond, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode, a method that works at the low-level software level and allows you to reset even when the operating system is broken.
To enter Recovery mode on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, turn off the smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up and Power button. Hold both keys until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume.
You'll see the Recovery menu, where you can control the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button confirms the choice. Navigation may not be the most convenient, so be careful. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data.
| Action. | Control button | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Move upwards | Volume Up. | Raise the highlight by the line above |
| Moving down | Loudness Down | Delete the allocation by the line below |
| Confirmation of choice | Power (Power) | Activate the selected menu item |
| Entrance to the submenu | Power (Power) | Open the section or confirm the action |
Inside the cleanup menu, select the Wipe All Data option. The system will request confirmation again, as this action is irreversible. Select Confirm and wait for the process to end. Upon completion, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear, then select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot to restart.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Delete your Google account (FRP Lock)**
One of the most common problems after a reset is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking, which is an Android security mechanism that requires you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset. If you forget this password, access to the smartphone will be lost.
To avoid this situation, make sure to manually untie your account before you perform Hard Reset. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Find your Gmail address on the list, click on it and select Delete Account. Repeat the procedure for all added Google accounts.
It’s also worth checking for a Xiaomi account (Mi Account) – Although Mi Account unlock is less required and depends on the region and firmware version, having an active Mi Account may require confirmation when you first set it up, delete it through the settings menu, or unblock the device via i.mi.com if the phone is no longer available.
If you buy a used phone and it requests someone else's account, it's almost impossible to legally unlock it without the previous owner's password. Bypassing FRP often requires flashing through your computer using specialized software, which is a complicated procedure.
Solving problems after discharge
Once you go back to factory settings, you might encounter a number of typical situations, such as a smartphone that can be turned on for a long time when you first boot it, which is normal because the system recreates the file structure and checks the integrity of the system files, and it can take up to 10 minutes.
Another problem is that the battery runs out quickly in the first hours of use, the system and the background services are actively indexing files and setting up syncs, and let the phone run quietly for about an hour, connected to Wi-Fi, so that all processes stabilize.
If the Redmi Note 5 is rebooted continuously after reset, the system partition may have been damaged or the firmware version was incompatible, in which case you will need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility and official firmware.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to install dozens of apps and games immediately after reset, let the system catch its breath and complete the background optimization processes, otherwise you may run into the brakes again.