How to return Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings: the complete guide

Why do you need to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5?

Resetting Redmi 5 to factory settings is a radical but effective solution to a lot of problems, and most often, users resort to this procedure when the smartphone starts to “brake” after a year of active use, and cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary applications does not help, because over time, the MIUI operating system accumulates temporary files, remnants of deleted programs and registry errors that slow down the device, in which case the “clean” reset returns the phone to its original speed.

The second common reason is to prepare for the sale: If you plan to transfer Redmi 5 to a new owner, the reset will delete all personal information: photos, messages, Google and Mi Account accounts, call history, which ensures that your data does not fall into the wrong hands. By the way, even if you just give the phone to a relative, you better do the reset, so you avoid conflicts over tied accounts (for example, blocking Find My Device).

Finally, a reset can save a device after a failed firmware update, virus infection, or “bricking” (when the phone doesn’t turn on or hovers on the Mi logo). In such cases, Hard Reset via Recovery Mode or Fastboot is often the only way to bring the smartphone back to life. However, it is important to understand the risks here: wrong actions can turn the Redmi 5 into a “brick” forever.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi Redmi 5, be sure to follow a few steps to avoid losing important data. First, back up. MIUI has a built-in tool for this: go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Select data to save (contacts, SMS, applications, Wi-Fi settings) and wait for the process to be completed. A copy can be saved to MicroSD or to the Mi Cloud (if the account is not blocked).

Second, remember or record data from Mi Account and Google. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the last associated Xiaomi account (this is part of the Factory Reset Protection protection). If you forget the password, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. The same applies to Google account, without it you will not be able to use Play Market and other services.

Three, check the battery power, make sure it's at least 50 percent, and if it's interrupted by a discharge, it could damage the system files. USB-cable and computer (if you plan to use the Mi Flash Tool). For reliability, disable two-factor authentication in your Xiaomi account during the procedure - sometimes it blocks the login after a reset.

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Create a backup copy of the MIUI|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Disable two-factor authentication|Prepare. USB-cable and PC (if you need Mi Flash)-->

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if your Redmi 5 is turned on and reacts to touch, it is suitable for eliminating software lags, cleaning the system before selling or transferring the phone. Importantly, this method does not delete data from the memory card (MicroSD), but resets all application settings and deletes files from internal memory.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional.
3. Slip on backup and reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. Click Delete all data (you may need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 3-5 minutes. After you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial settings, like after you bought it. If your phone requires you to enter your Mi Account, use the ones that were tied before you reset. If you forget your password, restore it through Xiaomi's website.

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If after resetting the phone asks for an old Wi-Fi password that you don’t remember, connect to the network via mobile data or another router, and then delete the saved network in the settings.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method is useful if Redmi 5 does not turn on, hovers on the Mi logo or does not respond to touch. Recovery Mode is a service mode built into the firmware that allows you to perform critical operations without booting the system. Importantly, this method deletes all data, including files in internal memory, but does not affect the MicroSD.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button and the Volume Up button (+) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

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

1. Select Wipe Data (which may be called Wipe & Reset).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Attention! If you see items in Chinese on the Recovery menu, you have an unofficial firmware installed.

• 🔹 Select the first item (usually Wipe Data).
• 🔹 Confirm the action (second item in the next menu).
• 🔹 To reboot, select the last item.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This is the most radical method that is used if the first two fail or the phone gets tinkered with a bad firmware, USB-Cable and official firmware for Redmi 5.Warning: Mistakes can permanently disable the device!

Step 1: Download the required files:

• 🔹 Official firmware for Redmi 5 (select the Fastboot version).
• 🔹 The Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔹 Xiaomi drivers for Fastboot (usually installed automatically when you connect your phone).

Step 2: Prepare your phone:

1. Turn off Redmi 5.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down (-) for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.

Step 3: Sweep through the firmware:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi5_fastboot).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is installed, the phone will automatically restart and be like new, and if the screen stays black for more than 10 minutes, something went wrong (possibly the firmware was mischosen or the connection was interrupted).

Through MIUI | Recovery Mode| Through Mi Flash Tool| I haven't tried-->

Table: Comparison of Redmi 5 resetting methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery Mode.

• 🔹 Check that the buttons are clamped at the same time and held for at least 10 seconds.
• 🔹 Try plugging in the charger – sometimes the battery is so drained that the phone doesn’t respond.
• 🔹 If the screen flashes but the menu doesn’t appear, the firmware may be damaged – try the Mi Flash Tool.

2.After the reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account account, which is not there.

⚠️ If you bought a Redmi 5 with your hands and don’t know the previous owner’s details, a reset won’t help – the phone will remain locked.

3.Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed.

• 🔹 Make sure you choose the right firmware for Redmi 5 (Rosy model).
• 🔹 Try another one. USB-port.
• 🔹 In the Mi Flash Tool settings, select Clean all and lock mode (if the phone is not locked).

4. After the firmware, the phone does not turn on.

• 🔹 Wait 15-20 minutes – the first download can be long.
• 🔹 Check that the firmware is right for Redmi 5 (not for Redmi). 5A or Redmi 5 Plus).
• 🔹 Try repeating the firmware with another version MIUI.

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If the phone does not turn on after reset, do not panic - in 90% of cases the problem is solved by re-running through the Mi Flash Tool with the correctly selected version of the software.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions