How to return to the factory settings Xiaomi Redmi 5A: a detailed guide with photos

Why reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings?

Resetting the Redmi 5A to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, and this budget smartphone, released in 2017, still remains popular because of its reliability, but over time even it starts to slow down. The main reasons for resetting are that the phone is slow, often overheating, not updating, or you sell it and want to delete all personal data.

It's important to understand that a full reset deletes everything from contacts, photos, messages, apps installed, and account settings. If you haven't backed up, it won't be possible to recover data after the procedure, so before you start, check if important files are saved to Mi Cloud or on your computer.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset: through your phone settings, using Recovery Mode and via Fastboot. The latter method will come in handy if the Redmi 5A is not turned on or locked, and you will learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the phone requires an old password after reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, follow a few steps that will save you from data loss and unexpected problems.

First, back up. Even if you're planning a reset because of a sale, save important files in case something goes wrong.

• 📱 Mi Cloud (in Xiaomi account settings)
• 💻 Connecting to a computer through USB (File transfer mode)
• 🔄 Apps like Google Photos for automatic backup photos and videos

Second, charge the phone to at least 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to a discharged battery, it can damage system files and "brick" the device. Redmi 5A does not have a removable battery, so recharge it in advance.

Third, make sure you know the username and password from your Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter this data to unlock (Mi Cloud Lock function). If you forget the password, restore it on the official Xiaomi website before the procedure begins.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 5A If you don’t know the previous owner’s details, a reset could lock the phone permanently, and you’ll need to officially unlock it through Xiaomi’s service center.

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Make a backup copy of important data|Recovering/recovering the password from your Mi Account|Disable Google Account (if your phone is tied to it)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if desired)-->

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

If the Xiaomi Redmi 5A is turned on and you remember the unlock password, this method is the fastest and most secure. It requires no additional tools and is suitable for most users.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Slip on Settings Reset.
4. Choose to erase all data (if you want to delete files from internal memory) or to erase settings (system settings only).
5. Enter your password/pattern lock if the phone requests it.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 3-5 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically reboots and prompts you to configure it as new. If the "This device is locked" error appears after the reset, the device has activated Mi Account protection. Enter your Xiaomi account details to unlock.

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If the phone is loading for longer than 10 minutes after reset, don't panic. The first download after reset can take up to 15-20 minutes. Don't turn off the device or press buttons at this time.

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

If the Redmi 5A doesn’t load beyond the Mi logo, freezes on the lock screen, or reboots constantly, use Recovery Mode. This method works even without access to the main system.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

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

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (Data Erasure).
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.

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, your Redmi 5A has custom firmware installed, in which case use Factory Reset or Clear eMMC (the latter will delete all internal memory, including files).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Recovery may require you to enter a password. If you don't remember it, go to method 3 (reset via Fastboot).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔒 Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your password.
• 🔄 Recovery Mode does not work or requires a password.
• 📱 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot, as well as the original USB-Download official drivers from Xiaomi or use the universal package Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 5A.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down button until the screen with the hare in the eardress cap (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of your device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If after these commands the phone did not reset, perform a complete cleaning of the system partition (warning, this will remove the firmware):

fastboot erase system


fastboot flash system [name file firmware.img]

You will need to use the Mi Flash Tool.

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Fastboot reset is the most powerful, but also the riskiest method. If you're not sure what you're doing, you better go to the service center. The wrong commands can turn the phone into a brick.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Redmi 5A will turn on in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if your phone has been tied).
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

If you're selling a phone, don't restore your accounts.

• 📱 Skip the step of signing in to Mi Account.
• 🔄 Select Settings as a New Device.
• 🧹 Delete all files from internal memory (if they are left behind).

If after reset, the phone requires a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it:

• Try to restore your password on account.xiaomi.com.
• If your account is not yours (the phone is purchased by hand), contact the Xiaomi service center with the purchase documents.

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After reset, it is recommended to update the firmware to the latest version. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install all available patches.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

1.The phone does not turn on after reset

Reasons:

• 🔋 The battery was drained during the process.
• 📱 Firmware damaged (especially when reset via Fastboot).

Solution: plug your phone into charging for 30 to 60 minutes, then try to turn it back on. If it doesn't work, reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

2.The reset error appears "This device is locked"

This means that the phone has activated the protection of Mi Cloud Lock.

• 🔑 Enter your Xiaomi account details.
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it via email or phone.
• 🛠️ If your account is not yours, contact the service center with a check for the purchase.

3.Reset interrupted and phone unresponsive

If the reset process has been interrupted (for example, due to a power outage), try:

• 🔄 Go to Recovery Mode and repeat the reset.
• 💻 Use Fastboot for complete cleaning.

⚠️ Warning: If after a failed reset, the phone stopped turning on and doesn't respond to buttons, don't try to disassemble it yourself. 5A The battery is glued to the body, and careless extraction can damage the plumes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5A