How to return Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: a complete guide with solutions to problems

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. This budget smartphone, released in 2017, still remains popular due to its reliability, but over time even it begins to “brake”, give out errors or simply require a “clean start.”

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reset, from the standard menu to Recovery mode and Mi Flash tools, as well as how to avoid typical errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances for the Redmi 5A, since the procedure may differ from other Xiaomi models due to the features of the firmware and hardware platform.

If your phone is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touch, or requires a password after a failed reset, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center, the main thing is to follow the instructions and understand what is happening at each stage.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you keep all the important data. Unlike modern smartphones, the Redmi 5A does not always correctly sync contacts, photos and messages with the Mi Cloud, especially if the device has not been updated for a long time.

✅ Backup:

• 📱 Contacts: Export them to the file VCF via the Contacts app → Settings → Import/export or sync with your Google account.
• 📷 Photo and video: Copy on PC via USB-cable or download to Google Photos/Yandex.Disk.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore to save history SMS.
• 🎮 Game saves: If you play in PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact or other projects, link your social media account.

⚠️

If you forget the password from the Mi Account tied to your phone, a Recovery reset may lock the device, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the Xiaomi service center (cost starting at 1500). ₽).

🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the charge level is at least 50%.If the phone runs out during reset, this can damage system files and prevent the OS from being booted without flashing it again.

🔌 Cable and PC: If you plan to reset via Fastboot or Mi Flash, prepare the original USB-cable (poor cables can interrupt the connection) and install on your computer:

• Qualcomm drivers (the Redmi 5A uses the Snapdragon 425) chipset.
• Mi Flash Tool (download from the official Xiaomi website)
• Firmware for your model (you can find the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password, which is the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

📱 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 🔄 Resetting all settings – only deletes settings, apps, and account data, but leaves media files. 🧹 Complete reset – returns the phone to a factory state, removing everything, including photos and music.

Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔒 Does not require unlocking the loader.
• 🛡️ Minimum risk of error.
• 📱 Keeps your Mi Account working (does not lock your phone).

❌ Cons:

• 🚫 It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on or freezes.
• 🔐 Requires knowledge of the password from the lock screen.

Battery level checked|Backup of important data is made|Extracted. SIM-card and memory card (optional)|Password from Mi Account (if linked)-->

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

If the Redmi 5A is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, you will have to use Recovery mode, which is more risky, since if errors are made, you can lock through Mi Account.

🔧 How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

📝 Further action:

• 🔄 To reset, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
• 🔐 If you have a request for a password from Mi Account and you don't remember it, the phone will be locked.
• 🔄 After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️

Attention! Some Redmi 5A firmware (especially Chinese) may not have English in Recovery, so you can focus on the order of the items: 3rd item is Wipe Data. 1st item is Reboot. Don't choose Wipe Cache, it won't reset, it will only clear the cache.

💡 What to do if the phone requires an old password after reset?

• If you remember the password from Mi Account, enter it – the phone will unlock.
• If you don’t remember, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com.
• If the account is not tied, but the phone requires a password, most likely, Factory Reset Protection (FRP) was previously enabled, in which case only flashing through Mi Flash will help.

4. Method 3: Reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔐 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked.
• 📱 You need to reflash the phone to another version. MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot missteps can turn your phone into a brick.If you're not sure about your skills, you better contact the service.

🛠 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 5A (for example, the official global version) and unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down for 5-7 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. Press Refresh – the program must determine the device (a line with the COM-port).
7. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete clean (removes everything, including Mi Account); Clean All and Lock - clean + lock bootloader (not recommended); Save User Data - saves user data (not suitable for resetting).

Flash

📌 Table: Difference between firmware modes in Mi Flash

💡 Useful tip: If after firmware the phone does not turn on, try to re-swipe it in Clean All mode. If this does not help - perhaps damaged memory (requires diagnosis in the service).

💡

Before you use Mi Flash, disable the antivirus – it can block drivers or firmware files, which will lead to errors.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems when resetting the Redmi 5A. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

🔴 Error 1: Phone is not included in Recovery

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be) ≥30%).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (sometimes the phone doesn't respond to buttons due to a dead battery).
• 🔄 Hold the power buttons. + Volume upwards for at least 10 seconds.

🔴 Error 2: After reset, the phone requires a password from the Mi Account

• 🔐 If your account is yours, restore your password on Xiaomi’s website.
• 📧 If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account - contact him or the service.
• 🛠 If the account is not yours and it is impossible to contact the owner, only flashing through Fastboot will help (see Method 3).

🔴 **Mistake 3: Mi Flash is a critical error or flash not done error

• 🔌 Check the connection. USB (Try another port or cable).
• 🖥 Install Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📁 Download the firmware again (maybe the archive is damaged).
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone and try again.

🔴 Mistake 4: phone is stuck on startup logo after reset

• 🕒 Wait 10-15 minutes – the first download after a reset can be long.
• 🔄 If it doesn’t work, repeat the reset via Recovery.
• 📱 If your phone doesn’t respond, run it through Mi Flash (Method 3).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, don't panic -- 95 percent of the time, the problem is solved by re-routing the firmware. USB-cable.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setting

After a successful Redmi 5A reset, you will need to set up your initial setup.

📱 Setup steps:

1. Choose a language (Russian or English is recommended).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (setting up without internet can limit functionality).
3. If you have a request to sign in to your Mi Account: 🔐 Enter your account details (if it was tied before the reset). 🚫 If your account is not yours, click Skip, but some features (like Find Device) will not be available.

Set up the lock screen (recommended to use) PIN-code).

Mi Cloud

⚡ Post-reset optimization:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🚀 Disable unnecessary system applications (Settings) → Annexes → Application management).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky) – Redmi 5A older versions MIUI virus-prone.

⚠️

If the phone is slower than before after reset, check it out: 🔄 Version MIUI (sluggishness). 📱 Memory status (Settings) → Memory – If less than 1GB is free, delete unnecessary files). 🔋 Battery health (when worn out) >50% of the phone starts to "lag" on Redmi 5A With 2GB of RAM, multitasking is limited – don’t keep more than 3-4 apps in the background.

7. Alternative methods of discharge (if nothing helps)

If the standard methods don't work, you can try alternative solutions, they're more complex and require technical skills.

🔧 Method 1: Discharge through ADB (if debugging is on USB)

1. Connect your phone to your PC and make sure that USB Debugging is enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Open the command line on your PC and type in: adb shell recovery --wipe_data
3. Confirm the reset on the phone.

🔧 Method 2: Use of third-party tools (at your own risk)

• 🖥 XiaomiTool V2 — Unlock and Reset Xiaomi Devices (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 🔄 SP Flash Tool - an alternative to Mi Flash for firmware through MTK (but Redmi 5A It works on Snapdragon, so it is not always suitable for you).

⚠️ Warning: Third-party tools may contain malicious code or violate Xiaomi policies. Use them only if official methods have failed and you understand the risks.

💡 Advice for used phone buyers: Before buying Redmi 5A Check your hands with your hands:

• 🔐 Is Mi Account Untied (Ask the Seller to Reset with You).
• 🔋 Battery status (via AccuBattery app).
• 📱 Performance of all sensors (camera, microphone, speaker).

💡

If the seller refuses to do the reset in front of you, it's a reason to be alert, maybe the phone is stolen or locked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5A