The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the brand's most popular smartphones, but even it eventually starts to brake, issue bugs or require a complete clean before selling.Resetting to factory settings solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a "brick."
This article features three resetting work methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), step-by-step photo instructions, and answers to common questions: what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after a reset, how to save contacts and photos, and why it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader. Particular emphasis is placed on the nuances of Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred), including the differences between global and Chinese firmware.
When you need to reset to factory settings
Resetting is not a panacea, but 80 percent of the time it helps to bring the smartphone back to life.
- 🐢 The phone slows down, apps constantly fly out or open for a long time - even after cleaning the cache.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Glitches appeared: spontaneous reboots, errors of system applications.
- 📱 You sell or transfer Redmi Note 5 to another person and want to delete all personal data.
- 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code and unlocking through your Mi Account is not working.
- 🦠 Suspecting a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
But resetting won't help if the problem is hardware, like a broken screen, a faulty battery, or a damaged motherboard, and in those cases, you need repairs, not software reboots.
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 5 with the bootloader unlocked, a reset via Recovery may result in the device being locked (Anti-Rollback state). → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the line with the version).
Preparing for resetting: how to save important data
Reset removes all the information from the internal memory: photos, videos, messages, application settings and even some system files.
- Sync your contacts and calendar with your Google or Mi Account: 📱 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Google/Mi. 🔄 Enable synchronization for Contacts, Calendar and Notes.
Copy photos and videos
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).
- ☁️ Or upload media files to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk.
- Save SMS and call logs with apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
- Record or take pictures of your Wi-Fi settings, account details, and app license keys.
If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
| Menu item (English) | Translation into Russian | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Data | Clear the data | Reset to factory settings |
| Reboot | Reboot. | Get out of Recovery and turn on your phone |
| Connect with MiAssistant | Connect to MiAssistant | Firmware mode via PC (not needed for reset) |
| Download | Downloading | Mode for firmware through Mi Flash Tool |
What to do if Recovery requires a password?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method is needed if:
- 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
- 📱 Phone locked and Mi Account not tied.
- 🔄 Refuse the device after a failed update.