Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to factory settings: the full guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from banal system brakes to a complete lockdown of the device after a failed update. This smartphone, released in 2017 based on the Snapdragon 625 and MIUI 9, is still in active use, but over the years accumulates digital debris, conflicting applications and firmware errors. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where reset is often integrated into cloud services, the Redmi 5 Plus requires a manual approach - especially if it is about unlocking through Fastboot or Recovery.

Many users are afraid to reset because of the risk of losing data or permanently “bricking” the device. Indeed, the wrong actions in Fastboot can lead to a loss of IMEI, and the interrupted process in Recovery can lead to a reboot cycle. But with the right approach, even a beginner can cope with the task in 10-15 minutes. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of reset (including bypassing the Mi Account lock), and also tell you how to prepare the phone to avoid typical errors.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow the necessary preparatory steps. Even if the phone is locked, some of the actions can be done in advance (for example, through a computer).

First and foremost, save important data. Reset will delete:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots)
• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
• 💬 Messages in messengers (including WhatsApp, Telegram)
• 🎵 Music and downloaded files (if stored in internal memory)
• 🎮 Game saving (if not linked to an account)

If your phone is unlocked, copy files to your computer or the cloud. Fastboot mode (we’ll talk about it below) or ADB connection will help for locked devices if USB debugging was previously enabled.

Second, check the battery power. Make sure it's at least 50 percent charge, and interruption due to a discharge can cause the eMMC memory module to fail to function, in which case the phone won't turn on even after recharging.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 5 Plus was previously unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool, a reset via Recovery may return the bootloader lock.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is unlocked)

It's the easiest and safest method, but it only works if you can log in, it's good for eliminating lags, cleaning up memory, or getting your phone ready for sale.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → Recovery and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will tell you what to drop: 🔄 Reset your phone settings 📁 Clear internal memory (optional if you need to delete files)

Confirm the action by entering a password (if installed).

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

After the reset, the phone will turn on with factory settings, as after the purchase.If you plan to sell the device, remember to log out of the Mi Account before the reset, otherwise the new owner may face an account lock.

Backup of important data |

Battery charge > 50%|

Mi Account sync is disabled (if you sell your phone)|

Remember your Google account password (required after reset)-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked or not turned on)

If you forget your password or Redmi 5 Plus is stuck on the MI logo, resetting through Recovery will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to a download cycle.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power 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:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
• 📛 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔄 Confirm the action (Confirmation).
• 🔙 After completion, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires Mi Account data entry after reset that you don’t remember, you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of latency).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 Phone is locked and Recovery is not available.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔧 Requires to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 5 Plus (you can download on the official website of Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
3. Download and unpack the firmware for Redmi 5 Plus, for example, vince_global_images_V12.0.3.0.QEGMIXM).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

1. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).-->

Table: Common Fastboot Errors and Their Solutions

What to do after resetting: the first steps

After a successful reset, Redmi 5 Plus will turn on with the welcome screen, and the next steps depend on your goal:

If the phone was dropped for sale:

• 📱 Go through the initial setup, but do not log into your accounts.
• 🔄 Turn off your phone and check it starts without being tied to your Mi Account.
• 📦 Pack your phone with cable and documents (if you have one).

If you did the dumping for yourself:

• 🔒 Recover data from the backup (via Google Drive or Mi Cloud).
• 🛡️ Update the firmware to the latest version (in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🚀 Install only the necessary applications to avoid re-clogging memory.

💡

After resetting via Fastboot, be sure to check the basic features: camera, Wi-Fi, mobile network and sensors. If something doesn’t work, it may be that the firmware was installed incorrectly – repeat the process with another version of MIUI.

Unlocking Mi Account after resetting

One of the most frustrating things is when Redmi 5 Plus requires you to log in to Mi Account data, which you don't have access to, if the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account and you didn't turn it off before the reset.

Official way of unlocking:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and try to restore access via email or phone.
2. If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner.
3. If you cannot contact us, contact Xiaomi Support with a purchase check.

Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

• 🔓 Using the Mi Account Unlock Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 📡 Firmware through EDL Mode (for power users only, risk of bricking").
• 💰 Contacting the service center (the cost of unlocking is from 1000 to 3000 rubles).

⚠️ Note: Using informal unlocking methods may result in loss of warranty and lockdown IMEI. If the phone is purchased on credit or leasing, such actions can be regarded as fraud.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often make mistakes that make the reset process more difficult, and the most common ones are:

Interruption of the discharge process

If you pull the cable or turn off the phone during a Fastboot reset, you risk damaging the /system partition.

• 🔄 Getting fixated on the logo MI.
• 🚫 Not to be turned on at all (black screen).
• 🔧 Requires firmware through EDL Mode (only in the service center).

2. Use of incompatible firmware

Redmi 5 Plus has several modifications:

• Vince is the global version.
• vince_images — for India.
• vince_cn — Chinese.

If you flash the wrong version, the phone may lose support for Google Services or the mobile network.

3. Ignoring unlocking the bootloader

If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS), you first need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. Without this, any manipulation with the Fastboot will be limited.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions