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

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparation for sale to fixing software failures. This model, released in 2017, still remains popular due to the balance of price and performance, but its MIUI firmware (even in current versions) sometimes requires a “hard reboot.” Unlike new Xiaomi devices, where the reset is integrated into Settings → About Phone, Redmi 5 has nuances – especially if the phone is locked or does not respond to touch.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to return factory settings, including methods for cases when the screen is not working or the device is not booting, we will also discuss how to avoid common errors (for example, losing access to the Mi Account after a reset), and what to do if after the procedure the phone requires the old password. All instructions are adapted for MIUI 9-12 - the most current versions for this model.

Before you start, consider resetting will delete all data — photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. If the phone is still working, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. For locked devices, the only way to save data is to use ADB (discussed below).

1. Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest way is to use the built-in reset feature in MIUI, which is suitable if the screen responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password.

Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop) and go to the section:

Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Resetting settings

The screen will display a warning to delete all data, and here it is important to choose the right option:

• 🔄 Resetting – only deletes user data while saving system files.
• 🧹 Cleaning all data – a complete reset, including cache and network settings (recommended when selling).

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start the reset process, which will take 3-7 minutes. If the device hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time (more than 15 minutes), then there is an error - try alternative methods from the following sections.

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Disable two-factor authentication (if enabled)-->

⚠️ Note: If the device protection function is enabled on the phone (in Settings) → Block and protect, after reset, you will need to enter a password from the last Mi Account. Without this data, it will be impossible to unlock Redmi 5!

2. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't respond)

If Redmi 5 is locked, not turned on or locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the screen is damaged (if the backlight is on).

To enter Recovery, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it doesn’t respond).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume button (move) and the power button (select). Find Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in new versions) and confirm the action. Once you're done, select Reboot to reboot.

After resetting via Recovery, the phone will return to the “out of the box” state, but may require:

• 🔑 Entering Mi Account data if previously linked.
• 📶 Setting up the network and language from scratch.
• 🔄 Update the firmware (recommended immediately after resetting).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may not have Wipe Data, in which case the only way out is through Fastboot (section 4).

3. reset via Mi Account (if the password is forgotten)

If you have forgotten your graphical key or password, but remember your Mi Account details, you can reset your settings remotely via account.xiaomi.com. This method works only if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 Find the device has been activated in the settings.
• 🔑 You have access to email/phone-linked.

Instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. On the map, find your Redmi 5 and click Erase Data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

The process takes 5-10 minutes, after which the phone will reboot with factory settings, which is convenient if the device is lost or stolen (but in this case, it is better to lock it through the same service first).

adb shell am start -n com.miui.cloudservice/.activity.FindDeviceActivity

But it only works if the phone is unlocked and connected to the PC.-->

4. Flashing through Fastboot (extreme case)

If none of the above methods worked (for example, damaged Recovery or phone “burst” after a failed update), you have to reflash Redmi 5 through Fastboot mode, which is the most difficult, but also the most reliable way to return to work.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 5 (Fastboot version) ROM, Not Recovery. ROM).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect Redmi 5 to a PC. The device manager must determine the Android Bootloader Interface device.
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi5_Fastboot).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. When it's done, it automatically restarts with a clean firmware. If the Mi Flash Tool is 0x80070002 or 0x80070005, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 📁 Download the firmware again (possibly the file is corrupted).

💡

Fastboot flashing removes all data without recovery, including system files, and should only be used if other methods have failed.

5.What to do after resetting settings

After a successful Redmi 5 reset, you will need an initial setup.

1. Check the Mi Account:

If the phone requires login/password from the old account, but you do not remember them, restore access through the recovery form.

If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner to unbundle.

Update firmware:

- Go to Settings → About Phone → Update the system and install the latest version of MIUI.

For Redmi 5, the current versions are MIUI 12.5 (based on Android 9) or MIUI 11 (for older versions).

3. Recover data:

If you have backed up through Mi Cloud, log in to your account and restore contacts, notes and photos.

For local backup, connect your phone to your PC and copy files manually.

Set up security:

Set a new pattern lock or password in Settings → Lock and Protection.

- Activate Find the device for remote control.

💡

After resetting, Redmi 5 can run slower than normal - that's fine. Give the system 24 hours to optimize the background processes. If the lags are left, check for free space in memory (less than 1 GB leads to brakes).

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1.The phone does not turn on after reset

Reason: The battery was drained during the process.

Solution: Connect the charger and wait 30 to 60 minutes, then try to turn it on.

2.Requires an old password after resetting

Reason: The device protection has been activated on the phone.

Solution: Enter the password from the last Mi Account. If you do not remember, restore access through the Xiaomi website.

3.Reset via Recovery doesn't work

Reason: Recovery section is damaged or custom firmware is installed.

Solution: Use the Fastboot method (Section 4).

4.Photos lost after dumping

Reason: A backup copy has not been created.

Solution: Try recovering files through programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (if the phone is defined as a drive).

5.The phone hangs on the Redmi logo

Reason: Firmware conflict or corrupted system files.

Solution: Repeat the reset via Fastboot with a complete clean (Clean all).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions