Xiaomi Mi 5s: How to reset to factory settings without losing data

Xiaomi Mi 5s is the iconic smartphone of 2016, which is still used by many users thanks to the powerful hardware (Snapdragon 821 processor, 3/4 GB of RAM) and a quality screen. However, over time, even this device begins to slow down, glitch or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Hard reset is a versatile solution to eliminate software failures, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of a failed upgrade.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset Mi. 5s: We will discuss each method in detail, warn about possible risks (for example, loss of data when resetting via Fastboot on a locked bootloader), and give recommendations for backup. MIUI and the loader's unlock status.

When you need to reset Xiaomi Mi 5s to factory settings

Resetting is not always the first step, sometimes the problem can be solved with less radical methods (cleaning the cache, removing unnecessary applications).

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications open or fly out for a long time.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical errors (e.g., infinite boot or bootloop»).
• 📱 The device is infected with viruses that cannot be removed by standard means.
• 💰 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🔓 Forgot the pattern lock or unlock password (in this case, reset is the only way out).

It is important to understand that a reset deletes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (if not saved on the SD-map).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Account).
• 🎮 Save in games and settings of applications.
• 📁 Uploaded files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi 5s With a blocked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot can result in a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device! Before using this method, check the bootloader status in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version).

Preparation for resetting: data backup

Before resetting, be sure to save important information. Here are three reliable ways to back up for the Mi 5s:

1. Cloud storage Mi Cloud: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. 🔄 Turn on sync for contacts, notes, SMS, gallery. ☁️ Make sure you have enough space on your account (free 5GB).
2. Google Account: 📱 Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Google. 🔄 Enable sync for contacts, calendar, Chrome, Gmail. 📁 Use Google Photos (automatic download) for photos).

If you use SD-Remove the card before resetting — some methods (like Fastboot) can format it, and check if important accounts (like WhatsApp or banking apps) are linked to the device — after reset, you will need to reauthorize.

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, it requires no additional tools and is as safe as possible for data (except for deleting it).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → Recovery and reset.
3. Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. The system will prompt you to enter a password or pattern lock (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone settings.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

After resetting, the Mi 5s will boot into a “out of the box” state, and you’ll need to go through the initial setup: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to Mi Account or Google.

⚠️ Note: If the device has the “Find Device” feature enabled, after reset, you may need to enter data from the associated Mi Account. Without this, you will not be able to unlock the phone! → Mi Account → Find Device.

Checked availability of backup copy|Find Device protection disabled|Battery charge > 50%|Extracted. SD-card (if any)|Password from Mi Account is stored-->

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 5s doesn’t load (hang on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t react to the screen), use Recovery Mode. This is a built-in recovery menu available on all Android devices.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then let them go.
4. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

• 📱 Use volume buttons to navigate the menu.
• 🔘 Confirm the choice of the power button.
• 🔄 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
• 🔄 Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
• 🔄 After completion, select Reboot to restart.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• The third item on the top is Wipe Data.
• The last item is Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may have different Recovery menus. If you see non-standard items (e.g. Advanced Wipe), don't choose them without understanding - this can lead to the loss of the firmware partition!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is the most radical and requires an unlocked bootloader.

• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔄 Recovery is unavailable or damaged.
• 📱 The phone is completely “brick” (does not respond to buttons).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Fastboot tool (included in Android) SDK).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 📄 Firmware file for Mi 5s (Download only from the official Xiaomi website or verified sources).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Fastboot.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For complete flashing (if you want to restore the system), use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 5s With a blocked bootloader, the fastboot erase userdata command can lead to loss IMEI Before using this method, make sure that the bootloader is unlocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command - look for the line Device unlocked: true).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download it from the official Xiaomi website (section “Download → Mi 5s → Fastboot ROM”).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset the Xiaomi Mi 5s, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after the Mi reset 5s does not SIM-map, check it out. IMEI (enter the dialer *#06# if instead of IMEI zeros are displayed, you will need to restore it through the engineering menu or Fastboot.

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If the reset didn’t fix the problem (for example, the phone is still braking), the cause could be a hardware malfunction: battery wear, damage to flash memory or overheating of the processor, in which case a diagnosis at the service center is required.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions