Reset Xiaomi Mi 5X to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Why you need to reset Xiaomi Mi 5X and when to use it

Hard reset on the Xiaomi Mi 5X is a radical solution that brings the smartphone back to the β€œout of the box” state, erasing all user data, apps and settings, but retaining the original MIUI firmware.

First, if the Mi 5X started to slow down or overheat after prolonged use.Cache accumulation, memory fragmentation and background processes over time slow down even on the Snapdragon 625.Second, the reset helps eliminate critical system errors, such as constant reboots or getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo.Third, the procedure is mandatory before selling or transferring the phone to another user - to delete personal information without the possibility of recovery.

It’s important to understand that on the Mi 5X, resetting via Recovery doesn’t delete data from the microSD card, but completely cleans the internal drive (32/64/128GB capacity depending on the modification).If you plan to sell the phone, remove the microSD in advance.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you drop the Xiaomi Mi 5X, follow a few critical steps: Ignoring the preparation can lead to loss of important data or even inoperability of the device after reset.

  • πŸ“± Create a backup through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset. Use Mi Cloud or local storage.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the battery to at least 50%. With a low charge, the reset may be interrupted, which will lead to a knock (inoperability) of the device.
  • πŸ“‘ Disable the Mi Account in Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account.Once reset, the phone will require you to enter account details tied before the procedure.
  • πŸ” Delete your Google account in Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google, if you're planning to sell your phone, it'll prevent you from being blocked through FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

Pay special attention to the attached devices: if the Mi 5X was used as a remote for the Xiaomi Smart Home (for example, to control the Mi Robot Vacuum or Mi Air Purifier), after the reset, the connection will be severed.

πŸ“Š Have you ever done a setup reset on Xiaomi?
Yes, through the menu.
Yes, through Recovery.
No, but I'd like to know how.
No, and no planning.

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

This method is suitable if the Xiaomi Mi 5X is turned on and reacts to touch. the procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require additional tools.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the section Additional β†’ Backup and Reset.
  3. Select Settings Reset.
  4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
  5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

After the reboot, you will be asked to configure the Mi 5X as new. If the phone requests Mi Account details that you didn't untie, use the FRP bypass instructions below.

Battery charge > 50%|Backup created|Mi Account disabled|Google Account Deleted (if necessary)|Memory card removed (optional)-->

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Xiaomi Mi 5X is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked, use Recovery mode. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires accurate execution of steps.

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Hold Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears, then let go of Power while continuing to keep Volume up.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (use volume buttons for navigation and power for confirmation).
  4. Go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
  5. Once you have finished, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe All Data, your Mi 5X It works on custom Recovery (for example, TWRP). In this case, select the Wipe. β†’ Format Data, enter yes and confirm. Format via TWRP removes data encryption, which can lead to loss of access to internal memory without re-firmware.

What happens if Recovery does not open?
If after holding Power + Volume up the phone vibrates but does not load Recovery, try: 1. Connect the charger and try again. 2. Use Power + Volume down (on some versions of MIUI). 3. Swipe stock Recovery through Fastboot (PC required).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if the first two methods do not work or you need to completely re-flash Mi. 5X. You will need a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

  1. Download the official firmware for the Mi 5X (select the Fastboot version).
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder from fastboot.exe (from the Platform Tools package).
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot Mode.
  4. Connect Mi. 5X to the PC and execute in the command line: fastboot flash all (after the command drag the file). flash_all.bat unpacked).
  5. Wait until completion (about 5-10 minutes) and type: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical, if the process is interrupted, the phone can turn into a brick. USB 2.0 (on some PCs) USB 3.0 causes data transmission errors).

Resetting methodConditions requiredImplementation timeLevel of difficulty
Through the settings menuThe phone is turned on, reacts to touch.5-10 minutes⭐ (simple)
Through Recovery.The phone is turned on but does not load the system10-15 minutes⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)
Through Fastboot.PC, cable, firmware, ADB drivers15-20 minutes⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

  • πŸ”„ "phone is stuck on startup the logo after reset β€” wait 10-15 minutes. If it doesn't work, repeat the reset via Recovery.
  • πŸ”’ "Requires a password from an old Mi Account. FRP-Solution: enter your linked account details or use the bypass FRP.
  • πŸ“΅ "No memory card is detected after reset – format it via your phone (Settings) β†’ Warehouse β†’ Map. SD β†’ Format).
  • πŸ”‹ "Battery expired during reset - plug the charger and repeat the procedure. If the phone does not turn on, use Fastboot.

πŸ’‘

If after the Mi reset 5X Not connected to the mobile network, check your settings APN. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN) Select the configuration of your operator.

How to get around FRP (Factory Reset Protection) on Xiaomi Mi 5X

FRP is Google's protection that locks the phone after a reset, unless you enter the data of the previously linked account, and you can bypass it in two ways on the Mi 5X:

Method 1: Through an official account

If you remember the login and password from the Google account that was linked before the reset:

  1. On the lock screen, enter account data.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi (if required).
  3. After successful authorization, set up the phone as new.

Method 2: Bypass (only for MIUI 8-10)

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI and may violate Google's security policy. Use at your own risk.

  1. On the FRP lock screen, click Add Wi-Fi network.
  2. Enter any network name, then click and hold the text – the Google Search menu will appear.
  3. Through search, open Settings β†’ Reset settings and perform another reset.

πŸ’‘

Starting with MIUI 11 and Android 10, FRP bypassing via Add Network is blocked. The only legal way is to enter the original account data.

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset of the Xiaomi Mi 5X, you will need an initial setup. Follow these steps for optimal performance:

  1. Choose the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of the mobile network).
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi – this will speed up the download of updates and restore backup.
  3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if you plan to use Xiaomi services, such as Mi Cloud or Mi Fit).
  4. Restore data from the backup (if you created it before resetting).
  5. Disable unnecessary services: πŸ“Š Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Autostart – Turn off autostart for unnecessary apps. πŸ”„ Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Energy Saving Mode – Choose Balanced. πŸ“‘ Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data Transfer – Turn off background transmission to save traffic.

If the Mi 5X is slower than before the procedure, check:

  • πŸ”„ Version MIUI β€” You may need to update (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • 🧹 Residual files – use the built-in Cleanup utility (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Cleanup).
  • πŸ› οΈ Battery status – if the phone is quickly discharged, replace the battery (Mi capacity) 5X β€” 3080 mAh).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset the Mi 5X without losing data?
No, any factory reset erases user data. However, you can back up through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset or manually copy files to your PC.
Why after the Mi reset 5X see SIM-map?
This may be due to: Incorrect settings APN (Check in the settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points. Slot damage. SIM (Try inserting the card into another phone. Software failure (reset again or run the phone through Fastboot).
How to reset the Mi 5X if you forget the pattern lock?
If you don't remember the pattern lock, but the phone turns on: 5 times enter the wrong key - will the button Forgot the pattern lock appear?. Enter the Mi or Google account details associated with the phone. Once unlocked, reset through the settings menu. If the phone does not respond, use Recovery reset.
Will the Mi 5X reset the MIUI upgrade to the factory version?
No, factory reset doesn't roll back the MIUI version. The phone will stay on the firmware that was installed at the time of the reset. To get the factory version back, you need to flash the phone through Fastboot with official software.
Can I reset the Mi 5X through a computer without a Fastboot?
Yes, with the Mi program. PC Suite: Download and install Mi PC Suite, plug in Mi. 5X PC-only USB. In the program, select Backup. β†’ Recovery and discharge β†’ Reset to factory settings. ⚠️ Note: This method only works if the phone is turned on and recognized by the program.