Xiaomi Mi5 is the legendary smartphone of 2016, which is still used by many users. However, over time, even this reliable device begins to slow down, glitches or requires complete cleaning before selling, in such cases, resetting to factory settings becomes the only right solution.
But how to properly perform a hard reset on the Mi5 so as not to turn the phone into a “brick”? In this article, we will examine all the working methods - from a standard reset via settings to recovery through Fastboot and Recovery. And also tell you what hidden nuances the Mi5 has when reset (for example, problems with unlocking the bootloader on older versions of MIUI).
Important: the procedure will delete all data from the device — photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If you did not back up, it will not be possible to restore the information.
1.When you need to reset Xiaomi Mi5 to factory settings
Resetting to factory parameters is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary:
- 📱 The phone is slowing down, apps are constantly crashing or the system is giving out errors like “com.android.phone process has stopped".
- 🔒 You forgot your graphical key or unlock password, and Xiaomi’s Find Device doesn’t help.
- 📦 Before selling or transferring a smartphone to another person – to delete all personal information.
- 🔄 After a failed update MIUI, When the system is loaded in an infinite loop (bootloop).
- 🛠️ If your phone is infected with a virus that is not removed by antivirus.
But resetting won’t help if the problem is hardware-related, such as a Wi-Fi module or a screen crash, requiring repairs rather than software reboots.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi5 with an unlocked loader after reset may disappear IMEI If you are not sure if the bootloader has been unlocked, use only the first method (via settings).
2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
If the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, this is the best option. It requires no additional tools and is minimally risky.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to About Phone (or Device in new MIUI versions).
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (if it is not already enabled).
- Return to the main settings menu and select Additional Settings → Recovery and Reset.
- Click Reset settings (or Reset to factory settings).
- The system will tell you what to delete: 📱 Delete all data from the phone 💾 Clean your internal memory (if necessary) 📋 Delete accounts and settings
Mi Account
Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-7 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
After resetting, the Mi5 will boot into a boxy state, all you have to do is go through the initial setup, select a language, and connect to Wi-Fi.
Make a backup copy of important data|Battery charge of at least 50%|Disable Google Account (if not required after resetting)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account-->
3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the Xiaomi Mi5 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help.
Important: There are two types of Recovery available on the Mi5:
- 🔹 Stock (original from Xiaomi) – with limited features.
- 🔹 Castomy (TWRP) — If you have previously installed it for the firmware.
The instructions are a little different for them.
For stock Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
- Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.
For TWRP Recovery:
- Download to TWRP (similar to drain recovery).
- Tap on Wipe (not to be confused with Advanced Wipe!).
- Swipe the Swipe to Factory Reset slider to the right.
- Wait until it is finished and press Reboot System.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - you will have to unlock the bootloader in an official way through the Xiaomi website. Mi5 s MIUI 8 and below, the process can take up to 72 hours!
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)
This method is suitable if:
- 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
- 🔓 We need to reset the settings to Mi5 with a blocked bootloader (but this will delete all data!).
- 📥 Refuse the device after a failed update.
To work, you will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool program (or Fastboot from Android SDK).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
- Download fastboot firmware for Mi5 (e.g., from here). Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
- Connect. Mi5 computer-to-computer USB-cable.
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, select Clean All mode (this is a complete reset with all data deleted).
- Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes).
- After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart.
If the Mi Flash Tool is a bug, try:
- 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🖥️ Launch the program on behalf of the administrator.
- 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite.
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If the phone doesn't turn on after running through Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds. Sometimes the system "thinks" for a long time after the first start.
Possible problems after discharge and their solution
Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi5 may not behave properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone asks for password from Mi Account after reset | Xiaomi account was tied and the bootloader was blocked | Enter the correct password or unlock the bootloader through the official website |
| No net (no catch) SIM-map) | IMEI erased or modem firmware damaged | Restore IMEI via Engineer Mode or reflash the modem |
| Permanent resets after reset | Damaged partition /system or incompatible firmware | Switch your phone to Fastboot with Clean All and Lock |
| The sensor does not work after resetting | Failure in the operation of the driver touch screen | Perform a reset via Recovery again or flash the custom core |
If none of these things worked, maybe the problem is hardware, like flash memory (eMMC), which can only help with repairs at the service center.
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On the Xiaomi Mi5, after a Fastboot reset, unlock the bootloader can fly off. If you plan to continue using custom firmware, do not choose Clean All and Lock mode!
6.How to prepare Xiaomi Mi5 for reset: checklist
To avoid unpleasant surprises, do the following before reset:
- 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50% (preferably up to 70.
- 📤 Backup: Contacts – sync with Google Account or export to.vcf. Photos/video – copy to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). Messages – use apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
- 📋 Take a picture or write down: Login and password from Mi Account. IMEI phone (call *#06#) settings APN Mobile Internet (if you use non-standard Internet).
- 🔌 Disable all accounts: Google Account (in Account settings) → Google → Delete your account. Mi Account (unless you plan to use your phone any further).
If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:
- 📦 Delete everything. SIM-memory-cards.
- 🔄 Get out of all social networks and messengers.
- 🛡️ Disable Find Device and Mi Cloud Sync.
7. Alternative methods of discharge (if nothing helps)
If the standard methods didn’t work, try these options:
🔹 Dumping through ADB (if debugging is on USB)
If the phone has previously been activated debugging via USB, you can reset the settings via the computer:
adb shell
recovery --wipe_dataOr a more radical option (full cleaning):
adb shell
recovery --wipe_all🔹 Firmware through EDL Mode (for bricks")
If the Mi5 does not respond to any combination of buttons, only Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is left.
- 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm QDLoader and Mi Flash Tool installed.
- 🔌 Specialist EDL-cable (or closing test points on the board).
- 📥 Firmware in.mbn format for Mi5.
This method is complex and risky - if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center.
🔹 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all attempts to reset failed, and the phone is important to you - contact the official Xiaomi service. the cost of recovery after a software failure usually does not exceed 1000-1500 rubles (2026).
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On the Xiaomi Mi5 with Snapdragon 820 processor, resetting via EDL is only possible with an authorized Xiaomi account.