How to Reset Xiaomi Mi5 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

The Xiaomi Mi5, released in 2016, remains a popular smartphone among users who value performance and reliability. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give errors or require flashing. Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution to fix software failures, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of a failed update. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to reset the Mi5, including the nuances of working with MIUI versions, unlocking the bootloader and recovering data.

It’s important to understand that resetting is not just about removing apps; it brings your smartphone back out of the box, erasing all user data, settings, and even system updates (in some cases). If you plan to sell or transfer a device, resetting is mandatory to protect personal information. If the goal is to fix crashes, try less radical methods first: clearing the cache, rolling back updates, or resetting individual applications.

The Xiaomi Mi5 feature is that it has a closed bootloader by default, which means that some reset methods (like Fastboot) will require pre-unlocking. Without it, only standard methods are available through the settings menu or Recovery, and we will go into detail on each option so you can choose the best one.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that neglect can lead to data loss or the inability to restore the smartphone.

First, back up. Even if you're planning a crash reset, save contacts, photos, messages and application files.

• 📱 Use the built-in Settings function → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Connect to your Mi Cloud account and sync your data (contacts, notes, photos).
• 💻 Copy files to your computer through MTP (data-transfer mode USB).
• 🔄 For applications, use Titanium Backup (root rights required) or Swift Backup.

Second, check the battery power. Make sure it's at least 50 percent charge, and interrupting the reset process because of a dead battery can cause the device to blink (completely inoperable), especially if it's a Fastboot reset.

Third, check out the MIUI version. This is what makes certain features available. For example, in older versions (before MIUI 10), the path to reset via settings may be different. You can see the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

⚠️ Attention: If on Xiaomi Mi5 custom-made TWRP Recovery, resetting through the standard Recovery menu can result in a logo hanging.In this case, use only the method via Fastboot or flashing.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, not locked with a pattern lock and allows you to enter the settings. It is the most secure and does not require additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset and Reset → Reset settings).
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a password (if installed).
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it, and if the smartphone requests Mi Account information, enter it -- that's part of the theft protection.

Make sure your smartphone is at least 50% charged

Keep a backup copy of important data

Remember the password from the Mi Account (if linked)

Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell your device)-->

If the Mi5 doesn’t turn on or hovers on the logo after reset, try the second method – through Recovery.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

This method will come in handy if the smartphone is locked, got stuck on the screensaver or does not respond to touch. You do not need root rights or an unlocked bootloader to log into Recovery, but it is important to follow the instructions accurately.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Mi5:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold them for 5-7 seconds.
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons. The interface can be in Chinese or English - focus on the icons:

• 🔄 Reboot - Reboot (do not choose!).
• 🗑️ Wipe Data or Clear Data – Resetting your settings.
• 📱 Wipe All Data – Complete reset (select this item).
• 🔙 Back – Return to the previous menu.

After selecting Wipe All Data, confirm the action (usually choose Confirm or Yes). The process will take 2-3 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe All Data, and instead only Wipe Cache, then you have a customized version. TWRP. In this case, select the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, Data, System, then swipe to confirm.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer, USB-cable and minimal knowledge of working with Fastboot:

• 🔓 You have the bootloader unlocked (if not, first unlock through the official Xiaomi tool).
• 🖥️ The smartphone does not respond to other ways of resetting.
• 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware) on your computer.
2. Turn off the Mi5 and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) 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

If you want to completely reflash the device (for example, after a system failure), download the official firmware for Mi5 from the Xiaomi website and use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

⚠️ Warning: Commands fastboot erase system or fastboot flash all without first downloading the firmware will lead to a device blink. Always check the correct commands and availability of backups.

Through the settings menu

Through Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot.

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What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi5 will launch with a welcome screen, and it’s important to perform the initial setup correctly to avoid problems in the future.

Adjustment steps:

1. Language choice: Set up Russian or other language you need.
2. Wi-Fi connection: It is recommended to use a stable network, as immediately after setting up, check for updates will begin.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account: If your smartphone is yours, log in to sync your account. If you sell your device, skip this step (the new owner must link your account).

Data recovery:

Mi Cloud

Security setting:

If after discharge Mi5 does not SIM-card or not connected to the mobile network, check:

• 📶 Correct installation SIM-maps (Nano-SIM supported).
• 🔄 Network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 📡 Update the firmware (sometimes resets the modem settings).

💡

If the speaker is missing after the reset, check the settings for Settings → Sound → Volume Levels. Sometimes the reset resets the sound profile to No Sound.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be problems, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

1.The smartphone got stuck on the Mi logo after resetting

Reasons:

• 🔄 Incomplete reset (e.g., only cache instead of full Wipe Data).
• 📱 Damaged firmware (especially if resetted after failed update).
• 🔓 Conflict with Custom Recovery.

Decision:

• Repeat the reset via Recovery by selecting Wipe All Data.
• If it does not help, run the device through Fastboot with the official firmware.

2 Requires a Mi Account password after resetting

This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection. If you forget your password:

• 🔑 Try to restore it through the Mi Account website.
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account – there may be an instruction letter.
• 📞 If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).

3.The sensor is not working after reset

Probable reasons:

• 🛠️ Damage to the plume (if the smartphone fell or disassembled).
• 📱 Calibration failure after reset.
• 🔄 Incompatible firmware (if put customized).

Decision:

• Reset the device.
• Update the firmware to the latest version.
• If the problem remains, contact the service center.

💡

If the Xiaomi Mi5 doesn’t turn on at all after reset (no vibration, no indicator lights), check the charger and cable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi5