How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings: all working ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing software failures. This model, released in 2017, is still popular due to the balance of price and functionality, but its MIUI firmware (especially outdated versions) sometimes behaves unstable. Unlike new Xiaomi smartphones, where it takes a couple of clicks to reset, the Redmi 5 has nuances, such as binding to a Mi Account or working with Recovery Mode.

Many users face problems after reset: the phone asks to enter the old password, does not recognize SIM-This article covers all the current reset methods, from the standard menu to forced flashing, and also explains how to avoid typical errors. We will not advise "just press a button", but will analyze each method according to the version of the version. MIUI, Mi Account status and even the physical state of the device (e.g., if the screen does not respond to touches).

If you're here because Redmi 5 is slowing down, spontaneously restarting, or preventing you from installing new apps, resets often help, but it's important to understand that this is not a panacea. For example, for hardware problems (battery wear, motherboard damage), resets will only temporarily mask symptoms, but if the phone is "hang on the logo" after a failed update, the chances of recovering from a Fastboot or Recovery are pretty high.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you dump the Xiaomi Redmi 5, follow a few critical steps: Without them, you risk losing data forever or facing a device lock.

First, back up. Even if the phone is unstable, try to save:

• 📱 Contacts – sync with Google Account or export to.vcf file.
• 📷 Photos and videos – copy to PC via cable USB Upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔑 Passwords and Notes – Use Mi Cloud or third-party managers (e.g. Keepass).
• 🎮 Game saves – if the game supports cloud backup (e.g. via Google Play Games).

Second, check the Mi Account link. After the reset, the phone may require you to enter the username and password from the account that was tied before the procedure. If you do not remember the data, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Note: when you change the firmware to a custom (for example, LineageOS), the Mi Account can lock the device for 72 hours.

Third, charge the phone to at least 50%. Recovery or Fastboot resets can take up to 30 minutes, and if the battery runs out in the process, the device will turn into a brick.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting Redmi 5 before selling, be sure to untie the device from Mi Account in your account settings!

Make sure the battery is charged >50%| Backup important data | Check access to Mi Account | Disable graphical key/password protection (if possible) | Remove SIM and memory card (optional)

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2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember the password/pattern lock to unlock.
• 📶 The device is not "hung" on the logo MI.

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 tell you what to reset: 📱 Settings (required). 🗃️ Applications and their data (if you want to delete all programs). 📱 Media files (optional if you have not made a backup).

Confirm the action by entering the password from the lock screen.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will start as a new one, with a MIUI welcome screen. If a Mi Account request appears at this stage, the device has been linked to the account, enter your username and password - or restore access if you forgot (see section 5).

If the menu does not contain Restore and Reset, try the alternative route: Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points (menu) → Resetting.

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If the phone is slowing down and you don't let it open, try resetting through Safe Mode. To do this, hold the power button, then long tap "Switch off power" → "OK." After restarting in Safe Mode, repeat the reset steps.

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

Recovery Mode is a service mode that allows you to reset your phone even if it doesn’t boot. Xiaomi Redmi 5 uses stock Recovery from Xiaomi (not to be confused with custom TWRP!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold it together: 🔊 The Volume Up button (Volume Up). ⚡ Power button (Power).

Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).

Recovery

Volume Up/Down

Power

• 🌐 English (if the menu is in Chinese).
• 🔄 Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset).
• 📱 Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (usually the last item).
• Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
• Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

If the phone stayed on the MI logo for more than 15 minutes after the reset, it means that there was an error, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see section 4).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Redmi 5 may require you to enter your Mi Account password before you reset. If you don't remember the data, this method won't work - use Fastboot.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is the most reliable, but requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB.

• 🔒 Phone locked Mi Account and does not allow to reset via Recovery.
• 📱 The device “bursts” after a failed update.
• 🔄 You need to refashion the phone to another version. MIUI.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/MacOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the Android website).
• 📱 Firmware for Redmi 5 (codename rosy) – download from the official Xiaomi website.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive from the platform-tools into a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\adb).
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\adb
5. Check that the device is determined: fastboot devices Should show a serial number of the phone. If not, install the Mi USB Driver drivers.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you need to reflash your phone (for example, after a crash), use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

Attention:

data

IMEI

Yes, I stitched |No, but I want to learn |Tryed, but something went wrong |Never heard of it |Given to the service

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5.How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 5 after reset if you require Mi Account

One of the most common problems after a reset is a request for data from Mi Account, which was tied to the phone, which is not a bug, but a feature of theft protection (Mi Cloud Lock).

Method 1: Restore access to your account

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔑 Click on “Forgot your password?” and follow the instructions (you will need to access an email or phone linked to your account).
• 📱 If email/Your phone is also lost, try to recover it by Forgotting email?".

Method 2: Untie the device via another phone

If you have a second smartphone with the same Mi Account:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Find Redmi 5 in the list of devices and remove it.
3. Wait 5-10 minutes and try to activate the phone again.

Method 3: Official unlock (if the phone is purchased by hand)

If you bought Redmi 5 b/d and the seller did not untie the account:

• 📄 Ask the seller for a check or proof of purchase.
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi (mi.com/support) requesting.
• ⏳ Expect a response for up to 7 days (sometimes require a photo of the box with a photo of the box). IMEI).

⚠️ Note: Do not use "circumvent" methods to reset your Mi Account through EDL Xiaomi has tightened protections since 2020, and after such manipulations, the phone could permanently lock at the hardware level.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 5, and here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

Mistake 1: Interrupting the discharge process

• 🔋 Reason: The phone is dead or the user has forced it to turn off.
• ⚡ Consequences: Damage to system files, brick".
• 🛠️ Solution: Always charge your phone before resetting. If the process is stalled, wait 30 minutes before interrupting.

Mistake 2: Resetting the Mi Account without decoupling

Error 3: Using unofficial firmware

• 📦 Reason: Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader.

Error 4: The Wrong Version of the Firmware

• 📋 Reason: Firmware for Redmi 5A Redmi Note 5 is installed on Redmi 5.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset, don't panic! 90% of the time, it can be restored via Fastboot or EDL (but it's better to contact the service).

7. Alternative methods of discharge (if nothing helps)

If the standard methods didn’t work, try these options:

Method 1: Reset by Find Device (if the phone is online)

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in.
• 📍 Select your Redmi 5 from the Device List.
• 🔄 Click on “Erase Data” (the function only works if the phone is connected to the Internet).

Method 2: Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If you have previously activated USB debugging:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command line and enter Adb shell recovery. --wipe_data

Method 3: Service centre

If the phone:

• 🔌 Not responding to charging.
• 📱 It does not download to Recovery or Fastboot.
• 🔒 Requires a Mi Account that cannot be restored.

→ Contact the official Xiaomi service.The cost of unlocking: from 1,500 ₽ (2026).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 5