Android, despite its flexibility and functionality, has the ability to accumulate software debris over time. Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus smartphone often face a situation where the device starts to run slower, applications fly out for no apparent reason, and the battery runs out faster than usual. In such cases, the only effective solution is a complete reset to factory settings, or so-called Hard Reset. This procedure returns the gadget to the state in which it was immediately after purchase, removing all user data and third-party software.
The process of restoring the original state of the system may be necessary not only to speed up work, but also in cases where you forgot the pattern lock or password from the lock screen. It is also a standard procedure before selling a device to ensure the confidentiality of your personal data. It is important to understand that the Redmi 5 Plus is a powerful device with a Snapdragon 625 processor, and a clean installation of the MIUI interface can do wonders with its performance. However, before starting any manipulations, you need to understand the risks and consequences.
In this article, we will discuss in detail two main ways to perform a reset: through the standard settings menu and through the Recovery mode. We will also focus on preparing the device to avoid losing important photos, contacts and documents. Following the instructions, you can safely resuscitate your smartphone and return it to its previous speed.
Preparation of the smartphone Redmi 5 Plus to the reset procedure
Before you start the formatting process of the system partition, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. The most important thing is to create a backup of the data, because during the reset, the internal memory will be completely cleared, this applies to photos, videos, music, downloaded files, as well as contact lists and message history, if they are not synchronized with the cloud.
The second critical point is battery charge. The reset process and subsequent initial setup can take 15 to 40 minutes. If the device shuts down at the time of partition formatting, it can cause damage to the bootloader and a software failure known as bootloop. Make sure the charge level is at least 60-70%.
- 📸 Back up photos and videos to your computer or to Google Photos cloud storage.
- 📞 Check the synchronization of contacts with your Google or Mi Account.
- 🔋 Charge the smartphone battery to the maximum level or connect it to the charger.
- 🔑 Remember or write down passwords from Google and Mi accounts that were linked to the device.
It is also worth removing the MicroSD card if it is installed. Although the system usually asks if an external card should be formatted, physical removal of the media completely eliminates the risk of accidental deletion of important files from the flash card. It is also recommended to turn off the Internet after creating a backup so that during the reset process new notifications or updates that may interfere with the process will not arrive.
⚠️ Warning: If your device has the “Find My Device” feature enabled (Mi Cloud or Google Find My Device), be sure to turn it off or make sure you remember passwords. Once reset, the system will require authorization to the account that was the main one before formatting. Without it, you will not be able to use your phone.
Two-factor authentication is a special focus, and if you have authentication apps on your phone (like Google Authenticator or bank tokens), make sure you have backup codes or the ability to retrieve accounts in another way, and if you reset, all your keys will be lost forever.
Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu
This is the easiest and most secure method that is suitable for most users with access to the desktop and smartphone menu.It does not require knowledge of special button combinations and runs in the GUI. To start, open the Settings app on your Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus.
In the menu that opens, scroll down to the bottom and find Advanced Settings. In some versions of MIUI, this section may simply be called Additional or be in the About Phone menu. However, in the classic shell for Redmi 5 Plus, the path usually lies through the Advanced System Settings section.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- In the Advanced Settings menu, find and click on Restore and Reset.
- Select the option Reset to factory settings.
- The system will show you a list of what will be removed. Press Reset button at the bottom of the screen.
- If you have a screen lock password, the system will ask you to enter it for confirmation.
- Click Clean All and wait for the reboot.
⚠️ Attention: If your phone is linked to a Mi Account, the system may require you to enter a password from it before resetting through the settings. This is protection against theft. If you do not remember the password, you should use the computer to untie the device through i.mi.com, otherwise the phone will be blocked after reset.
Once confirmed, the screen will go out and the cleaning process will begin. The screen may display the Redmi logo or animation of the Android robot. Do not touch the device at this point. The initial boot after the reset always lasts longer than usual - from 3 to 10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates new system files.
☑️ Check before reset via settings
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is frozen, does not respond to touch or can not boot the operating system, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the memory of the device, which allows you to perform low-level operations. To log into it on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, a combination of physical buttons is used.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Make sure it's not in sleep mode, which is turned off. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Keep them clamped until the Mi logo appears, and then the power button can be released while you keep holding the volume button.
When you see the Main Menu menu with black background and colored lines, release the volume button. This menu is controlled by volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is by the power button. Navigation can seem unusual, since the touch screen does not work here.
Algorithm of actions in the Recovery mode:
- With volume buttons, select the Wipe Data item and press the power button to enter.
- Select Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- Wait until the process is complete (the message “Data wiped successfully” appears).
- Click Back to Main Menu, then select Reboot and Reboot to System.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Importantly, newer versions of MIUI (starting at 10 and above) may require Recovery to confirm the unlock password before resetting, and this is done to protect user data. If you don't remember the password, this method may not work without first unlocking through the Mi Cloud.
💡
Recovery mode is the “last frontier” of resuscitation of the smartphone, when software failures prevent the system from starting in normal mode.
Table of comparison of discharge methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand in which situation which method will be more effective for your Redmi 5 Plus model.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the system | Required. | Not required |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) |
| Password deletion | No (access required) | Yes (in older versions of MIUI) |
| Implementation time | 10-15 minutes. | 5-10 minutes |
As you can see from the table, the method through settings is more user friendly, but requires a working interface. Recovery mode is a tool for more experienced users or emergency cases. The choice depends on the current state of your gadget.
Problem Solving: What to Do When...
The reset process is not always smooth. Sometimes users face unforeseen difficulties. For example, a smartphone can hang on the MI or Android logo after a reboot. In this case, do not panic. The first download after Wipe Data can last up to 15 minutes. If more time has passed, try forcibly restart the device by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Another common problem is a cyclic bootloop, where the phone is constantly turned off and on, which may indicate damage to system files or a failed update, in which case you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
- 🔄 If the phone is stuck on the logo, try going to Recovery and reset.
- 🔌 Connect the device to the original charger during the first boot.
- 💾 Check for system updates after successful reset in About Phone menu.
⚠️ Note: If the phone requires a Google account after resetting (FRP The Lock you don't remember is a theft protection, and you can only legally circumvent it by restoring access to your account through Google, and buying third-party unlocking services carries risks.
Also worth mentioning is the problem with the touchscreen after reset, sometimes the screen calibration gets confused, and if you notice that the sensor is not responding correctly, you can test and calibrate the sensor in the engineering menu (code # # #64663##).
Primary adjustment after reset
After the procedure is successfully completed and the reboot is completed, you will see a welcome screen. The system will suggest you to choose a language, connect to the Wi-Fi network and log into your Google account. Be prepared that the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus can run a little slower in the first 30-60 minutes of use. This is normal: background services index files, and the MIUI artificial intelligence system allocates the CPU resources.
Take your time to install all applications from backup. Experienced users recommend setting only the minimum necessary to identify possible conflicts. If you recover data from the cloud, do it selectively. Often it is third-party launcher applications or antiviruses that cause unstable system operation.
Immediately after setting up, it is recommended to check the firmware version. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version. If an update is available, install it. New versions often contain security patches and stability improvements that can solve the problems that prompted you to make a reset.
💡
After reset, do not install memory cleaners and antiviruses immediately. The built-in MIUI optimization works more efficiently and does not create unnecessary load on the Snapdragon 625 processor.