Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A on factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A to factory settings is a procedure that solves most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to preparing the device for sale. However, an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important data or even “bricking” the phone if you interrupt the process at critical stages. This article will help you avoid typical errors and choose the best method depending on the state of your Redmi Note 5A.

The Redmi Note 5A (codenamed ugg) was released in 2017, but is still heavily used due to its balanced features, and resets are nuanced by the MIUI version and the firmware type (global, Chinese, custom).We’ll look at all the current ways, from the simplest through the settings menu to the complex through the Fastboot, which will be required if the phone does not turn on.

Before you start, answer two questions: do you need to save data (photos, contacts, messages) and does the screen work? It depends on the choice of method. If the phone is locked or the screen is broken, only hardware reset through buttons will do, which we will also discuss in detail.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Even if you plan a full reset, a few minutes of preparation will save hours of data recovery later.Start with backup is the only way to save photos, notes and app settings.

For the Redmi Note 5A, standard MIUI tools are suitable:

• 📱 Local Backup: Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup. Select save points (contacts, SMS, Apps) and click "Create backup." The file will be saved to internal memory in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: If You Have a Mi Account, Enable Sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. This will save contacts, notes and some settings.
• 💾 Manual copying: connect your phone to your PC via USB (in file transfer mode) and copy folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp (if you use the messenger).

Pay special attention to your Xiaomi account. If you forget your Mi Account password and your phone is tied to it, you may need to enter data to unlock it after the reset. Use the official account recovery service at account.xiaomi.com as a last resort.

⚠️ Note: On firmware models for the Chinese market (without global) MIUI) You may be asked to link to a new account after the reset, due to Xiaomi's anti-theft policy. If the phone was purchased informally, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Also check the battery charge - it should be at least 50%.When reset via Recovery or Fastboot, discharging during the process can cause firmware to fail.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock or the key. PIN-It's suitable for eliminating software lags, cleaning the cache, and preparing the device for transfer to another user.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → Recovery and reset.
3. Select the Reset option.
4. The system will offer two options: 🔄 Reset all settings – removes only user settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, application settings), but saves files. 🧹 Delete all data – complete reset to factory state (recommended for sale).

Confirm the action by entering a password (if installed) and wait for the reboot.

It takes 3-5 minutes. After the reboot, you'll be asked to set the phone up as new. If you've chosen a full reset, all the data (except for the data on the reset) SD-map) to be removed.

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged

Backup of important data

Remember the username and password from Mi Account (if linked)

Disable protection with a pattern lock (if it interferes)

-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 9-10 (installed on Redmi Note) 5A) After the reset, there may be an error in activating the Mi Account. If the phone asks you to enter the data of the old owner, and you do not know them, you will need an official unlock through the service center.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method is needed if the phone is not turned on, got stuck on the Xiaomi logo or locked. Recovery Mode is a service menu built into the firmware that works even when the main system crashes.

To log in to Recovery on Redmi Note 5A:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in some versions).
2. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume Down button for 5-7 seconds until the image of a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers.
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the commands are executed, the phone will restart in a factory state, which deletes all data, including files on internal memory, but does not affect the firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you see an error FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State', which means that the bootloader is locked. en.miui.com/unlock. Without unlocking, reset via Fastboot is impossible.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the reset can be a mistake.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case, contact the service center.

1. Enter Recovery.
2. Select Connect with MIAssistant.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run Mi Phone Manager to check the status of memory and other components.

• 🎯 The scale of window animation - off.
• 🎯 The scale of transition animation - off.
• 🎯 Duration of animation - No animation

-->

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up, the chances of returning deleted files depend on how fast you act. Once reset, new data is written on top of old data, so don't install apps or copy files to your phone until you try to recover what you lost.

Recovery methods:

• 📱 Backup copy. MIUI: If you create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup, connect your phone to your PC and copy the backup file from the folder MIUI/backup. Restore it through the same menu.
• ☁️ From the Xiaomi Cloud: Log in to your Mi Account on your phone and enable sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 🔍 With the help of programs: to recover photos and videos suitable DiskDigger, Recuva or 7-Data Recovery. Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP And scan your internal memory.

To recover SMS and call logs, use applications like SMS Backup & Restore if you have backups. If you don't have copies, the chances of returning them are minimal - this data is stored in the system partition, which is completely cleared when reset.

It is especially difficult to recover data if the reset was done via Fastboot, in which case low-level formatting is used, which practically eliminates the possibility of recovery.

Alternatives to resetting: when you can do without it

Before you drop your phone, check if you can solve the problem with less radical methods. Often, the brakes and errors are not responsible for the system files, but third-party applications or filled memory.

What to try instead of resetting:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → All applications, select each and click "Clear Cache." System applications may need to unlock developer rights.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → System update. Sometimes bugs get fixed in new firmware versions.
• 🛠️ Virus removal: install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light and scan the system. Some viruses masquerade as system processes and cause lags.
• 📉 Memory optimization: If your internal memory is over 90% full, delete your unnecessary files or transfer them to your storage space. SD-Use the built-in Settings tool → Memory. → Cleanup.

If the problem is in the interface freezes, try rolling back the settings to factory without deleting the data:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Restore and reset.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Remove All Data!).
3. Confirm action. The phone will restart, but the files and applications will remain in place.

💡

If your phone starts to brake after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous firmware version. To do this, download the desired version from the Xiaomi Firmware website and run it through Recovery or Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 5A reset