How to recover data on Xiaomi Redmi 9 after resetting to factory settings: the complete guide

Why is the data lost after resetting and can it be returned?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical way to solve performance problems, viruses or device preparation problems. However, many users face the unpleasant surprise that photos, videos, correspondence and even contacts disappear after the procedure. Why is this happening?

When you completely reset (via Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset), MIUI formats the /data partition where user files are stored.

• 📁 Internal memory is cleared completely if Mi Cloud or backup is not activated.
• 🔄 SD-The card (if installed) is usually unaffected, but files can be hidden by the system.
• ☁️ Cloud data (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) is automatically restored when you first log in to your account.

The chances of recovery depend on whether the data was overwritten after the reset, and if you started using the phone right away, the new files can wipe out the old ones, but even then, there are working methods.

Method 1: Recovery through Mi Cloud is the fastest method

If Redmi 9 has enabled automatic backup in Mi Cloud, you can return data in 5 minutes, this method works for contacts, notes, SMS, settings and even some applications (for example, Gallery or Records).

Instructions:

1. After reset, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to the same Mi Account that was used before the reset.
2. When you first start, the system will prompt Restore from backup – select the last backup date.
3. If the window does not appear, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Data Recovery.

⚠️ Warning: Mi Cloud only provides 5GB of storage for free. If the backup weighed more, some of the data may not have been saved. Check which files were downloaded, in the Mi Cloud section. → Storage management.

Contacts and call log

SMS and MMS messages

Notes and reminders

System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds)

Photo and video (if the synchronization of the Gallery was enabled)

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If you don't have the data in Mi Cloud, go to the next one, but first check if the files are saved to the next one. SD-map or hidden folder.

Method 2: Finding “invisible” files in internal memory

After a reset, MIUI may not show some files, although they remain physically on the device.

• 📸 Photos and videos from folders DCIM/.thumbnails or Pictures/Screenshots.
• 📄 Documents from Download or folders of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 🎵 Music and ringtones in Ringtones or Music.

To see them, you need to turn on the hidden files.

1. Install any file manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Open the menu (three dots in the upper right corner) and select Settings → Show hidden files.
3. Check the folders: /storage/emulated/0/ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/

A critical nuance for Redmi 9: once reset, the Android/data folder may be empty, but files sometimes remain in /data/media/0/ – there is no access to it without root rights.

Method 3: Recovery via PC with Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver

If the data is not stored in the cloud and not found in the phone's memory, there's software recovery. USB-We recommend two instruments:

The following is a step-by-step guide for Dr.Fone:

1. Install the program on your PC and connect Redmi 9 via USB (enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version → Return to Additional Settings → For developers).
2. Select the Android Data Recovery mode.
3. Follow the program’s prompts (you may need to install Xiaomi drivers).
4. After scanning, mark the desired files and click Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to your phone - use a PC or cloud.

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If the program can’t see the phone, try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi) or port to PC. Sometimes it helps to reboot the phone in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply). + Loudness down when switched on).

Method 4: Recover photos via Google Photos or Yandex.Disk

Many Redmi 9 users are unaware that their photos and videos could automatically sync with Google Photos or Yandex.Disk.

• ☁️ Google Photos: Open photos.google.com on your PC or install the app. Log in to the Google account that was linked to your phone. Check the Recycle Bin section (files are stored there for 60 days) and Archive.
• 📁 Yandex.Disk: Go to disk.yandex.ru. check the folder Autoboot from your phone or Camera Upload.

Important: If sync has been enabled but no files are available, check:

• 🔧 Autoboot settings (maybe synced only over Wi-Fi, and it wasn't there).
• 📅 Last synchronization date (in account settings).
• 🗑️ The cart of the cloud service (in Google Photos it is cleared after 60 days).

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Even if you don’t remember if sync was enabled, check cloud services – sometimes autoboot is activated by default the first time a phone is launched.

Method 5: Manual recovery via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed and data is critical, you can try to extract it through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires command line skills and does not guarantee 100% results, but sometimes helps to return files even after formatting.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9 with Debugging enabled USB.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.