How to recover data after resetting to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Why does the reset erase the data and can it be returned?

Resetting to factory settings on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a radical solution to performance problems, viruses or pre-sales issues. But what if you forgot to back up? The smartphone's internal memory is formatted after the reset and files are replaced with zeros in the placement table. However, the data physically stays on the flash memory until it is overwritten by new ones.

The chances of recovery depend on:

• 🔹 Time after reset – the earlier you start, the higher the probability (optimum – in the first 24 hours).
• 🔹 Device activity – installing apps or taking photos/video overwrites old data.
• 🔹 File types – photos (.jpg,.png) and documents are easier to recover than messages or application settings.

Redmi 9 uses file systems F2FS or ext4 (depending on the version MIUI), which are more difficult to repair than FAT32 on SD-But even here, there are working methods, from built-in Xiaomi features to third-party utilities.

Method 1: Recovery via Mi Account (if synchronized)

If Redmi 9 has enabled sync with Mi Account, some of the data is automatically stored in the cloud.

• 📇 Contacts (from the Contacts app).
• 📅 Notes (Annex Notes).
• 📸 Photo (if the Xiaomi Cloud feature is enabled in the gallery).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (only for networks connected after logging in to your account).

To restore:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the data category (for example, Contacts).
3. Click Sync or Restore (if available).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi cloud stores data for a limited time (usually 30 days after deletion).If the reset was long ago, the files could be deleted from the servers.

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Check the Mi Cloud/Trash folder in cloud storage – deleted files stay there for up to 15 days.

Method 2: Local Recovery through MIUI Backup

Xiaomi Redmi 9 backs up locally if Backup is enabled in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. Files are saved in the folder:

/MIUI/backup/AllBackup/

How to restore:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (file transfer mode).
2. Open the MIUI/backup folder on the internal drive.
3. Find a file with the.mbk extension (for example, backup_20260515.mbk).
4. Copy it on your PC and use the Mi Backup Extractor utility (you can download it on XDA Developers).

If you don't have a MIUI/backup folder, you don't have a backup set up, so you can move on to the next one.

Method 3: Data recovery programs (without root)

For Redmi 9, programs that work with the ext4/F2FS file system via ADB or directly from the memory chip are suitable.

Instructions for DiskDigger (the easiest option):

Download DiskDigger from the official website | Connect Redmi 9 to your PC in file transfer mode |Start scan (select "Basic scan") |Tag the desired files and save to PC |Do not save recovered files back to your phone!

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Do not install recovery programs directly on Redmi 9, this will overwrite deleted data and make it irrecoverable.

Method 4: Recovery via TWRP (for advanced users)

If Redmi 9 has a custom TWRP recavator, the chances of recovery are higher.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and works even after a complete reset.

Steps:

1. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Vol Up when enabled).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and use ADB to access the sections:

adb pull /data/media/0/ C:\Redmi9_Backup\

1. Use PhotoRec or TestDisk to scan the /data partition image.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect commands in the TWRP If you're not sure, you can see a specialist.

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TWRP allows you to create a full /data partition image before you restore it. This is the only way to save data if the file system is corrupted.

Method 5: Contacting a service center (physical recovery)

If the software methods don't work, there's chip-off recovery -- taking the memory chip and reading the data directly -- which is expensive (from 5,000 percent). ₽), But the efficiency is close to 100%.

When justified:

• 💰 The phone had critical data (documents, unique photos).
• 🔧 The reset was made a long time ago (more than a week ago), and the memory was rewritten many times.
• 📱 The phone is not powered on or loaded only in Fastboot.

Where to look for services:

• Official partners of Xiaomi (list on mi.com).
• Laboratories with PC-3000 or EasyJTAG equipment.

Average prices (Moscow, 2026):

Method 6: Recovering Deleted Messages and Calls

Messages (SMS/MMS) and call log are stored in the database /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db. After reset, this file is deleted, but it can be partially restored.

Instructions for SMS Backup & Restore:

1. Install the app on another phone (like the Redmi Note 10).
2. Create a backup copy of messages from the working device.
3. Transfer the backup file (.xml) to Redmi 9.
4. Recover the data through the application.

Call Logs Backup & Restore (similar algorithm) is used for calls, and you can only recover records that were prior to the last sync with Google (if it was configured).

What to do after reset (5 critical errors)

Mistakes can permanently destroy the data.

1. Install new applications – each update overwrites memory sectors.
2. Formatting SD-cards – even if the data was in internal memory, the card could contain backup copies.
3. Use "Memory Optimization" in Settings → Memory – This triggers the clearing of cache and temporary files.
4. MIUI Updates – New firmware can change the structure of the /data partition.
5. Connecting to Mi Cloud from a new account will erase the binding to old backups.

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If you need to use your phone urgently, install applications on SD-card (if you have one) or use a second smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data recovery on Redmi 9