How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 working ways

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to brake, issue bugs or require cleaning before selling.Resetting to factory settings (formatting) solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a "brick."

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of formatting Redmi 9 — from standard reset through settings to forced flashing through Fastboot. MI-If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or requires a password from the previous owner, here you will find a solution.

We warn you right away: formatting deletes all user data (photos, messages, applications), but does not affect the system files of the firmware. If the goal is to eliminate critical MIUI errors, a complete firmware reflash may be necessary, which we will also talk about.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Formatting

Before you reset Redmi 9, follow the steps to avoid losing important information and activation issues after the procedure.

1. Create a backup. Even if the phone is unstable, try to save data via:

• 📱 MIUI Backup: Settings → The phone. → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, System settings, but not photos in the gallery).
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Upload photos and documents to Mi Cloud (Mi Account required).
• 💻 Computer: Connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp.

2. Make sure you know the login and password from MI-Redmi 9 will require you to enter the account details that were linked to the device. If you forget your password or the phone is bought with your hands, a reset via Recovery will lock the device for 72 hours (Xiaomi’s anti-theft policy).

3. Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to damage to the firmware and the need to sew the phone through the Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If you drop your phone before selling, be sure to get out of the way. MI-Account in settings (Accounts) → Mi Account → The new owner will not be able to activate the device without your data!

Method 1: Reset via settings (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.
• 🔑 You know the password/pattern lock.
• ⚡ Battery charged at least 30 times%.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → Additional → Resetting settings.
3. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
4. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new. If you have an error after the reset, this device is associated with the reset. MI-account" means you did not log out of the account before formatting (see section on bypassing the lock).

Method 2: Hard Recovery Reset (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even without a password, but has important limitations:

Limitations:

• 🔒 If the phone was on MI-account, after reset, you will need to enter its data (otherwise the device will be blocked).
• 📱 All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
• ⚠️ Incorrect actions in Recovery can lead to firmware damage.

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in some versions of Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone needs data after rebooting MI-account, and you do not know them - see the section "How to bypass the lock" MI-account».

Method 3: Complete Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

If the standard reset doesn't work (the phone reboots cyclically, emits "MIUI crashed" errors, or doesn't turn on at all), you just have to reflash the device via Fastboot.

• ✅ Eliminate critical system errors.
• ✅ Updates the firmware to the latest version.
• ⚠️ Requires a computer and command line knowledge.
• ⚠️ The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a “brick” (not even on charging).

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 9 (download from the official website of Xiaomi or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Flash Tool, ADB & Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official Xiaomi tool).
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi9_firmware).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
4. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (appears) COM-port).
7. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended for critical errors); Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only for experienced!); Save User Data - saving data (will not help when resetting).

Flash

If the process ends with an "Anti-rollback" error, you're trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one on your phone, in which case download the newer version of MIUI.

1. Reinstall Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.-->

How to bypass the blocking of MI-account after resetting

If you dropped Redmi 9 via Recovery or bought a used phone with a tethered phone MI-When you first activate your account, you will see a message: This device is associated with MI-Xiaomi has introduced this protection to combat theft, but it often interferes with the legitimate owners.

Ways of bypassing (from simple to complex):

The most reliable way is to contact Xiaomi support with a check or a picture of the box (where you can see the IMEI). If the phone is bought from hand, try contacting the previous owner.

⚠️ Attention: Use of informal circumvention techniques (e.g. through EDL Test point or test point may lead to blockage IMEI In this case, the phone will lose access to mobile networks!

Frequent Formatting Mistakes in Redmi 9 and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that make resetting a nightmare, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

1.The phone is not included in Recovery

• 🔋 Reason: Battery discharge (less than 5%).
• 🔌 Solution: Charge your phone for 20 to 30 minutes, then try again.

2.After reset, the phone asks for the old password

• 🔒 Reason: The phone was enabled the function "Data Protection" (encryption).
• 📱 Solution: Enter the last password you used. If you forgot, just flash it over Fastboot.

3. "Cannot verify update" error in Mi Flash Tool

• 📥 Reason: Downloaded firmware not for your model (for example, for Redmi) 9A instead of Redmi 9).
• 🔍 Solution: Check the exact model name in Settings → The phone. → Name of the model (should be) M2003J15SC or M2003J15SS).

4.The phone is stuck on the logo after firmware

• ⚡ Reason: Mi Flash Tool is not the right mode (e.g. Clean All and Lock instead of Clean All).
• 🛠 Solution: Repeat the firmware by selecting Clean All. If it doesn't work, run through EDL (authorization required).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 10 minutes after reset, don't panic. Sometimes the first download after formatting takes up to 20 minutes (especially if the firmware has been updated).

Data recovery after reset: is it possible?

If you forgot to back up, the chances of getting your data back depend on how you formatted your phone:

1. Reset via settings

• 📱 Probability of recovery: Low (MIUI overwrite user data).
• 🔍 Tools: Programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver can find fragments of photos or messages, but not guaranteed.

2.Dumping through Recovery

• 🗑 Recovery probability: Nearly zero (complete partition formatting takes place) /data).
• ⚠️ Risk: Using recovery software can damage remaining system files.

3. Flashing through Fastboot

• 💀 Recovery probability: 0%. When you select Clean All, all partitions are overwritten.

If data is critical, go to a specialized lab (e.g. HddSurgery or FlashFix) that can extract information directly from a memory chip, but it is expensive (from 5,000 to five years). ₽) not always possible.

How to avoid future data loss:

• ☁️ Set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Backup).
• 💾 Regularly copy photos and videos to your computer or external drive.
• 📝 Use sync apps (like Google Photos or Sync.com).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions