How to format Xiaomi Redmi 9A: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a popular budget model that can eventually slow down or become overflowing with system debris, and in such situations, the most effective solution is to completely reset or format, which returns the device to the β€œout of the box” state, removing all user files, applications and settings.

Many users are afraid to do this on their own, for fear of losing important data or breaking the phone, but if you follow a clear algorithm, the process is safe and takes no more than 10-15 minutes, and it is important to determine the method in advance: through the settings menu or through the Recovery mode.

In this article, we will take a look at all the preparation steps, look at step-by-step instructions for different scenarios, and answer frequent questions, learn how to properly prepare internal memory and what to do if the device is locked.

Preparation of the device for complete reset

Before radical action is taken, a number of preparatory steps must be taken: Formatting involves the complete destruction of information, so neglecting this stage can lead to the irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and correspondence. Backup is the most important step.

Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%, the process of overwriting system partitions is energy-consuming, and suddenly turning off the smartphone in the middle of the operation can damage the bootloader. If the phone turns on, connect it to the Wi-Fi network to synchronize data.

  • πŸ“Έ Back up photos and videos via Google Photos or copy them to your computer.
  • πŸ“ž Export your contacts to your Google account or save them to your Google account SIM-map.
  • πŸ”‘ Remember the password from the Mi Account and Google account associated with the device.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the Redmi smartphone 9A at least half the battery capacity.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't know the password for your Mi Account, be sure to untie the device before resetting, otherwise, after formatting, protection will work, and the phone will require authorization from the previous account, access to which is lost.

It is also recommended to remove the microSD card and SIM-The card before the procedure, although the current versions MIUI Usually asked for permission to format an external card, physical extraction ensures that your personal files on the flash drive will not be affected accidentally.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before reset

Done: 0 / 5

Method 1: Resetting through system settings

The easiest and safest way to format Xiaomi Redmi 9A is to use the built-in menu.This method is suitable if you remember the pattern lock or unlock password and have access to the desktop. MIUI interface is friendly enough, but menu items can be called differently depending on the version of the firmware.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find About. That's where the basic system functions are hidden. In the menu that opens, select Reset. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted.

You'll see a list of what's going to be cleaned up on the screen, make sure the checkmark is next to "Erase all data." If you want to save any files, now's the last time you want to cancel the operation. Once confirmed, the phone will ask you to enter. PIN-screen-lock.

Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset settings β†’ Erase all data

Once you enter the confirmation code, the preparation process will begin, the smartphone will reboot, and the MI logo with the progress indicator will appear on the screen, at which time you should absolutely not touch the control buttons, the system will delete the user partition and install a clean version of the shell.

  • πŸ“² Go to the Settings menu on the main screen.
  • πŸ“‰ Select the About Phone section at the bottom of the list.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Click on Reset button or Delete all data.
  • βœ… Confirm the action by entering the unlock password.

⚠️ Warning: After rebooting, the initial setup process can take up to 10 minutes.Do not try to speed it up with frequent taps on the screen, this can cause the interface to freeze.

The good thing about this method is that it automatically unties the device from the accounts if you logged in correctly, but if the phone is hanging on the lock screen and you can't get into the menu, it won't work, so you'll have to use hardware buttons.

πŸ’‘

Before resetting through the settings, check the Android version in the About Phone section. MIUI The reset point may be in the "Advanced settings" sectionΒ» β†’ Β«Resetting and remediationΒ».

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode

If access to the system is limited or the smartphone is unstable, it uses Recovery, a deep layer of the system that allows you to control the device even when the interface is broken. On Redmi 9A, this mode is entered by a combination of buttons when the phone is turned off.

Turn off your smartphone completely first. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the MI logo appears, then the power button can be released, while still holding the volume. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up and down), and the choice is confirmed by a short press of the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item. Inside this submenu, select Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation again - select Confirm.

  • πŸ”Œ Turn off the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone 9A fully.
  • πŸ”Š Hold the volume. + and feeding at the same time.
  • πŸ‘† Release power when the logo appears, keep the volume to the menu.
  • 🧹 Choose Wipe Data -> Wipe All Data -> Confirm.

Once the cleaning process is complete, you will see a message saying, "Data wiped successfully." Click on the "Back to Main Menu" button, and then select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will launch as new. This method is guaranteed to remove all traces of previous use.

What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
If you see characters instead of English text, don't panic. The button positions in the global and Chinese versions of Recovery are often the same. The reset point is usually second on the top of the list. If you're wrong, the phone will just reboot unchanged. Try targeting icons or button positions relative to the standard circuit.

Solving FRP and Mi Account Problems

Modern smartphones are equipped with serious mechanisms of protection against theft. FRP (Factory Reset Protection) from Google and Mi Account protection from Xiaomi are activated automatically when formatting. If you reset your phone but did not untie your accounts in advance, the system will require you to enter the username and password of the previous owner.

This is a normal data security situation, and if you bought a phone with your hands and the seller didn't untie the device, you can't contact it without that data. In case you forgot your password, you need to go through the official Google or Xiaomi sites, rather than trying to bypass third-party utilities.

Type of protectionWhen requestedWhere to rebuildConsequences of neglect
Google FRPAfter reset, when connected to Wi-Fiaccounts.google.comBlocking phone use
Mi AccountAt the first activation or in the menui.mi.comInability to log in to some services
Lock screenImmediately after activationOnly code/drawing inputFull access is prohibited

Sometimes users encounter a device activation error, often due to poor internet connection or temporary server problems. SIM-card or access point from another phone.

πŸ“Š Have you had an account blocked after the reset?
Yeah, I forgot my password.
No, I always do.
I bought a used locker.
I don't know what it is.

What to do if the Redmi 9A freezes after a reset

In rare cases, after formatting, the phone can get stuck on the MI logo or restart indefinitely, a phenomenon called a bootloop, most often due to damage to system files or a lack of space for temporary files during the installation of updates.

The first thing to try is a forced reboot. Press the power button and hold it for about 15-20 seconds. If that doesn't work, and the phone is back in the reboot cycle, you'll need to re-enter Recovery Mode and execute the Wipe All Data command again.

If resetting doesn’t work, it may be hardware or bootloader damage, which may require flashing the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool, but it’s a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader.

  • πŸ”„ Try to perform a forced reboot with a long hold on the power button.
  • πŸ”‹ Leave your phone on the charger. 2-3 Sometimes the system takes time.
  • πŸ–₯️ If nothing helps, consider flashing through your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Endless attempts at reboots can completely drain the battery.If the phone is warming up in the area of the processor when it freezes, let it cool down before new launch attempts.

It’s important to understand the difference between freezing on the first setup and system failure. When you first set up, the phone can think for 10-15 minutes when setting up Google’s background services, in which case it’s better to just wait by plugging in the charger.

πŸ’‘

If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes after resetting, the problem is likely to be a hardware or damaged firmware requiring specialist intervention.

Setting up a smartphone after formatting

Once you've completed the procedure, you'll see a welcome screen. The default language may be English, but it's easy to change at the beginning. Follow the instructions on the screen, connect to Wi-Fi to activate.

The system will offer to restore data from Google backup, and if you did backup, it's a great way to get your contacts back, your call history back, and your installed app list back, but to avoid returning junk files, you'd better install apps manually.

Don't forget to check for system updates. Often new Redmi 9A batches come with factory firmware that requires an update for stable operation. Go to Settings -> About Phone and click on MIUI version.

  • 🌐 Select the region and interface language when you first start.
  • πŸ“‘ Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to activate.
  • ☁️ Sign in to your Google account to sync your data.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Set up a fingerprint scanner or face to unlock.

Now your Xiaomi Redmi 9A is formatted and ready to go. A clean system should be faster and more responsive. Clean your app cache regularly and don't install questionable programs to keep your device running.

Will the photos disappear if I just turn off the phone?
No, a normal shutdown or reboot doesn't delete data. Formatting is a separate procedure that needs to be run specifically through menus or buttons.
Can the formatting process be interrupted?
Stopping the system files recording can cause the phone to stop turning on (brick).
How long does it take to reset the Redmi 9A?
The process usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the amount of information accumulated and the speed of internal memory.
Should I take it out? SIM-pre-reset?
It's desirable, but not necessary. SIM-map (contacts, SMS) They are usually not affected, but the extraction guarantees safety.
What is Wipe Cache Partition?
This is a clearing of temporary system files. In modern versions of Android and MIUI, this item is often combined with a general reset or missing, since the system can clean the cache itself.