How to format Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 working ways to reset to factory settings

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, give out bugs or just require a "clean start." Formatting (a factory reset) 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 to reset Redmi 9 — from the standard menu to the modes of Recovery and Fastboot. You will learn how to prepare for formatting, what data can be saved and what can not, and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands.

We warn you right away: the reset erases all user data — photos, contacts, messages, installed applications. If you don't back up, it won't be possible to restore them, so the first step is to save important information.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Before you reset Redmi 9, make sure you do all the critical things you need to do. Neglecting preparation can lead to data loss or even the inability to restore your phone.

First, check your battery power. It should be at least 50 percent. If your smartphone runs out during a reset, it could cause your firmware to crash. Second, remember your account passwords, and after formatting, you'll need to log in again to Google, Mi Account, and other services.

The most important thing is backup. Here's what you can save:

• 📱 Contacts: sync with Google Account or export to file VCF.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC, cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or flash drive.
• 📝 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Application data: games and programs with cloud-based storage (e.g. WhatsApp is backed up in Google Drive).

If you use Mi Account, some of the data (notes, calendar) can automatically sync. To check this, go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync.

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Don’t rely on cloud services alone! Download backups to your computer so you’re guaranteed not to lose data when your network crashes.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

If your Redmi 9 is turned on and reacts to touch, use the built-in reset feature.This is the safest and most recommended way, as it does not require additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Tap to erase all data (reset to factory).
5. If necessary, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes to do this, and when it's done, it'll reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, and if you forget your Mi Account password, you may need to unlock it through a linked email.

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Synchronize your contacts with Google|Download photos on PC/cloud|Remember passwords from accounts|Disable screen protection (if any)-->

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, unresponsive or locked, resetting through Recovery Mode will help, which works even with damaged firmware, but requires care.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button and the Volume up simultaneously.
3. Hold until the Mi logo appears, then let go.
4. Select the language (usually English by default).

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 Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, press Reboot to System.

Attention! In some Xiaomi firmware, the Wipe Data item may be called something else, such as Factory Reset. Don't confuse it with Wipe Cache - this is cache cleaning, not a complete reset.

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires a computer connection, and it's used if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 The smartphone is blocked by Mi Account and is not unlocked in standard ways.

The work will require:

• Windows computer (or Mac/Linux with ADB drivers installed)
• USB-Type C Cable (original, undamaged!)
• Mi Flash Tool (download from the official Xiaomi website)
• The firmware for Redmi 9 (the version should match your model!)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware.
5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

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Use Clean All mode only if you are confident in your actions! This method erases all information without the possibility of recovery, including data in the userdata section.

Critical information: If you choose the wrong firmware (e.g. Redmi 9A instead of Redmi 9), the phone may turn into a brick and require repair at a service center.

What to do after formatting: initial setup

After reset, Redmi 9 will launch as new, and you will have to go through the initial setup:

1. Choice of language and region.
2. Connection to a Wi-Fi network.
3. Sign in to Google Account (required, otherwise you will not have access to the Play Market).
4. Sign in to Mi Account (if previously tied).
5. Recovering data from backup (if backup is done).

During the data recovery phase, you can:

• 📲 Restore apps and settings from Google Drive.
• 🖥️ Transfer files from computer over cable.
• ☁️ Download photos from Mi Cloud or Google Photos.

If you forget your Mi Account password, after resetting, the phone may need to enter it to unlock.

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Restor access via an attached email or phone number.
3. If your account is not restored, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Common Formatting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems after a reset due to negligence or ignorance of the nuances, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is loss. IMEI After being reset via Fastboot, this happens if the modem partition is damaged. IMEI:

1. Download the SN Write Tool (for Qualcomm chips).
2. Find the original IMEI (usually listed on the box or under the battery).
3. Connect your phone in EDL mode (requires unlocking the bootloader).
4. Record the IMEI through the program.

Through the Settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | I haven't tried-->

Data recovery after formatting: is it possible?

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the reset method:

• 🔄 Menu reset: Data is erased software, but you can try to recover it with DiskDigger, Recuva or Dr.Fone (if you haven’t written new files!).
• 🛠️ Recovery reset: chances are lower as the userdata partition formats.
• ⚡ Reset via Fastboot: data recovery is almost impossible – there is a complete rewriting of the partitions.

For recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Use 7-Data Recovery or EaseUS MobiSaver.
3. Scan your internal memory (not your internal memory) SD-map!).
4. Save the files found on the computer.

Attention! Do not install recovery software on the smartphone itself, this will overwrite the data and make it impossible to return it, and avoid using the phone after reset before trying to restore it.

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If you need messages from WhatsApp, check if backup is enabled in Settings → Chat → Backup. Even after the reset, you can restore the correspondence when you first log in to your account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 9 formatting