Modern smartphones Redmi Note 9 Pro from Xiaomi are characterized by high performance and functionality, but over time, even the most powerful devices can start to work slower. the appearance of system errors, freezes or the need to sell the gadget require complete cleansing of internal memory from user data. The formatting process, or Hard Reset, is the most radical and effective method of solving software problems.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can get your device back to factory settings, how to safely prepare your phone for the procedure, what risks are, and how to properly reset through the system menu or Recovery mode.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize that formatting will completely destroy all information on the internal drive. It is an irreversible process, so it is critical to back up all significant files in advance. We will look at a step-by-step algorithm that minimizes risks and helps your Xiaomi return to its original speed.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Start with careful preparation, as hasty actions can lead to irretrievable data loss. The first thing you need to do is back up all the important information: photos, videos, documents and correspondence in messengers. For users of the MIUI ecosystem, the most convenient way to use the Mi Cloud cloud service or local backup to the SD memory card.
The second important step is to check the battery charge. The formatting process requires stable power, and if the device turns off at the time of writing system files, this can lead to serious boot errors. Charge the smartphone to a minimum of 60-70% to have a reserve of energy in case of unforeseen delays.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is activated with two-factor authorization Google, be sure to delete the account from the settings before reset. Otherwise, after formatting, the device will request a password from the old account, and unlocking the phone without it will be extremely difficult due to the security system. FRP.
Also, disable all installed passwords, graphics keys and lock pins if possible, which will make it easier to log in immediately after the reboot and eliminate conflicts when you first set up. Remember to remove the MicroSD card if you don’t plan to format its contents along with internal memory.
☑️ Checklist before formatting
Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings
The most secure and easy formatting method for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is available right from the operating system running.This option is suitable for most users who want to clean the phone of personal garbage or prepare it for sale. To start, open the main menu and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear.
In the menu that opens, scroll down to About Phone, where you can find basic information about the model, Android version, and MIUI shell. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the Reset button, which will open an additional menu with cleaning options.
The system will offer two options: Erase all data or Reset Wi-Fi and mobile Internet settings. We need the first item, and after selecting it, the phone will show a warning that all files will be deleted, and ask you to enter an unlock password or a graphical key to confirm the operation.
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Before pressing the Reset button, take screenshots of important application settings to quickly restore the usual system configuration after formatting.
Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start the cleaning process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes, displaying the Redmi logo and progress indicator, during which time you should not interrupt the process or try to turn off the device.
Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode
If the MIUI operating system does not boot, freezes on the logo or is unstable, you will have to use Recovery mode.This method is deeper and allows you to format the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro even in the presence of software failures. To enter this mode, the phone must be completely turned off.
Press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time, hold them until the Mi logo appears on the screen, and then the power button can be released while holding the volume key. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu opens.
Navigation in this menu is done by the volume buttons (up and down), and the choice of item is made by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data string and select it. Next, the system will offer several options, among which we are interested in Wipe All Data.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively by mechanical buttons on the body of the smartphone, so be careful when choosing menu items.
Once you have selected the Confirm command, the cleaning process will begin, and when it is completed, the phone will automatically return to the main Recovery menu, where you select Reboot, and then Reboot to System. The first turn on after such a reset can last longer than usual.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Comparison of data dumping methods
Users often wonder which formatting method is best for their situation, and both methods lead to the same result: complete deletion of user data, but the terms of their application differ significantly, and understanding these differences will help avoid unnecessary manipulation.
The method through settings is preferred when the system is stable and you have full access to all the functions of the smartphone. This is a softer option that correctly completes all the background processes before cleaning. The method through Recovery is an emergency tool necessary in case of critical failures.
Below is a table that helps you decide on the formatting method based on the current state of your Redmi Note 9 Pro.
| Criteria | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the system | Work interface required | No need (works when downloading) |
| Difficulty | Low (automatically) | Medium (requires the accuracy of the buttons) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) |
| Implementation time | 10-15 minutes. | 5-10 minutes |
Data recovery after formatting
After successfully completing the formatting and initial setup process, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro will appear as a blank slate, and the welcome screen will prompt you to choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network and log into your Google account, at which point the data stored in the past is synchronized.
If you've used cloud backup, the system will suggest restoring apps, contacts, calendars, and settings from the last saved point, a process that may take some time depending on the speed of the Internet connection and the amount of information it recovers, and using stable Wi-Fi is recommended.
To recover photos and videos saved in Google Photos or Mi Cloud, simply log in to the corresponding applications. Files will appear in the gallery automatically. Local backups saved on a PC or external drive will need to be transferred to the phone manually through the phone. USB-cable.
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Recovery from Google’s cloud is the fastest way to get all apps and settings back in place without manual intervention.
Take your time to install all applications at once, and do this gradually, checking the stability of the system after each major update, which will help identify potential software conflicts early on.
Typical errors and their solution
Xiaomi users may encounter various technical difficulties in formatting, and one common problem is a cyclical reboot, where the phone is constantly turned off and on again, often solved by re-entering Recovery mode and selecting Wipe All Data again.
Another common error is blocking a Google account (FRP Lock), which occurs when the user forgets to unplug the device from the account before resetting, in which case the security system requires a password from the last synchronized account, without which it is almost impossible to unlock the phone by official means.
You may also experience a situation where the cleaning process is stuck at a certain percentage, and if you wait for 30-40 minutes to get it wrong, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds, and then you can often complete the procedure successfully.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the formatting process by removing the battery if it is not removable.This can damage the system partition and turn the phone into a "brick" requiring flashing through the computer.
If none of the software methods work and the phone continues to behave incorrectly, the problem may lie in the hardware, for example, in a malfunction of flash memory, in which case you need to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.