Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually begins to “brake”, emit errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves 90% of software problems, from hanging apps to incorrect updates. However, an improper reset can turn the phone into a “brick” – especially if it is a manipulation through Fastboot or Recovery.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset Redmi 9 (including the Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), their pros and cons, as well as critical nuances that Xiaomi does not mention in the official instructions. For example, why a phone may require an old password after resetting via Mi Account, or how to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock on Android 10/11. The guide is suitable for other devices based on MIUI, but taking into account the specifics of Redmi 9 (Mediatek Helio G80/G35, partition /data with FBE encryption).

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Formatting

Resetting to factory settings removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 🎵 Music, documents and files in Download folders, DCIM, Pictures
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, app settings, game data (if not linked to your account)

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Sync data: Contacts: Settings → Google Accounts → Sync or Mi Cloud → Sync. Photo / video: use Google Photos (autoboot) or copy files to your PC.

Unlock the locks.

• Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone): Settings → Accounts → Google → Delete your account.
• Turn off Find My Device (Settings → Google → Security → Find Your Device).
• Charge your phone to at least 50% – interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can cause firmware damage.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Security → Phone encryption, reset via Recovery can take up to 1-2 hours.Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔑 Remember your password/pattern lock.
• 📱 No critical system errors (e.g., infinite reboot).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Reset (or Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
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.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, and after the reset, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Synchronize your contacts with Google/Mi Cloud

Copy important files to PC/flash drive

Remember the username and password from the Mi-account (if linked)

Disable Find My Device (if you plan to sell)-->

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - you will have to unlock the device through the official Xiaomi website!

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

This method is needed when:

• 🔄 The phone is getting stuck on the Redmi logo or restarting indefinitely.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/PIN-code.
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch (but the phone is turned on).

To enter Recovery on Redmi 9:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + 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 (black screen with English text).

Next:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
4. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If Recovery doesn't have Wipe All Data, only Wipe Cache, you have Chinese firmware (e.g. China ROM).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Recovery, try re-entering Recovery and selecting Wipe Cache. Sometimes a damaged cache interferes with the system's booting.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is the last chance if:

• 🔧 Recovery is unavailable or damaged.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not load.
• 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

Attention! Fastboot reset requires a PC connection and the installation of ADB/Fastboot drivers. A command error can result in a complete loss of phone performance!

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off Redmi 9 and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (screen with a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder from fastboot:

cd C:\platform-tools

Then enter the commands in turn:

fastboot devices

(Serial number of your Redmi 9 should be displayed).

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If you need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after an update crashes), use:

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. MIUI After resetting via Fastboot, you may need to log in to your Mi Account!

💡

Fastboot reset is the most radical method, only use it if the first two methods don't work and you understand the risks!

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 9 will turn on in initial settings. Follow the instructions on the screen:

1. Choose the language (Russian or English).
2. Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
3. Sign in to your Google account (or skip it if you’re selling a phone).
4. Set up a lock screen (PIN, pattern lock or password).
5. Restore the data from the backup (if any).

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔄 Phone brakes: Run Wipe Cache in Recovery (does not delete data, but clears temporary files).
• 📵 No Network: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and set up APN manually (options can be taken on the website of your operator).
• 🔒 Old Mi Account Requires: If You Can't Remember Your Password, Use Account Restore.

If you are planning to sell your phone, don’t forget:

• 📱 Sign out of Mi Account (Settings) → Mi Account → Get out).
• 🔄 Make another reset via the settings menu (for full cleaning).
• 📋 Check that in Settings → The phone. → Device status Not tied to account.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seeming ease of reset, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be hardware (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), and then you can contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 reset