Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9A to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, doing this incorrectly can lead to data loss, locking a Mi Account or even “bricking” a smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the current hard reset methods for the Redmi 9A, including methods through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot, and also explain how to prepare the device for the procedure and avoid typical errors.
The Redmi 9A (M2006C3LG model for the global version) feature is the lack of a memory card connector in some versions and a limited amount of internal memory (32 GB). This means that before resetting it is critical to make room for temporary system files, otherwise the process may end in error. Also, it is worth considering that on devices with MIUI 12 and later, the activation of the Find Device function blocks the reset without entering a password from the Xiaomi account.
If your Redmi 9A is stuck on your logo, doesn't respond to touch, or gives you a "No Command" error in Recovery, don't panic. In 90% of cases, you can solve the problem software-free, without going to the service center, the main thing is to follow the instructions clearly and not miss the preparation stages.
Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Formatting
Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and problems with your Mi Account:
- 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive. Pay particular attention to contacts, SMS Photos and Recovery – Recovery after Reset is the Most Problematic.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can damage system files.
- 🔑 Make sure to remember your Mi Account details. After the reset, you will need to re-authorize, and when the Find Device function is activated, you will need to enter a password.
- 📶 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts and syncs: This will speed up the process and reduce the risk of conflict when reset up.
If you plan to sell or transfer a smartphone, additionally do:
- Remove all bank cards from Google Pay and Mi Pay.
- Untie your device from your Mi Account via account.xiaomi.com (Device Management section).
- Get out of all social networks and messengers.
⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 9A loading PIN-code (in the Settings menu) → Lock screen → Protect the bootloader, it must be disabled before reset, otherwise, after formatting, the device will require this PIN to unlock, and it will be impossible to restore it without a complete flashing.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)
This is a good method if the smartphone is turned on, touch-responsive and you have access to the settings menu, and the advantage of this method is that it has minimal risk of errors and can still cancel the operation at the initial stage.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
- Select Settings Reset.
- Click Delete all data (could be called “Erase Everything”).
- Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
- Confirm the action by clicking Next → Ready.
The process will take 3-7 minutes. Upon completion, the smartphone will automatically restart and prompt you to perform the initial setup, as after purchase.
☑️ Preparation for reset via menu
⚠️ Warning: If the device has been stuck in the Formatting phase for longer than 15 minutes after confirming the reset, do not pull the battery out. Try holding the power button for 20 to 30 seconds for a forced reboot. If this does not help, proceed to reset via Recovery.
Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode
Use this method if the Redmi 9A is not turned on, got stuck on the MI logo or does not respond to touch.Recovery Mode is a built-in recovery mode, available even if the main system is damaged.
Instructions for entering Recovery:
- Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
- Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.
- Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese version).
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe successful).
- Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.
If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
| Menu item (English) | Chinese analogue | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Data | Data resetting | |
| Wipe All Data | Confirmation of discharge | |
| Reboot | Reboot. | |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Mode for firmware through PC |
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and using the fastboot utility.
- 🔄 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
- 📱 The device does not respond to the buttons.
- 🔧 You need to reflash the smartphone after a failed update.
The work will require:
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
- 🔋 Charged smartphone (minimum 30%).
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer and add a path to the utilities folder to the PATH environment variable.
- Turn off Redmi 9A.
- Press the power + volume button for 10-15 seconds until a screen with the inscription Fastboot and the image of a hare in the hat appears.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers or cable.
- Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
After these commands are executed, all user data will be erased, but the system files will remain intact. If you need a complete flash flash system, use the command fastboot flash system with the official firmware for Redmi 9A.
⚠️ Note: Do not use fastboot erase system or fastboot erase boot commands unnecessarily - this will lead to complete inoperability of the device without the possibility of recovery through standard methods.
💡
If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo after being reset via Fastboot, try re-entering the Fastboot and running the fastboot continue command.This often helps complete the initialization process.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, there may be problems, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "No Command" at Recovery | Recovery partition damage or version incompatibility | Hold the power + increase in volume for 10 seconds, then release and immediately press again |
| Hanging on the MI logo after being reset | Damage to system files or incomplete reset | Repeat the reset via Fastboot or flash the official firmware |
| "This device is locked" when logging in to Fastboot | Mi Account Lock (Stealing Protection) is activated | Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (it takes 7-30 days to wait) |
| The "Can't mount /data" error | Damage to the userdata partition or lack of space | Run in Recovery: Wipe Data → Format Data → Yes |
If Redmi 9A requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account after resetting, but you don’t remember it:
- 📧 Try to recover your password via account.xiaomi.com (access to your linked email or phone will be required).
- 📞 If recovery is not possible, contact the Xiaomi service center with documents confirming the purchase.
💡
If your smartphone doesn’t turn on or gives you errors after reset, never try to flash it with unofficial firmware, which can lead to permanent IMEI locking and loss of warranty.
How to recover data after resetting
If a backup has not been created, the chances of recovering the data depend on the reset method:
- 📁 After resetting through the settings menu: the data is erased irrevocably (encryption is used). FBE Android 10+).
- 🔧 After discharge through Recovery/Fastboot: You can try programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but success is not guaranteed.
To recover photos and videos:
- Connect Redmi 9A to your PC in MTP mode (if the device is powered on).
- Use DiskDigger or Recuva to scan your internal memory.
- If the smartphone is not determined, remove the memory chip (soldling skills are required) and connect it to the programmer.
To restore contacts and SMS:
- Check sync with your Google Account (contacts can be restored automatically when you re-enter).
- Use backups from Mi Cloud (if the feature has been activated).
⚠️ Warning: Do not install data recovery software on the smartphone itself after a reset. This can overwrite the remaining fragments of files and make them impossible to recover.