How to reset Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways to reset to factory settings

Why Xiaomi Mi 9 might be needed and what it does

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings is a procedure that brings the smartphone back out of the box, which removes all user data, apps, settings, and even system updates (in some cases), most often a complete reset is required in three situations:

First, if the device has started to slow down, overheat or spontaneously reboot. Over time, accumulated cache, fragmented files and conflicting applications can slow down even a flagship smartphone. Second, the reset is necessary before selling or transferring the phone to another person to protect personal data. Third, it is the only way to unlock the Mi 9 if you forget the pattern lock or password.

It's important to understand that resetting doesn't always solve hardware problems (e.g., a battery that is running out or a broken speaker), but it's effective for software failures, including errors after a failed MIUI update or conflicts with custom firmware. Next, we'll look at all the methods available, from the simplest to the most advanced ones that require a PC.

Preparing for reset: what to save and how to avoid mistakes

Before resetting the Mi 9, make sure to follow three steps:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, especially important to keep:
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.
• 🔑 Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account. After a reset, the phone may require you to enter your Xiaomi login and password to unlock (Mi Account Lock).

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account in advance (Settings → Mi Account → Sign out). Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your data.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 9 has custom firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard menu can lead to a logo hanging.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. It does not require a computer and takes no more than 5 minutes.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter a password (if requested) and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reset. The first on-set after the reset can take up to 10 minutes.

If the menu doesn’t have Backup and Reset, try the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. Some versions of MIUI may have a different name for the section.

⚠️ Note: After resetting through settings, Mi 9 can automatically update to the latest version MIUI, If you want to stay on your current firmware, turn off the Internet before the procedure.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 9 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a password, use hardware reset via Recovery Mode.This method works even without access to the main system.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
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. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items: this is Wipe Data, and Reboot to System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 You need to install custom firmware after resetting.

You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable. Download the official firmware for Mi 9 (codename cepheus) from en.miui.com.

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
2. Connect the Mi 9 to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. If necessary, reflash the phone: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. If you plan to sell your phone, after resetting via Fastboot, additionally run Wipe Data in Recovery to clear all partitions.

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If the phone doesn’t show up after the fastboot device command, install the Mi Flash Tool drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Method 4: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (official method from Xiaomi)

Mi Flash Tool is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi for firmware and reset devices. It is useful if:

• 📦 I need to return the stock firmware after the custom.
• 🔄 The phone is not switched on or got stuck in the bootloop.
• 🔒 Requires to unlock the loader before resetting.

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Download fastboot firmware for Mi 9 (select Global or EEA for European devices).
3. Turn off the phone and transfer to Fastboot (Power buttons + Volume down).
4. Connect the Mi 9 to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the utility, click Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

Once you have firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, the phone will be completely reset, including all system partitions, and this is the most reliable way to return the Mi 9 to factory status, but it requires an unlocked bootloader.

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Use the Mi Flash Tool only with official firmware. Installing incompatible versions can damage the modem module.

Method 5: Reset via ADB (for developers)

method ADB (Android Debug Bridge is suitable if you have access to the developer settings and are enabled USB-Debugging: It allows you to reset your phone without losing some system data (e.g. updates). MIUI).

Before we start:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include USB-debugging.
3. Connect the Mi 9 to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.

Now do the reset:

1. Open the command line on your PC and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is displayed.
2. Reset command: Adb shell recovery --wipe_data Or for full cleaning, adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR
3. Wait for the reboot.

This method is less aggressive than Fastboot, but requires pre-configuration, and is useful if you want to reset only user data without affecting system files.

What to do after resetting: setting up and solving problems

After resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9, follow the following steps:

• 🔄 The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes – do not interrupt the process.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for automatic activation (if required).
• 🔑 Enter data from Mi Account if the phone requests (this is normal after a reset).
• 📱 Restore data from a backup (via Mi Cloud or Google Account).
• 🔒 Set up a new password/pattern lock (do not use the old one if you have forgotten it before).

If there are problems after the discharge:

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 9 is not connected to the mobile network after reset, check your settings. APN (Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)). Often they are reset to factory values that may not be suitable for your operator.

Frequent questions about the reset Xiaomi Mi 9