How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings: the complete guide

Why Redmi 9 might be needed and what it does

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get your smartphone back on track, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state, most often done in three cases: before selling the phone, when critical system failures, or if you forgot your pattern lock/password.

It's important to understand that a reset is not like a flashing flash. It doesn't change the MIUI or Android version, it just cleans the /data partition where personal files and settings are stored, and the system updates, the kernel and the bootloader remain intact. If your Redmi 9 is slowing down because of overloaded memory or is buggy after a failed update, a reset often solves the problem. But if the phone doesn't turn on because of a damaged bootloader, more complex manipulations will be required.

Another nuance: Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC for the global market) resets through the settings menu is always available, but methods via Recovery or Fastboot may require unlocking the bootloader, which we will discuss in detail below.

Preparing for resetting: what to save and how not to lose data

Before you reset Redmi 9, make sure you have backups of important data.Reset will delete:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
• 🎵 Music, documents and uploaded files
• 🎮 Game saving (unless linked to a developer account)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, application settings and widgets

Methods of backup:

1. Cloud Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and create a backup. Make sure you have enough space (free is 5GB).
2. Third-party applications: for example, Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup for deep backup.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, backup via Mi Cloud or PC will not be possible without unlocking.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the easiest and most secure method available if you remember the unlock password and the phone turns on. 9 on MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Tap Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a password / pattern lock.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will start with the screen of the initial setting, as after the purchase. If at this stage there is an error "failed to reset", try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📶 Connect to stable Wi-Fi (sometimes a reset requires checking your Mi Account).
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50% (reset at low charge can be interrupted).

Battery charge > 50%|Synchronized contacts with Google/Mi Account|Created a backup of important files|A stable Internet connection is connected-->

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 9 firmware may require you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was previously linked after reset. If you don't remember it, use the unlock instructions in the Reset. FAQ.

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

If Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help.This method doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader, but deletes all data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
5. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If Recovery doesn't have a Wipe Data or Chinese menu, it's a custom recovery (e.g., TWRP) on the phone.

1. Select Advanced → File Manager.
2. Go to /data/system and delete files: gesture.key password.key locksettings.db
3. Go back to the main menu and run the Reboot System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 You unlocked the bootloader on Redmi 9.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔧 You need to clear the section. /data log-in.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot Google's Platform Tools utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 9 and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is not unlocked, the fastboot erase userdata command will return the error FAILED (In this case, first unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7-15 days).

fastboot flash boot boot.img

(file boot.img You can get it from the official firmware for your model).-->

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 9 will launch with a welcome screen.

1. Choose a language and region (for Russia - Russia).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (it is recommended to use the same network as before the reset if the router is saved to Google).
3. Sign in to your Mi Account or Google Account if required.
4. Set up a pattern lock or PIN-code (require to write it down!).
5. Restore the data from the backup (if you created it in advance).

Pay attention to the following points:

• 🔄 If after resetting the phone asks for an old password, it means that Mi Cloud Lock was previously activated. To unlock, you will need to enter a login / password from the associated Xiaomi account.
• 📱 If you cannot log in to Mi Account, use the recovery form (access to email or phone number is required).
• 🔋 After resetting, the battery can discharge faster than the first 1-2 days – this is normal (the system indexes files and optimizes work).

1. Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings → System Update).

2. Turn off animation in Settings → Special Options → Delete animation.

3. Clear the cache via Recovery (Wipe Cache) if the phone is still braking.-->

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the Redmi 9 may fail to reset, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:

Critical: If the phone stops turning on after being reset via Fastboot (black screen, no vibration), don’t try to flash it again without diagnosis.This may indicate damage to the boot or dtbo partition, and further manipulation without the correct firmware files will turn the device into a “brick”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 9