How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi 9: a detailed guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually begins to “brake” or requires a complete reinstallation of the system. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves 90% of software problems, from viruses to errors after updates. However, an improper reset can lead to the blocking of Mi Account, loss of IMEI or “bricking” the device.

In this article, three proven formatting methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), unique nuances for Redmi 9 with MIUI 12-14 firmware, and instructions for saving data and unlocking after a reset. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not turn on or requires a password after buying from hand, here you will find a solution.

When to Format Redmi 9

Resetting to factory settings is not a panacea, but it is necessary in the following cases:

• 🐢 Phone slows down, applications spontaneously close, although the memory is not full.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI There are glitches: the camera does not work, the sound is lost, the sensor floats».
• 📱 The device is bought from hands and tied to someone else’s Mi Account (requires a password when activated).
• 🚨 The smartphone is infected with viruses that are not removed by antiviruses (for example, advertising software in system folders).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-screen-lock.
• 📦 You need to sell/give your phone and completely delete your personal data.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 9 doesn't turn on at all (no charging response, no light), the problem is more hardware - you need a diagnosis of the board or battery.

Before resetting, check if the processor is overheated (for example, due to playing heavy games) or if the battery is discharged. Sometimes it is enough to let the phone cool down or replace the battery.

Preparing for formatting: what to save and how

Reset removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and screen recordings).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call logs (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Save games (e.g. in Genshin Impact or in the game) PUBG Mobile).
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and accounts (unless recorded separately).

How to save data before resetting:

1. Photos/video and documents: copy to PC via USB-cable (in file transfer mode) or upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk).
2. Contacts and SMS: Export through the Contacts app (Contact Management menu → Import/Export).
3. Save Games: Link your game accounts to Google Play or social media (for example, in Clash of Clans, via Supercell ID).
4. Wi-Fi Passwords: Take a Picture QR-network codes (in router settings) or write them down in a notebook.

Make a backup copy of photos and videos|Export contacts and SMS|Synchronize game saving|Record passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if you have been linked)-->

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 9 was enabled Mi Account and you do not remember the password, after reset, the phone may require the entry of credentials of the previous owner.

Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the most secure)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you can go into the settings, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Slip on Reset (in some versions of MIUI - Recover and Reset).
4. Select to erase all data (entry may be required) PIN-code).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will restart and start the cleaning process (3-10 minutes), after which you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after purchase.

💡

If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will show a direct link to the desired section.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 9 firmware may still be linked to Mi Account after resetting. If you sell a phone, use Method 2 (Recovery) for complete cleaning.

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 also help remove Mi Account (unless Find Device has been activated).

How to get in to Recovery:

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 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

• 🔧 Use the up/down Volume buttons for navigation, the Power button for selection.
• 📛 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
• 🔄 Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (a password may be required if it has been set).
• 🔙 After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

If you need a password in Recovery and you don’t know it, try entering standard combinations:

123456


000000




password

or leave the field empty.

💡

Recovery removes Mi Account only if the phone has not activated the "Find Device" mode, otherwise it will require official unlocking.

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a failed update).
• 📱 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 🔒 Requires to delete Mi Account without official unlocking (risky!).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot formatting removes all firmware, including boot, system and recovery. After that, the phone won't turn on without installing a new firmware! ADB/Fastboot and firmware files for Redmi 9.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off Redmi 9 and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a picture of a rabbit with the words Fastboot will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase recovery
6. After cleaning, install the new firmware command: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash userdata userdata.img (.img files must be from the official firmware for Redmi 9).

⚠️ WARNING: Wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently damage the bootloader (EDL If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

Frequent errors after formatting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

How to Restore IMEI After Resetting:

1. Type ##4636## and select Phone Information.
2. If there is no IMEI (empty field), download the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors).
3. Go to MTK Settings → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
4. In the field AT+ enter: AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2" (substitute IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 to the original numbers from the box).

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI Use this method only to restore the original numbers from the phone box.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions