Xiaomi Mi 9 SE Formatting: Resetting to factory settings and cleaning memory

Xiaomi Mi 9 SE

Mi 9 SE

Many users confuse factory resets with memory formatting. The first one deletes only user data and applications, leaving the system intact. The second one completely cleans internal storage, including system files, which may require flashing, and we'll tell you when each method is needed, how to apply it, and what to do if something goes wrong.

If your Mi 9 SE is slow, overheating or is making errors, don't rush to bring it to the service. 80 percent of the time, the correct reset solves the problem. But before pressing the buttons, make sure you back up important data like contacts, photos and messages, without which it will be impossible to restore information.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do in Advance

Formatting is an irreversible process. If you don't save data, it's lost forever. Start with backup.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with Google Account or export through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC via USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 🔑 Passwords and Settings: Use Mi Account to save these apps (if supported).
• 🎮 Game progress: link your gaming accounts to Google Play or social media.

Also check the battery power, which should be at least 50%, and if the smartphone runs out during reset, it can cause the system to crash, connect it to the charger, or use Safe Start mode (discussed below).

It's also important to know the current firmware version, which will help you avoid any problems when you restore it. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI and write down the build number. If you need to flash it after the reset, you can download the version that was installed earlier.

Method 1: Reset via settings (soft reset)

The safest method is to reset to factory settings via the MIUI menu, which deletes all user data but leaves the system functional, and is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once you reboot, you will get the Mi 9 SE as it was when you bought it, and all apps, accounts and settings will be deleted, but the system will remain intact.

• 🔒 Your smartphone is locked and you don’t remember your password.
• 🐢 The device does not turn on or hangs on the logo MI.
• 🦠 Virus blocks access to settings.

Make a backup copy of the data |

Charge the battery at least 50% |

Record Mi Account details (login and password)|

Disable the protection. FRP (If you plan to sell the device)-->

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

If the Mi 9 SE is not enabled or the settings menu is not available, use Recovery Mode, which erases all data, including cache and temporary files, but does not affect the firmware.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo and menu appear in English.

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume (move) and power (select). Select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data, and confirm the action. Once you're done, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, you have custom firmware installed on the device. In this case, use Factory Reset or Format Data, but be prepared for the need to flash it.

On the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE with a locked bootloader, a hard reset via Recovery can cause a request for a Mi Account after a reboot. If you do not remember the login details, it will be impossible to unlock the device without an official service.

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for experienced)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You must completely clear the data partition (including hidden files).
• 📱 The device does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔄 Refuse your smartphone after a failed update.

You will need a PC with installed drivers to work ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C. Download official drivers from Xiaomi or use Google’s universal Platform Tools package.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Mi 9 SE and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
5. Complete data formatting: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: The fastboot erase userdata command deletes all data without recovery, including files in the folder DCIM (Photos) and Downloads. If you don't back up, the information will be lost.

If the smartphone does not boot after formatting or if it gives an error No OS installed, you will need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

1. reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

3. disable antivirus – it can block the connection.-->

Method 4: Flashing after formatting

If you have completed full formatting via Fastboot or Recovery and your smartphone is not turning on, it means that the firmware is damaged, in which case it will need to be restored. There are two options for Xiaomi Mi 9 SE:

For flashing through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for Mi 9 SE (codename grus) from MIUI Download.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run it on behalf of the administrator.
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (as in the previous section).
5. In the program, select the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.
6. Wait until the end (10-15 minutes).

If the bootloader is blocked, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool app before the firmware is installed, which takes up to 72 hours (it requires binding the Mi Account and waiting for permissions from Xiaomi).

💡

Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data, including IMEI and serial number, if it has been corrupted. Once you install the firmware, check it with the *#06# code.

What to do if after formatting there was a request for a Mi Account

If, after resetting the Mi 9 SE, you require the data of the Mi Account that was previously linked, this means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has been activated. It is activated automatically if the Mi Account and synchronization were enabled on the device.

Options for a solution:

• 🔑 Enter the account that was linked before the reset. If you don't remember the password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box.
• 🛠️ Use the official service. In some centers, Xiaomi may be removed FRP for a fee (about 1000-1500 rubles).

Faulty attempts to bypass FRP (through ADB, TWRP, or third-party programs) can result in IMEI blocking or communication module failure. If the device is not yours (for example, bought from hand), contact the previous owner to unbundle the account.

⚠️ Note: Forums often advise using programs like Mi Account Bypass Tool or FRP Bypass APK. These methods only work on older versions. MIUI (by 2020) and may contain viruses. SE With the current firmware, they will not help, and the risk of PC infection is very high.

How to avoid problems after formatting

Once reset, the Mi 9 SE can run slower than before formatting, which is because the system creates new cache files and indexes memory to speed up the process.

• 🚀 Turn off animation: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI, tap 7 times according to the version, then in the Developer Settings install Windows animation = 0.5x.
• 🧹 Clean the cache manually: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: fully discharge and charge the smartphone 2-3 times in a row.

If some functions have been lost after formatting (for example, NFC or IR-blaster, check it out:

1. All MIUI updates have been installed.
2. Are the corresponding modules disabled in Settings → Connected devices?
3. Is the stainless stainless stainless (and only the stainless stains will help).

If your smartphone overheats after reset, check the processor with the CPU Monitor app. Power saving settings may have gone wrong. Return them to factory settings in Settings → Battery → Power modes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 9 SE formatting