How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings: 3 proven methods

Why do you need to format Redmi 9?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, and users typically resort to it in three ways: the phone has started to slow down to an unacceptable state, viruses or malware block the system, or you prepare the device for sale and want to delete all personal data. Unlike a normal reboot, a full reset eras all apps, settings, accounts and files from internal memory, returning the smartphone to the state “out of the box”.

It is important to understand that Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC for the global version) is based on the MediaTek Helio G80 processor and has features in working with memory partitions. For example, after resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account if you previously activated the factory security mechanism Find Device. Also, it is worth considering that on devices with an unlocked bootloader, the reset process may be different – we will discuss this separately.

Before you start, ask yourself: Do you really need a full reset? In 60 percent of cases, the problem can be solved with less radical methods: cleaning the app cache, deleting unnecessary files or rolling back updates. If you are determined to format your device, follow our instructions to avoid typical errors, such as losing data due to an incorrect reset method or locking your phone due to an undetached link to your Xiaomi account.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Just before you format Redmi 9, take a few critical steps: First, back up all your important data. Even if you're planning a reset due to sale, save your contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or the cloud. Remember, it's almost impossible to recover data without a backup after a reset, since the internal eMMC memory on Redmi 9 is formatted using a F2FS file system that doesn't support tools like Recuva or DiskDigger.

Second, check the battery status, make sure the battery charge is at least 50%. Recovery or Fastboot reset process may take up to 10-15 minutes, and if the phone turns off in the middle of the procedure, it can damage the partition /data and the need to re-flash through EDL-Also turn off all peripherals: headphones, memory cards and SIM-Cards (if not required for identification).

The third thing is to check the link to the Mi Account, and if the Find Device feature is activated on the phone, after the reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the account that was linked before the formatting, to avoid blocking:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Find Device and disable the function.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the login details or delete them from your phone in advance.
• 📱 If the phone is locked (forgot the pattern lock) and you don’t remember the data from Mi Account, a reset via Recovery will result in an activation lock.

Create a backup copy of contacts and files|Charge your phone to 50% or more|Disable Find Device in your account settings|Delete SIM-card and memory card (if desired)|Remember the data from Mi Account (if tied)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)

If the phone turns on and you have access to the menu, it's the best choice. It doesn't require any additional tools and minimizes the risk of errors. To reset Redmi 9 through the settings:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or System → Additional → Resets in some versions of MIUI).
3. Select Reset, then Delete all data.
4. Enter a password or pattern lock if the system requests confirmation.
5. Click Reset the phone and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Once you reboot, you'll be asked to set up your phone as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, the system can request login data -- that's fine, and it doesn't mean that the phone is locked. Just type in your login and password.

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for longer than 10 minutes after reset, don't panic. Turn it off with a long press of the power button (15-20 seconds), then turn it back on. This often helps when you first start after formatting.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• ✅ Minimum error risk (the system itself checks the integrity of the partition) /data).
• ✅ Keeps working MIUI needlessly.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has custom firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the settings can lead to a freeze on the logo.

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

If Redmi 9 doesn't boot into the system but it responds to the power button, you can use Recovery Mode. This phone uses standard MIUI Recovery, which supports reset without connecting to a PC. Here's how to do this:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 15 seconds).
2. Press and hold the button combination: Volume up + Power.
3. When the Mi logo appears on the screen, release the power button, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or Clear Data in some versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data, then Confirm.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

In MIUI Recovery, the interface is in English, but intuitive. If the menu is displayed in Chinese, focus on the location of the items: Wipe Data is usually second on top. The process can take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt it, even if the screen goes out.

⚠️ Note: If you see a menu in Recovery that says OrangeFox or TWRP, It means that the phone has custom recovery installed. In this case, select Wipe. → Format Data, type yes and confirm. After formatting, be sure to reboot to Recovery again and click on it. MIUI Reboot the phone or it won’t boot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is a good way to do it if the first two methods didn't work or if you want to completely reflash your phone, not just reset your settings. ADB/Fastboot original USB-The procedure erases all partitions, including system and vendor, so you will need to install firmware after it.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) from Xiaomi Firmware. Select the MIUI version for your region (e.g. Global or EEA).
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder on your computer. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
3. Turn off Redmi 9 and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
4. Connect your phone to your computer and launch the file flash_all.bat Wait for the process to be completed (nearly) 5-7 minute).
5. After successful firmware, the phone will automatically reboot to the system.

If you only want to reset data without flashing, use the command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will clear the /data partition (where user files and settings are stored) and cache, but leave the system intact. However, note that after such a reset, you may need to reconfigure MIUI, including account binding.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After successfully formatting Redmi 9, you'll have to first set up your system. On the welcome screen, select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and follow the wizard's instructions. If the phone requests data from Mi Account, enter it -- that's the normal step for devices with a linked account. If you forget your password, restore it through the Xiaomi Account site.

To recover data:

• 📱 Contacts and messages: If you sync them with your Google account, they will automatically pull up after you sign in. MIUI It is also available to sync through Mi Cloud.
• 📷 Photos and Videos: Restore them from an external drive, Google Photos or cloud storage (such as Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk).
• 🎮 Apps: Reinstall them from Google Play or Mi App Store.Most games save progress in the cloud (e.g. via Google Play Games).
• 🔧 System settings: Set up your fingerprint, face unlock and other settings again in the Settings section → Passwords and security.

If your phone is running slower than before, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and remove pre-installed programs that you do not use (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music).
2. Turn off system animation: activate Developer Mode (7 times click on MIUI version in settings), then in Settings → Additional → For developers, set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration on Off..
3. Clear the cache of system applications through Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.

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After reset, avoid installing Google Play's "optimizers" and "cleaners" -- most of which not only don't help, but can add extra load to your system -- instead, use the built-in MIUI tools to manage your memory.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users sometimes face problems, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked and the phone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, the bootloader or EFS section (where IMEIs and serial numbers are stored) may have been damaged.

1. Switching the phone through EDL-Download emergency mode with the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Restore the IMEI if it crashed (this requires a backup of the EFS section or contacting the service center).
3. If the phone is warranty, contact the official Xiaomi service center, as self-interference can cancel the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 9