The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still a popular device even years later, thanks to its balanced performance and robust platform MediaTek Helio G85. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down: temporary files accumulate, updates conflict, and user data takes up critical space, in which case a complete cleanup is the only way to return the device to its original performance.
But how to properly reset the Redmi Note 9 without risking turning it into a brick? In this article, we will discuss three official methods: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and the Fastboot tool. Each method has its own nuances, from saving data to mandatory unlocking of the bootloader, you will learn how to prepare the device for reset to avoid typical errors, and what to do if the smartphone does not turn on after cleaning.
Important: the procedure deletes all data, including photos, contacts, and installed apps. If you sell or transfer a phone, remember to back up first. If the device is locked with a pattern lock, read the section on reset via Recovery.
Preparing for a full cleanup: what to do before resetting
Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps, which can lead to loss of important data or even damage to firmware.
First, check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. If the device is turned off during the reset due to a discharge, it can cause MIUI malfunctions or even damage the /data partition, which will require flashing through the Fastboot.
Second, back up. Even if you're planning to drop your phone before selling, save copies of important files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud, or external drive.
- 📸 Photos and video (folder) DCIM and Pictures)
- 📞 Contact (synchronize with Google Account)
- 📥 Messages (use) SMS Backup & Restore)
- 🎮 Game saves (for example, through Helium or root access)
Save photos and videos|Synchronize your contacts with Google|Record account data (logins/passwords)|Check for important files in the Download folder|Untie the device from the Mi Account (if you plan to sell)-->
Third, untie the device from your Mi Account, which is especially important if you're selling or transferring the phone, otherwise the new owner won't be able to activate the device because of the link to your account, to untie:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Select the exit and confirm the action.
- Remove the device from the list in your Mi Account.
⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, resetting via Recovery or Fastboot won’t help – the device will remain locked.
Method 1: Reset via settings (the safest method)
This method is suitable if you have access to the phone menu and it is not locked with a password, the advantage of which is the minimum risk of errors, since the reset occurs through regular MIUI tools.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section.
- Slip on Reset (in some versions of MIUI - Recover and Reset).
- Select Settings Reset (not Local Reset!).
- Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock (if installed).
- Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).
After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most users.
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If the phone takes longer to load after reset (more than 10 minutes), don't panic.The first boot after cleaning can take up to 15 minutes due to app optimization.
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| ✅ Doesn't require a computer. | ❌ It does not work if the pattern lock is forgotten. |
| ✅ Saves unlocking the loader | ❌ Does not remove updates MIUI |
| ✅ Minimum risk of error | ❌ Does not reset your Mi Account settings (manual unsetting required) |
Method 2: Recovery reset (if the phone is locked)
If you forget your password or your phone is stuck on the Redmi logo, resetting through Recovery mode will help, which works even on locked devices, but requires care.
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the power button, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.
- Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in newer versions).
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may have Recovery menus in Chinese. If you see characters, look for icons. 🧹 (cleaning 🔄 (restart).
If the phone requires Mi Account data to be entered after the reset, it means that the device was linked to the account.
- Enter your account details if your phone is yours.
- If the phone is bought with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him for data or use the Fastboot method (requires unlocking the bootloader).
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Complete Fastboot Cleanup (for advanced users)
Fastboot is the most radical, but it's also the most reliable, and it allows you to completely erase all partitions, including user data, cache, and even the remnants of previous firmware.
- 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, read the instructions below)
Step-by-step:
- Install Google’s Platform Tools (or Xiaomi’s Mi Flash Tool).
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Hold Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo)
- Connect the phone to your computer and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- Complete cleanup by command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format:ext4 userdata fastboot format:ext4 cache
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
This method is guaranteed to delete all data, including viruses and corrupted files. However, it requires an unlocked bootloader. If your Redmi Note 9 is not yet unlocked, follow the instructions below.
Yeah, I unlocked it myself.|No, but I want to try.|I don't know what that is.|I tried it, but it didn't work.-->
How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 9
Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all devices by default, which is a security measure, but it also makes it harder to reset via Fastboot.
Step 1. Link the device to your Mi Account:
- Sign in to your Xiaomi account on your phone.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate the Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
Step 2: Connect the device to the Mi Unlock Tool:
- Download the official unlocking tool.
- Open the program and log in to your Mi Account.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described above).
- Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 days due to Xiaomi restrictions).
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased automatically, and Xiaomi can block the ability to unlock for 30 days if you have previously unlocked the device.
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Unlocking the bootloader will void Xiaomi’s warranty and increase the risk of installing unofficial firmware that may contain malicious code.
Typical post-reset problems and their solutions
Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone asks for Mi Account data after reset | Device is linked to account (FRP protection) | Enter your account details or contact the previous owner |
| After reset, there is no network (no signal) | Failure in IMEI settings or communication module | Check the IMEI in *#06# and reflash the modem via Fastboot |
| The phone is constantly restarted (bootloop) | Damage to system files when reset | Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode |
| No access to Google Play after reset | Google Services (often on Chinese firmware) | Install GApps via Recovery or run global firmware |
If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset (black screen, no button response), try:
- Charge the device within 30 minutes (the battery may be completely drained).
- Hold Power + Volume Up for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
- Connect to your computer and check if it is detected in Device Manager.
If nothing works, there's probably a firmware failure, which would require a full flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.
How to recover data after resetting
If you made a backup before reset, you can restore the data in several ways:
1. Recovery via Mi Cloud:
- 📱 When you first set up your phone, select Restore from the Cloud.
- 🔑 Enter your Mi Account details.
- ✅ Select the right backup and wait until it is completed.
2. Manual file recovery:
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your computer and copy the saved files (photos, videos, music) to the appropriate folders.
- 📞 Contacts and calendars are synced automatically if you have used a Google Account.
- 🎮 Recovery of game saves may require root access or specialized utilities like Titanium Backup.
3. Restore via Google Drive:
- 📱 Install Google Photos and log in to your account – photos will be restored automatically.
- 📄 Use Google Drive or Mi File Manager for documents.
⚠️ Warning: If you are recovering data on a phone you plan to sell, first delete all personal files from the backup. otherwise, the new owner can access your photos, correspondence and passwords.