How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways with instructions

Why do you need to reset the Redmi Note 9?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution. The main reasons are: the phone started to brake after the MIUI update, infected with a virus through third-party apps, or you are preparing the device for sale. A full reset deletes all data, including photos, contacts and installed programs, so it is important to make a backup in advance.

Another common situation is that the Redmi Note 9 does not turn on or hangs on the Xiaomi logo, in which case a reset via the standard menu is not available, and you have to use Recovery Mode or Fastboot. These methods require care: improper actions can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device.

In this article, we will discuss three official methods of resetting:

  • πŸ“± Using phone settings (the easiest method)
  • πŸ”§ Recovery Mode (if the phone does not boot)
  • πŸ’» Fastboot and computer (for experienced users)

πŸ“Š Why you need to reset the Redmi Note 9?
Phone's slowing down.
I'm getting ready to sell.
Forgot the pattern lock
Virus or malware
Another reason.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings

This is the safest method if the Redmi Note 9 is turned on and touch-sensitive, suitable for deleting personal data before selling or fixing software glitches.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Slip backup and reset β†’ Reset settings.
  3. Select Delete all data (password may be required).
  4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5-10 minutes. After you reboot, you'll see the initial setup screen, like after you bought it. Importantly, if you forgot your Mi Account password, your phone may lock up after you reset!

Save photos and videos to your PC or cloud|Exporting Contacts to Google Account|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Get out. SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)|Fully charge your phone (minimum 50%)

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⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled Find Device, after reset, you will need to enter the password from the Mi Account associated with the Redmi Note 9!

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

If the Redmi Note 9 is getting stuck on the screensaver, does not respond to touches or reboots cyclically, a reset via Recovery will help.This mode starts before the system boots and allows the phone to return to factory settings.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  5. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data β†’ Confirm.
  6. Once you have finished, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

  • πŸ”Ή The first item is reboot (Reboot)
  • πŸ”Ή The second point is the power off (Power Off)
  • πŸ”Ή The third item is reset (Wipe Data)

What happens if Recovery does not open?
If after holding Power + Volume up the phone vibrates but does not load Recovery, try: 1. Connect charging and try again. 2. Hold the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds). 3. Use the combination Power + Volume up + Volume down (on some firmware). If nothing helps, go to reset via Fastboot.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Phone doesn't come into RecoveryLoader damaged.Use Fastboot or reflash your phone
After reset, you need a Mi Account passwordXiaomi account tied to deviceEnter the correct password or call in support of Xiaomi
Recovery in ChineseGlobal firmware not installedOrientate by location of points or flash the global version

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and installed Xiaomi drivers. It is suitable if:

  • πŸ”Έ Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
  • πŸ”Έ Phone locked and you forgot your Mi Account password (but are ready to take the risk of a "brick").
  • πŸ”Έ You need to refashion the phone to another version. MIUI.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer 7/10/11.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
  • πŸ“₯ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
  • πŸ“‚ Firmware for Redmi Note 9 (Fastboot version).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds, and the phone will go to Fastboot mode.
  2. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your computer.
  3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
  4. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
  5. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

1. Download the QDLoader driver.

2. Open Device Manager on PC.

3. Find a device with an exclamation mark (usually) QHUSB_BULK or HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

4. Update the driver by specifying the path to the downloaded file.

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⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including IMEI and the serial number if the firmware is damaged. Use this method only if other methods have not helped!

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 9 will return to factory settings.

  • πŸ“± Complete the initial setup (selecting language, connecting to Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ”‘ Enter Mi Account details if the phone was tied.
  • πŸ“² Restore data from backup (if you did backup).
  • πŸ”„ Update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings β†’ Update of the PO.

If your phone is running slower than before, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery condition (wearing more than 50% brakes the system).
  • πŸ“¦ Number of installed applications (remove unnecessary ones).
  • πŸ› οΈ Animation settings (enable Developer Mode and turn off window animation).

- Camera (front and main)

- Fingerprint sensor.

- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS modules

- Speakers and microphone.

If something doesn’t work, the firmware may not be installed correctly.

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Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

  • 🚫 "Invalid IMEI" after reset: Firmware through Fastboot sometimes resets IMEI. You can restore it using the engineering menu (#4636##) or utility. SN Write Tool (requires backup) IMEI).
  • πŸ”’ Phone requires old password after reset: This means Mi Account hasn't been untied.The solution is to enter the correct password or reset it through Xiaomi's website.
  • πŸ”„ Cyclical reboot after reset: Most likely, the firmware is damaged. You need to repeat the reset via Fastboot with another version MIUI.

If you encounter this device is locked when you try to flash your phone through Fastboot, it means that the bootloader is locked, and you can unlock it officially through Xiaomi service, but it will take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset the Redmi Note 9 without losing data?
No. Any factory reset removes all user data from internal memory. The only way to save the information is to back up in advance through Settings β†’ Backup or manually copy files to your PC.
The phone asks for a password from the old Mi Account after the reset.
This is Xiaomi's protection against theft. If you forget your password: Go to the recovery page. Enter your linked email or phone number. Follow the instructions for resetting your password. If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is bought with your hands), contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
How to reset Redmi Note 9 if you forget the pattern lock?
If the phone turns on, but does not let it go further than locking: 5 times enter the wrong key - will the button Forgot the password appear?. Enter the data from Mi Account associated with the device. Reset the key via email or SMS. If this method does not work, use the reset via Recovery Mode (method 2).
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, once you've confirmed the reset, the process is irreversible, and interruption (e.g., pulling out the battery or turning off the power) can damage the firmware and the phone's "brick." Wait until the process is complete!
After the reset, the phone doesn't turn on.
Probable causes and solutions: πŸ”‹ Battery is dead: Connect charging and wait 15-20 minutes. πŸ”§ Firmware damaged: Try flashing your phone through Fastboot (method 3). πŸ› οΈ Hardware malfunction: If the phone does not respond to charging and buttons, contact the service center.