Reset Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship of 2019, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and support for updates. However, over time, even such a smartphone begins to slow down, glitches or requires complete cleaning before selling. Hard reset solves most problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose access to the device or turn it into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss three proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), the nuances of working with Mi Account, and instructions for recovering data after a reset. We will discuss when a soft reset through the menu is enough and when a full firmware reflash is required. We will separately focus on the typical errors that cause the Mi 9 to hang on the logo or require a password from an old Xiaomi account.

When you need to reset Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings

Resetting isn't always a cure-all, but in some cases it's the only way to bring your smartphone back to life. Here are 5 signals to make a hard reset:

• 🐢 Smartphone strongly slows down, applications open for a long time, animation “twitches” even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI critical bugs appeared: spontaneous reboots, departures from applications, non-functioning Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
• 📱 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by antivirus software (for example, adware or spyware modules).
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 💰 Before selling or transferring a smartphone to another user (even after manually deleting files, data can be restored).

But resetting won’t help if the problem is hardware, such as a dead battery, a damaged display, or a faulty motherboard, requiring repairs rather than software reboots.

⚠️ Note: If you reset the Mi 9 because of a locked screen, but do not remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the device, after reset, the smartphone may require the username / password. Without them, it will be extremely difficult to unlock it (it will require an official appeal in support of Xiaomi or the service center).

Preparing for reset: what to save and how to avoid mistakes

Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including from folders) DCIM, Pictures, WhatsApp Images).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS/MMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Game saves and application data (e.g., progress in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
• 📝 Notes, documents and files in the Download folder.

To avoid losing something important, follow 4 mandatory steps:

Backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive|

Copy photo/video to PC or external drive |

Record the username/password from Mi Account (if linked to the device)|

Make sure the battery is charged > 50% (to avoid switching off during resetting)-->

Pay special attention to Mi Account. If you don't remember the login details, check:

1. If your account is linked to your device: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Is there access to the email or phone specified during registration (they will receive a confirmation code when unlocked).
3. Is the Find Device function activated (disabling it before reset will make it easier to configure further).

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Mi 9 handheld and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, the device may be blocked after the reset, in which case you will need to contact the seller or contact the service center with proof of purchase.

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

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ✅ You remember. PIN-code.
• ✅ You need to save data on the memory card (if it is installed).

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Click Reset the phone and wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.If the smartphone requires the entry of Mi Account data, use the linked account.

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If the Mi 9 doesn’t turn on or freezes on the logo after reset, try pressing the power button for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn’t help, go to Recovery Mode 2.

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

Use this method if:

• 🔴 Mi 9 does not respond to touch or hovers on the logo.
• 🔒 You forgot your password and unlocking through Mi Account is not available.
• 📱 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese) and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection).
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have custom firmware installed.

1. Choose Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
2. Go back to the main menu and select Factory Reset.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and a bootloader that is suitable for:

• 🔧 Brick Recovery (if Mi 9 does not turn on and enter Recovery).
• 📥 Installation of custom firmware after resetting.
• 🔒 Bypassing Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware archive for Mi 9 (select the Fastboot version).
• 🛠 The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Mi 9 and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\Mi9_Fastboot).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait until it's finished (10-15 minutes), and if you get a green tick, you're successful.

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you're trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one on your phone.

• Download a newer firmware from the official website.
• Or use the XiaomiTool V2 tool to bypass the restriction (risky!).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data and resets the settings, and if you haven't done this before, you'll have to reconfigure the phone once you unlock it. The official instructions for unlocking are available on the Xiaomi website (requires binding Mi Account to the device and waiting 72 hours).

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, only if the first two methods fail or you need to refashion the device. Wrong actions can lead to a complete loss of smartphone performance!

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the Mi 9 will offer you to go through the initial setup. Here are 5 key steps:

1. Language and Region Choice: Please indicate Russia or Europe to avoid Google services issues.
2. Wi-Fi connection: Without internet, you can’t log in to Mi Account or restore a backup.
3. Sign in to Mi Account: If your smartphone was linked to your account, enter the details. If you forgot your password, use the recovery function on the official website.
4. Data recovery: 📱 From Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Restore. 📱 From Google: When setting up, select Copy Data from Android Device and log in to your Google Account. 💾 From the computer: connect Mi 9 to USB and copy the files manually.

MIUI Update

Settings → About the phone → System update

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 📵 No Network: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and set up APN manually (options can be taken on the website of your operator).
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: Make 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles to calibrate battery.
• 🔊 No sound: Check if Do Not Disturb or if the speaker is disabled in the availability settings.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right reset, Xiaomi Mi users 9 They're facing problems.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

If none of these things worked, maybe the problem is the hardware.

• 🔋 Bloated battery can cause spontaneous reboots.
• 🛠 Oxidized contacts on the motherboard lead to failures in the operation of modules (camera, network, speaker).
• 🔌 A faulty charging connector interferes with full charging, which is why the reset is interrupted.

In such cases, we recommend you to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi (addresses can be found on the official website).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 9