Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9T to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems. The smartphone starts to slow down after a year of use? Forgot the pattern lock? Or are you planning to sell the device and want to delete all personal data? In each of these cases, Hard Reset will be the optimal solution.
However, the procedure has nuances: improper actions can lead to the loss of important files or even lock the bootloader (if we are talking about custom firmware).In this article, we will discuss all the official ways of resetting for Redmi 9T (code name lime), including hidden MIUI functions and recovery through Fastboot.
When do I need to reset Redmi 9T to factory settings?
Don't rush to drop your smartphone when you have a problem, and in most cases, more gentle methods like cleaning the cache, updating the software, or reinstalling a problem app help, but there are situations where Hard Reset is the only way out:
- ๐ Forgot your password/pattern lock if none of the spare unlocking methods (Mi Account account, fingerprint) are suitable).
- ๐ข Critical slowdown โ lags when opening applications, long system load, even after cleaning the memory.
- ๐ฆ Viruses or malware โ if the antivirus has detected threats that are not removed by standard methods.
- ๐ฑ Preparing for sale/transfer โ to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your accounts and files.
- ๐ Failed update MIUI โ if after the update the smartphone is constantly rebooted or not turned on.
It is important to understand that the reset removes all user data from internal memory, including:
- ๐ธ Photos and videos (if not saved on the SD-map).
- ๐ฑ Contacts, SMS, Call log (if not synced with Google Account).
- ๐ฎ Save games and customize applications.
- ๐ Wi-Fi and account passwords (unless recorded separately).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Redmi models 9T with an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) reset via Recovery can lead to locking of the device. โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the line "Core").
Preparing for resetting: how to save important data
Before you start resetting, make sure to back up. Even if you plan to reset your phone because of viruses, copy critical files to an external medium or to the cloud first.
| Type of data | How to save | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Sync with Google Account or export to.vcf | Check in Contacts โ Settings โ Import / Export |
| Photo/video | Copying on PC via MTP or uploading to Google Photos | SD-The card is not cleared when reset, but it is better to be safe |
| SMS and call log | Apps like SMS Backup & Restore | Requires root rights for full backup |
| Annexes and their data | Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (for rooted devices) | Not all games support recovery. |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Screenshots QR-codes or export through Mi Home | MIUI 12+ can be saved in Mi Account |
For convenience, use the built-in tools of Xiaomi:
- Open Settings โ About the phone โ Backup.
- Choose Local Backup or Mi Cloud.
- Specify data for saving (contacts, SMS, notes, system settings).
- Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you use Mi Account for backup, make sure there's enough space on the account.The free fare only provides 5GB, and the backup is MIUI It can weigh 1-3 GB.
Backed up your contacts.|Save photos and videos on PC/cloud|Write down passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts|Out. SIM-map SD-map (optional)|Charged the phone at least 50%-->
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
If your smartphone is switching on and you remember the unlock password, use this method. It's the simplest and requires no further manipulation. MIUI 12/13/14 on the Redmi 9T:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section.
- Slip on Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI, the item is called Additional โ Reset).
- Select Settings Reset.
- The system will ask you to choose what to drop: ๐ฑ All data โ full reset to factory settings. ๐ Network settings - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile networks only.
password/pattern lock
Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).
After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the phone requests the data of the Mi Account, which was previously tied, enter them, otherwise the device may lock (Mi Cloud Lock function).
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If the Redmi 9T doesnโt turn on for more than 10 minutes after reset, try pressing the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If your smartphone is locked, stuck on the logo or unresponsive to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode. On the Redmi 9T, it's run with a combination of physical buttons. Importantly, this method deletes all data without the ability to recover.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Hold and hold at the same time: ๐ Power button ๐ผ Volume up button
Mi
Recovery
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Factory Reset
Confirm
Reboot
Reboot to System
If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
- ๐ The first item is reboot (Reboot).
- ๐งน The second item is reset (Wipe Data).
- ๐ฅ The third item is the installation of updates (Connect with MiAssistant).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9T When reset via Recovery, you may see an error, "This device is locked." This means that the bootloader is locked. Solution: link the device to the Mi Account before the reset or use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
What if Recovery does not start?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method will be required if:
- ๐ง Recovery Menu is not available (smartphone does not respond to buttons).
- ๐ Device locked in Mi Account after failed reset.
- ๐ฆ You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update).
The work will require:
- ๐ป Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (Download from the official Android website).
- ๐ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- ๐ Firmware for Redmi 9T (Download from the official Xiaomi website).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the power button + volume down until a screen with the Fastboot label and a picture of a rabbit in the cap appears.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
- For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
- If you need to reflash the device, use the command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]
Once the commands are executed, the phone will restart and start setting up from scratch, a method that is guaranteed to bypass Mi Account lock, but requires technical skills.
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Fastboot reset is the only way to unlock Redmi 9T if you forgot your Mi Account data after resetting via Recovery.
What to do after resetting: initial setup
After a successful reset, the Redmi 9T will offer to go through the initial setup.
- Language and region choice โ Install Russian (Russia) to avoid application localization issues.
- Wi-Fi connection โ If the network is saved to the Mi Cloud, the phone will prompt you to restore the password automatically.
- Sign in to your Mi Account โ if your phone was tied to your account before the reset, be sure to log in, otherwise your device may be locked.
- Data recovery โ if you have backups done through Mi Cloud or Google, select the appropriate option.
If there are problems after the discharge:
- ๐ต No network - check the settings APN In Settings โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- ๐ The battery goes down quickly โ after resetting, the system needs 1-2 days to optimize.
- ๐ฑ Apps are crashing out โ update them via Google Play.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Data cleanup process interrupted or battery drained | Charge the phone for 30 minutes, then press the power button for 20 seconds. |
| Requires a Mi Account password after resetting | The device was tied to a Xiaomi account | Enter your account details. If you forgot, restore it via account.xiaomi.com |
| Recovery menu in Chinese | The firmware is not Russified | Orientate yourself by the location of items (see the section about Recovery) |
| Error "This device is locked" | bootloader is blocked and reset is done via Recovery | Use Fastboot or the official Mi Unlock Tool |
| There's no sound after the reset. | The audio settings are down. | Check the volume slider and settings in Settings โ Sound |
If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (memory or motherboard damage), in which case, contact Xiaomiโs service center.