Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, give out errors or require resale. In such cases, a complete reset to factory settings becomes the only solution, but the wrong actions lead to the blocking of Mi Account, the loss of IMEI or the “brick” of the device.
This guide contains 3 proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery and PC), unique nuances for the Redmi 9 with a Helio G80 processor, and instructions for saving data and unlocking after reset. All methods are tested on MIUI 12-14 firmware and are relevant for Redmi 9 (angelica), Redmi 9A (dandelion), Redmi 9C (angelican).
When you need to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings
Resetting is not always a panacea, but there are situations where it is really necessary:
- 🐢 Smartphone strongly slows down, applications spontaneously close, and cleaning the cache does not help.
- 🔒 Device locked after failed pattern lock or password input (but Mi Account is not tied!).
- 📱 Before selling or transferring a phone to another user, to delete personal data.
- 🔄 After a failed update MIUI, When the system is unstable or does not load at all.
- 🦠 Viral infection that is not removed by antivirus (for example, banner ads in the status bar).
However, resetting will not help if:
- 🚫 Phone locked via Mi Account (official unlock required).
- 🚫 Iron problems: the display is not working, the battery is not charging, there is no network.
- 🚫 Hard brick device (not responsive to buttons and PC connection).
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 13+ After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, even if the phone was not tied! This is a feature of Xiaomi's protection against theft. To avoid blocking, use reset via settings or pre-untie the account in Settings → Xiaomi account.
Preparing for the dump: what to do
The unpleasant surprise after reset is the loss of all photos, contacts and messages. To avoid this, follow 3 mandatory steps:
- Save the data: 📸 Photos and videos: copy to PC via cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud. 📞 Contacts: sync with Google Account (Contacts) → Settings → Imports/exports). 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore. 🎮 Game Savings: Check if they are linked to Google Play accounts or social media.
Remember the credentials:
- 🔑 Login and password from Mi Account (if linked).
- 🔑 Data from Google Account (required after reset).
- 📶 Settings APN for mobile Internet (you can take pictures of the settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).
- Check battery power: Make sure the charge level is at least 50%.When reset via Recovery, the phone must not turn off!
If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
- The 3rd item on top is Wipe Data.
- The last item is Reboot.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| After reset, asks for a Mi Account password | The phone was tied to the account. | Enter your account details or wait 72 hours to unlock via i.mi.com |
| Recovery won't open | Power/volume button is faulty | Use it. ADB-Team: Adb Reboot Recovery |
| There's a "No command" error. | Failure of the loader | Press the power + Volume up again |
| phone is stuck on startup logo after reset | Firmware damaged. | Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (method 3) |
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Hard reset via Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)
This method is used if:
- 🔧 The phone doesn’t turn on at all (even in Recovery).
- 📥 You need to sew stock firmware after unsuccessful experiments with custom ROM.
- 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (legally if your phone is yours!).
The work will require:
- 🖥 Windows PC 7/10/11.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 📁 Firmware for Redmi 9 (download from the official Xiaomi website).
- 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (last version).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will automatically restart.
⚠️ Note: When you run through the Mi Flash Tool on Redmi 9 with a bootloader locked, you will need to officially unlock through the Xiaomi website. Otherwise, the firmware will end in an error. Check the bootloader status with the command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked in the response: False, unlock the bootloader!
💡
The firmware via the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data, including IMEI and DRM-After the procedure, some functions may need to be re-activated (e.g., Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD).
What to do after resetting: setup and recovery
After a successful reset, Redmi 9 will launch as new. Follow these steps to set it up correctly:
- Language choice: Install Russian (or other language you need).
- Network connection: 📶 Wi-Fi: Select your network and enter your password. 📡 Mobile Internet: Insert SIM-map and set up APN manually (the data can be taken by the operator).
- Log in to accounts: 🔑 Mi Account: If the phone was tied, log in to the same account, otherwise there will be a lock. 🔑 Google Account: Required to access Play Market.
Data recovery:
- 📲 Contacts/calendar: sync automatically if you sign in to the same Google Account.
- 📷 Photo/video: copy back from PC or download from the cloud.
- System Update: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI.
If there are problems after the discharge:
- 🔊 No sound: Check if Do Not Disturb mode is activated or turn off Bluetooth headphones in the settings.
- 📵 Mobile network not working: Restart your phone or manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network operators.
- 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: Give the phone a 2-3 full charge/discharge cycle to calibrate the battery.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct reset, Redmi 9 can cause problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "This device is locked" (Mi Account) | Phone tied to Xiaomi account | Enter your account details. If you forget, unblock it via i.mi.com (proof of ownership required). |
| IMEI becomes "Null/Null" | The NVRAM section is damaged when reset | Restore the IMEI via Engineer Mode (code #3646633##) or file the NVRAM separately. |
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Incorrect firmware or power failure | Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock. |
| There is a constant "appendix error" | Dalvik cache failure | Go to Recovery and select Wipe Cache. |
| The camera doesn't work after reset. | Failure of drivers or permissions | Update your firmware or reset access rights to Settings → Apps → Permissions Management. |
If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory).
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On the Redmi. 9 After the discharge, access to 5G (If you had one, go to Settings to return it. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network and select 4G/3G/2G (5G This model is not officially supported, but some firmware activates it).