Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9A to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step: it helps eliminate freezes, remove viruses, prepare the phone for sale or simply return a clean system. However, not all users know that a full reset deletes all data without the possibility of recovery (if there was no backup). This manual will detail all the reset methods, nuances of preparation and typical errors that owners of the Redmi 9A make.
Many people mistakenly think that resetting via menu and Recovery is the same thing. In fact, these methods differ in depth of cleaning and consequences for the system. For example, when resetting through settings, some MIUI system files are saved, and a hard reset via Recovery completely reinstalls the firmware, we will tell you how to choose in your situation, and how to avoid losing access to your Xiaomi account after a reset is the most common problem for users.
If your Redmi 9A is stuck on your logo, doesn't respond to touches, or requires a password from an old account, don't panic. 90% of the time, the correct reset solves the problem.
When do I need to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9A to factory settings?
Resetting is not a universal solution, but it does help in a few critical situations:
- ๐ข Smartphone is slowing down, applications are constantly flying out, and there is less than 1 GB of free memory left.
- ๐ You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Find My Device is not working.
- ๐ฆ The phone is infected with viruses that cannot be removed by the antivirus (for example, advertising software is built into system applications).
- ๐ฆ You sell or transfer Redmi. 9A You want to erase all personal data.
- ๐ After a failed update MIUI The phone stopped turning on or was not working properly.
However, there are cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:
- ๐ Battery swollen or phone does not hold charge (repair is needed, not reset).
- ๐ก Network problems (not catching) SIM-map, no Wi-Fi) often associated with hardware antenna malfunctions.
- ๐ง The phone fell from a height or fell from water โ here you need a diagnosis in the service center.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are dropping Redmi 9A because of the locked screen, but do not remember the data from the Xiaomi account tied to the phone, after resetting, the device may require entering a login / password. Without them, it will be impossible to unlock the smartphone without contacting the service center.
Before you start resetting, check if a more gentle method will help:
- Clean the cache in Settings โ Storage โ Clear the cache.
- Remove unnecessary applications and files.
- Update MIUI to the latest version.
Preparing for resetting: how to save important data
Reset to factory settings completely removes:
- ๐ฑ Contacts, SMS Call history (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
- ๐ท Photos, videos and music in internal memory.
- ๐ฎ Save games and customize applications.
- ๐ Notes, reminders and other user data.
To avoid losing important information, follow these steps:
Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Cloud|Copy photos/videos to your computer or cloud|Record logins/passwords from applications|Make sure you know your Xiaomi account details|Check the balance on SIM-map (can be dropped when reset) PIN)-->
Methods of backup:
- Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud): Go to Settings โ Xiaomi Account โ Mi Cloud โ Backup. Select data to save (contacts, SMS, notes) and click Create Backup. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB).
- Google Account: In Settings โ Accounts โ Google โ Sync enable sync for contacts, calendar and other data.
- Local Copy on PC: Connect Redmi 9A to your computer via USB, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) and copy the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads) folders and other important data.
Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (for example, banking applications, WhatsApp, Telegram). After the reset, you will need access to SMS or backup codes to restore accounts.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are using Redmi 9A with corporate email (e.g. Microsoft Exchange), after a reset, you may need to reset the account through the administrator IT-Some companies are blocking access to mail from unauthorized devices.
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If you have Googleโs Find My Device enabled, the phone may remain linked to your account after the reset, and untie the device in advance at google.com/android/find to allow the new owner to use the device.
Method 1: Reset via menu settings (soft reset)
This is the easiest and safest method if the phone turns on and responds to touch.
- ๐งน Cleaning up the system from garbage.
- ๐ Addressing programme failures.
- ๐ฆ Preparing your phone for sale (if you know the details from your Xiaomi account).
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Scroll down and select About Phone.
- Click Reset (in some versions of MIUI, this item may be called Reset and Reset).
- Select Reset Settings (not to be confused with Network Reset or Password Reset!).
- The system will prompt you to enter a password from the lock screen (if it is installed).
- Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything or Reset the phone.
The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| โ No need for a computer or additional tools. | โ Does not remove deep system errors. |
| โ Retains the link to the Xiaomi account (unless manually deleted). | โ It will not help if the password from the lock screen is forgotten. |
| โ Faster than resetting through Recovery. | โ May not eliminate viruses embedded in system applications. |
If the phone brakes again after reset, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., worn-out flash memory), in which case only flashing through Fastboot or replacing the memory module in the service will help.
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Soft resetting through settings does not remove MIUI updates. If the smartphone has upgraded to an unstable firmware version, this method will not return the previous version of the system.
Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)
This method is used if:
- ๐ Your phone is locked and you donโt remember your password.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the Redmi logo.
- ๐ After updating MIUI There were critical errors.
Important: Resetting through Recovery completely reinstalls the firmware, so:
- All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
- If the phone was tied to the Xiaomi account, after the reset, you will need to enter a login and password.
- The process will take longer than a soft reset.
Instructions for resetting via Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press the buttons at the same time: Volume up (+) + Power button Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up / down - selecting a point, the power button - confirmation).
- Choose a language (usually English or English).
- Go to Wipe Data (or Clear Data in some versions).
- Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
- Once youโre done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot โ Reboot to System.
If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have custom firmware installed.
- Choose Advanced โ Wipe Dalvik Cache.
- Then go back and select Factory Reset.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9A (For example, with firmware for the global market, Recovery may not have Russian. Be careful when selecting items so as not to accidentally launch Fastboot or other modes.
If after reset, the phone requires a password from the Xiaomi account, but you do not remember it:
- Try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com.
- If you do not restore your account, contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on your phone.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method is used in extreme cases where:
- ๐ง Recovery is damaged or not opened.
- ๐ฅ You need to refashion the phone to another version. MIUI.
- ๐ ๏ธ Requires a complete system reinstallation (for example, after a failed update).
Warning: Fastboot reset requires a computer, USB-If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to the service.
What you need:
- ๐ป Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
- ๐ Original. USB-cable (donโt use cheap Chinese cables โ they can interrupt the connection).
- ๐ฆ Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
- ๐ Charged phone (at least 50%).
Step-by-step:
- Download and unpack Platform Tools on your computer.
- Turn off Redmi 9A and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools (click Shift + right mouse button โ Open the PowerShell window here).
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is found, you will see its serial number.
- For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
If you want to reflash your phone on a clean MIUI, download the official firmware for Redmi 9A (codename dandelion) from the Xiaomi Firmware website and use the command:
fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]โ ๏ธ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9A (For example, with a blocked bootloader, fastboot commands can not work without unlocking Bootloader. You need to apply on the Xiaomi website and wait 7-14 days.
1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers manually.
2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
3. disable the antivirus (sometimes it blocks) ADB).-->
What to do after the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 9A?
After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial setup mode. Here's what you need to do first:
- ๐ Connect to Wi-Fi and sign in to Xiaomi account (if your phone was tied up).
- ๐ฑ Restore data from a backup (Mi Cloud or Google).
- ๐ Set a new password or pattern lock (do not use simple combinations like "1234").
- ๐ก๏ธ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- ๐ซ Disable unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) to save memory.
If you are selling a phone, you must:
- Delete all accounts (Settings โ Accounts).
- Untie the device from Google and Xiaomi on the respective sites.
- Do reset again (double reset ensures that all data is deleted).
If the phone brakes again after reset, check:
- ๐ Battery condition (a worn-out battery can cause lags).
- ๐ก Network signal quality (weak signal loads processor).
- ๐ฆ The amount of free memory (optimally - at least 3-4 GB).
If problems persist, you may need to replace your flash memory or other component, in which case, contact the service center.
Typical Redmi 9A Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or a โbrickingโ of the phone, the most common of which are:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting without a Google/Xiaomi | Phone Requires Old Account After Reset | Delete accounts in Settings โ Accounts before reset |
| Interruption of the discharge process | Damage to system files, phone not turned on | Do not remove the battery or turn off power during resetting. |
| Use of informal firmware | Unstable work, loss of guarantee | Download firmware only from the official Xiaomi website |
| Reset via Fastboot without unlocking Bootloader | The phone is turning into a brick. | Unlock Bootloader with Mi Unlock Tool |
Another common mistake is ignoring backups, and many users think that data can be recovered after being reset by programs like Dr.Fone or Recuva, but actually, once it's completely reset via Recovery or Fastboot, it's impossible to restore data, because it's overwritten by new firmware.
If you are dropping your phone due to viruses, remember:
- ๐ฆ Some viruses (e.g. xHelper) can persist even after reset if they are embedded in system partitions.
- ๐ก๏ธ After reset, install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Kaspersky) and scan the system.
- ๐ซ Do not install applications from unknown sources (enable Settings). โ Annexes โ Special rights โ Install unknown applications and disable browser permission).
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If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the logo after the reset, don't panic. Try going to Recovery and repeat the reset. If that doesn't work, run the phone through Fastboot with the official firmware.