Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings: 3 working ways (2026)

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, from constant lags to the inability to update the firmware. However, not all users know that this device has three fundamentally different reset methods, each of which is suitable for specific situations. For example, if the smartphone does not turn on, you have to use Fastboot, and when blocking the pattern lock, only Recovery Mode will help.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways - from the simplest (through settings) to the technically complex (with the help of a PC). MIUI 12-14, where the process is different from older versions of firmware, you will also learn how to save important data before cleaning, what to do if the smartphone does not respond to buttons, and why after a reset, communication with the device may disappear. SIM-card.

When you need to reset Redmi 9 to factory settings

Factory reset is not a panacea, but it solves software problems in 80 percent of cases, and here are the typical situations where the procedure is justified:

  • ๐Ÿข The smartphone slows down, applications spontaneously close or MIUI The system fails to respond to the error".
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Mi Account Code or Password (if not linked to your device).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ After the firmware update, bugs appeared: the camera does not work, the mobile network or Wi-Fi is missing.
  • ๐Ÿฆ  The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by antivirus (for example, advertising software in system folders).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Before selling or transferring a smartphone to another user (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).

However, resetting wonโ€™t help if the problem is a hardware problem: a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard, in which case repairs are required at a service center.

โš ๏ธ Note: On Redmi 9 with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-activate the Mi Account after reset. If you donโ€™t remember the login details, the device will become a brick"!

Preparing for resetting: how to save data

The factory reset removes all user information, including:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Save games and customize applications.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Files in internal memory (documents, music, downloads).

To avoid losing something important, follow the following steps:

Backup to Mi Cloud (Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Backup)

Copy photo/video to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk)

Export contacts to VCF-file (Contacts) โ†’ Management โ†’ Exports)

Save SMS with applications like SMS Backup & Restore

Record the phone's IMEI (dial *#06#) in case of network problems after resetting-->

If the smartphone does not respond to touch or does not turn on, try to remove the microSD card (if any) - the data on it will remain intact. SIM-Use a paper clip or a special key from the set.

Yeah, through the settings menu.

Yes, through Recovery Mode.

Yes, with Fastboot and PC.

No, I never did.

I don't know what it is.-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method works if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI 12โ€“14:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the About Phone section. โ†’ Backup and reset.
  3. Select Settings Reset.
  4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
  5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes) and the smartphone will reboot automatically.

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase. If at this stage the device requires the input of Mi Account data, use the previously associated account.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Redmi 9 firmware may have reset option along the Settings path โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Recovery and reset. If you can't find a item, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

๐Ÿ’ก

Resetting via menus is the safest method, but it is not available if the smartphone is locked or not turned on.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if your smartphone is locked)

If you forget your password or Redmi 9 doesn't respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which doesn't require a PC connection, but all data will be erased.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons. You will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is done by volume buttons, the choice is by power button).
  4. Select the Wipe Data option โ†’ Wipe All Data.
  5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
  6. Once you have finished, select Reboot โ†’ Reboot to System.

If you donโ€™t have Wipe Data in the Recovery menu, you have customized recovery (e.g. TWRP) installed. In this case, select Advanced Wipe โ†’ tick Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage โ†’ swipe for confirmation.

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
If after holding Power + Volume up, the smartphone vibrates but does not load the menu, try: 1. Connect the charger (sometimes helps with a discharged battery). 2. Hold the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds). 3. Use the Power + Volume down combination (on some versions of the firmware). If nothing works, go to the method with Fastboot (see below).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (if the smartphone is not turned on)

It is the most difficult, but also the most reliable method that works even if Redmi is a realist. 9 Does not respond to buttons or is stuck on the Mi logo. You will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Googleโ€™s Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool if youโ€™re planning to reflash your device).
  2. Turn off your smartphone. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
  3. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-cable.
  4. Open the command line (Win + R โ†’ enter cmd) and go to the folder with the platform-tools:
cd C:\platform-tools
  1. Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), perform a full reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

The smartphone will reboot and start setting up from scratch, and if there are errors after this procedure (for example, Invalid IMEI), then the partition with the modem has been erased - you will need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

Post-dump problemPossible causeDecision
Not included.Wrong command in Fastboot or interrupted processRepeat resetting or stitching stock firmware
Asks for a Mi AccountThe device is tied to the Mi AccountEnter your account details or contact Xiaomi for support
No network (SIM is not defined)IMEI erased or damaged modemRestore IMEI through Engineer Mode or reflash
Continuous resetsSystem section damaged.Install firmware via Fastboot or Recovery

๐Ÿ’ก

If the smartphone doesn't turn on for more than 10 minutes after being reset via Fastboot, don't panic - sometimes the first download takes up to 20 minutes.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 9 will offer to go through the initial setup.

  • ๐ŸŒ Language and Region Choice: Install Russia or your country to avoid Google service problems.
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Wi-Fi Connection: Without internet, you canโ€™t log in to Mi Account or restore backup.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Sign in to Mi Account: If your smartphone was linked to your account, enter the same data. If you make the error "Device is locked" contact Xiaomi support.
  • โ˜๏ธ Data recovery: If you have backups in Mi Cloud or Google, select the appropriate item and wait until sync is complete.

After setting up, check:

  • Mobile network performance (dial *#06# to make sure IMEI is not reset)
  • Connection to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • Camera and speaker operation.

If something doesnโ€™t work, the reset may have gone wrong โ€“ try repeating the procedure or flashing the device again.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when instructions are followed correctly, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "Reset is not complete" (hang on the Mi logo): Reason: System partition is damaged or battery is not enough. Solution: Connect the charge and wait 30 minutes. If it does not help, run your smartphone through the Fastboot.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ "Mi Account required but I don't remember": Reason: Mi Account protection activated on the device. Solution: Restore account access via Xiaomi website or contact the service center with proof of purchase.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต "After the reset, there's no net (SIM not determined": Reason: Sturt IMEI Or a modem is damaged. Solution: Restore. IMEI via Engineer Mode (enter ##4636## โ†’ Information) or reflash the radio module.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ "Smartphone discharges too quickly after reset: Reason: Background processes MIUI Optimize within 2-3 days. Solution: Let the device "dry" or calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).

โš ๏ธ Note: If after reset via Fastboot smartphone gives an error This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, so you're trying to install firmware not for your model. MIUI Redmi 9 (codename Lancelot) from Xiaomi official website.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 reset

Can I reset Redmi 9 without losing data?
No, factory reset always deletes user data from internal memory. However, you can save the information in advance (see Prepare for Reset) The only partial option is to reset only settings through Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset, but this does not clean applications and files.
The smartphone asks for the old password after the reset.
This means that the device has activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, enter the password from the last Google account that was on the smartphone, if you don't remember, try to restore access through Google Account or contact the service center.
How to reset Redmi 9 if the screen is not working (but the smartphone is turned on)
If the screen crashes but the device responds to touch, connect the mouse via a USB-OTG adapter and reset via the settings menu. If the screen is completely black, use the method with Fastboot (see Method 3).
After the dumping, photos from the SD-How to get them back?
MicroSD files should not be deleted when reset. If they are lost, check the card on another device. If files are not displayed, use data recovery software such as Recuva or DiskDigger. Don't write new files to the card so as not to erase the lost data!
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, it's irreversible. If the reset has already begun, you can't interrupt it, it can damage the system, and wait until the procedure is completed, even if it takes longer than usual.