Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9S to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. This smartphone, released in 2019 as part of the Mi 9 line, runs on the basis of MIUI - Xiaomi's proprietary shell, which over time can start to slow down due to accumulated cache and temporary files. Unlike the newer models, the Mi 9S has some features in the reset procedure related to the Android 9 Pie version and the specifics of the hardware platform.
It’s important to understand that resetting isn’t just about removing apps. It brings all settings back out of the box, including network settings, accounts, and even security updates (if you choose a full reset via Fastboot), and many users make the critical mistake of not checking the MIUI version before reset, which can lead to the bootloader being blocked on old firmware. In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to reset for the Xiaomi Mi 9S, including hidden nuances that aren’t mentioned in the standard instructions.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Experience shows that 60% of the problems after hard reset are due to failure to follow the preparatory stage.
- 📱 Save it. IMEI. On Xiaomi Mi. 9S It can be erased if you reset it incorrectly via Fastboot. Use the *#06# command or the app. MIUI Dialer.
- 🔒 Make sure to unlock the bootloader. If you've ever installed custom firmware, a Recovery reset can block the device.
- 📡 Check the version. MIUI. On firmware older MIUI 12.0.3 Resetting via Settings may not delete all data from the section /data.
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. When reset via Fastboot, the device must not turn off, which will lead to a "brick".
Unlike the newer models, the Mi 9S does not support automatic data storage in Xiaomi Cloud for all file types.
- 🖥️ Local copying on PC through MTP (included in the settings → Additionally. → Developer parameters).
- ☁️ Google Drive for Contacts and Photos (set up sync in your Google account).
- 📁 Titanium Backup (requires root) to save application data.
Backed up IMEI| Checked battery power (minimum 50%) | Saved data from internal memory | Disabled Mi Account | Confirmed firmware stability-->
If you plan to sell or transfer the device, remember to log out of your Mi Account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone due to the link to your profile. → Mi Account → Get out.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi 9S firmware MIUI 11 and below after reset may require re-activation through SMS. Make sure that SIM-The card of the same operator as the first switch on is in the phone.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)
This is the safest method, and it doesn't require any additional tools, and it's suitable if:
- 📱 The device turns on and responds to touch.
- 🔄 You need to eliminate software lags without deleting critical data (for example, photos will remain unless you choose a complete reset).
- 🔒 You didn't change the firmware or block the bootloader.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to About Phone → System Update and make sure you have the latest version of MIUI installed (this minimizes the risk of errors).
- Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Tap Reset settings, then Reset phone settings.
- The system will choose: 🔄 Resetting settings (saves media files). 🧹 Complete reset (removes everything, including photos and music).
Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password.
It takes 5-10 minutes. The device will reboot and show the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase. If after the reset, the Mi 9S is getting stuck on the MI logo, wait 15 minutes - this is normal for the first switches after the reset.
💡
If after reset, the device asks you to enter a password from your previous Google account (FRP) and you do not remember it, use Google Restore or contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)
This method will be useful if:
- 🚫 The smartphone does not turn on or got stuck on the screensaver.
- 🔧 You need to bypass the screen lock (but not) FRP!).
- 📱 Settings menu is not available due to system failure.
For the Xiaomi Mi 9S, the keyboard is a combination of buttons, and it's important that this device uses Xiaomi's custom Recovery, not standard Android, so some menu items may differ.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on Power + Volume increase (10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume Up and hold for 15-20 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- Select the language (usually English by default) from the menu.
- Move to the points using volume buttons, confirm the choice with the power button.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
- Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
- Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
| Recovery menu item | Action. | Note for Mi 9S |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Data | Resetting user data | It does not affect MIUI system files. |
| Wipe Cache | Clearing the cache | Useful for lags, but does not delete personal data |
| Reboot to Bootloader | Reboot to Fastboot | I need it for PC firmware. |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connecting to a PC for recovery | Requires official Mi Flash Tool software |
⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe All Data, then the device has custom Recovery installed (for example, the Recovery menu is not available, TWRP). In this case, the reset may result in loss of access to the encrypted partition. /data. Use only official Recovery from Xiaomi.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This is the most radical method used when:
- 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
- 🚨 The smartphone is locked at the bootloader level (Bootloop).
- 📦 All partitions, including system and vendor, need to be cleaned completely.
This method will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- 📥 Firmware for Mi 9S (You can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Hardware: Press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds. Software: Enter adb reboot bootloader in the PC terminal
- Connect the device to your PC and check for detection: fastboot devices must display the Mi 9S serial number.
- Run a full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache For complete cleaning (including system partitions): fastboot erase system fastboot erase vendor
- If necessary, flash through the clean firmware: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
If the Mi 9S fails to turn on or shows a No OS installed error, the boot partition has been damaged, in which case you will need to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool with a choice of the Clean All option.
Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi Mi 9S users face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging on the MI logo after being reset | Boot partition damage or firmware conflict | Swipe boot.img through Fastboot or do a full reset again |
| Requirement of Mi Account Password after Reset | Xiaomi account is tied to the device (Find Device protection) | Enter your account details or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase |
| Can't mount /data error in Recovery | Damage to the file system or partition encryption | Run fastboot format:ext4 userdata via PC |
| IMEI loss after reset | Delete /efs or /nvram files | Restore the IMEI through the MTK Engineering Mode or Service Center |
This device is locked when trying to reset via Fastboot.It means that the bootloader is locked, and further actions will require its unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Tool app. Note: Xiaomi only allows unlocking for accounts associated with the device for more than 7 days.
If the sound is lost or the sensors are not working after the reset, the files in the vendor section are likely to be damaged, in which case only a complete flashing using the official package for the Mi 9S (device codename: grus) will help.
💡
On Xiaomi Mi. 9S Resetting via Fastboot without firmware can lead to loss of network settings (IMEI, MAC-Always have a backup copy of the section /efs!
How to recover data after resetting
If you haven’t made a backup in advance, the chances of recovering the data depend on the type of reset:
- 🔄 Soft reset: Data can be recovered using DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver if you have not selected a "full reset".
- 🧹 Hard reset (through a Recovery/Fastboot): Recovery is unlikely because the division /data zero-record.
For partial recovery:
- Connect the Mi 9S to your PC in Fastboot mode.
- Use ADB to create a partition image: adb pull /dev/block/by-name/userdata userdata.img
- Scan the resulting file using R-Studio or PhotoRec.
Important: on devices with FBE (File-Based Encryption, which are used in Mi 9S on MIUI 12+, It's impossible to recover data without the encryption key, and if you forget the password, the only way out is to accept the loss of information.
⚠️ Note: Do not use programs like Dr.Fone or iMobie PhoneRescue for Xiaomi. 9S as a device on a Qualcomm processor (although there is a Snapdragon 855), which leads to scan errors.