Reset Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings: 3 proven ways + error solving

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical system failures. However, the wrong approach can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. This article will help you avoid typical errors and choose the best method of reset depending on your situation.

Many users mistakenly believe that hard reset and reset are the same thing. In fact, these methods are fundamentally different in depth of cleaning, execution speed and even in the impact on the warranty. We will analyze all three official methods (through menu, Recovery and Fastboot), and also tell you how to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock and what to do if the smartphone does not turn on after the reset.

The Mi 9 features two firmware options: global (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China), which not only affects the interface, but also the available reset options. For example, the Chinese version may not have the option "Reset" in the standard menu, replaced by "Recover and Reset" with other sub-items.

1.Dumping Preparation: What to Do Before Cleaning

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Ignoring this stage can lead to irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and even locking the device through Mi Account.

First, check the status of your Mi Account, and if you forgot your password or didn't link your device to your account, you can get a login request after you reset, which is very difficult to get around without official data, to avoid this:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and make sure the device is linked to a valid account.
• 📱 Write down your login and password on paper or in a cloud service (e.g. Google Keep).
• 🔐 If you use a pattern lock or PIN-code, check the backup method of unlocking (usually email or SMS).

Second, back up your data, and even if you're planning a reset because of the sale of the device, saving it will help you recover important information on your new smartphone.

• ☁️ Use the built-in Mi Cloud (available in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
• 💾 Connect the device to the PC and copy files manually (photos, videos, documents are stored in folders) DCIM, Downloads, Documents).
• 📲 For reservations SMS, Calls and applications use third-party utilities, such as Swift Backup (requires root rights) or Titanium Backup.

⚠️ Attention: If on Mi 9 fixed TWRP Recovery, a standard reset via menu may not clear the partition /data In this case, use the format data command in TWRP cleaned.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)|Delete social media accounts|Check for backup copy|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, reacts to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The main advantage is the minimum risk of errors and the ability to recoil through the Mi Cloud.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Reset (or Reset all settings).
4. The system will tell you which data to clear: 📱 Annexes and their data 📁 Media files (photos, videos, music) 📞 Call logs and SMS 🔄 System settings

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-7 minutes).

Once you reboot, you will be asked to configure the device as new. If you previously had a Mi Account tied, the system may request authorization — use the data you saved during the preparation phase.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware 9 (especially Chinese) after the reset via the menu may remain garbage in the section /cache. It’s not critical, but if you notice lags, clean the cache manually through Recovery (see next section).

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Resetting via the menu is the only method that does not require disabling your Mi Account and does not affect the Xiaomi warranty.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone is not turned on)

If the Mi 9 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which will also help if you forget the pattern lock, but remember the data from the Mi Account.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

The following is dependent on the Recovery version:

• 🌐 If the menu is in English: Select Wipe Data (moving through the menu with volume buttons, selecting with power button). Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

1. The third point on the top is (data cleanup).
2. The second paragraph is (full cleaning).
3. Confirm and wait for completion.

If after reset, the smartphone requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, try to bypass the lock through the official website account.xiaomi.com (section "Forgot your password?").

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires connecting your smartphone to your PC, and it's suitable if you:

• 🔧 Recovery damaged or missing.
• 🔒 Device locked. FRP (Google Account After Resetting).
• 🛠️ You need to completely reflash the smartphone (for example, to change the firmware region).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Mi 9 (download from the official website of Xiaomi).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the buttons Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
2. Connect the Mi 9 to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check that the device is determined: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the smartphone.
4. Complete reset (Warning, this will delete all data, including Mi Account): fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format data
5. If you need to reflash the device, use the command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip (pre-unpack the firmware in the folder from fastboot).
6. Reboot your smartphone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: If you previously unlocked the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool, it may lock again after being reset via Fastboot.

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔧 Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔒 Disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, restart your Shift PC and select Disable Mandatory Driver Signature Verification).

5. Solving problems after discharge

Even if the reset was successful, you might encounter unexpected problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The smartphone requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you don’t remember it.

• 🔑 Try to restore access through the recovery form, you will need access to an email or phone linked to your account.
• 📧 If the recovery is not working, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy (it may take 2-5 days to check).
• 🛠️ In the extreme, you can try to bypass the lock through EDL-mode, but it requires special equipment (for example, Deep Flash Cable) and risks "bricking" the device.

Problem 2: After reset, the Mi 9 doesn’t turn on or hover on the logo.

• 🔋 Check the battery power – plug the charger in for 30 to 60 minutes, then try turning it on.
• 🔄 Try logging into Recovery and running Wipe Cache (does not delete data, but can fix the freeze problem).
• 📱 If the Mi logo flashes or burns constantly, it may be the firmware that's damaged, and then only flashing through Fastboot or flashing it will help. EDL.

Problem 3: Sensor, camera or speaker malfunctions after reset.

• 🔧 First, check if the appropriate permissions in Settings are disabled. → Annexes → Permits.
• 📲 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔨 If the problem persists, it may have damaged the driver. Try flashing your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool with the "Clean All" option".

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If the IMEI is missing after the reset, do not attempt to restore it through the engineering menu (#4636##) - this can lead to permanent loss of communication.

6. How to avoid errors in resetting

Many problems arise from not knowing the nuances of the Xiaomi Mi 9. Here are the key points that will help to avoid typical mistakes:

🔹 Do not reset the device with the battery dead. If the charge is below 30%, during the process, the smartphone may turn off, which will damage the system files.

🔹 Do not use informal firmware without experience. Installing custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of functionality (for example, stop working). NFC or IR-blaster).

🔹 Don't ignore backup. Even if you're planning a test reset, save the data. In 20 percent of cases, users lose important information because of unexpected crashes.

🔹 Do not confuse Wipe Data and Wipe Cache.

• Wipe Data – complete cleaning (removes applications, settings, files).
• Wipe Cache – Clearing temporary files (does not affect personal data).

🔹 Do not drop the device over the Fastboot unnecessarily.This method should be the last resort, because it is a very difficult method to use:

• Remove Mi Account (which can result in re-assignment blocking).
• Requires unlocking the bootloader (cancellation of the warranty).
• Could lead to loss DRM-The keys (the Widevine will stop working because of this) L1, Netflix will also be showing low-resolution videos).

7. Alternative methods of discharge (for specific cases)

If the standard methods don't work, alternative methods can be used, and they are suitable for rare situations, such as when the smartphone does not respond to buttons or is locked at the firmware level.

Method 1: Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If USB Debugging was previously enabled on the Mi 9, you can reset via the ADB command:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line.
2. Enter adb shell recovery --wipe_data
3. Confirm the action on the smartphone screen (if a request appears).

Method 2: Reset via Mi PC Suite (official Xiaomi utility)

If you have access to a PC, you can use proprietary software:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite.
2. Connect the Mi 9 to your computer and wait for recognition.
3. In the main menu of the program, select "System Reset" → "Reset to factory settings".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (confirmation on your smartphone is required).

Method 3: Discharge through EDL-regime (extreme case)

If the smartphone does not respond to any combination of buttons, you can try to translate it to Emergency Download Mode (EDL).

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons and connect the USB cable to the PC.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the PC detects a new device (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
4. Use the Mi Flash Tool to firmware the full MIUI image.

⚠️ Attention: Entrance EDL-The mode on new versions of the Mi 9 can be blocked. If the PC does not see the device as QDLoader, you will need a special cable (Deep Flash Cable) or contact the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 9