The Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite is a popular smartphone with a powerful 48MP camera, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue errors or require a complete system reinstallation. Hard reset solves most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, the wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick or permanently delete important data.
In this article, three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot), detailed risk warnings, and instructions for saving photos, contacts and apps before cleaning, we will also discuss what to do if the Mi 9 Lite does not turn on or requires a password after reset.
When you need to reset to factory settings
Factory reset is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are the typical situations where the procedure is justified:
- 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Glitches: sensors do not work, sound or Wi-Fi disappears.
- 🦠 The phone is infected with a virus that is not removed by antivirus software (such as adware or spyware).
- 🔒 You have forgotten your pattern lock or password and you cannot unlock your Mi Account.
- 📦 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).
However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:
- 🔋 A discharged or bloated battery (repair required).
- 💧 Getting liquid under the screen or on the board.
- 📱 Physical damage (cracks on the display, broken buttons).
⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, but don’t remember the data from the Mi Account account tied to the device, after a reset, the phone may lock forever! Xiaomi requires login/password input when first enabled after hard reset if Find Device was activated.
Preparing for resetting: how to save important data
Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from internal memory, including:
- 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
- 📞 Contacts, messages, call history.
- 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
- 📁 Uploaded files (documents, music, APK).
To avoid losing information, follow the following steps:
- Sync your contacts and calendar with your Google or Mi Account: Settings → Accounts → Google/Mi Account → Sync Make sure that sync is enabled for Contacts, Calendar and Notes.
- Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud: 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Select the File Transfer Mode). ☁️ Upload media files to Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud.
Keep SMS and Call History
SMS Backup & Restore
Google Play
Export application data
Google Play Games
Mi Cloud
Contacts synced | Photos and videos copied | SMS and calls saved | Accounts deleted (if phone is sold) | Battery charged at least 50%-->
If you use a microSD, remove it before resetting – the data on it will not be affected, but it is better to be safe.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online or Tinkoff) are tied to the device. After a reset, you may need to re-activate via a support call or office visit! Method 1: Setting reset (safest) If the phone turns on and you remember the password, this method is the best choice. It requires no additional tools and is minimally risky. Instructions: Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen). Go to About Phone (bottom of the list). Choose Backup and Reset → Reset settings. Click Reset phone settings (may require input) PIN-Confirm the action by selecting Delete Everything. The phone will restart and start the cleaning process (5-10 minutes) Once completed, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after purchase. Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge. ❌ It does not work if the lock password is forgotten. ✅ Minimum risk of error. ❌ It will not help if the system is severely damaged. ✅ Stores data on a memory card (if any). ❌ The process can be interrupted if the battery is discharged. 💡If after resetting the phone asks you to enter the password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com. If your account is not yours (e.g., a handheld phone), contact the previous owner or contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase. Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset If the Mi 9 Lite is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires accuracy. Instructions: Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes). + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears. Release the buttons - you will see the Recovery Mode menu (English or Chinese). Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selecting the item. → Wipe All Data (or similar, such as Clear Data). Confirm by selecting Confirm (usually you need to enter Yes or press the power button). → Reboot to System. If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items: 🔹 The first item is reboot (Reboot). 🔹 Second or Third: Data Reset (Wipe Data). 🔹 The last one is power off (Power Off). ⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI After resetting via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if the account was not previously used! This is due to the Find Device feature, which activates automatically. If you do not remember the account details, the phone will become a brick. What if Recovery Mode doesn't open? If Power is held + Volume up the phone vibrates, but the menu does not appear, try: 1. Connect the charger (sometimes helps with a discharged battery). 2. Use the Power combination + Loudness up + Volume down (on some firmware). 3. Repeat by holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds). If nothing works, proceed to reset via Fastboot (method 3). Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users) This method is used if: 🔄 The phone does not turn on or enter Recovery. 🔧 Reflash the device (for example, after a failed update). 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!). To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C on Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite is the default bootloader locked, so this method is only suitable for unlocked devices or in case of emergency (for example, after "bricking"). Instructions: Install on the PC Platform Tools (the official tool from Google). Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot mode: Press the Power button + Loudness down on 10–15 You'll see a rabbit in a hat and say, "Fastboot." Connect your phone to your computer. Open the command line (cmd) in the platform-tools folder and execute the command: fastboot devices, if you recognize your phone, you'll see its serial number. Reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot After the reboot, the phone will be reset to factory settings. If you want full flash, use the command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware ⚠️ WARNING: Wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently damage partition EFS (stored IMEI Do not use commands like fastboot erase persist or fastboot format without a clear understanding of their operation. 💡Fastboot reset is the most powerful, but also the most dangerous method, and it is only suitable for users who understand the risks and have a backup of data. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. After a successful reset, the Mi 9 Lite will launch with a welcome screen. Here’s what to do first: Choose a language and region (Russia is recommended for Google services to work correctly); connect to Wi-Fi – this is necessary to download updates and restore data from the cloud; Sign in to Google account if contacts and applications have previously been synchronized. Skip the offer to sign in to Mi Account if the phone is bought with hands and you don't know the previous owner's details.Restore the data from the backup (if any).Update the system to the latest version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → If after reset, the phone asks for a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it: 🔑 Try to restore access through the official website. 📞 If you have purchased your phone from hand, contact the previous owner. 🛠️ In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase. If the sound is missing after the reset, the camera or other functions are not working, check: 🔄 All system updates installed. 🔧 Are the necessary permissions for applications disabled (Settings) → Permits). 📱 Is the firmware damaged (in which case Fastboot flashing will help), frequent errors and their solutions Even if you follow the instructions correctly, problems can arise. Problem Possible cause Phone solution does not turn on after reset Battery discharged or firmware damaged Charge phone 30-60 minutes. If it doesn’t help – go through Fastboot Requires Mi Account password, but it’s not the previous owner’s account is tied to the device Contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase After reset there is no network (does not catch) SIM) Damaged section. EFS orthopedic APN Check it out. IMEI (*#06#). If not, restore via Qualcomm Tool Cycle Reboot (bootloop) Damaged system files Sweep your phone through Fastboot or Recovery with official firmware Not working sensor after resetting Incompatible firmware or damage to the plume Update the system or contact the service If none of the methods helped, perhaps a problem in the hardware (for example, damaged memory eMMC or power controller). In this case, self-repair is not recommended. FAQ: Can I reset my Miite 9 without losing data, I remember the phone completely saving it from the internal data factory. This means that the device has activated Find Device (phone search) via Mi Account. Solutions: Restore account access via Xiaomi. If the phone is purchased from hand, try contacting the previous owner. Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents confirming the purchase. You can not bypass the lock without unlocking the bootloader and firmware, which can lead to loss of warranty. Resetting through the settings does not work - the phone freezes. What to do? If the reset via the Settings menu is interrupted or the phone cyclically resets, try: Recovery through the battery. If the battery is damaged, then the Fboot is only used with a 50% reset (the resetting device, the device is damaged). How do I know if the bootloader is unlocked on my Mi 9 Lite? To check the bootloader status: Turn off the phone. + Volume down to log into Fastboot. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked. If the bootloader is blocked (false), the reset via Fastboot may not work without official unlocking (the procedure takes up to 720 hours of waiting on the Xiaomi website). IMEI. How do I recover? If I'm missing after a reset or firmware? IMEI (Checked for *#06#, this means partition damage EFS. Download the official firmware for Mi 9 Lite (codename pyxis) from Xiaomi. Fastboot command: fastboot flash all [name file].zip IMEI If you have not recovered, use tools like Qualcomm Tool or Maui Meta (skills required). ⚠️ Attention: Self-recovery IMEI It may be illegal in some countries.