The situation when a smartphone starts to work unstable, freezes or refuses to accept the correct password is familiar to many owners of Android devices. For the Xiaomi Redmi 9 model, the most effective and radical method of solving software failures is a complete reset, known as Hard Reset. This process returns the gadget to the state “out of the box”, removing all user files, applications and settings, which often eliminates deep-seated system errors.
Sometimes access to the settings menu is blocked due to a forgotten pattern lock or an interface freeze, so the ability to clean through physical buttons is critical. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to enter Recovery Mode on Redmi 9, which key combinations to use and how to correctly complete the procedure so as not to turn the phone into a brick.
Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand the consequences. A complete reset operation irreversibly deletes all photos, contacts, correspondence and installed programs. If you have physical access to the system, be sure to back up the data in the Mi Cloud cloud or on your computer, as once you have completed the instructions, it will be impossible to restore information using standard methods.
Preparation of the device for forced discharge
Hard Reset is stressful for the smartphone file system, so preparation is crucial. First of all, make sure the battery is at least 60-70% charged. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage the system partition, after which the phone will stop booting.
It's also worth turning off. SIM-microSD card and memory card if installed. MIUI Usually ignore external memory when resetting, retrieving the card ensures that your personal photos and documents will not be accidentally deleted or damaged during formatting.
☑️ Redmi 9's Ready to Reset
Special attention should be paid to the account Google Account and Mi Account. Once reset, the Android security system will require you to enter a login and password from an account that was synced with the device previously.
⚠️ Note: If you do not remember the password from the Google account associated with the phone, before reset, be sure to delete the account through the settings menu (Settings) → Accounts and syncs: Otherwise, the device will be locked by the activation screen.
Enter Recovery mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9
To start the cleaning process, you need to get into a special service menu called Recovery. On Xiaomi smartphones, this menu is hidden from the average user and activated by a combination of buttons when the device is turned off. It is important to perform actions quickly and consistently, since the system boot timer can start before you press the desired keys.
First, turn off the Redmi 9 completely. Make sure the screen is out and the device is not vibrating. Then press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears on the screen.
Once the logo appears, release the power button, but keep holding the volume button. In a few seconds, you will see the main Recovery menu, which can be presented in two forms: graphic (with touch control) or text (where navigation is carried out by volume buttons, and the choice is the power button).
What to do if the menu does not appear?
In the text menu, navigation is done as follows: the volume button up/down moves the cursor, and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find the Wipe Data item. In the graphic menu, just touch the desired line with your finger.
Step-by-step reset instruction via the Wipe Data menu
Once you've successfully logged into the Recovery menu, you'll see a list of options. We're interested in the data cleanup section. The interface may be in English or Chinese, so it's important to navigate by button location and keywords.
Select Wipe Data, and the system will alert you that all data will be deleted, and at this point, you will be offered two options: Wipe All Data (total clean) and Reboot (total clear).
Confirm your actions by pressing Confirm or OK. The formatting process will begin, which will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, the screen will display the progress bar, during which it is strictly forbidden to press any buttons or remove the battery.
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If after a reset, the phone offers to update the system, agree, this will help to install current security patches and correct errors that may have led to the need to reset.
When the process is complete, the Data wiped successfully message will appear on the screen. Now you need to select the Reboot option, then Reboot to System. The smartphone will restart, and the first, longer than usual, boot of the operating system will begin.
Solving Forgotten Screen Password Problems
One of the most common reasons for using Hard Reset is a forgotten screen unlock password or pattern lock. Unfortunately, modern versions of Android don't allow you to just bypass security. Resetting through buttons is the only legal way to regain access to the device, but it requires sacrifices in the form of data.
If your phone is locked and requires a password and you can’t log in, use the button combination described above to log in to Recovery. However, if the device has Find My Device enabled, the phone may need to enter a password from your Google account after reset.
| Situation | Action. | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Forgotten pattern lock | Hard Reset via Recovery | 100% (all data deleted) |
| Phone blocked by Mi Account | Entering the Mi Account Password | 0% (data retained) |
| System failure (Bootloop) | Hard Reset or Flashing | 100% (cleaning required) |
| Forgotten. PIN-code SIM-map | Entering PUK-code | 0% (the data on the phone is secure) |
It is important to distinguish between locking the screen and locking the Mi Account. If after resetting the phone writes "This device is locked" and asks for the password from the Mi Account, this means that the protection against theft has worked. Without entering the correct data from the Xiaomi account, you will not be able to unlock the device with any buttons.
What to do if the phone freezes after resetting
Sometimes, after you run the Wipe Data command and restart, your smartphone may get stuck on the Redmi or Mi logo, a phenomenon called “bootloop” that can be caused by corrupting system files or a failed update.
First of all, try to do a forced reset, and then you press the power button and hold it close to you. 10-15 So if that doesn't work, then you'll have to repeat the Hard Reset buttons.
If resetting doesn't work, it may be deeper, in the damaged firmware, which would require a PC connection and the Mi Flash Tool to completely flash the device, a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the first download after reset. 5-7 If you start panicking and turning off your phone, you can interrupt the critical system setup processes.
Differences in button reset and through settings
Many users wonder if there is a difference between resetting through the Android settings menu and recovery. The technical result is the same - the data is deleted. However, the method through settings (Settings → About phone → Resetting) is more "soft".
When resetting through settings, the system manages to correctly close all background processes and applications, which reduces the risk of file system errors.
The use of buttons is only justified when logging in is not possible. If you have access to the desktop, it is always preferable to use a software reset method through the MIUI interface. This is safer for the longevity of your device.
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Use the button method only in emergency cases when access to the settings menu is blocked or the system does not respond to touch.