Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings via buttons: full instruction

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings through hardware buttons is the only way to bring the device back to life if it is locked, brakes, or unresponsive to the screen.This method, often called hard reset, bypasses system constraints and works even when the display is broken or the pattern lock is forgotten. But the procedure has nuances: wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”, and the lack of a backup can irrevocably erase photos, contacts, and messages.

In this article, we've tried three proven ways to reset through Recovery Mode, including hidden Mi Recovery features that aren't described in the official documentation. We'll look at how to get around the Can't mount/data error, what to do if the phone doesn't go to the recovery menu, and why the IMEI may disappear after the reset. And we'll also look at the unique algorithm for Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, where the standard button combinations don't work because of the boot loader that's changed.

When to reset through buttons - and when it is dangerous

Redmi 9's hardware reset is a "heavy artillery" that is used in critical cases, erasing all user information (including files on internal memory!) and returning the firmware to the "out of the box" state. Here are typical scenarios where it is necessary to do without it:

• 🔒 Forgot the password, PIN-Code or pattern lock – the phone is locked after 10 failed attempts.
• 🐢 Smartphone stuck on the logo MI or cyclically rebooted (bootloop).
• 🦠 Virus or failed update broke the system – apps crash, settings get lost.
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch (but the phone turns on) – reset is possible without a working display.

However, there are situations where hard reset is contraindicated:

• 🚫 If the phone does not turn on at all (no reaction to charging, the indicator does not burn) - the problem is in the hardware, not in the software.
• 🔋 Battery discharged below 20% - reset can be interrupted, and the device will become inoperable.
• 📡 After the reset, you plan to sell your phone — IMEI It can be used (especially on unofficial firmware).

⚠️ Warning: On Redmi 9 with Unlocked bootloader, resetting through buttons will automatically delete all data from the memory card if it is encrypted!

Preparation for discharge: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start resetting, do these actions – they will save you nerves and time:

1. Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can "brick" the device.
2. Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if any) will prevent random formatting.
3. Make sure you have a backup. Even if the screen isn't working, connect the phone to your PC via USB-OTG and try to copy the data.
4. Check the phone model. Redmi 9 has options: Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T — they have different button combinations!
5. Prepare the charger. Once reset, the phone may be discharged faster due to the rearrangement of the cache.

If you are resetting your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign Out).

Method 1: Standard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This is the main method that works on most Redmi 9s with official firmware. MIUI 11–14:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Mi Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use Volume Down for navigation and Volume Up for selecting a point.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some versions – Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).
7. Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

If you drop the phone for longer than 15 minutes, don't panic. That's OK, the system rearranges the cache, wait another 10 to 20 minutes, or do a forced reset (Power + Volume up 20 seconds).

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot Mode (if Recovery is not working)

If the standard recovery menu is not available (for example, due to a damaged firmware), you can reset your phone via Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer and Mi Flash Tool utility, but it is guaranteed to work even on “bricked” devices.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 9 (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds – a rabbit in a hat will appear (Fastboot Mode).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
3. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with extension.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-7 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool contains a "Couldn't find fastboot" error, try: Reinstall Qualcomm drivers (download from the official website). USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. Disable the antivirus - it can block the utility.

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If the phone does not turn on after firmware through Fastboot, try to pinch Power + Volume up for 30 seconds - this will reset the bootloader settings.

Method 3: Reset via EDL Mode (extreme case)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a hidden service mode that allows you to flash your phone even if it doesn't respond to buttons, it's used in service centers, but it can be activated at home, and the danger is that if you do the wrong thing, the phone can turn into a brick without recovery.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down and, holding them, connect USB-plug-in.
3. Hold the buttons for another 10-15 seconds. The screen will remain black, but the computer must identify the device as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Further action will require:

• 🛠️ QFil or Mi Flash Pro.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format (see forums) 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
• 🔧 Knowledge of the exact model of the phone (for example, Redmi 9 has modifications lancelot, angelica, angelican).

Warning: Firmware via EDL deletes all data without recovery, including IMEI. Use this method only if other methods have not worked and you are ready for risk!

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EDL Mode is the last chance to reanimate the phone, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure, go to the service center.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, Redmi 9 will turn on as new.

1. Complete the initial setting (choose language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your Google/Mi Account).
2. Recover data from a backup (if any) by connecting your phone to your PC or using Google Drive, Mi Cloud.
3. Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings → About the phone → System Update).
4. Check the IMEI (dial #06#). If it is missing, you will need to restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##*).

Typical post-reset problems and their solutions:

• 📵 No network. → Check it out. IMEI or re-install SIM-map.
• 🔋 Fast discharge. → Let the battery “swing” (2-3 full charging cycles).
• 📱 Lags and brakes → Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition).
• 🔒 Requires an old password → It's a lockdown. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Enter the Google account that was linked before the reset.

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If you lose photos after reset, try the data recovery software DiskDigger, Recuva or 7-Data Recovery, which works even if the phone is not turned on (you need access to internal memory via PC).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 9