How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro to factory settings: full instruction with 3 methods

Why do you need to reset the Redmi 9 Pro?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution. You may find yourself in a situation where the smartphone starts to brake, spontaneously reboot or give out errors when installing applications, most often due to cache accumulation, software conflicts or virus attacks. Factory reset allows you to return the device to its original state by removing all user data, settings and installed applications.

Another common reason is to prepare for sale: If you decide to transfer the Redmi 9 Pro to a new owner, the reset ensures that your personal data (photos, messages, passwords) will not remain on the device, and the procedure is also relevant after unsuccessful firmware or if the smartphone is locked because of a forgotten pattern lock. However, it is important to understand that a reset via Recovery or Fastboot bypasses the Mi Account lock only on the unlocked bootloader - this is a critical nuance for Xiaomi owners.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the steps you need. First, back up your important data. This can be done through Settings โ†’ Google โ†’ Backup or manually copying files to your computer.

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photos and video (folder) DCIM)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Contact (synchronize with Google Account)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Notes and SMS (Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Save (if cloud-based storage is supported)

Second, check the battery power. The level must be at least 50% to avoid a sudden shutdown during the process. If the reset is done through Recovery, connect the device to charging - this will prevent discharge in the event of a freeze. Also make sure you have access to the Mi Account tied to the phone: after the reset, proof of ownership may be required.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you reset your smartphone?
Once a year.
Just before the sale.
Never dropped it.
If necessary (with brakes)

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

This is a method that works if you have access to the system and your smartphone is touch-sensitive, it's the safest and doesn't require any additional tools. To get started, open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen) and follow these steps:

  1. Go to the About Phone section.
  2. Slip on the item Backup and reset.
  3. Select Settings Reset.
  4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.

The system will be asked to PIN-If you have a code or a pattern lock, if you have it installed, then you start a process that takes 5 to 10 minutes to confirm, and the phone reboots, and you see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it.

Make sure that a backup copy is created

Battery charge > 50%

Disable your Google Account (if you are planning to sell)

Remember the data from the Mi Account-->

โš ๏ธ Note: If the Redmi 9 Pro has Device Protection enabled (in some regions), you may need to enter a password from your previously associated Mi Account after reset".

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked, Recovery Mode will help.This mode allows you to reset settings without access to the system.

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Let go of Meals, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.

  1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
  2. Confirm the action (Confirm or Yes).
  3. Wait until the end and choose Reboot.

It can take up to 15 minutes to process, and if the phone requires a Mi Account password after the reboot and you donโ€™t remember it, youโ€™ll need to unlock it through Xiaomiโ€™s official service.

What happens if Recovery does not open?
If the phone vibrates after holding the buttons but does not load Recovery, try: 1. Connect the charger and try again. 2. Use the Power + Volume down combination (on some firmware). 3. Recovery via Fastboot (requires a PC and unlocked bootloader).

Resetting methodDo you need access to the system?Implementation timeDeleting Mi Account?
Through settingsYes.5-10 minutesNo.
Through Recovery.No.10-15 minutesNo (only if the bootloader is unlocked)
Through Fastboot.No.15-20 minutesYes (with full cleaning)

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two fail or require a complete cleanup, including the data partition. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C: The Algorithm of Action:

  1. Turn off Redmi 9 Pro and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
  2. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue.
  4. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method deletes all data, including Mi Account, but only if the bootloader is unlocked. If the bootloader is locked, after rebooting the phone may require authorization in the previously associated account.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the phone does not appear after the command fastboot devices, install Xiaomi drivers USB Driver or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 9 Pro will launch with a welcome screen, and you will have to go through the initial setup, which includes:

  • ๐ŸŒ Language and region choice.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Connect to Wi-Fi (required to download updates).
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Sign in to Google Account and/or Mi Account (if required).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Recovery of data from backup (if it was created).

In the recovery phase, the system will suggest you choose a source: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or local file. If you created a backup using Mi PC Suite, connect your phone to your computer and follow the program instructions. Note that some applications (such as WhatsApp) require separate chat recovery through their own mechanisms.

โš ๏ธ Note: If after a reset, the phone asks for proof of ownership through the Mi Account, but you do not remember the data, do not try to guess the password. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset: The cause is corrupted system files. Solution: Re-reset via Recovery or run your phone through Fastboot using Mi Flash Tool.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory) that requires a diagnosis at a service center. The Redmi 9 Pro has a problem with falling off memory when you reflash frequently, which can manifest as a cyclical reboot or inability to write data.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the reset hasnโ€™t solved the performance problem, check the battery status (wear > 80% often causes brakes) or run clean firmware through Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro

Can I reset Redmi 9 Pro without losing data?
No, any factory reset deletes user data. However, you can back up through Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Backup and Reset or manually copy files to your PC. Some data (such as photos in Google Photos) is synced automatically if the appropriate option is enabled.
Why does the phone ask for the old password from the Mi Account?
This is a Xiaomi security feature that links the device to the owner's account. If you forget your password, restore it through the official website. If the phone is purchased with your hands, ask the previous owner to delete the device from your account in Settings โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Devices.
How to reset Redmi 9 Pro if you forget the pattern lock?
If you have Google Account sync enabled, try entering the wrong key 5 times, and the "Forgot Password" button will appear. If not, use Recovery Mode (method 2) or Fastboot (method 3).
Will reset remove viruses from your phone?
Yes, a full reset deletes all user data, including viruses. However, if malware has penetrated system partitions (which is unlikely without root permissions), you may need to flash it. After the reset, install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) and avoid downloading applications from unverified sources.
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, once the reset is confirmed, the process is irreversible. Interrupting (for example, removing the battery) can damage the firmware and turn the phone into a brick. If the reset is delayed (more than 30 minutes), wait for the battery to discharge or contact the service.