How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9S to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9S to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing software failures. However, an incorrect reset can turn a gadget into a “brick”, especially if it is a model with a locked bootloader or custom firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to the Fastboot mode – and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the phone “hangs” on the MI logo.

Many users confuse soft reset (through settings) and hard reset (through Recovery or Fastboot). The former saves files in the device's memory but deletes apps and settings, and the latter completely cleans the internal drive, including photos and documents. If you plan to sell or transfer the phone, we recommend combining both methods - first perform a reset through settings, and then through Recovery, to ensure that all personal data is deleted.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the procedure

Before you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9S, make sure to back up your data. Even if you plan to use a soft reset via settings, the risk of losing information still remains, especially with contacts, messages and notes that may not be stored in the cloud, but locally.

Here's what you need to do first:

• 📱 Sync your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Sync and make sure all data (contacts, notes, call history) is saved to the cloud.

If you use a microSD card, remove it before resetting – some methods (such as Recovery) can format an external drive, and check if a Google account with Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is linked to your phone.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Mi Account tied to your phone, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot may lock the device.

2. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method that works if the phone turns on and reacts to touch. It deletes all installed apps, settings and accounts, but saves files in memory (photos, videos, music). However, some system updates can return some data after a reboot, so it is better to combine this method with others to completely clean up.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Select Backup and Reset (or Additional → Reset in some versions of MIUI).
4. Press Resetting.
5. Choose Delete all data (if you want to save files) or Clear all (full reset).
6. Enter a password or pattern lock if requested.
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-10 minutes. Once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase. If the device has hung on the MI logo for longer than 15 minutes, try forcibly rebooting it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Shut down. SIM-microSD card|Synchronize your Mi Account|Remember the password from the Google account|Prepare backup codes for applications-->

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This is a method used when the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the screensaver or not responding to touch. Recovery removes all data, including files in memory, and returns the firmware to factory status. Importantly, if the phone has custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), this method can lead to a break (system failure).

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9S:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Choose a language (usually English or English).
2. Go to Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
3. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, it means that the phone has an unofficial firmware installed, in which case try the method via Fastboot (described below) or contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, even if the phone was not previously linked to the account.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy.If you do not remember the password, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot reset is the most radical method used when the phone doesn't load even in Recovery or has unofficial firmware installed. This method requires connecting to your computer and using the Mi Flash Tool utility. Importantly, the wrong actions in Fastboot can permanently put the phone out of order, so follow the instructions carefully.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11) and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 9S (You can download it on the official website MIUI Downloads).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (see the latest version on the forums) 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared should appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool and click Select to select the firmware folder (unpacked archive with file) flash_all.bat).
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (complete cleaning).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).
7. After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

If you have an anti-rollback error in the process, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one on your phone, in which case you need to download the newer firmware and try again.

fastboot devices

If the device is not displayed, install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).-->

5 What to do if the phone freezes after resetting

Sometimes, after a reset, the Xiaomi Redmi 9S can “hang” on the MI logo, reboot cyclically or not respond to buttons, the reasons for this are diverse, from damaged firmware to hardware malfunctions.

If the phone is vibrating but not turning on:

• 🔄 Try Forced Reboot: Squeeze Power + Volume up for 20 seconds.
• 🔋 Connect the charge and leave for 30 minutes - it is possible that the battery has run out in the process of resetting.
• 📱 Try to log in to Recovery again and repeat the reset.

If the phone is cyclically restarted:

• 🛠️ Reset via Fastboot (as described in Method 3).
• 🔧 If the firmware is damaged, try installing it again using the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📞 Contact the service center if self-attempts do not help - perhaps a problem in the hardware (for example, damaged eMMC memory).

If after reset, the phone requires data input from Mi Account, but you do not remember them, use the recovery function on the Xiaomi website. In extreme cases, you can try to bypass the lock through service utilities (for example, Mi Account Removal Tool), but this requires an unlocked bootloader and can violate the warranty.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after a reset, never try to disassemble it yourself – this can lead to a loss of warranty.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you did not back up before resetting, the chances of returning the data depend on which cleaning method was used:

• 📲 Soft reset (through settings): files in memory (photos, videos) are usually saved. They can be copied to a PC or uploaded to the cloud.
• 🗑️ Hard reset (via Recovery or Fastboot): data deleted irrevocably if there was no backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

If you still want to try to recover deleted files, use specialized programs:

• 💾 DiskDigger (for Android) – scans internal memory for deleted files.
• 💻 Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery (for PC) – connect your phone in mode MTP And scan the drive.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – check if the data is saved in the cloud (even if the sync was disabled, some files could be saved automatically).

It is important to understand that recovering data after a complete reset is a complex and not always successful process. The more you use your phone after a reset (installing apps, taking photos), the less likely you are to return old files, as new data overwrites deleted ones.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users experience problems when resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9S due to ignorance of the nuances. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after a Fastboot reset, which happens if the firmware was installed incorrectly or the modem file is corrupted. To restore the IMEI, you can use an engineering menu (enter #4636## in the dialer) or specialized utilities like Maui META, but this requires root rights and can violate the warranty.

⚠️ Note: If you have purchased Xiaomi Redmi 9S handheld and the previous owner has not untied his Mi Account, reset via Recovery or Fastboot will block the device.In this case, contact the seller to delete the account or contact the service center with proof of purchase.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions