Xiaomi Redmi 9T, released in 2021, has proven to be a reliable device with a powerful battery, but over time, even the most optimized MIUI system can accumulate software errors, cache files and application conflicts. If your gadget started to work slowly, suddenly restart or stop missing incoming calls, often the only effective solution is to return to the original state. This procedure completely clears the internal memory of the device, removing all user data, photos, contacts and installed programs, returning the software to the state “out of the box”.
Complete data cleaning is a serious step that requires preparation and understanding of all the consequences. Unlike a simple reboot that only updates system processes, Hard Reset or software reset erases sections of user data irrevocably. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to perform this operation for the Redmi 9T model, including methods for cases when the device is locked or does not boot to the desktop.
Before you start taking action, it is critical to make sure that you have saved all the necessary files to an external medium or to the cloud. The process of formatting internal memory is an irreversible standard means, and recovering deleted photos or correspondence after the procedure is completed will be almost impossible without specialized expensive equipment.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
The first and most important step is to back up all important information. Xiaomi Redmi 9T owners can use the built-in Mi Cloud tool or third-party services such as Google Photos and Google Drive to save contacts, calendar and media. It is also recommended to manually copy files to a computer or microSD card if it is installed in the memory expansion slot, as formatting will affect all available storage, unless you choose the option “only internal memory”.
The second critical point is the battery charge level.The procedure for resetting and subsequent initial setup can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, and interrupting the process due to battery discharge can damage system files or even "brick up" the device. Make sure the charge is at least 60%, and ideally connect the smartphone to the original charger during the operation.
⚠️ Note: If your device has Mi Account protection activated, remember your account login and password. Once reset, the system will require authorization to confirm ownership, and without this data, you will not be able to use the phone.
It is also worth checking the presence SIM-Although resetting via the settings menu does not usually affect contacts on the SIM-card, when using Recovery mode (through buttons) there is a risk of losing data stored directly on the SIM card chip if full formatting is chosen. SIM-card and memory card before the procedure to exclude any possibility of accidental damage by software.
☑️ Checklist before Redmi reset 9T
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The safest and easiest way to bring the Xiaomi Redmi 9T back to factory settings is to use the built-in menu with the operating system.This method is suitable for cases when the smartphone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop or settings menu. The MIUI shell action algorithm may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, Russia, China), but the overall structure remains the same.
To start, you need to open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the "About Phone" list, which is where the basic system management tools are hidden. The menu that opens will look for the "Settings Reset" line (sometimes called "Advanced Settings" depending on the interface version), and clicking on it will show the "Erase All Data" option, which triggers the cleanup mechanism.
The system will alert you that all files will be deleted and ask you to enter a screen unlock password or PIN-code SIM-This is a security mechanism that prevents the accidental dumping or theft of data by unauthorized persons, and once confirmed, the deletion process will begin, which can take several minutes, after which the device will restart and start as a new one.
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If you are planning to sell the phone, be sure to manually delete your Google and Mi Account account in the settings before resetting so that the new owner does not encounter an activation lock.
Importantly, after a reboot, the system may require a Wi-Fi connection and a password from a Google account that was previously synced to the device.This is a standard Android security procedure known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which protects the device from unauthorized use after being stolen or lost.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If your Redmi 9T is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically, or the touch screen is not responsive to commands, the only option is to use Recovery Mode, which allows you to reset at the bootloader level, bypassing the operating system.
The login process requires precision and a sequence of actions. First, turn the device off completely, waiting for the vibration and the screen to turn off. Then simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume until the main Recovery menu appears.
In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system will suggest you choose Wipe All Data. After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin. Once completed, select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot and Reboot to System.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed exclusively with mechanical volume and power buttons, so press them confidently, but without undue effort.
There is also a Fastboot mode, which is often confused with Recovery. If instead of a text menu you saw an image of a hare in an ooschank repairing android, then you have hit the Fastboot. To exit it, just press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the phone turns off, and try to log in to Recovery again, observing the button pressing times.
What to do if the Recovery menu doesn’t appear?
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device
In situations where you have forgotten your graphical key or unlock password and can’t get into the settings menu and the button combinations don’t work, you can use Google’s remote management service, which requires that your smartphone be turned on, connected to the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi), and actively synced with your Google account.
To perform the operation, you need to go from any other device (computer, tablet or phone friend) to the site android.com/find and log in under the same Google account that is used on the problematic Xiaomi Redmi 9T. The system will try to determine the location of the device, and if the connection is established, the control menu will appear on the screen.
In the list of available actions, select the option “Erase Device” (Erase Device). The system will issue a warning that all data will be deleted irrevocably. Once confirmed, the command will be sent to the smartphone, and once it receives the signal, the reset process will begin. This method also allows you to remotely lock the device or display the message on the screen if the reset is not yet required.
| Resetting method | Access required | Data retention | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Access to the screen menu and password | Cloud/PC only (previously) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | Physical access to buttons | No (complete removal) | Medium |
| Google Find My | Internet and Google account | No (remote removal) | Low. |
| Mi Cloud | Internet and Mi Account | No (remote removal) | Low. |
Deletion of Mi Account and Protection against Blocking
One of the most common problems after resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is activation blocking, a security feature that links the device to the Mi Account. If you do not log out manually before resetting, after rebooting, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized Mi Account.
If you forget your Mi Account password, you can retrieve it via i.mi.com using a linked phone number or email. However, if the number is also lost, the recovery process can be delayed. For security reasons, the system will not allow you to miss this step, making the device useless for the new owner or even for you without credentials.
To completely clean up before selling or transferring your device, follow the following steps in the settings menu: go to Accounts and Sync, select Mi Account and click Log Out. Only after successfully logging out of your account and Google account can you perform a data reset procedure to ensure that there are no future locks.
⚠️ Note: Buying a used Xiaomi Redmi 9T, Always check if the previous owner is out of Mi Account. Having someone else's account makes the phone a brick after a reset, and it will be extremely difficult to unlock it officially.
In some cases, especially on custom firmware or modified devices, anchoring errors may occur. If after a reset the phone says "failed to check the device", check the date and time (if available), or try inserting SIM-card with active internet, as activation servers require a stable connection to check the blocking status.
Decision and errors in discharge
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, Redmi 9T users may encounter various errors. One of the common problems is hanging on the Mi or Android logo after a reset. If waiting more than 20 minutes does not work, try forcibly restarting the device by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds. If this does not help, the system partition may be damaged, and you will need to flash it through the computer.
Another common situation is the message “Failed to reset” or “Data erasure error occurred.” This may indicate a physical flash memory malfunction or a critical file system error, in which case cleaning the cache through Recovery (Wipe Cache), but if this does not work, you will most likely need to intervene with a service center.
Also worth mentioning is the problem with the green robot or the word "No command" in Recovery mode. It's not a bug, it's just a hidden menu. To reveal the full list of commands, press the power button and just briefly press the volume button once, and then you'll see a list of options to select.
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If after resetting the phone constantly requires a password from an old Google account, which you do not remember, without data to restore the account, it will not be possible to unlock the device by legal means.
It is important to distinguish between a software failure and another problem: If the phone warms up in the area of the processor even when it is turned off when charging is connected, or if it does not respond to buttons at all (no vibration, no charging indication), resetting will not help - these are signs of a malfunction of the motherboard or battery.
Initial adjustment after reset
After the successful reset procedure, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T will be turned on as a new device, you will be greeted by the language selection screen. At this stage, it is important to read carefully, especially regarding the terms of use of Google and Mi services. It is recommended to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network for quick download of system updates and check for activation.
During the setup process, the system will suggest recovering data from the backup. If you have previously done a backup through Google or Mi Cloud, you can select a restore point. However, experienced users often recommend setting up the phone as new to avoid carrying old system errors and junk files that could have led to the need to reset.
Be sure to check for system updates immediately after you set up. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the system logo. Installing the latest security patches and Android updates can fix bugs that were present on the firmware and improve the stability of the device.
Should I install an antivirus after resetting?
The final step is to install the required set of applications, try not to download programs from questionable sources immediately so as not to infect the clean system, let the phone run quietly for about an hour after the first setup, so that the system can index files and optimize battery life.