Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 to factory settings via buttons: 3 proven methods

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it is not immune to software failures, viruses or forgotten passwords. In such cases, the only solution is a hard reset through hardware buttons (Hard Reset), which allows you to return the device to a factory state without access to the settings menu.

Unlike resetting via Settings → Restore and Reset, the hardware method works even on a locked phone when the screen does not respond to touch or the system is getting stuck on the MI logo. However, improper actions can lead to loss of all data or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss three official ways of resetting through buttons, including nuances for different versions of the MIUI firmware.

When do you need to reset through the buttons?

Hardware reset is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in the following cases:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code – the phone is locked and the Mi Account is unbound or unavailable.
• 🐢 Smartphone slows down or constantly reboots – even after cleaning the cache through Recovery.
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch, but the power and volume buttons are working.
• 🦠 Viral software or malware applications block access to settings.
• 🔄 Failed update MIUI, After which the phone does not turn on beyond the logo.

Before you start, consider that all data on your phone will be deleted, including photos, contacts and messages. If the device responds to commands in any way, try first saving important information through MIUI Backup or a PC connection.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 with firmware MIUI 12.5+ After the reset, you may need to enter the information of the Mi Account, which was previously linked. If you do not remember the username / password, restore them in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

To avoid problems in the process, follow these steps:

Charge your phone to at least 50%|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)|Prepare your Mi Account information|Finding the original USB-cable (in case of problems)|Make sure the power and volume buttons are correct-->

Pay special attention to battery charging, if the phone runs out during reset, it can damage system files, and the optimal charge level is 70-100%.

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone after a reset, be sure to remove the memory card. In some cases, Recovery may suggest formatting it, which will lead to data loss.

Yeah, I did it myself)|Yeah, but I had to go to the service.|No, I'm afraid to break my phone.|No, there was no need.-->

Method 1: Standard Recovery Mode Reset

This is the most common method that works on most versions of MIUI. Instructions are suitable for Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SS) and its modifications (Note 9 Pro, Note 9S, etc.).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (or remove/insert the battery if possible).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button (+) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. In the menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese) using volume buttons, and confirm the choice with the power button.
5. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset in older versions).
6. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

It can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes depending on the amount of data you have, and don't interrupt it or force your phone to turn it off.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware after a reset, the phone may require you to enter your Mi Account data even if it was not previously linked.This is due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature. If you do not remember the data, restore it in advance or contact the service center.

Method 2: Fastboot Reset (if Recovery doesn't start)

If the phone doesn’t boot into Recovery Mode or there’s no menu, you can use Fastboot mode.This method requires you to connect to your computer and install Xiaomi drivers.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📥 Google Platform Tools (for fastboot teams).
• 🔧 Xiaomi Drivers (you can download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down button (-) for 10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Unpack Platform Tools and open the command prompt in this folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method is more reliable than resetting via Recovery, but requires minimal command line skills. If commands don't work, try adding a -w flag:

fastboot -w

Method 3: Emergency reset via EDL Mode (for power users)

If the phone doesn't respond to either Recovery or Fastboot, the last option is EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which allows you to reflash the device from scratch, but requires special equipment or soldering skills.

What you need to know:

• 🔧 For the entrance EDL On the Redmi Note 9, you need to close the testpoint on the motherboard. This is a risky operation that can damage the phone if you make an error.
• 💻 You will need the Mi Flash Tool and the official firmware for your model.
• ⚠️ The warranty will be cancelled if you are not a certified master.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a service center, the cost of such a reset usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles.

💡

Before you carry the phone to the service, check whether the warranty period has expired. On the official Xiaomi website, you can enter the serial number (under the battery or in the settings) and find out the status of the warranty.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Phone does not go out of Fastboot mode: Try to press the power button on 20-30 If it doesn't work, plug it into the charger and try again.
• 🔌 Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot: Check the cable (better use the original), install drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🔒 After the reset requires an account Mi, which is not: If the phone was bought from hand, contact the previous owner.
• 📱 Screen not turning on after reset: System files may have been corrupted.Try repeating the reset or flashing the phone through Fastboot.

If the phone is unstable after reset (for example, spontaneously reboots), perform additional cache cleaning:

1. Go to Recovery Mode (Power button + Volume +).
2. Select Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!).
3. Reset the device.

💡

If after a reset, the phone requires a Mi Account and you do not remember it, DO NOT try to bypass the lock through third-party programs. This may lead to a complete loss of access to the device.

What do I do after the dump?

When the phone finally boots up, you'll have to set up the initial setup. Here's what you should do first:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest firmware version.
• 🔒 Set up the lock: Install PIN-code or pattern lock, but write it to a secure location (for example, in notes on another device).
• ☁️ Link Mi Account: This will protect your phone from theft and make it easier to recover data in the future.
• 📱 Recover: If you backed up your account via Mi Cloud or Google Account before reset, log in and restore contacts, photos and apps.

If you're selling or transferring a phone, don't restore your accounts.

1. Skip the step of entering the Mi Account.
2. Create a temporary account (for example, temp123@mail.ru) and transfer the data to the new owner.
3. Reset again from the settings menu to delete the temporary data.

After reset, the phone may be slower for the first 1-2 days, which is normal. The system is optimized for your actions. If the lags persist, check for updates or do another reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions