How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9C to factory settings: the complete guide

Why do you need to reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9C?

Factory reset is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to get the phone back to its original state. Redmi 9C, despite its budget, is not immune to software failures, viruses or the consequences of failed firmware experiments.

First, if the device has started to slow down for no apparent reason: apps open for a long time, animations twitch, and free RAM is catastrophically lacking even after cleaning the cache. Second, resetting helps eliminate critical system errors, such as when the phone cyclically restarts or gives a message "Com.android.systemui app stopped." Finally, this is the only way to delete all data before selling or transferring the device to another person - even formatting the memory card does not guarantee complete cleanup of personal information.

It's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea; it won't fix hardware problems like a broken screen or a broken battery, or restore the phone to a damaged motherboard, but 80 percent of software failures do restore the Redmi 9C to full reset even if MIUI fails.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps: Ignoring preparation can lead to loss of important data or even to the “brick” of the device.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Sync with your Google account or export to a file VCF via the “Contact” appendix».
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). Don't rely on a memory card alone, it can be formatted.
• 🎮 Game saves: Use built-in reservation features in games (e.g., linking to a Google Play account).
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: export from the password manager (like Google Smart Lock) or write it down manually.

Next, check the battery power: it should be at least 50%. Recovery or Fastboot reset can take up to 10-15 minutes, and if the phone runs out in the process, the consequences will be unpredictable.

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables can interrupt the connection in Fastboot).
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed (for reset via Fastboot).
• 📄 Mi Account details (if the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account).

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If you drop your phone before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social media) and untie your device from services like Find a Device.

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (if the phone is turned on)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the settings menu, which is suitable if the Redmi 9C is turned on, touch-sensitive and you have access to the main screen.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action.

It takes 3-5 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as a new one, and this method doesn't require a computer, and it's suitable for most users, but it has a limitation.

If the phone requests a password from your Mi Account after the reset, it means that the device protection function was previously enabled. To unlock the Redmi 9C, you will need to enter data from the associated Xiaomi account.

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged |

Backup of important data |

Remember the password from the Mi Account (if linked)|

Disable protection with a pattern lock (if any)

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Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If the Redmi 9C doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or reboots cyclically, resetting through Recovery will help.This method doesn't require a computer, but requires precise execution of instructions.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the MI logo appears, then let them go.
4. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open (in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, the volume (move) and power (select) buttons are controlled.

1. Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, it may mean that:

• 🔄 Installed custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the Recovery menu is modified.
• 🔒 The phone is blocked by the operator (for example, it was bought on credit).
• 🛠️ Firmware is damaged and requires flashing through Fastboot.

Yeah, often |

Yes, but only for reset |

No, never.|

I don't know what that is.

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Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable, but it's also the most complex, and it requires a computer, installed drivers, and minimal command line knowledge.

• 📵 The phone does not respond to buttons and is not included in Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

To reset via Fastboot, follow the following steps:

1. Install Platform Tools on your computer (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Connect the Redmi 9C switched off to your computer by holding the Power Button + Volume Down button.
3. Open the command line in the Platform Tools folder and type: fastboot devices If the device appears in the list, continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Attention! fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. If you make a mistake with the partition (for example, enter a fastboot erase system), the phone will stop booting and you will need a complete firmware reflash.

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Reset via Fastboot only erases user data (photos, apps, settings), but does not affect system files. If the problem is in a damaged firmware, you will need to completely reinstall it.

What if Redmi 9C asks for a password after reset?

One of the most common problems after a reset is asking for a password from a Mi Account (Mi Account Lock), which is a theft protection that is activated if:

• 🔐 Before the reset was tied to the account Xiaomi.
• 📱 The phone was unlocked via Find Device.
• 🔄 Reset via Recovery or Fastboot (when reset via settings, the lock sometimes doesn’t work).

To unlock the device:

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network (the corresponding button will be on the lock screen).
2. Enter the email and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
3. If you do not remember the data, restore access through the official website.

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, contact him.It is officially impossible to get around the Mi Account lock - this violates Xiaomi's policy. Informal methods (for example, through EDL) require special equipment and often lead to device breakdown.

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Before buying a used Redmi 9C, always check if the Mi Account is untied. Ask the seller to reset with you and make sure the phone doesn't ask for a password after the reboot.

Table: Comparison of reset methods for Xiaomi Redmi 9C

If none of the methods worked, it may be a hardware malfunction, in which case it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center or a qualified wizard, and attempts to repair yourself without experience can aggravate the situation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9C reset