The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even it eventually starts to “brake”, glitch or require a complete system reinstallation.Reset to factory settings solves 90% of software problems, from viruses to bugs after updates. However, an improper reset can lead to Mi Account lock, data loss or “bricking” the device.
In this article, 3 proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), instructions for saving important data, as well as solving typical errors like “This device is locked” or hanging on the MI logo. Particular attention was paid to the nuances for the Redmi Note 9 Pro with global (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China) firmware - they differ in the set of functions in the reset menu.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start
Resetting to factory settings is the complete removal of all data from the smartphone’s internal memory, including:
- 📱 Contacts, messages, call history (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
- 📷 Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map)
- 🎵 Music, downloads, documents
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, accounts in apps
- 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to an account)
Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:
Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup|Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Account|Write down the username / password from Mi Account (required after resetting)|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Extract. SIM-Memory card and card (if you don’t want to format them)-->
If you forget your Mi Account, a Recovery or Fastboot reset will lock your phone, which requires official unlocking through Xiaomi’s service center, and this is true for devices with a tied account and the “Find Device” feature enabled.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware MIUI 12.5+ After the discharge, it may be necessary to enter the old PIN-lock screen code, even if you haven't installed it. Write it down in advance or turn it off in Settings → Lock screen → Password.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
This method is suitable if:
- 📱 The phone is on and running stably.
- 🔓 You remember the pattern lock./PIN-code
- 🔄 You want to save data on a memory card
Instructions:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
- Select Resetting → Erase all data.
- If required, enter the Mi Account password or pattern lock.
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
It takes 5-10 minutes, and the phone will restart and suggest that you configure it as new, and at that point you can recover the data from the backup.
💡
If the menu does not include “Reset settings”, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI. On older versions, the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Recover and Reset.
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| ✅ Doesn't require a computer. | ❌ It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on. |
| ✅ Saves the data on SD-map | ❌ It may not work in case of serious system failures. |
| ✅ Minimum risk of blocking Mi Account | ❌ Some firmware requires entering a password from the account |
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
This is a good idea if you use the Redmi Note 9 Pro:
- 🔄 Hanging on the logo. MI or loaded in an infinite loop
- 🔐 Blocked with a pattern lock you forgot
- 🛠️ Requires flashing, but first you need to clear the data
To enter Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Keep Power + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
- Release the Power button, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
- Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 9 Pro MIUI 13+ Recovery may have a Format Data option instead of Wipe All Data, and only choose it if your phone is blocked by Mi Account, which will result in full formatting of internal memory (including the use of Wipe All Data). /data and /internal_storage).
What to do if Recovery requires a password?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This is the most radical method. It's the one you need if you:
- 🔧 The phone does not respond to other resetting methods
- 🔒 Mi Account is blocked and requires official unlocking
- 🛠️ You need to refashion the device from scratch.
The work will require:
- 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB)
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)
- 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website)
- 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 9 Pro (Should match your model: joyeuse for the global version, joyeuse_in_global for India)
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select Clean All (complete cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
Once the firmware is installed, the phone will automatically restart to factory status, and all data will be deleted without recovery, including binding to Mi Account (if Clean All and Lock mode is selected).
💡
Fastboot reset is the only way to get around Mi Account lock without going to the service center, but it requires an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlock).If the bootloader is locked, first get permission to unlock through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).
Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This device is locked in Fastboot | Blocked bootloader (Bootloader) | Unlocking through the official Xiaomi tool |
| Phone hangs on MI logo after reset | Damaged system files | Switch your phone through Fastboot (mode 3) |
| Demands old. PIN-post-reset | Factory Reset Protection (FRP) | Enter the last used PIN or reset via Google Find My Device |
| Can't mount /data in Recovery | The /data section is damaged | Select Format Data (full formatting) |
If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or if it gives a No command error in Recovery, try:
- Connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes (sometimes helps with a discharged battery).
- Repeat the Recovery login, holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds).
- Swipe your phone through Fastboot using official firmware.
Through the Settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | I haven't tried-->
How to recover data after resetting
If you have made a backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account, it is easy to recover your data:
- When you first turn on after reset, select Restore from backup.
- Sign in to your Mi Account or Google Account.
- Select the last backup and wait for the recovery to be completed.
If there is no backup, try the data recovery software:
- 🖥️ Dr.Fone (restores photos, messages, contacts)
- 🖥️ EaseUS MobiSaver (works with Xiaomi internal memory)
- 🖥️ DiskDigger (to recover deleted files)
Important: The less you use your phone after a reset, the better the chances of recovering data. Do not install new apps or copy files to internal memory before trying to recover.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 Pro with File-Based Encryption, FBE) It's almost impossible to recover data after a reset. Encryption is activated automatically when you set the lock screen password.