How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9T to factory settings: a detailed guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 9T is a popular smartphone with a balance of price and performance, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Resetting to factory settings solves 90% of software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, the wrong actions lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device.

This article provides three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), a comparison of their pros and cons, and instructions for saving important data. Particular emphasis is placed on the unique Redmi 9T reset errors that are not found on other Xiaomi models (for example, hanging on the logo after reset via Recovery on MIUI 12.5+ firmware).

Preparing for resetting: what to save and why

Reset erases all user information, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders) DCIM/.thumbnails)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (if not synced to Google)
• 🎮 Game saves (even cloud-based ones may not recover)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and bank cards in Mi Browser
• 📁 Files in Download, Documents and Root Directory

The Redmi 9T has two critical features:

1. There's no slot for SD-cards in some modifications (for example, M2010J19SG), You will need to back up your PC or cloud.
2. MIUI blocks access to /MIUI/Theme even after rooting, so you will have to download themes and wallpapers again.

💡

Use the Xiaomi Cloud app to back up SMS and contacts, but note: it doesn’t save WhatsApp and Telegram history. For instant messengers, use their built-in export features.

List of backup programs:

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 9T The "Device Protection" function is enabled (Settings) → Password and security, after reset, you will need to enter the password from Mi Account, even if the phone was not previously associated with the account. MIUI 12.0.8–12.5.3.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔄 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock./PIN-code
• 📶 No physical damage to the screen

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB” (optional, but will help with errors).
4. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
5. Select “Erase All Data” (not to be confused with “Reset” – it doesn’t delete files!).
6. Confirm the action by entering a password (if installed).

Battery level of charge >30%|All off. SIM-cards (avoids the error "No SIM")|Synchronized data with Google/Mi Cloud|All applications (especially banking) are closed)-->

On the Redmi 9T, it takes 5-10 minutes.

• 📱 The phone will offer to configure as new or restore from the backup.
• 🔒 If you have a request to enter the Mi Account password, use the instructions from the section about unlocking.
• ⚡ The first switch on after reset can take up to 15 minutes – do not interrupt the process!

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

Recovery is an emergency MIUI mode that works even when the firmware is damaged. Redmi 9T has two versions of Recovery:

• Stock (Chinese or global) – with an interface in English/Chinese.
• Castomic (e.g. TWRP) if you have installed it.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the Power + Volume Up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – a menu with a minimalist interface should open.

The following is dependent on the Recovery version:

Stock (Chinese/global) |TWRP| Other custom |I don't know-->

Instructions for stock recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and Power to confirm:

1. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Chinese: → )
2. Confirm the action (Confirm).
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Instructions for TWRP

TWRP allows you to backup before resetting:

1. Tap Wipe. → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check the boxes Dalvik, Cache, Data, System.
3. Swipe to Wipe with your finger.
4. To recover, select Restore and specify the path to the backup.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9T firmware MIUI 12.5.4+ Stock Recovery may give you a "Can't mount" error /data". This means that the userdata partition is corrupted. Solution: Fastboot your phone. 3) or use TWRP.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery.
• 🐢 Reset via menu or Recovery is getting stuck at 99%.
• 🔒 You must delete your Mi Account after blocking (see section below).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Firmware archive for Redmi 9T (download from the official website).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\ROM\redmi9t).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers (download here).
3. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Select the "Clean All" mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot to the clean system.

💡

Fastboot reset is the only way to delete Mi Account without official unlocking, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

If the Mi Flash Tool is a "Couldn't load device" error:

• Check the cable and USB port (try USB 2.0 instead of 3.0).
• Disable the antivirus (it can block fastboot.exe).
• Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Xiaomi Mi Composite MDB Interface").

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting

On Redmi 9T with MIUI 12+, a username/password request from Mi Account may appear after reset, even if:

• 📱 The phone was not tied to the account.
• 🔄 You did a reset through Fastboot.
• 🆔 The account was deleted before being reset.

This is a protection against theft that works when:

• Reset via Recovery or Fastboot.
• Changes to IMEI or firmware custom Recovery.
• Use of unofficial firmware.

Methods of unlocking:

If you have forgotten your account information:

1. Go to the recovery page.
2. Please provide an email or phone number.
3. If access is lost, please contact Xiaomi with a photo of the box/check (write to support@mi.com).

⚠️ Note: Do not use Mi Account bypasses through programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool. 9T s MIUI 12.5+ This leads to a complete blockage. IMEI (The phone turns into a brick").

Frequent Redmi 9T reset errors and their solutions

Even with the right actions, there can be errors on the Redmi 9T.

1. "Can't mount /data" error in Recovery

Reason: Userdata is damaged or encryption is enabled.

Decision:

• Log in to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot format userdata
• Or run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (select "Clean All and Lock").

2.The phone is stuck on Redmi logo after reset

Reason: Firmware conflict with the kernel or corrupted /system files.

Decision:

• Press the Power + Volume Up for 20 seconds for a forced reboot.
• If it doesn’t work, run your phone through Fastboot (see Method 3).

3. "This device is locked" error in Fastboot

Reason: Bootloader is not unlocked.

Decision:

1. Please submit a request for unblocking on the Mi Unlock website.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and launch the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (can come in 1-7 days).

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the Redmi 9T will require:

1. Log in to Google. If you forgot your password, restore it through the recovery page.
2. On the Redmi 9T, the fingerprint scanner only works after the MIUI update to 12.5.2+.

Recommendations for optimizing work:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 taps) → Window animation = 0.5x.
• 🔋 Activate the Battery mode in Settings → Battery to increase autonomy.
• 🛡 Install Google Play Protect to protect against viruses (Settings) → Google → Security).

If the phone is hot or discharged quickly after reset:

• Check the background processes in Settings → Applications → Autorun.
• Turn off "Device Search" in Settings → Google → Security.
• Update your firmware to the latest version (Settings → System Update).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions