How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to Factory Settings: The Complete 2026 Guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, remove viruses or prepare the device for sale.The procedure erases all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three official ways to reset on the Redmi 9 – and each is suitable for different situations.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions for all methods: through Settings, Recovery mode and using Mi Account (if the device is locked), we will also discuss how to avoid common errors, such as hanging on the MI logo after a reset or losing access to your Xiaomi account, and separately discuss what data can be restored after a reset and which can not (even with specialized programs).

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution. Here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 📱 The smartphone is slowing down after the update MIUI Or installing questionable applications, even cleaning the cache doesn't help.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code and unlocking through Find Device is not available (no linked account).
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus: advertising in the browser, spontaneous installation of applications, overheating without load.
• 📦 Preparation for sale or transfer: Resetting deletes personal data, but does not guarantee complete "cleanliness" - more about this below.
• 🔄 System errors: constant reboots, application departures, inability to connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network.

It is important to understand that resetting will not help if the problem is hardware, for example, a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard. In such cases, repairs are required at the service center. It is also useless to reset if the Redmi 9 does not turn on at all - you first need to "resuscitate" the device through the Fastboot (this is a separate topic).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, delete not only the data, but also your Xiaomi account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account: Otherwise, the new owner can recover your data through the cloud.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the MIUI interface, which is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know. PIN-code.
• 📶 The device is not locked through Find Device.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. If necessary, enter PIN-Xiaomi account code or password.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once reset, you will be asked to configure Redmi 9 as a new device, at which point you can restore data from the backup (if it was created in advance in Settings → Backup), but note that restoring the copy will return the same problems that caused you to reset (viruses, app glitches, etc.).

Battery charge > 50%|Created a backup copy of important data|Removed. SIM-card and memory card (optional)|Password from Mi Account (if linked)-->

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

If Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, doesn't turn on or react to touch, Recovery Mode will help. This method is also relevant if you forget the unlock password. Important: a physical combination of buttons is used to log into Recovery on Redmi 9, rather than commands via a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone has been on the MI screensaver for more than 15 minutes after reset, this may indicate:

• 🔋 Battery too low (less than 10%) Connect the charger and repeat the procedure.
• 🛠️ You're gonna need to reflash the device on Fastboot.
• 🔌 Internal memory malfunction, and only the service center will help.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9 (Like Redmi. 9A/9C) Recovery menus can be in Chinese, in which case, look for items with characters (data cleanup) and (reboot).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if the phone is locked)

If you forget the screen unlock password, but your phone has a Xiaomi account attached, you can reset remotely via Find Device, which works even if the device is turned off (the next time you connect to the Internet, the command will be executed automatically).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Find Device section, select your Redmi 9 (if it is linked to your account).
3. Press Erase Device and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the command to be executed. The phone will reboot and reset to factory settings.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔗 The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 The device must have the "Find device" function (Settings) enabled. → Mi Account → Find Device).
• ⏳ The process can take up to 24 hours if the phone is turned off.

If Find Device doesn’t see your Redmi 9, check out:

• 📱 Correctness of entering the login / password from Mi Account.
• 🌐 Internet access on your phone (if enabled).
• 🔄 It is possible that the device is linked to another account (for example, if you bought a used one).

💡

If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, restore it via email or phone on account.xiaomi.com. Use the same recovery method that you specified when registering (SMS or mail).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Redmi 9 will offer an initial setup, just like after the purchase.

1. Language and Region Choice: Please indicate Russian and Russia (or your country) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi connection: Without the internet, you can’t download updates and restore backup.
3. Sign in to Mi Account: If you want to sync contacts, notes and other data from the Xiaomi cloud.
4. Data recovery: You can choose backup from Mi Cloud or Google Drive (if it was created earlier).

Important: Don't restore data from backup if the reset was due to viruses or system glitches, it will bring the problem back.

• 📲 Install apps manually from Google Play.
• 📷 Transfer photos and videos from your computer or cloud storage.
• 📞 Contacts can be imported from SIM-map or file.vcf.

After setting up, check:

💡

After reset, be sure to update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → System Update. This will fix possible vulnerabilities and improve stability.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔋 "Phone shut down during reset: Connect charging and repeat the procedure. If the battery is discharged to zero, the device may not turn on without "recharge" through USB.
• 🔒 "Reset requires old password": This means the phone is tied to Mi Account. enter account details or reset password through Xiaomi site.
• 📱 "Hanging on the logo. MI After reset: Wait 15-20 minutes. If nothing changes, try re-entering Recovery and repeat resetting.
• 🌐 "Does not connect to Wi-Fi after reset: Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be deeper:

• 🛠️ Damaged firmware: You will need to reflash your phone via Fastboot from your computer (instructions are available on the forums). 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 💾 Faulty memory: If the reset is interrupted continuously, the memory chip may be damaged.
• 🔌 Hardware failure: For example, a broken plume or a damaged motherboard, only at the service center.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 9 handheld and do not know the data of the previous Mi Account, reset via Recovery or Find Device will not help - the phone will remain locked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions