How to reset to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: Full instructions

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 9 series has proven to be reliable, but over time, even the most stable MIUI system may not work properly. Cache accumulation, conflicts after upgrades, or installing “heavy” applications often lead to performance declines and errors. In such situations, the most effective solution is to completely reset the device to a factory state, which returns it to work “out of the box”.

Memory cleaning may be required not only to fix software failures, but also before selling the gadget or transferring it to another user. It is important to understand that Hard Reset completely deletes all personal data, photos, contacts and installed applications.

In this guide, we will look at two main ways to return to the original parameters: through the standard operating system settings menu and using Recovery mode. The second method is especially relevant if the phone has stopped loading, freezes on the logo or the touch screen does not respond to commands.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you initiate the process of erasure, it is critical to back up. MIUI allow you to save contacts, SMS and call log to the Xiaomi Cloud or to your Google account. For photos and videos, it is better to use the Google Photo service or transfer files to your computer through the Google account. USB-cable, as the internal storage will be fully formatted.

Special attention should be paid to the battery charge. The reset and subsequent initial setup can take from 15 to 40 minutes, and interrupting the power supply at this point can damage the system partitions. Make sure that the charge level is at least 60-70%, and ideally connect the device to the charger during the operation.

Another important aspect is the theft protection: If you activate Google Find My Device or Mi Account protection on your phone, after a reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the account that was previously associated. This is a standard security measure, but if you forget the login details, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device, so make sure you remember the credentials.

Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu

The simplest and most secure way to return to factory settings is directly through the operating system interface, which is suitable for users whose smartphones function normally, the screen responds to touch, and there is access to the menu. The MIUI shell algorithm is quite logical, although menu items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the About Phone section, where you are interested in the Reset button, usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the optional settings tab, and clicking on it will show a warning that all data will be deleted, and a suggestion to save a backup if you haven't already.

The system will offer several cleaning options. You can choose "Erase all data", which will lead to full formatting of internal memory, or "Reset" (without deleting files), which will return only system parameters to the original values, saving your photos and applications. To completely clean, select the first option, after which you will need to enter a pattern lock or password unlock the screen for confirmation.

💡

Before clicking the Reset button, take a picture of the important settings of Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices to quickly restore connectivity after the reboot.

Once confirmed, the system will begin the deletion process, which can take a few minutes, at which time the Redmi logo or download animation can be displayed on the screen. Don't try to interrupt this process, even if the phone seems to be hanging - wait for the screen of the initial settings, where you will be asked to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

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

If the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone does not boot, hovers on the logo or the touch screen completely stops responding, the only way out is to use Recovery Recovery mode.This mode works independently of the Android operating system and allows you to perform low-level operations with the device's file system.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears on the screen, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open, where the control is carried out by the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.

⚠️ Attention: The Recovery menu does not have a touch screen, navigation is done exclusively with mechanical volume buttons to move around points and a power button to confirm your choice.

From the menu that opens, select a language (usually English or Chinese), then search for Wipe Data. After you go to this menu, you will need to select the Wipe All Data option and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The system will warn you about the irreversibility of actions again - agree, and the formatting process will begin.

When you finish cleaning, the bottom of the screen will read “Data wiped successfully.” To exit, select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first turn on after a reset will take longer than usual, as the system needs to recreate the file structure and check the integrity of the system files.

Deleting Google Account and Protecting FRP

One of the key security measures in Android is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is designed to protect the owner’s data in the event of a device being stolen or lost. The essence of protection is that once the settings are reset, the phone is locked and requires you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset.

If you plan to sell your phone or transfer it to another person, be sure to delete your Google account before you start the reset procedure. To do this, go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync (or simply "Accounts"), select your Google account and click "Delete Account." A similar action must be done for Mi Account if it is used.

The table below shows the main differences between simple reset and full formatting in terms of data security:

Ignoring this step will result in the new owner of the device being unable to use it without your login details, and if the phone is already dropped and locked, you can only unlock it by restoring access to your account or submitting a purchase check to an authorized service center.

Solving problems after discharge

After performing the Hard Reset procedure, users may encounter a number of typical situations that are not a malfunction, such as the phone may heat up in the first 30-60 minutes of operation, which is normal behavior as background services index files, update applications, and restore system databases.

Another common problem is fast battery discharge on day one. Android and MIUI relearn usage patterns, optimize power consumption and download updates. Usually after 2-3 full charge and discharge cycles, autonomy returns to normal performance.

If the phone restarts indefinitely (cyclic reboot) after reset or stays on the logo for more than 15 minutes, this may indicate damage to system files or a failed update, in which case it may be necessary to flash the device using a computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility, which is a more complex procedure.

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires a password that you don't remember and it's not a Google account, but a lock screen (pattern lock)/PIN), It's not going to be removed by standard methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Timely creation of backups and untidying of accounts is the key to safe and fast resetting of settings without losing important information and access to the device.