How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9C to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9C to factory settings is a procedure that can be needed in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to eliminating critical errors in the system. This budget smartphone based on MediaTek Helio G35, although famous for stability, is not immune to failures after updates, viruses or incorrect settings. Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, the Redmi 9C has its own reset nuances – for example, the lack of unlocking the bootloader by default and the features of working with Recovery Mode.

Many users are afraid to reset because they risk losing data or even "bricking" the device. Indeed, on Redmi 9C, if you choose the wrong item in Fastboot, you can accidentally erase the partition from the IMEI, which will lead to loss of the network. But if you follow the instructions, the procedure will take no more than 10 minutes, even without a computer. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods from a standard reset through settings to forced through the engineering menu.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your important data. Even if your phone is unstable, try connecting it to your PC and copying photos, contacts, and documents. If the screen doesn't respond to touch, use OTG mode (if you have an adapter) or cloud services like Mi Cloud.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Factory reset is not just a data cleanup, but a complete deletion of all user files, apps and settings. On Redmi 9C, the process can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the method chosen.

✅ Save it. IMEI. On the Redmi. 9C (As with other Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek, there is a risk of losing network settings if you reset incorrectly via Fastboot. IMEI You can find out by typing *#06# in the phone app or by looking at the sticker under the battery (if you took off the back cover).

✅ Charge the phone at least 50%. When reset via Recovery or Fastboot, the phone should not turn off due to battery discharge.If the battery is weak, plug the charger before the procedure begins.

✅ Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account. After a reset, Xiaomi can request a username and password from Mi Account if the device protection feature was previously enabled. Without this data, it will be impossible to unlock the phone!

✅ Disable your Google account if your phone has been activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection, after reset, you will need to enter data from the last associated Google account. To avoid problems, delete the account in the settings: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.

• 🔋 Minimum battery charge: 50% (optimally 70% and higher).
• 📱 IMEI: Write down both numbers (if the phone is two-symbol).
• 🔑 Data from Mi Account: login, password and associated email/phone.
• ☁️ Backup: Copy photos, videos, and contacts to your PC or cloud.

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

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, the easiest way is to reset it through a standard menu, which is suitable for most situations, except when the system is completely locked. 9C base MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese firmware).

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click Reset (or Backup and Reset in some versions of MIUI).
4. Select Reset Settings → Erase all data.
5. Enter a password/pattern lock if the system requests it.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset (or Remove All).

⏳ The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Don't interrupt the procedure and take the battery out! Upon completion, the device will turn on with the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Disable your Google account (if you have FRP)

Record data from Mi Account

Backup of important files-->

⚠️ Note: If the device protection function was enabled on the phone (in the Mi Account settings), after reset, you will need to enter the associated phone number or email to unlock!

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

If the Redmi 9C is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or does not turn on at all, resetting through Recovery Mode will help. This is an engineering menu available on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9C. Important: in this mode, the control is carried out by the volume and power buttons, since the touch screen is turned off.

🔧 How to Sign In to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

📝 How to Reset Settings in Recovery:

1. Select the Wipe Data (or Clear Data) buttons.
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, then the phone has custom firmware installed. In this case, try the method through Fastboot (described below) or reflash the device with official software through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot reset is the most radical method that is used if the first two methods fail, and it requires connecting the phone to your computer and using the fastboot utility from the Platform Tools package, which will also help if the Redmi 9C has an unofficial firmware installed or the system is damaged.

⚙️ What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Platform Tools (included in Android) SDK or download separately).

💻 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Down button for 10 seconds until the Fastboot screen appears (Android robot labeled Fastboot Mode).
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (serial number will appear), continue.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot erase system or fastboot erase boot commands can lead to complete firmware loss! 9C Never use them unnecessarily – only if you plan to flash your phone back in the first place.

🔄 Once you've done the commands, the phone will restart and start the reset process. If the screen stays black for longer than 10 minutes, try logging in to Fastboot again and running the command:

fastboot continue

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the firmware for Redmi 9C (codename angelica) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site and follow the firmware instructions.

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even if the reset was successful, the Redmi 9C could still have problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

🔴 Phone asks for Mi Account after reset

This means that Device Protection has been activated before.

• 📧 Enter the linked email and password from Mi Account.
• 📞 If you forget the data, try to restore access through the official website.
• 🔓 If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

🔴 No net after discharge (missing) IMEI)

This is a critical error that occurs when you misreset through Fastboot.

• 📡 Check it out. IMEI, If you are typing *#06#, if Null or 0 is displayed, you will need to restore.
• 🔧 Use tools like Maui META or SN Writer Tool for reflashing NVRAM (backup required IMEI!).
• 🛠️ Contact the Service Center – Self-Recovery IMEI It may result in loss of warranty.

🔴 The phone is constantly restarted (bootloop)

If the Redmi 9C does not load beyond the Mi logo after reset, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Firmware damaged - try to reflash your phone via Fastboot.
• 🔋 Battery Fails – Connect the Charger and Reset.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (for example, damaged memory chip) – requires diagnostics in the service.

💡

If after a reset, the phone requires a Google account (FRP) and you don't remember it, the only official way to unlock it is to contact the previous owner.Bypassing FRP through third-party programs can result in the device being locked!

6.How to recover data after reset

If you haven't backed up in advance, the chances of getting your deleted data back are slim, but they are. On Redmi 9C, files aren't deleted completely after reset, they're marked as free space and can be restored by special programs. Here's what you can try:

🔍 Recovery methods:

• 💾 Through PC: Use programs like DiskDigger, Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver. Connect your phone in mode MTP And scan your internal memory.
• ☁️ Through the Cloud: If you previously enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, check the stored data in the web version of the service.
• 📱 Root Access: If the phone is rooted, you can use apps like Titanium Backup (but it’s risky for inexperienced users).

⚠️ Important nuances:

• Do not write new files to your phone after a reset – this reduces the chances of recovery.
• Recovered files can be damaged (especially photos and videos).
• For a successful recovery via PC, the phone must be defined as a removable disk.

📌 If nothing helps, contact specialized laboratories for data recovery. the cost of the service starts from 3,000 rubles, but the chances of returning information are much higher than with independent attempts.

7. Alternative methods of discharge (for specific cases)

Sometimes the standard methods don't work, and you have to use workarounds. Consider the rare but effective Redmi 9C reset methods.

🔹 Dumping through ADB (if debugging is on USB)

If the phone has previously been activated debugging over USB, you can reset via the ADB command:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

Once this command is executed, the phone will automatically restart to Recovery and begin the cleaning process.

🔹 Reset via engineering menu (code # #7378423##)

Some Xiaomi firmware has a hidden engineering menu to get there:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##7378423##.
3. Go to the Service Tests section → Factory reset.
4. Confirm the reset.

⚠️ This method does not work on all versions. MIUI and may not be on Redmi. 9C latest-update.

🔹 Reset via Mi PC Suite (official utility Xiaomi)

If the phone is detected by a computer but does not respond to commands, try the Mi PC Suite program:

1. Download and install the utility from the official website.
2. Connect the Redmi 9C to your PC.
3. In the program, select Backup → Restore and Reset.
4. Follow the master's instructions.

💡

If the phone is slower than before the procedure, try to roll back to the older version of MIUI. Sometimes updates contain bugs that slow down budget models like the Redmi 9C.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 9C