Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to crashes, viruses or the need to transfer the device to a new owner. reset to factory settings solves most software problems, but the wrong actions can lead to locking the Mi Account, data loss or a βbrick.β In this article, 3 proven reset methods (including hidden Fastboot features), a table of methods comparison and answers to frequent errors that are not described even in the official documentation.
Important: the procedure deletes all data β photos, messages, installed apps and settings. If the phone still reacts to touch, first try to save important information through Settings β About phone β Backup. But there are nuances: Xiaomi backup does not save Wi-Fi passwords, call history and some system files. Alternatively, use Mi Mover or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root rights).
1. Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)
This method works if Redmi 9 is turned on, not locked with a pattern lock and you have access to the menu, is suitable for preparing the phone for sale or eliminating small lags. runtime is 2-3 minutes.
Instructions:
- π± Open Settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- π Scroll down and select About Phone.
- π Tap Reset settings (in some firmware, the item is called Recovery and Resetting).
- ποΈ Click Erase all data and confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.
- β³ Wait for the reboot (can take up to 10 minutes).
Once reset, the phone will suggest that you set it up as a new one. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you need to enter your username and password, which is protection against theft. Without this data, you will not be able to use the device (for more information, see the section on bypassing the lock).
Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)|Remember the username/password from the Mi Account|Delete SIM-map SD-map (optional)-->
β οΈ If after a reset, the phone requires an old password from your Google account (even if you remember it), this is a lock. FRP. It is solved by entering the correct data or by bypassing (see section 5!
2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
When Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, reboots or doesnβt react to touch, hardware resets through recovery mode will help.The method works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care β wrong actions can lead to loss of IMEI or error βInvalid IMEIβ.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode (English or Chinese menu).
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select the item.
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (in some versions of Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for completion (the screen will appear the inscription Success).
- Go back to the main menu and select Reboot β Reboot to System.
If the phone is stuck on the logo again after the reset, the firmware is probably damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot (section 4) will help.
What to do if you use Recovery Mode in Chinese?
| Resetting method | When to use | You need a PC? | The risk of blocking | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the settings menu | The phone is stable. | No. | Low (only if you forget your Mi password) | 2-5 minutes |
| Recovery Mode | The phone is not switched on or got stuck. | No. | Medium (FRP blocking is possible) | 5-10 minutes |
| Fastboot (via PC) | Firmware damaged or blocked Recovery | Yes. | High (brick risk) | 15-30 minute |
| Mi Cloud (remote) | Phone lost/stolen | No. | High (access to the account required) | 1-2 minutes |
3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)
This method is needed if:
- π§ Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged;
- π± Phone locked after failed update;
- π Refuse the device from scratch.
The work will require:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux;
- π Cable USB (preferably original;li>
- π οΈ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website);
- π Redmi 9 firmware (version should match the region of the phone!).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
- Connect Redmi 9 to the PC.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
- Wait until the end (the green tick will appear on the phone screen).
π‘
If the Mi Flash Tool canβt see your phone, install Qualcomm drivers. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 manually through Windows Device Manager. USB-port USB 2.0 (Blue ports often do not work).
β οΈ Warning: Continuous interruption of the firmware process via Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI If the phone doesn't catch the network after the firmware, you'll need to restore it. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or utility SN Writer Tool.
4. Remote reset via Mi Cloud (if phone is lost)
If Redmi 9 is stolen or lost and Mi Cloud with an associated account was enabled, you can delete the data remotely, the method only works when the phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
How to do this:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the Find Device tab (Find the device).
- The map will show the location of the phone (if it is turned on).
- Click Erase Device and confirm the action.
Once reset, the phone will be locked by Mi, and only the account holder can unlock it, which is not helpful if:
- π΅ Mobile Internet and Wi-Fi are disabled on the phone;
- π Device discharged;
- π Mi's account was not tied to the phone.
5. How to bypass the lock after reset (FRP and Mi Account)
After resetting, Redmi 9 may require:
- π Password from Mi Account (if the phone was linked to the account);
- π Google data (FRP) β If you have previously added a Gmail account.
The official way to unlock it is to enter the correct data, but if you forget the password:
For Mi Account:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com;
- Click Forgot your password?;
- Restor access via email or a linked phone number.
To bypass FRP (Google-blocking):
The methods change with Android updates, but the current method for Redmi 9 (Android 10/11) is:
- On the FRP lock screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go back and hit the emergency call.
- Dial ##4636##, then click Use β Three dots at the top β Browser settings.
- In the browser address bar, type bit.ly/frpbypass2023 (or any other relevant service for bypassing).
- Download and install APKs to bypass FRP (e.g. FRP Bypass APK).
|Yes, Mi Account |Yes, Google (FRP) blocked |I can't remember |Another case-->
β οΈ Attention: Bypass FRP After the bypass, it is recommended to perform a full reset again through Recovery to avoid errors in the system. FRP.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even with the right reset, users face problems. Here's the top-5 errors and ways of correcting them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Can't verify update in Recovery | Damaged firmware file or version mismatch | Download the original firmware for your region from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com |
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Battery discharged or loader damaged | Charge 30+ minutes, if it doesnβt help β flash through Fastboot |
| Invalid IMEI after the firmware | Deleted information about the communication module | Restore IMEI via SN Writer Tool or Engineering Menu |
| The camera doesn't work after reset. | Failure of drivers or firmware conflict | Update your phone to the latest version of MIUI or reset it |
| Mi Account Locked is constantly appearing. | Account blocked for suspicious activity | Contact Xiaomi with Proof of Ownership (check, box) |
If the reset has lost sound, the sensor is not working or other hardware problems have occurred, probably before the reset, in which case only the diagnostics in the service center will help.
π‘
Before resetting via Fastboot or Recovery, always check the battery power. If the phone runs out during the process, there is a high risk of turning it into a "brick" with a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 error, which can only be fixed via a service cable.