How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 to factory settings: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular mid-range 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 (Hard Reset) solves most software problems, but it is important to understand that this is not a universal "go-ahead" in some cases, it is enough soft reset (Soft Reset), and in others – will require a complete flashing through the Fastboot.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset the Redmi Note 9 (including the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S models), their features and potential risks. You will learn how to save important data before resetting, what to do if the phone does not respond to commands, and how to avoid common errors.

When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9?

Factory reset is a radical solution that should only be used in certain cases, and the most common scenarios are:

• 📱 Smartphone brakes or overheats – if cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary applications did not help, the reset can return the device to its former performance.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code is the only way to unlock your phone without losing data (unless you have a Mi Account link).
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware – even if the antivirus doesn’t find anything, the reset will delete all suspicious files.
• 📦 Selling or transferring a phone to another user is a mandatory procedure for protecting personal data.
• 🔄 Failures after update MIUI — If there are glitches after the update, reset often helps to restore stability.

But it's not always the best solution, for example, if the problem is hardware-related (a broken screen, a faulty battery, damaged connectors), resetting won't help. It's also pointless to drop your phone if:

• ⚡ It doesn’t turn on because of a discharged battery (first charge to at least 30%).
• 🔌 The power button does not work (try charging or connecting to a PC).
• 📵 Network problems or SIM-card (possibly the fault of the operator or communication module).

⚠️ Note: If you forgot your Mi Account password and tied it to your phone, a Recovery or Fastboot reset may lock your device.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Resetting to factory settings removes all the data from the phone's internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and their settings. So you need to back up before the procedure.

Pay special attention to applications with two-tier authentication (for example, banking applications, Telegram, WhatsApp). SIM-Card with a linked number to log in again.

⚠️ Attention: If you use Mi Cloud for backup, make sure you have enough space in the cloud.The free fare is limited to 5GB and photos and videos take up a lot of space.The alternative is copying to an external drive or PC.

Make a backup copy of contacts|Save photos and videos|Record logins/passwords from important accounts|Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)-->

Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember the unlock password (if it is set).
• 📶 No major disruption to work MIUI.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Resetting).
4. Select Resetting (or Resetting All Data).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything or Reset the phone.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and the phone reboots, and you see the screen of the initial setup, like you did after you bought it, and this is called Soft Reset, because it doesn't touch system partitions, it just deletes user data.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI 12 and later, after a reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account, even if you have previously disabled it.

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If the phone is loading for a long time after reset (more than 20 minutes), don’t panic – the first turn on after Hard Reset can take up to 30 minutes.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the Redmi logo, or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, a more radical method that deletes data without recovery.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button and the Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons when the Recovery menu appears (English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or Confirm).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot (or Reboot to System).

If you don't have Wipe Data in the Recovery menu, you have custom firmware installed (like TWRP), and the process may be different, so look for Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, Data, Internal Storage.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most complex method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and you need it if you:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 You need to reflash your phone (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 The phone is blocked by Mi Account and you know the username/password.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or ADB Tools (for teams).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 9 (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Down button before the Fastboot screen appears (Android robot labeled Fastboot Mode).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), run the command to reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For full flashing, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Press Refresh, then Flash.
4. Wait until the end (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick! If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center. Also remember that the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory.

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Resetting via Fastboot is a last resort. If the phone turns on, try methods 1 or 2 first. Fastboot is only needed to restore a "dead" device or remove custom firmware.

What if the reset didn't help?

If there are problems after reset, they may be related to:

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions (for example, a bloated battery or a damaged motherboard).
• 📱 Damaged firmware (if the reset was done via Recovery, but system files are damaged).
• 🔌 Faulty charging connector (the phone may not charge or disconnect).

Here's what you can try:

1. Flash your phone with the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions in the previous section).
2. Check the battery – if it is swollen, the phone can arbitrarily turn off or overheat.
3. Resetting the BIOS settings (EDL Mode) is an extreme measure requiring special equipment (usually done in service centers).
4. Contact the service center - if independent attempts are not successful.

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all (no response to charging and buttons), try:

• Connect to another charger (preferably the original).
• Leave on charging for 30-60 minutes - perhaps the battery is completely discharged.
• Press and hold the Power button + Volume Up + Volume Down for 20 to 30 seconds (sometimes this helps wake up the phone).

How to avoid problems after resetting?

After a successful Redmi Note 9 reset, it’s important to set up the phone correctly to avoid repeated crashes.

• 🔄 Don't restore all the data from the backup at once - first check the phone's "clean" performance.
• 📥 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (like Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan your phone before recovering data.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery – after reset, discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 📵 Set up your mobile network manually if the automatic settings don’t work (especially for the Redmi Note 9 Pro with support). 4G+).

If you are selling a phone, don’t forget:

• Unplug all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks).
• Delete SIM-card and memory card (if installed).
• Reset your settings for Google Pay and other payment services.

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After resetting the Redmi Note 9, it may seem like the phone is running slower. That's normal - MIUI optimizes performance for the first 24 to 48 hours of use.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi Note 9