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

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue bugs or require a complete system reinstallation. Hard reset solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a "brick."

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset — through your phone settings, Recovery mode, and with the PC (Mi Flash Tool), we will detail each method, warn about possible risks, and tell you how to prepare for the procedure to minimize losses. If your Redmi 9 freezes, does not turn on or just works unstable, here you will find a solution.

Note that the instructions are valid for all versions of the series - Redmi 9, Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C and Redmi 9T (including global and Chinese versions), the only difference is in the names of some menu items, but the general logic remains the same.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is an extreme measure that should only be used in certain cases: Don't rush to format your phone if the problem is solved in simpler ways (such as cleaning the cache or updating the software).

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and there is almost no free memory – even after cleaning.
• 🔄 The phone is stuck in a reboot cycle (turns on, shows the Xiaomi logo and shuts off again).
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or password and you can’t unlock it through Mi Account.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person – to delete all personal data.
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware update (for example, if the phone stopped turning on after installing custom firmware).

If the problem is with one application (e.g., the camera is not working or Bluetooth is not connected), try first resetting the settings for that component only in the Settings → Applications menu.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. If the phone is still turning on, make sure to back up!

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Before you reset Redmi 9, make sure you have copies of all the important files.

1. Sync contacts and notes with Mi Account or Google account. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sync.
2. Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). Connect your phone to USB in file transfer mode (MTP).
3. Save SMS and call logs using apps like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
4. Record or take pictures of your Wi-Fi, APN for mobile internet settings and other settings that you will have to reconfigure.

If the phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo, try to remove the memory card (microSD) - the data on it will not be affected by the reset. In this case, special equipment (such as a UFi Box) will be required to extract internal files, which already applies to service repairs.

Make a backup copy of contacts|Copy photos and videos on PC|Save. SMS call logs|Record the Wi-Fi settings and APN|Remove the memory card (if any)-->

Important: If you drop your phone before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Mi Account, Google, social media) and untie your device from Find My Device and Mi Cloud.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if the phone turns on and responds to touch.Instructions are suitable for Redmi 9 on MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese versions).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on Reset (in some versions Restore and Reset).
4. Select Reset all settings (or Delete all data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or Remove Everything).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like after you've bought it.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search by settings (lamp at the top) - the system will show a direct path to the desired section.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your phone due to viruses or malware, this method may not help - some viruses are stored in system partitions).

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

This method will come in handy if the Redmi 9 doesn’t turn on, hovers on the logo or doesn’t respond to touch.We will use the built-in Recovery Mode that is on all Xiaomi smartphones.

The instructions are universal for all Redmi 9 versions, but note that the Chinese version (China ROM) can have a Recovery menu in Chinese.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the volume button (+) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Select the language (if there is one) and tap on Wipe Data (or the Chinese version).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or ).
6. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
7. Select Reboot (or ) to reboot.

If the Recovery menu doesn’t appear, try another way to log in:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge (sometimes helps with a discharged battery).
• 🔄 Repeat the button combination, but hold them for up to 20 seconds.
• 📱 If the screen flashes but the menu doesn’t appear, the firmware may be damaged – method 3 (via PC) will be required).

Once reset via Recovery, the phone will turn on in initial setup mode. If the process is stuck in the Wipe Data stage, do not interrupt it, wait 20 to 30 minutes. If after that time nothing has changed, you will have to use the Mi Flash Tool (mode 3).

Through phone settings|Through Recovery Mode|Through the Mi Flash Tool|Never dropped it.|Another way.-->

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires a computer, and it's the one that you need to do when you:

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔧 Firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Password is forgotten and Recovery is blocked (Mi Account).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 9.

Step 1 Download the firmware and Mi Flash Tool

1. Download the official firmware for your model (Redmi 9 - lancelot, Redmi 9A/9C - dandelion, Redmi 9T - lime).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi9_Firmware).
3. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it.

Step 2: Connect your phone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off Redmi 9 (if it is on, press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the volume down button (-) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
4. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.

Step 3: Run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool

1. Open the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
2. Press Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
3. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (complete cleaning).
4. Press Refresh – your Redmi 9 should appear in the list of devices.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart. If the process is interrupted with an error, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers (Mi Flash Tool usually installs them automatically).
• 📥 Download the firmware again (maybe the archive was damaged).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the logo after you've done the firmware, don't panic. Try repeating the process by selecting Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool. If that doesn't help, the partition may be damaged. EFS (responsible IMEI) — In this case, repairs will be required at the service center.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, try searching for a solution on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums. Usually, the problems are solved by flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the correct version of the software.

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If the phone is unstable after reset (brakes, overheats), reset again - sometimes the residue of old data causes conflicts. If the problem remains, the hardware (for example, eMMC memory) may malfunction.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions