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

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, emit errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Resetting to factory settings solves 90% of software problems, from freezes to viruses.

In this article, we’ll look at three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), compare their pros and cons, and unique post-reset recommendations that aren’t in the standard instructions, and we’ll look at how to get around common mistakes (such as getting stuck on the Mi logo or requiring a password after a reset) and what to do if the smartphone doesn’t turn on at all.

When to reset Redmi 9 – and when to do without it

Factory reset is a nuclear problem-solving method that erases all user data, apps, and settings. Before you start, make sure your situation really requires drastic measures.

✅ The reset will help if:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out or do not open.
• 🔒 You forgot your graphical key/password and Mi Account unlock is not available.
• 🦠 The device is infected with viruses or adware that is not removed by the antivirus.
• 📱 System errors appear on the screen (e.g., "Com.android.phone process stopped").
• 🔄 You plan to sell or transfer your phone to another person.

❌ Reset is not necessary if:

• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly - check Settings first → Battery. → Battery utilization.
• 📶 The network is bad, the problem may be SIM-map or firmware of the communication module.
• 🎵 Loss of sound – often to blame settings No sound/Vibration or contaminated speaker.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 9 doesn’t turn on even after charging (no vibration, no light), a reset via menu or Recovery won’t help.

Before resetting, be sure to check the space available (Settings → Memory). If it runs out, the system may freeze during the process.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This is a good method if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the unlock password, and the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the MIUI system.

✅ Pros: No computer required, saves data to Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled), takes 5-10 minutes.

❌ Cons: it will not work if the password is forgotten or the phone is stuck on the logo.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter the password (if requested) and wait until the end (the phone will reboot 1-2 times).

⚠️ Note: If after reset Redmi 9 requires you to enter the old Mi Account password, and you do not remember it, do not enter the data at random. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.

Once reset, the phone will start as new. During the setup phase, you will be able to restore data from the backup (if it was created in advance in Settings → Backup).

Make a backup copy of photos and contacts|Remember the Mi Account password|Connect the charger (battery) > 50%)|Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Check the free space in memory-->

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

Recovery is a service recovery mode that works even if the system is not booting. Redmi 9 uses Xiaomi's stock Recovery (not to be confused with custom TWRP!).

✅ Pros: works when hanging on the logo, does not require a PC.

❌ Cons: erases all data without the possibility of recovery, on some firmwares may require a password Mi Account.

How to get in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in Chinese/English.

How to reset:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the action (Confirm).
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have custom firmware installed.

• Choose Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
• Then go back and select Factory Reset.

💡

If you reset your Recovery phone for 15 minutes, don't panic. Turn it off with a long press on the power button (20 seconds), then turn it back on, and in 70% of cases, it completes the initialization process.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and is suitable for extreme cases: if the phone does not turn on, Recovery is damaged or you need to delete Mi Account.

✅ Pros: restores the phone even in case of serious failures, allows you to remove the binding to the account.

❌ Cons: erases all data irrevocably, requires PC and knowledge of commands, if you make an error, you can "brick" the device.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Mi Flash Tool is not working).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 9 (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (last version).
• 🔑 Qualcomm drivers (install automatically when you connect your phone to Fastboot).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Make sure that the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device appears in Device Manager.
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi9_firmware\).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error, "Cannot receive hello packet," the drivers are not installed. Solution: Disconnect the phone from the PC. Remove all devices with the names Qualcomm and Mi in Device Manager. Install the drivers manually (download here). Reconnect the phone and repeat the firmware.

Once you have Fastboot, the phone will be like new, but without being tied to Mi Account (if you choose Clean All), the only way to get around locking your account without an official unlocker.

💡

Fastboot firmware is the only method that is guaranteed to remove viruses embedded in system partitions (such as system or vendor). Antiviruses and resets through settings can not cope with such threats.

How to recover data after reset (if there was no backup)

If you haven’t done a backup beforehand, the chances of returning the data depend on what type of reset was performed:

• 📱 Resetting via Settings: Data can be recovered using programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (unless new files are written to the phone).

Instructions for restoring photos and contacts (if the reset was through settings):

1. Install Dr.Fone on PC (there is a free trial version).
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and allow debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate Developer Mode, then Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB).
3. In the program, select Data Recovery Android → Photos / Contacts.
4. Follow the instructions (the program will scan the phone’s memory).
5. Save the files found on the PC.

To recover SMS and call logs, GT Recovery is a good tool. If you don't have them, try:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/ /sdcard/

This command will copy SMS databases and calls to the memory card (only works if the /data partition has not been overwritten).

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on the phone itself after the reset. They'll rewrite the free space, and the chances of returning old files will be reduced to zero.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset of Redmi 9 It can be incorrect.-5 problems and solutions:

If Redmi 9 doesn’t turn on at all after reset (black screen, no vibration), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 The battery sat down during the process (plug in to charge for 30 minutes, then try turning on).
• 🔌 The charger is damaged (try another charger).
• 🛠 Firmware failure (requires to reflash through Fastboot with Clean All and Lock tick).

If the phone is turned on but hovers on the Mi logo:

1. Wait 15-20 minutes (sometimes the first download after a reset takes a long time).
2. If it doesn’t work, press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds for a forced reboot.
3. If the logo appears and disappears cyclically, run your phone through Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions