Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9C to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9C is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually starts to slow down, glitch or stop working correctly. In 80% of cases, these problems are solved by a complete reset to the factory settings. However, an improper procedure can lead to data loss, locking the device or even β€œbricking” (turning into a β€œbrick”).

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (via the menu, Recovery and Mi Account), step-by-step photo instructions, and hidden nuances that are not covered in standard manuals, such as why IMEI may disappear after a reset or how to avoid this device is locked when logging into Recovery.

If your Redmi 9C is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touches, or requires a password after buying from hand, this guide will help bring it back to life.But first check if you really need a reset: sometimes the problem is solved by simply rebooting or clearing the cache.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Reset is a last resort that should only be used in certain cases, here are 5 signs that your Redmi 9C needs a β€œhard reboot”:

  • 🐒 Smartphone slows down, apps open for a long time, and animations twitch - even after cleaning the memory.
  • πŸ”„ Constant reboots or fly-outs to Fastboot for no apparent reason.
  • πŸ”’ Forgot your graphical key/password, and unlocking through Mi Account doesn’t work.
  • πŸ“± Buying a phone with your hands requires an old Xiaomi account when you first turn on.
  • 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.

However, resetting will not help if:

  • ⚑ Problem with hardware (such as a broken screen or a faulty battery).
  • πŸ“Ά No network or no network. SIM-map - here you need a diagnosis of the communication module.
  • πŸ”‹ The phone does not turn on at all (repair or firmware is needed through the EDL).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the settings (Settings) β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

πŸ“Š Why you want to throw Redmi off the grid 9C?
Brake/glutch
Forgot my password.
I bought it by hand.
Virus/malware
Other

2.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start?

Unprepared resets can result in loss of photos, contacts and even locking your phone through the Mi Cloud.

Make a backup copy of the data

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Charge your phone at least 50%

Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell)

Get out. SIM and a memory card (optional)-->

Backup is the most important step. Redmi 9C has a built-in backup feature:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup and Reset β†’ Local Backup.
  2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, applications).
  3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

The backup file will be saved to the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory. Copy it to your PC or cloud!

Mi Account problems? If you don't remember the Xiaomi account data, the reset could lock the phone.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Xiaomi account.
  2. If it says "Device tethered", remember your email and password.
  3. If your account is not yours (for example, after buying from hand), try contacting the previous owner to unbundle.

⚠️ Attention: After the Redmi reset 9C You may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was tied up before the reset, and if you don't know that data, the phone will become a brick"!

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

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, it saves files on the memory card (if any), but deletes everything from the internal memory.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup and Reset.
  2. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
  3. Read the warning and click Reset Settings.
  4. If you ask. PIN-code or password - enter it.
  5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process (takes 3-10 minutes), after which you will see the screen of the initial setting, as after the purchase.

πŸ’‘

If the phone asks for an old password after reset and you don’t know it, try entering 123456 or 000000 – sometimes this works for hand-buyed devices.

Action.Time.What's removedWhat's persisting
Reset via menu3-10 minutesApplications, settings, accounts, data in internal memoryFiles on SD-map (if inserted)
Reset via Recovery5-15 minutesEverything, including files on internal memoryOnly the data SD-map (unless formatted)
Reset via Mi Account10.30 minutesEverything, including account bindingNothing (full reset)

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

If Redmi 9C is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touch, or is locked, a Recovery Mode reset will help, which deletes everything, including files in internal memory.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  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 be taken to the Recovery menu (maybe in Chinese or English).
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
  5. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
  6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
  7. Once you have finished, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

If this device is locked or Mi Account verification is found in Recovery, the phone is linked to Xiaomi’s account.

  • πŸ”‘ Enter the data from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
  • πŸ“§ If you don’t remember the data, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
  • πŸ› οΈ If your account is not yours, contact the previous owner or service center.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
In the Recovery menu in Chinese, look for characters: - (Wipe Data) β†’ (Wipe All Data) - (Confirm) - (Reboot) β†’ (Reboot to System) If you are not sure, take a picture of the screen and use a translator from the picture (for example, Google Lens).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on or hangs on the logo after resetting via Recovery, the firmware may be damaged. EDL.

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

This is a good method if your phone is lost, stolen, or you want to reset it remotely.

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
  2. In the Devices section, find your Redmi 9C (if it is linked to your account).
  3. Press Find the device β†’ Erase the data.
  4. Confirm the action with a password from the account.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… It works even if the phone is turned off (reset will occur on the next Internet connection).
  • βœ… Remove the link to Mi Account, which is useful when selling.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ The phone must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
  • ❌ It does not work if the device is untied from the account.
  • ❌ After the reset, you may need to re-authorize in the Mi Account.

πŸ’‘

Remote reset via Mi Account is the only way to erase data from a lost phone, but it only works if the device is connected to the internet and tied to your account.

6. What to do after the discharge?

After a successful reset, the Redmi 9C will return to factory condition.

  1. Go through the initial setting: Select language, region, connect to Wi-Fi. Enter data from Mi Account (if the phone was tied), set up a pattern lock or password.

Recover the data:

  • If you have done a backup through MIUI, select Restore from backup.
  • Photos and files can be copied from SD-computer-card.
  • Update the firmware: After reset, check the relevance of the software: Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.

Post-reset problems and their solutions:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Phone asks for old passwordThe device is tied to the previous owner's Mi AccountContact the seller for an unbundle or in a service center
No network (no signal)IMEI settings have gone wrongRestore the IMEI through Engineer Mode (instruction below)
No applications installedNo Google services or downed settingsInstall Google Play Services manually or reset again
How to recover the IMEI after resetting?
If the net is missing after the reset, it may have gone offline. IMEI. To restore it: 1. Dial it ##4636## and select Phone Information. 2. Check it out. IMEI β€” If there are zeros or unknown, you need to restore it through Engineer Mode: MTK Engineering Mode from Play Market. MTK Settings β†’ Connectivity β†’ CDS Information β†’ Radio Information. AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2" (substitute IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 original values from the box or stickers under the battery). 3. Reboot the phone. ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect input IMEI If you're not sure, you can get a service. 7. Frequent Errors and How to Avoid Them Even Powerful Users Sometimes Make Mistakes When Resetting. Here. TOP-5 Failures and How to Prevent Them: πŸ”‹ Battery discharge: If the phone turns off during reset, it could damage the firmware.charge the battery by at least 50% before starting. πŸ“± Unremoved SIM-Card: In rare cases, a reset can erase data from SIM (Take out the card before resetting. πŸ”’ Forgotten Mi Account: If the phone is tied to an account and you don't remember the data, the reset will lock the device! πŸ“ No backup: Many users lose photos and contacts because they haven't made a backup. Copy important files to a PC or cloud. πŸ”„ Interrupted process: Do not turn off your phone during reset (even if it is long hanging on the logo). Wait at least 20 minutes. What to do if the reset does not help? If after reset problems remain (the phone brakes, does not turn on or gives errors), perhaps the reason for the reset is the phone: πŸ› οΈ Damaged firmware – you will need to reflash the phone via Fastboot. πŸ”‹ Failed battery – if your phone turns off at 30-40%, replace the battery. πŸ“± Hardware breakdown – for example, a memory chip dump or problems with the motherboard. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Redmi 9C No, a full reset always deletes the data from the internal memory. However, you can: Back up through Settings. β†’ Backup: Copy photos and files to a computer or SD-Sync your contacts with a Google account or Mi Cloud, and you can reset your data from the backup, and the phone, when you reset it, asks for the password from Mi Account, but I don't know it. What do you do? That means that the device is linked to the previous owner's account. Solutions: Contact the seller to untie the device via i.mi.com. If you cannot contact the seller, provide the seller with a check/sales agreement and contact Xiaomi to unlock. In extreme cases, you can try to flash your phone through Fastboot, but it is risky (it can be blocked completely). ⚠️ Don't buy "unlock" services from random people - this can lead to a loss of warranty or a final lock! How long does it take to reset? The time depends on the method chosen: Through the settings menu: 3-10 minutes. Through Recovery: 5-15 minutes (may take longer if there is a lot of data). Mi Account: 10 to 30 minutes (depending on Internet speed). If the process is more than 30 minutes long, don't interrupt it, wait for the battery to finish or discharge. Can the reset be canceled after start-up? No, once the reset is confirmed, the process cannot be stopped. If you change your mind, "Take out the battery quickly (if it's removable)" -- but it could damage the firmware. Wait for the reset to be completed and recover the data from the backup. ⚠️ Interrupting the reset may result in a loss of warranty or the need to flash it back! There is no network after the reset (no signal). What to do? This is a common problem associated with resetting. IMEI. Solutions: Check if inserted SIM-Reboot the phone. Restore the phone. IMEI If nothing helps, run your phone through Fastboot (the instructions are on the forums). 4PDA or XDA). If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.