Reset Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings: 3 proven ways (2026)

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship of 2019, which is still popular with users due to its powerful hardware and support for updates. However, over time, any smartphone begins to slow down, glitches or simply requires a “clean start” before selling. Hard reset solves most software problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose data or turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find three current reset methods for the Mi 9 (including the Mi 9 modifications). SE mi 9T), detailed instructions with a photo, as well as answers to frequent questions: what to do if the smartphone does not turn on, how to bypass the lock MIUI after the discharge and why it may disappear IMEI. All methods tested on firmware MIUI 12–14 and relevant for 2026.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings deletes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications
• 🔑 Wi-Fi and account passwords (if not saved in Mi Cloud)

Before discharge, it is mandatory:

1. Create a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup or manually copy files to your PC.
2. Make sure battery power > 50% – interrupting the process due to discharge can result in loss of IMEI or “brick” of the device.
3. Remember the data from Mi Account – after resetting, the phone may require entering a username / password to unlock (MIUI Activation Lock).

Make a backup in Mi Cloud or on PC|Charge your phone to at least 50%|Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account|Get out. SIM and SD-card (optional)|Disable protection with a pattern lock (if any)-->

If you are resetting your phone before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the Settings menu → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your data.

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If you have forgotten the password from Mi Account, restore it to account.xiaomi.com. After resetting it will be more difficult to do!

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter a password/pattern lock if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 9s MIUI 13+ After the reset, an error may appear: This device is linked to another account. MI". This is anti-theft protection – to unlock you will need to enter the Mi Account data, which was tied before the reset.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 9 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery mode will help.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power + Volume increase for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — dataset
• 🔄 — restart

Through the Settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | I haven't tried-->

⚠️ Note: Some Mi 9 firmware (especially Chinese ones) may not have Wipe All Data option in Recovery.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

• 🔧 Recovery damaged or missing;
• 🔒 Phone's locked. MIUI Activation Lock;

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Mi 9 to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to the clean system.

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Reset via Fastboot removes everything, including firmware, and after the procedure, the phone will be as new, but you will need to reset the Mi Account and restore data from the backup.

If the Mi Flash Tool is running a "Couldn't find device" error, check:

• Are Xiaomi drivers installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager)
• Is the original used? USB-cable (cheap cables often don't transmit data);
• Is USB Debugging Mode enabled (if the phone is turned on).

What to do after resetting: setting up and eliminating errors

After a successful reset of the Xiaomi Mi 9, you will need an initial setup. Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to the key points:

1. Wi-Fi connection: without the Internet, you can not log into Mi Account or restore backup.
2. Sign in to Mi Account: If your phone asks for your account details, enter them. If you forgot your password, restore it through Xiaomi.
3. Data Recovery: If you have backups done through Mi Cloud, select Restore from the Cloud at the setup stage.

Common problems after reset and their solution:

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If your mobile connection is lost after reset (no network), check the IMEI with the command *#06#. If Null/Unknown is displayed instead of the number, you will need to restore using Engineer Mode (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).

How to avoid mistakes in resetting: expert advice

Many users experience problems after a reset due to ignorance of the nuances, here are 5 key tips to help avoid typical errors:

1. Untie your Mi Account in advance if you sell your phone, and the new owner won't be able to use the device without your data.

If you are planning to reset due to brakes or glitches, try alternative methods first:

• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache;
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version;
• 🛠️ Reset the settings for a specific application only (in the Settings menu). → Annexes).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)