How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 9T to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9T to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to fix system problems, prepare a device for sale, or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments.This procedure erases all user data, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, but if performed improperly can lead to the loss of important files or even locking the device.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, the Redmi 9T has features in the Recovery Mode that are important to consider, such as the Wipe All Data option not available as standard, instead using a command combination. In addition, resetting through the system settings can take up to 15 minutes, while hard resetting via Recovery is faster but requires additional button manipulation.

In this article, we will break down three official reset methods (including the hidden method through Fastboot for power users), explain how to bypass a typical No command error in Recovery Mode, and give a checklist for secure data retention before the procedure. We will pay special attention to the nuances associated with the version MIUI and regional firmware of your Redmi 9T.

1.When do I need to reset the Xiaomi 9T to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only working solution. Here are 5 signals that your Redmi 9T needs a "clean reboot":

• 🐢 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI or reboots cyclically (bootloop) after the update MIUI.
• 📱 The lock screen does not accept the correct password, although you are sure it is correct (a common problem after changing the firmware).
• 🦠 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by antivirus (for example, advertising software in system applications).
• 🔄 The smartphone slows down even after cleaning the cache and rolling back updates (a symptom of crowded memory or conflict of system files).
• 💰 You're cooking Xiaomi. 9T to sell or transfer to another user and want to delete all personal data.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:

⚠️ Attention: If Redmi 9T It does not turn on at all (no charging response, does not vibrate when you press buttons), reset via Recovery or settings is impossible.In this case, you need to flash through Fastboot or repair hardware (for example, replacing the battery or motherboard).

You should also not reset the device if:

• 🔋 The battery is discharged below 30% - this can lead to interruption of the process and "bricking" the phone.
• 📶 You have an unstable Wi-Fi connection (when resetting through settings, you will need to download the recovery package).
• 🔐 You have forgotten the data from the Mi Account account tied to the phone (after reset, you will need to enter a login / password).

2.Reset preparation: how to save data and avoid blocking

The most common mistake users make is not to back up before resetting, and even if you're planning to sell your phone, keep copies of important files in case the procedure doesn't go as planned.

Pay special attention to your Mi Account. If you forget your password, restore it before resetting on account.xiaomi.com. After resetting, Redmi 9T will require you to enter the login and password from the last associated account - this is a measure of protection against theft (Mi Cloud Lock).

Backup of contacts and media files|Record passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)|Delete SIM-card and microSD (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: If you have used device encryption (optional in Settings) → Security → Encryption, after resetting the phone may require the input of the old PIN-It's a code to decrypt data, and without it, you can't access files!

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

This method is suitable if the Xiaomi 9T is turned on and reacts to touch, and the advantage is minimal error risk, since the procedure is controlled by the system.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → System Update (check that the MIUI version is up to date).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Backup and Reset.
4. Reset your settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone (the process will take 10-20 minutes).

After the reboot, you'll see the welcome screen, just like when you first turn on.

• 📱 Connect to Wi-Fi (required to activate).
• 🔑 Enter the data from the Mi Account that was tied before the reset.
• 🔄 If you wish, restore the data from the backup (if you did backup through the MIUI Backup).

💡

If after reset, the phone asks for a password from your Mi Account but you don’t remember it, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.

If at the reset stage there is an error "Can not reset the settings", try:

• 🔌 Connect the charger (possibly not enough charge).
• 📶 Reconnect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes a reset requires a recovery pack download).
• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Redmi 9T is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touch, or is locked, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which erases all data without recovery, but returns the phone to a working state.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with English inscriptions).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some versions MIUI may be called Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Note: on Redmi 9T, the Recovery menu can be displayed in Chinese (if the firmware is for the CN region), in which case, look for characters corresponding to the reset options (usually 3-4 items in the list).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9T After resetting via Recovery, it may be necessary to re-activate the bootloader (OEM If the phone gets back into Recovery after the restart, turn on debugging. USB and unlock the bootloader via Fastboot (instructions in the next section).

If the phone does not turn on or cyclically restarts after reset, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Settled battery – connect the charger and try again in 30 minutes.
• 📱 Damaged firmware – you will need to reflash your phone via Fastboot.
• 🔐 Blocking Mi Account – if you do not remember your account details, contact the service center.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is used if the first two methods fail or you need to completely reinstall the firmware. ADB/Fastboot original USB-Attention: Wrong commands in Fastboot can turn a phone into a brick"!

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 9T (select the MIUI version that matches your region).
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume reduction for 10 seconds.
4. Connect Redmi 9T to your PC via USB and check that the drivers are installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
5. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the firmware folder: cd C:\MIUI\
6. Run the command to unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock If an error appears, then the bootloader is already unlocked.
7. Run the firmware script: fastboot flash all Wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
8. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

Once you reboot, the phone will be out of the box, and this method is guaranteed to delete all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but requires care. If you've never worked with Fastboot, you'd better go to the service center.

💡

Resetting the Fastboot is the only way to bring the Redmi 9T back to life if it doesn't respond to other methods, but it's also the riskiest: a mistake in commands can lead to a loss of IMEI or a modem lock.

6.Typical post-reset errors and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi 9T may not behave properly, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If the Redmi 9T does not turn on at all after reset (black screen, no vibration), the reasons may be hardware:

• 🔋 Failed battery – try connecting another charger.
• 📱 Damaged motherboard – diagnostics are required at the service center.
• 🔌 Oxidized contacts – if the phone fell into the water, disassemble it and clean it with alcohol.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Fastboot, the phone loads into Recovery with the error "This" MIUI "version cannot be installed on this device" means you downloaded the firmware for another model. MIUI for Redmi 9T (codename: lime).

7.How to recover data after reset (if you did not make a backup)

If you forget to save important files before resetting, the chances of recovering them depend on the reset method:

• 📱 After resetting through the settings, you can try to restore data using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (if the phone is defined as a drive).
• 🔧 After discharge through Recovery/Fastboot Recovery is almost impossible – files are overwritten by system data.

To recover photos and videos:

1. Connect Redmi 9T to your PC in MTP (File Transfer) mode.
2. Install EaseUS Data Recovery or PhotoRec.
3. Select the phone’s drive and start the scan (the process can take several hours).
4. Save the files found on the computer.

To restore messages and contacts:

• If a backup is enabled in Google, the data is synced automatically when you first connect to your account.
• If you used a MIUI backup, restore it through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Restore.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone before you try to recover it, which reduces your chances of success.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)