How to reset Xiaomi Mi9 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi9 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to eliminating critical system errors. This flagship of 2019 release still remains popular among users thanks to the powerful hardware (Snapdragon 855 processor, 6/8 GB of RAM) and support for current versions of MIUI. However, over time, even such a device can begin to “brake”, emit errors or require a complete reinstallation of software.

Unlike the new Xiaomi models, the Mi9 has some resetting features, such as unlocking the bootloader or the nuances of Recovery Mode for MIUI 12-14. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to reset, from the standard menu to forced through Fastboot, and how to avoid data loss and avoid typical errors. If your Mi9 “hangs on the logo”, does not turn on or just needs a “clean” firmware, you’ll find a solution here.

Before you start, consider that the reset deletes all user data, including photos, messages and installed apps. Even if you plan to restore the backup later, some settings (such as Xiaomi account binding or game data) may be lost irrevocably, so the first step is to save important information.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi9 is not just a click; improper preparation can result in loss of access to the Mi Account (unless untie it in advance) or inability to recover data.

Backup to Mi Cloud or locally|Unplug your Xiaomi account (if you sell your phone)|Remember the login/password from the Google account|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Delete SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

Backup is a critical step. MIUI has a built-in tool: go to Settings → About Phone → Backup. Alternatively, use Google Drive (for contacts, photos) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

If you drop your phone before selling, be sure to untie your Xiaomi account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device due to the Mi Account lock.

A Google account can also cause problems. Once reset, the Mi9 will require you to enter the username and password from the last associated account (FRP protection). If you forget the data, restore it in advance through accounts.google.com.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your phone with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-unlock after the procedure. This is not critical, but it will take extra time (up to 72 hours of waiting). SMS-code from Xiaomi).

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you can log in. It is the most secure and does not require additional tools. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (on the Mi9 officially supported all three versions).

Steps for discharge:

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 (if installed) or a pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-10 minutes. Upon completion, you will see the screen of the initial setting, as after purchase. If at this stage the phone has got stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes, then there has been an error (see the "Problem Solving" section).

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If the menu doesn't have "Backup and Reset" on it, try the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. Some firmware may have a different name for the section.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔹 Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• 🔹 Maintains integrity of system files (no risk of breaking firmware).
• 🔹 It works even on phones with a blocked bootloader.

But there are limitations, and if the Mi9 is slowing down a lot or it's not making any errors when you log in, it might not work, so you can move on to the following.

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

Recovery Mode is an emergency recovery mode built into the Xiaomi Mi9, which allows you to reset your phone even if the system is not booting. However, there are nuances: the Mi9 can be installed stock Recovery (from Xiaomi) or custom (for example, TWRP).

For stock Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. You'll be taken to the Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

For TWRP (Castom Recovery):

1. Go to TWRP (similar to the stock menu, but the menu will be blue).
2. Select Wipe → Format Data.
3. Enter yes to confirm.
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → System.

Important: TWRP has an Advanced Wipe option that allows you to selectively clear partitions (e.g., only Dalvik/ART Cache to eliminate lags).

⚠️ Note: If, after discharge, through TWRP The phone is not turning on, the firmware may have been damaged, in which case you will need to reflash the phone via Fastboot (see next section).

The difference between stock and custom Recovery:

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a computer and command line knowledge, but it is the only one that works when:

• 🔸 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔸 Firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔸 You need to refashion the phone to another version. MIUI.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or Fastboot from Android SDK.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, reset is only possible to the stock firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website (or Android SDK for other OSes).
2. Turn off the Mi9 and put it into Fastboot mode: press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your computer. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Open the command line (or terminal) and execute the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, you will see its serial number.
5. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you want to reflash your phone on a clean MIUI, download the official firmware for Mi9 (codename cepheus) from the Xiaomi Firmware website and use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

Important: When you run through Fastboot, all data will be erased, including internal memory. If you have the bootloader unlocked, you may need to re-assign your Xiaomi account after you have firmware.

5. Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi Mi9 users are facing problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1.The phone hangs on the Mi logo after being reset

• 🔹 Cause: Damage to system files or incompatible firmware.

2.Requires a password from Xiaomi account after reset

3. "Cannot mount /data" error in TWRP

• 🔹 Reason: Data partition is damaged or incompatible version is used TWRP.

4.Fastboot doesn't see the phone

• 🔹 Reason: No drivers, damaged cable or phone in mode EDL.
• 🔹 Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager or use the Mi Flash Tool (it automatically installs the desired drivers).

5. After reset, there is no net (no catches) SIM-map)

• 🔹 Reason: Modem partition or incompatible firmware is damaged.
• 🔹 Solution: Sweat your phone to a stock firmware for your region (e.g, MIUI If the problem persists, check the physical condition of the slot. SIM-map.

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If the phone doesn't turn on or gives you an error after reset, don't try to repeat the procedure many times, which can make the problem worse, and it's better to flash the device correctly through Fastboot once or contact the service center.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you did not make a backup in advance, the chances of returning the data depend on what reset was performed:

• 📱 Reset via Settings: Data erased irrevocably (unless backup was available in Mi Cloud or Google).
• 🔧 Recovery Reset: Also removes everything, but sometimes you can recover photos/video with programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (unless you have flashed it back).
• 💻 Fastboot Reset: The Hardest Method: Data Erased at Low Level, Recovery Almost Impossible.

If a backup copy has been made:

1. When you first turn on after reset, select “Restore from backup.”
2. Log in to Xiaomi or Google account where the backup is stored.
3. Select the last saved copy and wait for the recovery to be completed.

To recover individual files (photos, videos) you can use the following programs:

• 🖼️ DiskDigger – scans internal memory for file residues.
• 📂 7-Data Recovery – Supports recovery from Android devices.
• 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver is a paid but effective tool.

⚠️ Note: Do not install data recovery software on your own Mi9 — It can overwrite deleted files, making them impossible to recover. Connect your phone to your computer and work with memory through a card reader or in mode. MTP.

If you used TWRP and backed it up, it will take a few minutes to recover.

1. Get in TWRP.
2. Choose Restore.
3. Specify a backup folder (usually /TWRP/BACKUPS/).
4. Check the sections for recovery (e.g. Data, System).
5. Confirm the swipe.

7. Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi9