Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9A to factory settings: 3 working methods + data storage

The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to slow down, issue errors or require a complete system reinstallation. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the phone to its previous speed, fix software failures or prepare the device for sale. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even β€œbricking” the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset Redmi 9A (including models with MIUI 12/13/14) firmware, how to save important files before the procedure, and warn about typical errors.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps.Neglecting preparation can result in the loss of photos, contacts, or even locking your phone through the Mi Cloud.

Here's the minimum checklist:

Backup data | Check battery power (minimum 50%) | Make sure you have a password from Mi Account | Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone) | Record IMEI (in case of recovery)

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Backup is the most important step. Redmi 9A can use:

  • πŸ“ Local Saving: Move files to a memory card or computer through MTP (Mode "Transfer of files").
  • ☁️ Cloud services: Google Photos (for media), Mi Cloud (for contacts and notes), Telegram Saved Messages (for documents).
  • πŸ”„ Third-party utilities: Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup (for applications).

If you forget your Mi Account password, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can lock your phone! in this case, you will have to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

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On Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, disable Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup β†’ Data Backup before reset, which will speed up the process and avoid conflicts with your Google account after the reboot.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, you remember the pattern lock/PIN-code, and there are no critical system failures, the advantage is to keep in touch with Mi Account after a reset.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to About Phone β†’ Additional β†’ Resetting settings.
  3. Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
  4. Enter the unlock password (if requested).
  5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning 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.

What to do if the "Settings Reset" menu is missing?
Some Redmi 9A firmware (e.g., MIUI 13 global versions) may have different paths. Try an alternative route: Settings β†’ System β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Reset. If this doesn’t work, use Method 2 (Recovery).

Important: If the phone requires a Mi Account login/password after reset and you don't remember them, use the official recovery page. Attempts to bypass the lock via Fastboot can lead to a complete loss of access to the device without confirmation of purchase.

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

If the Redmi 9A is stuck on the logo, rebooting cyclically or not responding to touch, hardware reset via Recovery will help.This method is also relevant if you have forgotten the unlock password.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
  5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data β†’ Confirm.
  6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Note: On some versions of Redmi 9A (for example, for the Chinese market), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese.

πŸ“Š What type of reset you have used before?
Through the settings menu
Through Recovery Mode
Through Fastboot.
Never dropped it.
Another way.
Resetting methodWhen to applyRisks.Implementation time
Through the settings menuThe phone is working, the password is knownMinimum (link to Mi Account is maintained)5-10 minutes
Through Recovery.Phone not turned on or forgotten passwordMi Account can be blocked without binding10-15 minutes
Through Fastboot.Critical crashes, blocked by BootloaderHigh (risk of "bricking" with errors)15-30 minutes

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer, USB-Xiaomi cables and installed drivers, which are used if:

  • πŸ”§ The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
  • πŸ”’ Bootloader is blocked (unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is required).
  • πŸ“¦ You need to stitch a clean firmware over the damaged one.

Instructions:

  1. Download and install Mi Flash Tool and Mi Unlock Tool.
  2. Turn off Redmi 9A and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware (download it in advance from the official website).
  5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
  6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical, if you turn off the cable or pull out the battery while you're running through Fastboot, the phone can turn into a brick. USB-cable USB 2.0 (ports) USB 3.0 is sometimes a mistake).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will reboot to factory status, and if an anti-rollback error occurs, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one before, in which case download the firmware of the same or newer version.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After the reset, Redmi 9A will offer you to go through the initial setup process.

Connection to the network:

  • 🌐 Choose your Wi-Fi network or use mobile data (if you have a Wi-Fi network). SIM-map inserted).
  • πŸ”„ If the phone doesn’t see the network, check if Flight Mode is enabled in quick settings.

Account login:

  • πŸ”‘ Enter Mi Account details if the phone was previously tied. Without this step, some features (like Find Device) won't work.
  • πŸ“§ Add a Google account to access the Play Market and sync your contacts.

Data recovery:

  • πŸ“± If you made a backup through Mi Cloud, the system will offer to restore data at the setup stage.
  • πŸ’Ύ For a local backup, connect a memory card or computer and manually transfer files.

If the phone is running slower than before, check:

  • πŸ“Š Memory load: Settings β†’ Warehouse.
  • πŸ”„ System Updates: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Update of the PO.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Background applications: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Autostart control.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi 9A users face problems.

1.The phone asks for a password after resetting

This is a FRP (Factory Reset Protection) block from Google.

  • Enter the Google account that was linked before the reset.
  • If you don’t remember your password, restore it through Google.

2.Reset interrupted, phone not switched on

Possible causes:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery is dead (always check the charge before resetting!).
  • πŸ”Œ It's gone. USB-cable during firmware through Fastboot.

Solution: Try re-entering Recovery or Fastboot and repeating the process. If your phone doesn't respond, contact the service.

3.There's no net after reset

The problem is often related to:

  • πŸ“Ά Wrong settings. APN (request them from the operator).
  • πŸ“± Damage. IMEI (Check through *#06#).

⚠️ Note: If after the Redmi reset 9A Invalid IMEI, Do not use any software to restore it without a backup! This can lead to permanent loss of the network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Can I reset Redmi 9A without losing data?
No, a full factory reset always deletes user data (photos, messages, apps), but you can save files in advance by copying them to a memory card or computer, and you'll need root access and utilities like Titanium Backup to save applications and their data.
The phone after the reset asks for an old Mi Account password that I don't remember.
This is Mi Cloud lock. Solutions: Restore your password through the official website (you will need access to an email or phone associated with your account). If you can't restore it, contact Xiaomi Service Center with a document confirming the purchase. Self-bypassing the lock through Fastboot or third-party programs often leads to a complete loss of warranty.
Recovery reset doesn't work -- the phone just reboots. What's the problem?
Probable causes: Recovery is damaged (solution: flash it through Fastboot); Volume up button is faulty (try to hold it tighter or use ADB to log into Recovery); custom firmware is installed to block standard recovery. To diagnose, connect your phone to your PC and check logs via the command: adb logcat
How to reset Redmi 9A if you forget your pattern lock?
There are two options: via Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the Internet): On the lock screen, click Forgot the password?. Enter Mi Account details and follow the instructions. Through Recovery (if there is no access to the account): Turn off the phone and log in to Recovery (see Method 2). Perform Wipe Data - this will delete the pattern lock along with all data.
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, once the reset is confirmed, the process is irreversible, and you can only physically interrupt it, take out the battery or turn off the power, but it will cause serious system failures (up to the point of not turning on the phone), and if the reset is already running, wait for it to be completed.

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Resetting to factory settings is a last resort. If the phone is just slowing down, first try clearing the cache (Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Clear Cache) or rolling back updates through Settings β†’ Apps β†’ App Management.