How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings if you forgot the password from the Mi-account

Forgot the password from the Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and can not unlock the phone? The situation is familiar to many: after resetting settings or buying a used device, the system requires you to enter account data, without which access to the smartphone is impossible. Even a hard reset through Recovery does not always help - Xiaomi connects devices with accounts through the Mi Cloud Lock function, and without authorization, the phone turns into a "brick".

In this article, you will find 3 proven methods to bypass the lock and bring Redmi 9 back to life: from standard reset via the recovery menu to advanced methods using Fastboot and the Redmi 9. EDL-We will discuss each step in detail, warn of possible risks (including loss of warranty) and give recommendations on how to avoid re-blocking. IMEI Network problems – this risk is especially relevant for models with a MediaTek Helio processor G80, installed in Redmi 9.

Why Redmi 9 requires a password from your Mi Account after a reset

Mi Cloud Lock (or FRP-lock from Xiaomi) was introduced to protect users from data theft, and the device is automatically linked to your account when you first turn on if you:

• 🔹 Entered the Mi Account in the phone settings;
• 🔹 Activated synchronization with Mi Cloud;
• 🔹 Install applications from the Mi Store;
• 🔹 Updated firmware through the phone → Updating the system.

Once reset to factory settings (even through Recovery), the system checks if the phone has been previously linked to an account, and if so, a window pops up asking you to enter your username and password, and without that data, you can't set up any further.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Redmi 9 with your hands and the seller has not untied the device from your account, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the previous owner. Xiaomi does not provide official tools to bypass the Mi Cloud Lock without proof of ownership (check, box with a cheque). IMEI).

Method 1: Recovery Reset (does not work on all firmware)

The easiest way is to use a stock recovery menu (Recovery Mode), which is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is not locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code;
• 🔧 The device is official firmware (not custom);
• 🔄 Find Device in Mi Cloud is disabled.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9 with a long press on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action, wait for the process to complete and restart the phone (Reboot → Reboot to System).

⚠️ Note: On some versions of the firmware MIUI (Especially after the 2023-2026 updates, this method doesn't work, because you still get a password request from your Mi Account after you reset.

Turn off the phone |Lock up Volume + Power |Select Wipe Data |Confirm reset |Reboot the device-->

Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (PC required)

If resetting through Recovery didn't help, try flashing your phone in Fastboot mode.This method deletes all data, including the Mi Account binding, but requires a computer and drivers installed.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11;
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 📦 Firmware archive for Redmi 9 (download from Xiaomi official website);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (version not lower than 2020.3.14.0).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi9_Firmware).
2. Install drivers for Fastboot (you can use the Mi Flash Tool or manually).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
6. Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

🔹 Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you a "Couldn't flash" error, try it:

• 🔹 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager;
• 🔹 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0);
• 🔹 Launch the program on behalf of the administrator.

Reset via Recovery|Fastboot|EDL-regime|No, it's my first time.|Another method-->

Method 3: Unlocking through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a service firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader, and it works at the processor level and bypasses all software locks, including Mi Cloud Lock:

• 🔧 Skills of working with ADB and Fastboot;
• 💰 It is possible to purchase an authorized account to unlock the bootloader (about) $5–$10);
• ⚠️ Risks: Mistakes can turn a phone into a brick».

Instructions:

1. Download firmware for EDL (for example, from the 4PDA forum or XDA-Developers) and the Mi Flash Pro utility.
2. Turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Volume down + Power at the same time. The screen will remain black - that's normal.
3. Connect Redmi 9 to a PC. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (including Redmi 9) to enter the EDL You may need a special cable or soldering test points on the board. Without experience, we do not recommend trying this method yourself - it is better to contact the service center.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi 9

What to do if nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, you have three options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center, and you will need a check or a box with IMEI to unlock it, confirming that you are the owner of the device, the cost of the service is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
2. Buy an authorized account to unlock the bootloader. Forums (e.g. 4PDA) sell EDL-enabled accounts, but this is a semi-legal method - Xiaomi can block the device again.
3. If Redmi 9 is locked forever, you can get money for the screen, battery or motherboard (if it is working).

💡 Useful tip: Before buying used Xiaomi always check if the phone is untied from the Mi Account:

• 🔹 Make a reset of settings with you;
• 🔹 Show that after the reboot no password request appears;
• 🔹 Provide a check or box with IMEI.

💡

If you often forget passwords, turn on a backup email in your Mi Account settings and link your phone number to help restore access without resetting your phone.

How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow these recommendations:

• 🔐 Untie your device from your account before selling: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi-account → Delete the account.
• 📝 Write passwords in a secure location (for example, in the Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
• 🔄 Make backups regularly through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🚫 Don’t buy handsets without checking for Mi Cloud binding.

⚠️ Note: If you use informal firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the Mi Cloud Lock feature may not work properly. In some cases, the phone stops asking for a password after firmware is installed, but loses access to Xiaomi services (such as Mi Store or Mi Cloud).

💡

The only legal way to unlock the Mi Cloud Lock is to contact the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership. All other methods carry the risk of loss of warranty or device breakdown.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 reset