Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their availability and functionality, but over time, even a reliable device can encounter software errors. Users often notice slowing interfaces, app freezes or network connectivity problems. In such situations, a complete reset becomes the only effective solution to restore system stability.
The return to baseline process removes all user data, returning the software to its state immediately after purchase, a radical but often necessary step before selling a gadget or after a failed firmware update. It is important to understand that resetting permanently deletes all photos, contacts and files if they are not stored in the cloud or on an external medium.
In this article, we will discuss in detail two main methods of performing this operation: through the standard settings menu and through the Recovery Mode Recovery mode. You will learn about device preparation, the features of working with the MIUI shell and how to bypass Google account locks.
Preparing the device for complete data deletion
Before any manipulation of system files begins, a number of preparatory steps must be taken, ignoring this step can lead to loss of important information or locking the device after restarting. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%, since the process of formatting the memory partition requires stable power.
Back up all important data. Xiaomi smartphones can use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party services such as Google Drive, and it is also recommended to copy photos and documents to a computer or memory card if the slot is active and supported by the model.
β οΈ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Google and Mi Account. Once reset, the system will require authorization to verify the owner's rights, and it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone without a password.
Turn off all active lock screens if possible, or write down a pattern lock and PIN-It's worth taking out the code. SIM-microSD card and memory card before the procedure, so as not to accidentally format external media together with internal memory.
- π Charge the battery to at least 60% for stable operation.
- βοΈ Create a backup of contacts and photos in the cloud.
- π Remember the passwords from Google and Mi accounts.
- πΎ Remove the memory card and SIM-pre-launch.
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The simplest and most secure method is available directly from the operating system, which is suitable if the screen responds to touch and the Settings menu opens without problems. The user does not need additional tools or a computer, the entire process takes a few minutes.
To start, go to the main menu and find Settings, go down to About Phone in the options list, and that's where the device's system and memory management tools are located. In some versions of the MIUI shell, this item may simply be called Advanced Settings.
Find the Reset line and click on it. The system will offer two options: Reset (without deleting data) and Erase all data. We need the second option. After selecting, the system will show a list of what will be deleted and request confirmation of action.
βοΈ Checklist before resetting on the menu
After confirmation, the phone may request input PIN-Then you start cleaning up, which can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory you've filled, and the device reboots automatically, and you see the screen of the initial setup.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone freezes on the logo, does not respond to touches or does not load to the desktop, the Hard Reset method is used. It is executed through a special Recovery recovery menu, which is built into the device memory regardless of the operating system state.
To enter this mode, you need to turn off your phone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume until the menu appears.
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system can offer a choice between Wipe All Data and Reset Password. Choose the first option for complete deletion of data.
β οΈ Attention: In the Recovery menu, the touch screen is not working. Use physical volume buttons to move through menu items and the on button to confirm the selection.
The system will warn you of the risks again. Select Confirm or Yes. Once the cleanup process is complete, the message will appear: Data wiped successfully. Select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System to restart in normal mode.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Comparison of discharge methods: characteristics table
The right method depends on the current state of your Xiaomi Redmi 9T. If the device is functioning normally, it is better to use a software reset via settings. If there are critical download errors, the recovery mode becomes an indispensable tool.
Both methods have the same result: the complete deletion of user data. However, the technical details of the procedures differ significantly. Below is a table that helps determine the best way to solve the problem.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. |
|---|---|---|
| Status required of the LO | The system is loaded. | Not required (always working) |
| Essential tools | Just a finger. | Physical buttons |
| Risk of interruption | Minimum | Medium (must hold buttons) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium |
| Implementation time | 5-10 minutes | 10-15 minutes. |
Note that when resetting via Recovery, you may sometimes need to confirm through your Mi Account during the recovery phase if Find Device is active, an additional layer of security introduced by the manufacturer.
Google account and FRP account issues
Modern smartphones are equipped with FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is activated automatically if a Google account has been added to the device, and after reset, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized account.
This is a security measure against theft: if an attacker steals a phone and drops it, they can't use the device without the owner's data, so it's critical to know your account credentials. If you forget your password, restore it through your computer before resetting it.
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If you are selling a phone, it is best to delete your Google account from settings (Settings -> Accounts -> Google -> Delete your account) before performing a reset. This is guaranteed to remove the FRP lock for the new owner.
If the phone was bought with hands and it is someone else's account, legally unlock it can only be contacted by the previous owner. bypassing FRP by third-party methods is a complex technical procedure and may require the intervention of specialists of the service center.
- π FRP locks the device after resetting without password.
- π§ Restoring access to Google before the procedure begins.
- π When buying a used phone, check the absence of other people's accounts.
- π« Donβt buy devices with activated Find My Device protection.
Actions after reset: initial setup
Once you have successfully restarted, you will see a welcome screen. Select the interface language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. The system will start checking for updates and timing. At this point, you may need to install available security updates.
This will be followed by a suggestion to restore data from a backup. If you've used Mi Cloud or Google One, select the appropriate option, which will automatically return contacts, call history and installed app list, which can take time depending on the speed of the Internet.
Set up biometrics is an important step: register your fingerprint or facial data for easy unlocking, and it is also recommended to install antivirus software immediately and check the access rights for the installed applications to avoid re-infecting the system.
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After the first turn on, take your time to install all the applications at once. Give the system 10-15 minutes to optimize the processes in the background to avoid overheating and lag in the first minutes of use.
Finally, adjust the screen settings, such as refresh rate and resolution, if the model allows. The Redmi 9T also has color calibration and dark theme settings to save power, although the screen is IPS, not AMOLED.