How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions and tips

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important data, locking the device through the Mi Account or even “bricking” the smartphone if the process is interrupted at a critical stage.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery mode and Xiaomi account), and how to avoid typical errors. We will focus on the nuances associated with Redmi 9 - for example, why this model sometimes does not work reset via Settings → Additional, and what to do if the phone asks for a password after hard reset. If you plan to sell or transfer the device, here you will find a checklist for preparing for a reset, so as not to lose personal data.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9?

Factory reset is not a universal solution to all problems, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer: Deletion of all personal data, accounts and files.
• 🔄 System failures: If Redmi 9 is constantly restarting, lagging or not responding to touch.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN. Reset is one way to unlock (but you will need confirmation via Mi Account).
• 📲 Errors after the update MIUI. For example, if, after the upgrade, MIUI 14 Camera or sensors stopped working.
• 🛡️ Removing viruses or malware if the antivirus fails.

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

• ⚠️ Hardware malfunctions (for example, touchscreen does not work due to physical damage).
• ⚠️ Battery problems if phone shuts down at 30% charge.
• ⚠️ Blocking through Google FRP (Redmi 9 is rare, but possible after resetting without detachment of the account).

⚠️ Warning: If you reset Redmi 9 because of a forgotten password but don't remember the Mi Account details, the phone may lock permanently. Xiaomi requires proof of ownership through a linked account!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and unforeseen problems:

1. Backup. Use Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party apps like Swift Backup (root rights required).

Make sure the phone is charged.

50%

Untie the accounts.

• 🔗 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
• 🔗 Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.
• Remember or reset passwords from Wi-Fi, banking applications and other services – after reset, they will have to be re-entered.

On Redmi 9 with MIUI 12 firmware and later resetting through settings, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account even after you have logged out. This is anti-theft protection. If you don't remember the password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 🔓 The phone is unlocked (you know). PIN/password).
• 📱 System boots (no cyclical reboot).
• 🔋 The device is charged at least 30 times%.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. If you request a password from Mi Account, enter it (even if you have already logged out!).
6. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot.

After reset, Redmi 9 will launch as new.

• 🌍 Choose a language and region.
• 🔗 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Complete the initial setup (you can skip some steps).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (For example, 12.5.4), the reset option may be in Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. If you don't find an option, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

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If Redmi 9 asks for an old password after reset and you don’t remember it, try entering the last PIN or graphical key you use.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔐 You forgot the unlock password.
• 📵 The phone does not load (hangs on the Redmi logo).
• 🔄 We need to get around the failures. MIUI.

For Xiaomi Redmi 9, the procedure looks like this:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
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 see the Recovery Mode menu.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 with Bootloader lock may receive a request for data entry from Mi Account after reset via Recovery, even if the phone was not previously linked to the account. If you do not remember your username/password, restore them in advance or contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if the password is forgotten)

If you forgot the Redmi 9 unlock password, but remember the data from the Mi Account, you can reset your phone remotely:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi 9 from the device list (if it is linked to your account).
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After that, the phone will restart and be ready to set up.

• 📍 The device must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The battery should be at least 20%.
• 🔒 If the “Find Device” function was enabled on the phone, you may need to re-enter data from Mi Account after the reset.

Alternatively, if you have access to another phone with the same Mi Account, you can use the Mi Cloud app for remote reset.

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Mi Account reset only works if the phone is connected to the Internet and linked to the account, and if the device is offline, this method will not work.

What if the reset didn't help?

In rare cases, even after a complete reset, problems with Redmi 9 may persist.

If none of the methods worked, you may need to flash through Fastboot.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable. USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 9 (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tools for the Mi Flash Tool.

The Fastboot firmware instruction is beyond the scope of this article, but you can find it in our Xiaomi firmware guide.

How to recover data after resetting

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on what type of reset was performed:

• 🔄 Soft reset: Data is deleted logically and can be restored using programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (root required).
• 🔨 Hard reset (via Recovery): Recovery unlikely as data overwrites.
• 🌩️ Mi Account reset: data deleted irrevocably (used by Secure Erase).

For recovery:

1. Install a recovery program (such as Undeleter) on your phone.
2. Select the file type (photos, messages, etc.).
3. Scan your internal memory (not an SD card!).
4. Save the files found on your PC or cloud.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset – this reduces the chances of recovery!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 9