How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9C to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 9C is one of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, but even it isn't immune to system failures, slowdowns or the need to transfer the device to a new owner. Hard reset solves most software problems, but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to data loss or locking the device through the Mi Account.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to reset (through settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), as well as solutions to typical errors - from a forgotten password to hanging on the MIUI logo. Particular attention is paid to the unique nuances of the Redmi 9C model (codename angelica), including working with an unlocked bootloader and bypassing security when selling.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Factory resets are not just the click of a button, but without preparation, you risk losing photos, contacts, and even access to the device.

• 📱 Save important data: contacts (export to.vcf), photos (cloud Google Photos or PC), SMS (apps SMS Backup & Restore).
• 🔒 Check the status of Mi Account: if the phone is tied to the Xiaomi account, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50%. When discharged via Recovery, the discharge during the process can "brick" the device.
• 📋 Write it down. IMEI: You can dial *#06# and save the number.

If you’re resetting your phone before selling, be sure to untie it from Mi Account in the Settings → Mi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner won’t be able to activate the device!

Backup | Check battery power |Unlock Mi Account (if you sell) |Write down IMEI|Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection (for resetting through settings)

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⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9C with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can lead to automatic flashing on the stock MIUI. If you used custom software (such as Pixel Experience), restore stockware recovery.img pre-existingly.

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The main advantage is to save data in internal memory (if you do not choose the option of cleaning).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Additional → Resetting settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes. After you reboot, you'll see a greeting screen, like after you buy it. If your phone requires you to enter your Mi Account, use your account information.

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

If the Redmi 9C is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, hardware reset via Recovery will help.This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires accurate follow-up.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
• 📛 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleaning).
• 🔄 Confirm the action (Confirmation).
• 🔙 After completion, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons: the bin icon is a reset, the arrow in a circle is a reboot.

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If the phone is stuck on the MIUI screensaver after resetting via Recovery, try re-entering Recovery and selecting Wipe Cache.This will clear the cache without losing data and can solve the problem.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9C With a blocked bootloader, resetting via Recovery does not delete data from the partition /data For deep cleaning, use Fastboot. 3) or encrypting the device before reset.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader, but ensures that all partitions, including internal memory, are completely cleaned.

• 🛠️ Resolve serious system failures (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 Bypassing Mi Account lock (only on older versions) MIUI).
• 📦 Complete reflashing on stock or custom firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not - the instruction below).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot Mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
2. Connect Redmi 9C to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and do:

fastboot devices

(The serial number of the device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If you need to completely reflash the device, use the command:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip

Yes, many times | Yes, but only according to the instructions | No, I'm afraid to break something | What is a Fastboot?

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⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9C With a blocked bootloader, fastboot erase commands will not work – you will first need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool).

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting

If you reset the Redmi 9C to factory settings but forget the Mi Account data, the phone will require activation. Without the original login/password, it is officially impossible to unlock the device - this is a measure of protection against theft.

• 📧 Password Recovery: Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Forgot Password and follow the instructions. You will need to access an email or phone linked to your account.
• 📞 Support: If you have a check or a box from your phone, Xiaomi support can help. IMEI and purchase data.
• 🔓 Passage EDL: It requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable. 9C newer-stitched MIUI 12.5 This method does not work due to the closure of the vulnerability EDL.

If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, you can return the device to working condition only through it. Buying phones with a tied account is the risk of staying with a brick.

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The only reliable way to avoid Mi Account problems is to untie the device from the account before the reset, which is impossible without the data of the original owner after a hard reset.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, the reset may not go according to plan.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory).

How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9C

If you plan to use Fastboot to reset or install custom firmware, you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi has made this process more complicated, but it is still possible:

1. Connect Mi Account to your phone in the Settings menu → Mi Account.
2. Enable USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to become a developer), then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the program.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the utility’s instructions.

Important: Xiaomi has introduced a 720-hour waiting timer for new accounts, and if you have never unlocked the bootloader on this device, you will have to wait 30 days from the moment you attach the account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions