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

Why would you want to reset the Redmi 9C?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9C to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution. You may find yourself in a situation where the smartphone starts to slow down, spontaneously restart or give out errors when installing applications. 80% of these problems are solved with a complete reset that deletes all user data and returns the system to its original state.

Another common reason is to prepare the phone for sale, and even if you delete all the files manually, the device will still have traces of accounts, app cache and other sensitive information, and only a complete reset will ensure that all data, including hidden folders and system settings, is cleaned up.

Finally, a reset may be required after a failed firmware update, when the Redmi 9C is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooting. In such cases, a hard reset via Recovery Mode is often the only way to bring the phone back to life without going to the service center.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9C, make sure to do a few key things: First, back up your sensitive data, even if you're planning a reset due to a phone sale, save your contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or to the cloud.

• 📁 Use the built-in Backup app in Settings → System system → Backup
• ☁️ Upload files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud (free 5GB available)
• 💾 Connect your phone to your computer and copy the folders DCIM, Downloads and Documents manually

Second, make sure the phone is at least 50% charged, and interrupting the reset process due to a discharged battery can cause serious system errors, up to the point of "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device. If the battery is dead, connect the Redmi 9C to charge and wait at least 30-40% of the charge.

Also check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone. After the reset, your device may require you to enter your Mi Account Lock login and password. If you don't remember the login details, restore them in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

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

This is the easiest and most recommended method if the phone turns on and responds to touch.Instructions are suitable for the Redmi 9C with any version of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Tap to erase all data (may require input) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 3-10 minutes depending on the amount of data, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, and don't interrupt the process -- even if the screen goes out for a long time, wait for a full reboot.

⚠️ Note: If the device protection function is enabled on the phone (in Settings) → Google → Security, after reset, you will need to enter the password from the last Google account linked!

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Redmi 9C is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to buttons, or reboots in cycles, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which is also called "hard reset," which bypasses the system and resets the firmware level settings. Importantly, hard resets remove ALL data, including files on internal memory, without any recovery.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.
4. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm the action.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, look for the location of the items (usually Wipe Data is the third one on top) and the phone will reboot to its original state after resetting.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9C If the phone shows an error This device is locked after reset via Recovery, you may need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 72 hours).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lose your phone or it's been stolen, you can reset remotely through Xiaomi services.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 9C.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Remote reset works only if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery level above 15%.
• 🔒 The device has enabled the function Find the device (in Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).

Once the command is sent, the reset will be performed the next time the phone connects to the network, and note that this method will not work if the attacker has already reset via Recovery or disconnected the Internet.

💡

If you are selling a phone, untie it from your account before resetting via Mi Account in the Settings menu → Mi Account → Delete your account. This will save the buyer from having to enter your data when you first set up.

What to do if Redmi 9C requires a password after reset

After resetting, Xiaomi Redmi 9C may request:

1. Password from Mi Account – if you have a Xiaomi account attached.
2. Google Password – if FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection is enabled
3. PIN-code or pattern lock – if the reset is incorrect.

Solutions for each case:

If you buy a Redmi 9C with your hands and the seller hasn't untie his Mi Account, return the phone or demand help unlocking.

💡

If the phone asks for a Mi Account password after the reset and you don’t remember it, don’t try to find it! After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems when resetting the Redmi 9C due to inattention or ignorance of the nuances.

• 🔋 Battery discharge – the reset is interrupted halfway through the process.Solution: charge the phone to at least 50% or plug it into charging before the procedure begins.
• 🔒 Mi Account password: The phone is locked after reset.Solution: Restore your account in advance on Xiaomi.
• 📱 The wrong button combination to log in to Recovery.Solution: on Redmi 9C It's just the power. + Loudness Up (not to be confused with other Xiaomi models).
• 🗃️ Data loss due to lack of backup Solution: Use Mi Cloud or Google Photos to automatically backup.

Another common problem is cyclical reset after reset, which happens if:

• The firmware of the phone is damaged (solution: reflash through the Mi Flash Tool).
• Custom firmware has been installed (solution: return the official MIUI).
• Device memory is damaged (solution: diagnostics in the service center).

If Redmi 9C fails to turn on or gives a No command error after reset, try repeating the procedure by holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 9C