How to reset Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings: the complete guide

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship of 2019, which is still relevant thanks to powerful hardware and support for updates. But even such a reliable smartphone eventually begins to slow down, glitch or require complete flashing. Factory reset is a universal solution to fix software failures, prepare for the sale or delete personal data. However, an improper reset can turn a phone into a brick, especially if it is a model with a locked bootloader or custom firmware.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), as well as detailed instructions for preparing, saving data and solving typical errors. We have taken into account all the nuances of the Mi 9, from the features of MIUI to working with an unlocked bootloader. If you have never reset your smartphone before or are afraid of breaking something, this guide will help avoid critical errors.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory reset is the complete removal of all data from the internal memory of the smartphone. Even if you plan to reset the Mi 9 due to minor glitches, without backup, you risk losing photos, contacts and app settings.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or manually copy files to your PC. Cloud services (such as Mi Cloud) will save contacts and notes, but not all applications support automatic recovery.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to discharge can damage system files.
• 🔐 Make sure you know the data from the Mi Account. After the reset, you will need to re-authorize, and without a login / password, it will be difficult to unlock the phone.
• 📡 Check Wi-Fi connection (if you reset through settings). MIUI Requires you to download additional files before resetting.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. If you've ever installed custom firmware or obtained root rights, standard resetting through settings may not work, in which case you'll need to use Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 9 has unofficial firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard menu will result in a logo hanging!

Make a backup copy|Charge the phone to 50%+|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Check the stability of Wi-Fi|Clarify the status of the loader (unblocked/blocked)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable for most users, as long as the Mi 9 is turned on, not locked with a pattern lock, and works without critical failures.The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require a connection to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (or Erase all data in new MIUI versions).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the Mi Account (if requested).
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.If the phone requires data input from Mi Account, use the same login and password as before the reset.

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If the Mi 9 is long on the Xiaomi logo after a reset, don’t panic – wait 10-15 minutes. In rare cases, the first download after a reset takes up to 20 minutes.

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

If the Mi 9 is stuck on the logo, rebooted cyclically or locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery mode. This method works even with corrupted system files, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to complete loss of data.

How to log in to Recovery:

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 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
• 📛 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data) → Wipe All Data.
• 🔄 Confirm the reset by selecting Confirm (a password from Mi Account will be required if the account was linked).
• 🔙 After completion, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, it means that an unofficial version of Recovery is installed (for example, an unofficial version of Recovery, TWRP). In this case, select Advanced Wipe. → Check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data → Swipe to Wipe.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable, but it's also the most complex, and it's suitable if:

• 🔓 The loader is unlocked (custom firmware installed).
• 📱 The phone does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔧 You need to completely refashion the device (for example, return the stock). MIUI).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for Mi 9 (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a picture of a rabbit in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect the Mi 9 to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
5. If you need to reflash your phone, use: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip] (replace with the real name of the firmware file).

After being reset via Fastboot, the phone may require re-unlocking the bootloader.If you haven't done this before, follow the instructions on Xiaomi's website (the process takes up to 3 days due to account verification).

Yeah, I did)|Yes, but with the help of instructions.|No, I'm afraid to break it.|No, there was no need.-->

Table: Comparison of reset methods for Xiaomi Mi 9

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 "This device is locked in Fastboot: So the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (you will need to link your account and wait for permission).
• ⚠️ Phone hangs on the logo after the reset: Try to go to Recovery and re-do Wipe Data. If it doesn't work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Mi Account password forgotten: Restore it through Xiaomi website. Without password, unlocking your phone after reset is impossible!
• 📵 PC doesn't see phone in Fastboot: Install Qualcomm drivers or try another USB-cable (preferably original).

If the IMEI is missing or the network is not working after the reset, the modem partition is most likely damaged. It can only be restored by flashing through Fastboot with the non-hlos.bin file (part of the official firmware).

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If the Mi 9 doesn't turn on or gives you an error after reset, DO NOT try to repeat the procedure many times. This can aggravate the problem.

Data recovery after resetting

If you have made a backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account, it will be easy to recover your data:

1. When you first turn on after reset, select Restore from backup.
2. Sign in to your Xiaomi or Google account.
3. Choose the most recent copy and wait for the process to be completed.

If there is no backup, try the data recovery software:

• 🔍 Dr.Fone (paid but with free trial).
• 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver (Scans Internal Memory for Deleted Files).
• 🔍 DiskDigger (free but requires root rights).

Important: Don't write new data to your phone before you try to recover it! Every new file reduces the chances of a successful return of old data.

⚠️ Note: Recovery programs only work with internal memory. SD-map, extract it and connect to the PC through the card reader - so the chances of success are higher.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions