How to reset Xiaomi Mi 9C to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Why should Xiaomi Mi 9C be reset?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to return the smartphone to its original state. Xiaomi Mi 9C, released in 2019, despite its reliability, is not immune to software failures, viruses or the consequences of failed firmware. Owners resort to hard reset when the device begins to brake, spontaneously reboot or after sale - to delete personal data.

It's important to understand the difference between a soft reset (through settings) and a hard reset (through Recovery Mode), the first one saves files in memory but removes apps and settings, the second one completely cleans the internal drive. The choice of method depends on the goal: if you just want to speed up the Mi 9C, you can stop resetting through the menu, and if the phone is locked or not turned on, you need Recovery.

Service center statistics show that 38 percent of Xiaomi Mi 9C calls are due to software problems that are solved by a reset, but an improperly executed hard reset can result in a loss of IMEI or a “No Command” error — especially if you interrupt the process or use unofficial firmware.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Xiaomi Mi 9C, follow the steps to avoid losing important data. Even if you plan a soft reset, some settings (such as Wi-Fi passwords or app accounts) will be lost.

One is to back up. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset) or third-party services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

• 📱 Contact (export to) VCF-file)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Passwords from applications (write in a notebook or password manager)
• 🎮 Save games (if cloud backup is supported)

The second is to check the battery. The reset process can take up to 10-15 minutes, and the interruption due to the discharge is fraught with a breeze (complete failure). Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. Also turn off USB Debugging (Settings → Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer menu), if it was activated, this will prevent conflicts during the reset.

⚠️ Attention: If on Mi 9C installed bootloader, reset via Recovery may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account. Make sure you remember the username and password, otherwise the device will remain locked!

Make sure the battery is charged. ≥50%|Create a backup copy of the data|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Disable Debugging by USB|Get out. SIM and a memory card (optional)-->

Reset via the settings menu (soft method)

The easiest way to return the Xiaomi Mi 9C to factory settings is to use the built-in menu.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code
• 🔄 You need to eliminate small lags without completely clearing your memory

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter the device password (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The process will take 3-5 minutes. Upon completion, the Mi 9C will automatically restart and prompt you to go through the initial setup, as after purchase. If after resetting the phone hangs on the Xiaomi logo for a long time (more than 10 minutes), try forcibly restarting it by holding the power button for 15 seconds.

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If the Mi 9C doesn’t connect to the mobile network after reset, check the APN settings. Often they are reset to factory values, which may not be suitable for your carrier.

Hard reset via Recovery Mode

If the Xiaomi Mi 9C is not turned on, locked or “hang” on the logo, you will need a hard reset via Recovery.This method completely erases data, including files in internal memory, so use it only in extreme cases.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
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 will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select the Wipe Data option → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The Mi 9C uses Xiaomi's stock Recovery, so the interface will be in English or Chinese. If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔹 The first item is reboot (Reboot)
• 🔹 The second is data cleanup (Wipe Data)
• 🔹 The third is the installation of updates (Connect with MiAssistant)

⚠️ Note: If you have reset via Recovery Mi 9C You need to enter a password from Mi Account, and you don't remember it, the only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase. IMEI!

Fastboot Reset: An Alternative Method

In cases where Xiaomi Mi 9C It doesn't even boot into Recovery, but it responds to a PC connection, and you can reset it through Fastboot. ADB/Fastboot Basic knowledge of working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect Mi. 9C PC-only USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), execute the command to completely reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will delete all user data and cache, after which the phone will restart to its original state. If the Mi 9C does not turn on after completing the commands, try resetting the system partition additionally (but this will lead to the need to flash it back!):

fastboot erase system

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if other methods have failed, as it can lead to the loss of the ability to boot the OS without further firmware.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, owners of Xiaomi Mi 9C face problems after reset.

If after the Mi reset 9C stopped SIM-Check if the card has been broken. IMEI. You can find out the current values by dialing in the phone application *#06#. IMEI display zeros or Invalid, require recovery through an engineering menu or service center.

Another common problem is root rights loss after reset, and if you've previously accessed root access through Magisk, you'll have to re-install it.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. You can use Magisk via custom Recovery (TWRP).

How to recover data after resetting

If a backup was not created, the chances of returning deleted data after hard reset are minimal, but there are, and the main rule is not to write new files to the phone, so as not to overwrite deleted data.

Recovery methods:

• 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (require root rights for deep scanning).
• 🖥️ Service centers: Specialists can extract data using soldering equipment (expensive but efficient).
• ☁️ Cloud Copies: Check Google Photos, Mi Cloud, or other services where data may have been synced.

To recover via DiskDigger:

1. Install the program on your PC and connect the Mi 9C in MTP mode.
2. Select the phone’s drive and run Deep Scan.
3. Mark the files for recovery (photos, videos, documents) and save them to the PC.

⚠️ Note: Recovery of data from internal memory Xiaomi Mi 9C After a complete reset (via Recovery or Fastboot) is possible only in 20-30% of cases. The more time has passed after reset, the lower the chances are that the operating system gradually overwrites the freed space.

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If you regularly lose data when resetting, set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud. To do this, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device and turn on the option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 9C