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

Why do you need to reset the Xiaomi Mi 9C?

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9C to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve a lot of software problems. Most often, users resort to this procedure when the smartphone starts to brake, spontaneously reboot or “hang” on the MIUI logo. Also, resetting is relevant before selling a device to delete personal data, or after a failed firmware update when the system is unstable.

It is important to understand that a full reset deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and even account settings. Therefore, you need to create a backup before the procedure, and in some cases, the reset helps to restore the phone to health after virus attacks or improper changes to system files through root access.

If your Mi 9C doesn't turn on, you're constantly giving out errors, or you've forgotten your pattern lock, resetting through Recovery or Fastboot mode may be the only way out, but these methods require caution: wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Without a backup, you will lose access to the data forever — it will not be possible to recover it by standard means after the reset.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or Mi Cloud. Alternatively, manually copy files to your PC via USB-cable.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can damage the firmware.
• 📋 Remember your Mi Account details (login and password) and you will need proof of ownership via Mi Account after the reset if you have activated Find Device.
• 🔌 Prepare. USB-cable (original or certified) – you will need it to be reset via Fastboot.

If you plan to reset because of a locked screen, but do not remember the data from your Mi Account, restore access in advance on account.xiaomi.com. Otherwise, after the reset, the phone will require login credentials, otherwise its use will be impossible.

⚠️ Attention: If on Mi 9C If you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a reset via a standard menu can result in a logo hanging.

Created a backup copy of important data|Battery charged at more than 50%|Access to Mi Account (login/password)|Prepared. USB-plug-in|All off. SIM-cards and memory card (if desired)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the easiest and safest method available if the Xiaomi Mi 9C is turned on and reacts to touch, suitable for eliminating software lags or preparing the device for sale.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
4. The system will suggest you to choose whether to delete all data or only settings. To completely reset, select the first option.
5. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password (if installed).
6. Wait until the process is complete (it will take 3-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will need to go through the initial setup, as after the purchase, if the Mi Account was attached, the system will request data to confirm ownership.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box - the system will show a direct link to the desired section.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If the Xiaomi Mi 9C is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, use Recovery mode. This method works even when the screen is locked, but requires accurate execution of instructions. Importantly, in some versions of MIUI, the Recovery menu can be in Chinese - focus on the location of the items.

Instructions for entering and resetting Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it doesn’t respond).
2. Press the power button and the Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with white text in English or Chinese).
5. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
6. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese) and then Wipe All Data.
7. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm (or ).
8. Once completed, select Reboot (or ) to reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the order of items: (Wipe Data) → (Wipe All Data) → (Confirm).

⚠️ Note: In some firmware, the Wipe All Data item may be called Factory Reset. Don't confuse it with Wipe Cache - it's cache cleaning, not a complete reset!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable, but it's also the most complex, and it's good if you:

• The phone does not load or enter Recovery.
• Refuse the device after an unsuccessful update.
• You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

For this method, you will need a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or MiFlash for Xiaomi).
2. Turn off the Mi 9C and press the power button + Volume Down button before the Fastboot screen appears (Android robot labeled Fastboot Mode).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type the command: fastboot devices Make sure that the device is determined (the serial number will appear).
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If after the reboot the phone requires the entry of Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (the procedure takes up to 720 hours of waiting for new accounts).

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Fastboot resets do not delete the firmware, but only user data. If the problem is in a damaged system, you may need to flash it through MiFlash after the reset.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 9C will launch as a new one.

1. Select the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required to activate Mi Account)
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if you were tied before the reset) without this step, you will not be able to use the phone!
4. Restore data from a backup (if created via Mi Cloud or locally).
5. Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

If the phone is running slower than before, check:

• 🔄 Availability of firmware updates (outdated versions) MIUI can slow down).
• 📱 Battery condition (worn battery leads to lags).
• 🛠️ No damaged memory partitions (checked through Fastboot by the fastboot getvar all command).

⚠️ Note: If after the discharge of the Mi 9C does not SIM-maps, check network settings in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, you may need to manually select the operator or reboot.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there may be problems, and let's look at typical situations and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked and the phone still doesn’t work, there may be a hardware problem (e.g. damaged eMMC memory).In this case, contact Xiaomi’s service center or a qualified wizard.

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If the Mi 9C doesn't turn on at all after reset (black screen, no button response), try pinching the Power + Volume Up + Volume Down for 20 to 30 seconds, which will force the capacitors to discharge and can bring the phone back to life.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions