How to Reset Xiaomi 9T: A Complete Hard Reset Guide

The Xiaomi Mi 9T, known for its bezel-less design and powerful stuffing, can eventually start to run slower or produce software failures. Often the only solution in this situation is a complete return to factory parameters, which removes all user data, accumulated debris in the system and resets the settings, returning the device to its original responsiveness.

There are several ways to perform Hard Reset on the Mi 9T, each of which is suitable for different use cases: You can use the standard settings menu if the phone is turned on, or resort to using volume buttons if the system is not booting. It is important to understand the difference between simply deleting files and fully formatting memory partitions.

Before any manipulations begin, you need to realize that the process is irreversible, that all photos, contacts, messages and installed applications will be permanently deleted, which is why preparing and backing up data is a critical step that should not be ignored under any circumstances.

Preparing the smartphone for a complete reset

The first step before Factory Reset is to create a full backup of data. Xiaomi Mi 9T owners can use the built-in MIUI or Google cloud services to store important information. Ignoring this step will lead to the loss of personal data that cannot be restored by standard methods.

Be sure to check the battery level. To successfully complete the system formatting process, the charge must be at least 50-60%. Interrupting the procedure due to battery discharge can damage system files and turn the smartphone into a "brick" requiring complex recovery via a computer.

It is also necessary to remove the microSD card in advance and SIM-Although modern firmware versions do not usually affect external drives when reset, there is a risk of accidental formatting. SIM-Cards will prevent accidental calls or data transfers at the time of system restart.

Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

The safest and most recommended method for users whose Xiaomi Mi 9T is in working condition and responsive to touch, this method allows the system to correctly complete all background processes before starting cleaning.

At the bottom of the screen, you'll see Reset, and the system will offer two options: Reset all settings (without deleting personal files) and Erase all data. We're interested in the second option, which completely clears the internal memory of the device, returning it to the "out of the box" state.

Once you select the deletion option, you will need to enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock, a MIUI security measure to prevent unauthorized or accidental resetting of the device by unauthorized persons. Confirm the action and the phone will restart to begin the cleaning process.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the Xiaomi Mi 9T smartphone does not turn on, hovers on the logo or does not respond to the touch screen, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This method works at the bootloader level and does not require access to the operating system.

Press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will appear on the screen, which is controlled by the volume buttons, and the power button will select.

In the menu that opens, select a language (usually English), then go to Wipe Data. The system will require confirmation of action, suggesting that you select Wipe All Data. Once confirmed, the cleanup process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed as a percentage.

⚠️ Note: When resetting via Recovery on new versions MIUI You may need to enter a password from your Mi or Google account if the Find Device feature is active.

Once the cleanup is complete, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first run after Hard Reset can take much longer than usual, from 5 to 10 minutes.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot mode

Fastboot mode (mainly used) to flash the device through the computer, but can also be used to deep-clean memory partitions if other methods don't work. To enter this mode on the Mi 9T turned off, you need to press the Volume Down and power buttons simultaneously.

Connect your smartphone to a computer with the ADB/Fastboot driver installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility installed or via the command line. In the Windows command line, while in the tool folder, type the command fastboot erase userdata to clean the user partition.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

This method is more advanced and requires certain technical skills: an error in typing commands or interrupting the connection to the computer can lead to serious consequences for the file system of the device.

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Use the original. USB-cable to connect to PC. Cheap charging cables often don't have data lines, leading to a connection error in Fastboot mode.

The problem of FRP Lock and Google account

One of the main protection measures of modern smartphones is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), if the Xiaomi Mi 9T was added to Google account and enabled synchronization, then after reset, the system will require you to enter the password from this account on the first activation, this is done to protect against theft.

If you forget the login data, you can't activate your phone in the standard way. The table below shows the main lock statuses you might encounter:

Importantly, FRP bypassing is a complex procedure that often requires the use of specialized software or paid services, and the legal way to do so is to restore access to your account through Google’s recovery form.

⚠️ Note: Buying a used Xiaomi Mi 9T, Always check that you are not linked to someone else's Mi and Google accounts before transferring money. Resetting the seller through the menu does not always remove the binding on the server.

Possible errors and their solution

During the reset process, Xiaomi Mi 9T users may encounter various errors, one of the most common being an “Update error” or a “Hang on the Mi logo” after a reboot, often indicating damage to the system partition or a lack of space for temporary files when trying to update before a reset.

If the phone is endlessly restarted (bootloop), try resetting through Recovery Mode again, paying special attention to the Wipe All Data item. If this does not help, you may need to completely flash the device through the computer using official firmware.

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An endless reboot after a reset often indicates damage to system files, which requires flashing through Fastboot rather than re-resetting.

There may also be a data integrity check error, in which case it is recommended to check the internal memory status, and the physical failure of the eMMC/UFS memory chip may be due to the inability to write new system files after cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)