How to Reset Xiaomi Mi 9 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Why should you reset the Xiaomi Mi 9?

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to restore the smartphone to work, which removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. Incorrect firmware or conflict of system files can lead to freezes, and reset helps restore stability. Secondly, before selling or transferring the phone to another user, it is a guarantee that your personal data (photos, messages, passwords) will not remain on the device. Third, a reset may be necessary after a failed rooting or installing custom firmware when the phone stops loading.

It is important to understand that the Mi 9 (cepheus model) has features depending on the version of MIUI - global (MIUI Global), Chinese (MIUI China) or custom (e.g. xiaomi.eu). Some reset methods may differ, but the general principles remain unchanged. If you are not sure about the firmware version, check it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Xiaomi Mi 9, there are a few critical steps to follow: Without backup, you risk losing photos, contacts, messages, and app data. Even if the phone is unstable, try to save at least the most important files.

• 📱 Sync with Mi Cloud: Enable backup in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup. It'll save contacts, notes, SMS and some settings.
• 🖥️ Copying on PC: connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM (Photos), Downloads and Documents.
• 🔐 Password export: If you use Google Smart Lock or password manager (e.g. Bitwarden), export your data in advance.
• 📋 Recording. IMEI: Type *#06# and save both IMEI-Numbers – they may be needed to restore the network after resetting.

Also check the battery power - it must be at least 50%. If the phone runs out during reset, it can damage the system partitions and the device's "brick." If the Mi 9 doesn't turn on, use a Quick Charge 4+ (18W) charger for accelerated charging.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled Find Device in Settings → Xiaomi account → Find Device, after reset, you may need to enter a password from your Mi Account.Make sure you remember your login and password!

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 9 is turned on and reacts to touch, the easiest way is to reset via the standard menu, which is suitable for most versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14) and does not require additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the menu does not include Backup and Reset, try an alternative route:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) may require re-assigning your Mi Account to unlock the bootloader after a reset. If you don't remember your account details, use the method via Fastboot (described below).

Synchronized contacts and photos with Mi Cloud

Important files saved on PC or flash drive

Battery charge ≥ 50%

Encryption disabled (if enabled)

I remember the password from the Mi Account (if tied)-->

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

If the Mi 9 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help. This method works even with corrupted system files, but requires care - improper actions can lead to loss of access to the phone.

To enter Recovery Mode:

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 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will see the Recovery menu with a touch panel or volume button control.

From the Recovery menu, select:

• 🌐 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• ⚙️ Reboot → Reboot to System (Reboot after reset).

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

If the phone doesn't boot after the reset, the boot partition may be damaged, in which case you'll need to flash it through Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot reset is the most reliable method if the first two methods don't work, and it's suitable for an unlocked bootloader and requires a PC connection, and the advantage of this method is that it not only resets the settings, but also reflashes the phone if the system files are damaged.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support).
• 🛠️ MiFlash (for Windows) or fastboot from Android SDK.
• 📄 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 Mode (a picture of a rabbit with the word Fastboot will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check that it is determined by the command: fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install Xiaomi drivers or try another cable.
3. For a complete reset, run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
4. If you need to reflash your phone, use MiFlash with the downloaded firmware (select clean all in the utility settings).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase commands delete data without the possibility of recovery. If you plan to sell the phone, after reset via Fastboot, it is recommended to additionally format userdata with the command fastboot format userdata - this will exclude the recovery of data by specialized programs.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it using the XiaomiTool V2 utility. It will automatically select the correct version of MIUI for your model (cepheus) and perform a clean installation.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 9 will launch with a welcome screen, as after purchase. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process.

• 🌍 Choose a language and region (for Russia – Russia or Europe).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (preferably the same network as the one linked to your Mi Account).
• 🔑 Enter your Mi Account details (if the phone was tied) without this step, further settings may be blocked.
• 📱 Restore data from Mi Cloud or Google backup (if you did backup).

After the basic setting, it is recommended:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Install critical apps (messengers, banking apps) from Google Play.
3. Check the operation of sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) using the test # # #6484##.
4. Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications → Application Management.

If after the reset there are problems with connecting to the mobile network, check the settings. APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). For Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) settings are usually loaded automatically, but sometimes manual input is required.

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After reset, be sure to check the basic features of the camera, fingerprint scanner, NFC and wireless charging. If something doesn't work, you may need to re-rout the firmware or contact the service.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, Xiaomi Mi 9 users sometimes face problems.

If none of these methods worked and the phone remains inoperable, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., UFS 2.1 flash memory is damaged).

To diagnose hardware problems, you can use a hidden menu of engineering tests:

#4636## - information about the battery and network
#6484## - Sensor test
#64663## - Test of the communication module

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 9