Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE can accumulate software errors, slow down or require complete cleaning before selling.The process of returning the device to its original state, known as Hard Reset, is an effective method of solving a host of software failures.This action will completely delete all user data, returning the operating system to the “out of the box” state.
Owners often face the need to clear memory or delete forgotten lock passwords. It is important to understand that resetting is a radical measure that requires prior preparation. Without backup, you risk losing all contacts, photos and correspondence forever. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for restoring the health of your gadget.
The procedure can be done through both the standard Android settings menu and the Recovery Engineering Menu, depending on the current state of the device: whether the screen is running, whether the login is available or the phone is locked, and regardless of the method, the result will be the same: a clean operating system with no trace of your activity.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to protect yourself from losing important information. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be ignored. Use the built-in MIUI tools or Google cloud services to save contacts, calendar and photos.
It’s also critical to check the account binding, and if your device is activated with Google Find My Device or Mi Account protection, the phone will require you to login and password to those accounts when you first download them, a standard anti-theft security measure known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the password from a Google or Mi Account that was synced to your phone, after resetting, you won't be able to unlock the device.
Remember to charge the battery of the smartphone. The process of formatting the data partition can take from 5 to 15 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage the system files. It is recommended to have a charge of at least 50-60% before the procedure starts.
☑️ Ready to dump
Reset Xiaomi Mi 9 SE through the settings menu
The easiest and safest way to bring the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE back to factory settings is to use the operating system’s regular menu, which is suitable if the screen is touch responsive and the interface is stable.
To start, go to the main menu and select Settings. Next, scroll to the bottom and find the About Phone section. In some versions of MIUI firmware, the necessary functionality may be in Advanced Settings → Recovery and Reset.
In the menu that opens, select Reset (or Clear All Data) and the system will warn you that all files will be deleted. If you use a dual-sim device, the system will also ask if you need to erase data from the data. SIM-maps, although this rarely happens.
- 📱 Click on the Reset Settings button (or Clear All) at the bottom of the screen.
- 🔒 Enter a digital password, pattern lock, or use a fingerprint to verify your identity.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart.
- 🔄 After switching on, the initial system configuration will begin, as when buying.
💡
If you have Find My Device enabled, the system may require you to enter a password from your Google account before you start resetting through the settings menu.
Instructions for resetting via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or the touch screen has stopped responding, Recovery mode is used. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface.
To enter this mode on the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Keep them pressed until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to hold the volume button.
When the Main Menu menu appears (usually with black background and color text), the volume buttons (up/down) control the choice and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it.
| Item | Action. | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Data | Complete deletion of all data | 100% |
| Wipe Cache | Clearing temporary files | No (safe) |
| Reboot | System restart | No. |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connection mode to PC | No. |
Once you have selected Wipe Data, the system will ask you to confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. Confirm the choice with the power button. After the process, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Deleting your Mi and Google account before selling
When selling or transferring the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE to a new owner, it is not enough to simply reset the settings.Blocking activation can be a serious problem for the buyer.Deleting accounts should occur before the reset procedure, while you have access to the system.
To deflect Mi Account, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account. Click on the “Lun in” or “Delete Account” button. The system will require you to enter a password to confirm the exit. This action will untie the device from Xiaomi servers.
A similar procedure is required for Google services: In the Accounts and Sync section, select your Google account and click Delete account, which will break the link between your phone and your profile, allowing the new owner to activate the device under their own name.
⚠️ Attention: Easy logging out of apps (YouTube, Play Market) is not enough. The account must be deleted from the sync list, otherwise protection is not required. FRP lock the phone after resetting.
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
During the reset process, users of Xiaomi Mi 9 SE can face various problems. One of the common mistakes is the message “failed to perform the reset” or endless reboot. Often this is due to damage to the system partition or lack of free space for temporary operations.
If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after reset, try forcibly restarting the device by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. In more complex cases, you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Another common problem is requiring a password after a reset that you don't remember, and that's FRP protection, and the only legal way to get around it is to remember your account details or go to a service center with a receipt for a purchase that proves ownership.
- 🔋 Phone is dead during reset: connect to charging and try to log in to Recovery again.
- 🚫 Formatting error: file system may be damaged, flashing is required.
- 📶 Wi-Fi problems after reset: check the correct date and time in the settings.
💡
If a standard reset does not help eliminate glitches, the problem may lie in the hardware, for example, in the wear of flash memory, which requires repair in the service.
Data recovery after cleaning the smartphone
Once the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE has successfully reset and activated, the recovery phase begins: If you back up through Mi Cloud or Google One, the process will go through automatically when you log in, and the system will prompt you to restore apps, settings and contacts.
To recover photos and videos from the gallery, make sure that sync with Google Photos has been enabled before reset. All media files are saved to the cloud and available immediately after authorization. Local files that have not been synced, unfortunately, cannot be restored using standard methods.
It is important to check for system updates immediately after the first turn on. Since you have reset your phone to factory settings, it has a firmware version that may have been up to date at the time of production or the last update. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version to check for updates.