How to reset Xiaomi Mi9 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi9, released in 2019, is still a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware and current updates. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires a complete reboot before selling. Hard reset is a universal solution for such cases, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for the Mi9 (including the Mi9 SE and Mi9 Pro models), their pros and cons, and give a checklist for preparing the device.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi Mi9 to factory settings?

Resetting is not always a necessity, sometimes it can be solved less radically, and here are situations where hard reset is really justified:

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps constantly “fly out” and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and other unlocking methods did not work.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring a smartphone to another user (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).
• 🤖 After a failed update MIUI Critical errors (e.g., infinite boot or bootloop»).
• 📡 Network problems: the phone does not catch mobile Internet or Wi-Fi, although on other devices everything works.

However, there are cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:

• ⚡ Battery swollen or phone does not turn on due to hardware breakdown.
• 📵 Problems with the communication module (for example, does not work) SIM-card due to damaged slot).
• 🔧 Smartphone "locked" by the operator (requires a break, not a reset).

⚠️ Attention: If you are resetting Mi9 Before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the phone, it will be blocked by the protection system Xiaomi!

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the dawn

The factory reset removes ALL of the phone's internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and even some system settings.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Record or photograph logins/passwords from accounts

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Make sure you know the data from your Mi Account (if linked)

Download the necessary firmware (if you plan to reset via Fastboot)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Here's how to do it as quickly as possible:

• 📁 Photo and video: Use Google Photos or Mi Cloud (if there is space). Alternatively, connect your phone to your PC and copy the folder DCIM.
• 📞 Contacts: Export to Google Contacts or File VCF via Contact → Settings → Exports.
• 💬 Messages: Applications like SMS Backup & Restore will keep the story alive. SMS cloudy.
• 🎮 Gaming progress: Link your gaming accounts to Google Play or social media.

If you are using Mi Cloud, check that backup is created: go to Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud Account → Backup. Note: Xiaomi’s free cloud only gives 5 GB – with a lot of data, you will have to pay for expansion or use alternatives.

⚠️ Attention: If Mi9 custom recapable (for example, TWRP), Resetting through the standard Recovery menu can result in loss of access to encrypted data. In this case, use only the method through Fastboot or pre-decrypt the partition. /data.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

If the phone turns on and you remember the password, it's the safest and fastest method. MIUI 12/13/14:

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.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock (if requested).
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

After the reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it.If the phone doesn't turn on beyond the logo after you reset, try the methods in the following sections.

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If the Mi9 asks you to enter the old password after resetting, even though you did not set it, it means that the Recovery PIN was previously activated, in which case only the Fastboot reset (mode 3) will help.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Mi9 is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touches, or you've forgotten your password, Recovery Mode will help.This method works even without a PC connection, but requires physical access to the phone's buttons.

Instructions:

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 and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 🧹 — This is Wipe Data.
• 🔄 — It's Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Mi9 You may need to enter your Mi Account password in the Recovery menu, even if you don't remember it. This is anti-theft protection. If you haven't linked your account, skip this step. If you have, but you forgot your data, use the instructions in the Recovery menu. FAQ.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and is suitable for the most difficult cases:

• The phone doesn't respond to the buttons.
• Forgot the password from Mi Account.
• The firmware is damaged (for example, after an unsuccessful update).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 📄 Firmware for Mi9 (Choose the Fastboot version instead of Recovery!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power and connect the USB cable to your PC. Hold the buttons until the screen with the hare in the Fastboot Mode appears.
3. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mi9_fastboot).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. Connect your phone to your PC (if not determined, install Qualcomm drivers).
6. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once reset via Fastboot, the phone will be like new — with stock firmware and no binding to Mi Account (unless you restore a backup with your account).

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bypass Mi Account lock if you forget your account details, but after the procedure, the phone may need to be re-activated via the Internet (be sure to connect to Wi-Fi during the setup phase).

What to do after resetting Xiaomi Mi9?

After a successful reset, the phone will launch with a welcome screen.

• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi (required to activate Google and Mi services).
• 🔑 Set up a new one. PIN-code or pattern lock (do not use simple combinations!).
• ☁️ Sign in to Mi Account (if you plan to use the cloud) or skip this step.
• 📲 Restore data from backup (if it was created).
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.

If you dropped your phone before selling:

• Do not restore backup copies.
• Don't log into Mi Account.
• Select Settings as a new device.

After reset, several typical problems may occur:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Xiaomi Mi9, and here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the phone turns off during reset, it could damage the firmware. charge at least up to 50% before the procedure.
• 🔒 Forgotten Mi Account: If the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, you will need to enter a login / password after the reset. Write down the data in advance or untie the account before the reset.
• 📱 Wrong firmware: When resetting via Fastboot, use firmware specifically for your model (Mi9, Mi9 SE or Mi9 Installing the wrong version will lead to a "brick».
• 🖥️ Driver problems: If your PC doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot, install Qualcomm drivers or use another one USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Another common mistake is ignoring backups, and many users think that data will be saved automatically to the cloud, but:

• 📸 Photos in Google Photos are synced only when connected to Wi-Fi.
• 📞 Contacts will only be saved to your Google Account if sync is enabled.
• 🎮 Gaming progress is lost if not tied to social media.

⚠️ Attention: If you are resetting Mi9 With root access or custom firmware installed, after resetting via Recovery, the phone can be loaded into an endless bootloop. In this case, only a complete flashing through Fastboot will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions