How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9A to factory settings: a detailed guide

Why would you want to reset the Redmi 9A?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9A 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 β€œout of the box” state, most often in three cases:

First, if the smartphone started to slow down or spontaneously restart after the MIUI update. System failures after updates are a common problem, especially on budget models like the Redmi 9A, where limited RAM (2-3 GB) does not always cope with new versions of the firmware. Second, reset helps remove viruses or malware that are not removed by antiviruses. Finally, this is a mandatory step before selling or transferring the phone to another user to protect personal data.

It's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea. If the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (such as a broken screen, a broken speaker or a charging connector), going back to the factory settings will not help. In such cases, repairs are required at the service center, and you should also consider that after the reset you will have to reconfigure everything from connecting to Wi-Fi to synchronizing accounts.

πŸ“Š Why do you want to lose Redmi? 9A?
The device is braking.
I'm getting ready to sell.
Remove viruses
Another reason.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to the loss of important data or even locking the device after the procedure.

Backup your data | Make sure you have a battery charge (>50%) | Delete your Xiaomi account (if you plan to sell) | Remember your Google account passwords-->

First and foremost, you save all the important data, and the reset removes photos, contacts, messages, notes, and files from your internal memory, and you can use backups to do this.

  • πŸ“± MIUI Cloud – built-in cloud storage from Xiaomi (available 5 GB for free).
  • πŸ–₯️ Google Drive or Google Photos – to synchronize contacts, calendars and media.
  • πŸ’» Local copy on PC - via wired connection (in file transfer mode).
  • πŸ”„ Third-party applications like Titanium Backup (require root rights).

Pay special attention to your Xiaomi account, and if you forget your password and your phone is linked to your account, when you reset, your device may need to enter your Mi Account Lock, which is anti-theft protection, but it can also be a problem if you don't remember the login details, to avoid locking:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi account.
  2. Make sure you remember your email and password.
  3. If you plan to sell your phone, delete your account through Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Delete your account.

⚠️ Note: If you delete your Xiaomi account but leave a linked Google account, after the reset, the phone may require you to enter data from the last Google account you use (FRP-Write down your username and password in advance!

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

This is the safest and most recommended method if the phone is turned on and responsive to touch.It requires no additional tools and is suitable for most users.The instruction is relevant for the Redmi 9A on any version of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14).

To perform the discharge:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the About Phone section.
  3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI, this option may be called Reset and Reset).
  4. Smash all data (reset to factory settings).
  5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
  6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

The process will take 5 to 15 minutes, and when it is completed, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to go through the initial setup, as after purchase. If at this stage the device requires data input from your Xiaomi or Google account, use the logins and passwords stored in advance.

πŸ’‘

If the phone hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic – wait 10-15 minutes. If the freeze continues, try the Recovery method (described below).

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

If Redmi 9A It doesn't respond to touch, it freezes on the logo, or it doesn't load beyond the lock screen, so you'll have to use Recovery mode, which is also useful if you've forgotten your pattern lock or if you've lost your key. PIN-However, it requires care - wrong actions can lead to loss of access to the device.

To enter Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press and hold the buttons at the same time: Volume up (+) + Power for standard Recovery. Volume down (-) + Power for transition to Fastboot (if the first method did not work).

Mi

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button to confirm the selection are controlled.

  1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in some versions).
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
  3. Once you have finished cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: Recovery Mode Redmi 9A It can be displayed in Chinese. If you see characters, look at the location of the dots: πŸ”Ή The third item on top is usually Wipe Data. πŸ”Ή The first item is Reboot. Don't choose Wipe All or Format Data, it will lead to the removal of the firmware!

What happens if Recovery does not open?
If the phone vibrates after holding the buttons, but the menu does not appear, try: 1. Connect the charger (sometimes Recovery does not start at low charge). 2. Repeat the combination by holding the buttons strictly at the same time. 3. Use the Fastboot reset method (described below). If nothing helps, perhaps the firmware is damaged, you will need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You can't enter Recovery.
  • πŸ”„ The phone is getting stuck in boot mode (bootloop).
  • πŸ› οΈ You need to complete the cleaning before the firmware.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Fastboot utility (part of the Android SDK Platform-Tools), download it from the official Google website, and make sure that the bootloader is unlocked on the phone (if not, this method will not work).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off Redmi 9A.
  2. Press Volume Down (-) + Nutrition to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
  4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
  5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
  6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once these commands are executed, the phone will restart and start the initial setup, which deletes all user data but does not affect system files, and if the goal is to flash, you can start installing a new version of MIUI via Fastboot after resetting.

Resetting methodWhen to usePC requiredDeletes the data.Difficulty
Through settingsThe phone is stable.❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐ Very simple.
Through Recovery.The phone is not switched on or got stuck.❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐ Medium
Through Fastboot.Bootloop, firmware preparationβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐ Hardly.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi 9A will launch with a greeting screen, as after purchase, and it is important to go through the adjustment steps correctly to avoid problems in the future.

  • 🌍 Language and Region Choice: Enter Russian and Russia (or your country) to avoid app localization issues.
  • πŸ”Œ Wi-Fi Connection: Use the same network your phone connected to before the reset – this will speed up your backup recovery.
  • πŸ”‘ Account Login: If you didn't delete your Xiaomi account before reset, log in now. If you did, skip this step. Google account can be added later in the settings.
  • ☁️ Data recovery: If you have made a backup copy through MIUI Cloud or Google will offer you to restore contacts, messages and applications.

During the setup phase, don’t miss the MIUI update if the system offers it. The fresh firmware version contains bug fixes and performance improvements, which is especially important for the budget Redmi 9A.

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Include malware protection in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special rights β†’ Access to protection.
  • πŸ”‹ Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Auto-start.
  • πŸ“± Install a minimum set of applications to avoid re-clogging memory.

1. Number of background applications in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Launched.

2. availability of firmware updates.

3. State of internal memory (fullness and fragmentation).-->

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, users sometimes face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Phone Requires Password from Xiaomi Account After ResetAccount not deleted before reset, Mi Account Lock protection enabledEnter the data from the associated account. If you forgot your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com
After reset, the phone does not turn on (black screen)Discharge process interrupted or battery dischargedCharge your phone for 30 to 60 minutes, then try to turn it on. If it doesn't work, reset it over Fastboot.
Recovery displays a "No command" errorRecovery partition or incompatible version is damagedReboot your phone with the power button for 20 seconds. If the error repeats, use Fastboot.
Fastboot does not see the device (waiting for device)Drivers not installed or loader blockedInstall Mi USB Driver drivers, check bootloader unlock in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (tap 7 times)

If none of the methods worked and the phone still doesn’t work correctly, it’s possible that the problem lies in the hardware (e.g. damaged eMMC memory).In this case, contact Xiaomi service center or a qualified wizard. For Redmi 9A, internal memory repair costs 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the region).

πŸ’‘

If the IMEI is missing after the reset, don't panic, it's fixable. You can restore the IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##) or using the SN Write Tool (requires PC and root rights).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9A reset

Can I reset Redmi 9A without losing data?
No, a full factory reset always deletes user data. However, you can: Back up through Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup; Copy important files to your PC or cloud; use applications like Swift Backup. If the goal is to eliminate the brakes, try cleaning the cache in Recovery first (Wipe Cache Partition), it doesn't delete personal data.
What to do if I forgot the password from the Xiaomi account after resetting?
If the phone requires data from a Xiaomi account but you don't remember it: Go to account.xiaomi.com. click Forgot your password? and follow the instructions. If your phone number or backup email is tied, restore access through them. If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box). ⚠️ Without access to your account, it is officially impossible to unlock your phone. Don't trust the "masters" who offer to bypass protection for money - this is a fraud.
How long does it take to reset the Redmi 9A?
Time depends on the method chosen: through settings: 5-15 minutes; through Recovery: 10-20 minutes (including reboot); through Fastboot: 5-10 minutes (plus PC preparation time); if the process took more than 30 minutes, it may have failed. In this case: Turn off the phone, holding the power button for 20 seconds; Reset the reset using the chosen method; if the error repeats, try another method.
Can the reset be cancelled after it has started?
No, once the reset is confirmed, the process is irreversible. Interruption (e.g., battery extraction or forced reboot) can result in: All data loss without recovery, system file damage (bootloop), Fastboot flashing. If the reset has already begun, wait until it is completed. If the phone has got stuck during the "Reset..." stage for longer than 30 minutes, perform a forced reboot (hold the power button for 20 seconds) and repeat the procedure.
Will the reset help if Redmi 9A see SIM-map?
Resetting to factory settings will not solve the problems with SIM-map, if they are connected to: πŸ“± Hardware malfunction (damaged slot or antenna). πŸ” Software failure IMEI (Recovery is required through the Engineering Menu). πŸ“‘ Blocking the operator (for example, if the phone is tied to a specific provider) SIM-The card is not determined before reset, first check: Does it work? SIM The cleanliness of the contacts in the slot (wipe carefully with alcohol) Network settings in Settings β†’ SIM-If there's a problem, call the service center.