How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9A to Factory Settings: The Complete 2026 Guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9A to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing critical system failures. This budget smartphone, released in 2020, is still popular due to its reliability, but even it is not immune to software problems. Hanging, slow operation, inability to update or a forgotten pattern lock – all this is solved by a complete reset.

However, an incorrect reset can lead to MI-account locking, loss of important data, or even a “brick” device, and in this article we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery, and Fastboot), and how to avoid typical errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with Redmi. 9A — For example, why this phone doesn’t have a hard reset via a button combination (unlike the newer Xiaomi models).

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, a reset will delete all your accounts, photos and apps. If the goal is to troubleshoot, try less radical methods first: cleaning the cache, updating the software or removing problematic applications. In some cases, even a simple reboot helps - press the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the device to turn off and on.

Before you start, check the battery charge - it must be at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can lead to serious consequences, up to the need to flash through the device. EDL-Also backup your important data, contacts, photos and documents, and you can use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or a physical connection to your computer.

1. Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The easiest and safest way to return the Redmi 9A to factory settings is to use the built-in menu, which is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the unlock password, the main advantage is that there is minimal error risk, since the process is controlled by the system.

To get started, open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen) and go to About Phone. Here tap Reset, then select Erase all data (the factory reset). PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.

Once confirmed, the deletion process will begin, and it will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of information on the device, the phone will reboot several times, don't interrupt the process even if the screen goes out for a long time, and when you finish, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you buy it.

• ✅ Pros of the method: does not require a computer, minimal error risk, retains the ability to unlock through Mi-account.
• ❌ Cons: it will not help if the password is forgotten or the phone is not turned on.
• ℹ️ Important: if the device protection function is enabled on the phone (in the security settings), after reset, you will need to enter the Mi-account data that was previously tied.

Battery charge ≥50%|Data backup created|Extracted. SIM-card and memory card (optional)|Remembered. PIN-code-->

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the Redmi 9A doesn't turn on, is stuck on the logo or locked with a pattern lock, you'll have to use Recovery mode. Unlike the new Xiaomi models, where you need to keep Power + Volume up to enter Recovery, the Redmi 9A has a different combination, which is due to the features of the MediaTek Helio G25 hardware platform.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Power and Volume buttons up at the same time.
3. When the Redmi logo appears on the screen, release the power button, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.
4. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data) and then Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Attention: Recovery Redmi 9A doesn't have touch controls, just volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for confirmation of selection. If the menu is in Chinese, focus on English-language tips or icons.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was enabled Mi-account, after reset via Recovery, you will need to enter the username and password from it. Without this data, the phone will become a “brick” – you can unlock it only through the official Xiaomi service.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot reset is the most radical method that can be used if the first two fails, requiring a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and basic command line knowledge, which deletes all data without recovery, including system files, so it should only be used as a last resort.

First, download and install:

• 🖥️ Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot from Google.
• 🔌 Drivers for MediaTek (if Windows does not recognize the phone).
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).

Follow the instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9A.
2. Press Volume Down + Power and hold until a screen labeled Fastboot and a picture of a hare in a cap appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and go to the Platform Tools folder.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), enter the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

On the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12 firmware and later, the fastboot erase userdata may not work due to rollback protection, in which case you will need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect use of Fastboot can cause damage to the bootloader. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center. Also remember that after resetting via Fastboot, the phone will require authorization to Mi-account if it was previously enabled.

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-cable.

3. Enable debugging by USB In the developer settings (if the phone is turned on).-->

4 Unlocking Mi-account after reset

One of the most common problems after a Redmi 9A reset is a Mi-account request, which is a theft protection that is activated if a Xiaomi account is attached to your phone, you can't go beyond the activation screen without entering your login and password. If you forget the data, there are several ways to solve it:

Official method:

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com and restore access via email or phone number.
• 📧 If you have a mailbox attached, check the Spam folder – a recovery code email could have gotten there.
• 📞 If recovery through the site does not work, contact Xiaomi support (Unlock Mi Account section) and provide proof of device ownership (checks, box, IMEI).

Informal methods (risky):

• 🔓 Use of bypass scripts (for example, through SP Flash Tool for MediaTek.This requires technical skills and can lead to blocking IMEI.
• 🛠️ Contacting informal service centers that offer unlocking for a fee.Risk: fraud or phone damage.

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If you buy a Redmi 9A with your hands, be sure to check if the Mi-account is untied from the device. ask the seller to do a reset with you and make sure the phone doesn't require authorization after the reboot.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When you reset the Redmi 9A, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to fix them:

Error 1: The phone doesn’t leave Fastboot mode after the fastboot reboot command.

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-cable – it must support data transmission (not all charging cables are suitable).
• 🖥️ Reinstall MediaTek drivers manually.
• 🔄 Try fastboot continue instead of reboot.

Error 2: After resetting via Recovery, the phone requires a password, but you didn't set it.

• 🔐 This means that the phone has been turned on Mi-account. Restore access to it (see section 4).
• 📱 If you bought your phone from hand, contact the previous owner.

Error 3: Resetting through settings is interrupted at the Preparation for Reset stage.

• 🔋 Battery charge less than 50% – charge your phone.
• 🗑️ Not enough memory space – delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card.
• 🛠️ File system damaged - try resetting via Recovery.

Error 4: After resetting, the phone will not turn on (black screen).

• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 minutes - it's possible the battery is completely discharged during the process.
• 🔄 Try Forced Reboot: Hold on to Power + Volume up 15-20 seconds.
• 📱 If nothing works, you will need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

6. Data retention prior to resetting

Resetting to factory settings removes all user information, including:

• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery.
• 🎵 Music and uploaded files.
• 📱 Application settings and games.
• 🔑 Saved passwords in the browser.

To avoid data loss, use one of the backup methods:

Method 1: Mi Cloud

• 🌐 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 Enable synchronization for the desired data (contacts, notes, photos).
• 📱 Make sure you have a backup (check the date of last sync).

Method 2: Google Account

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Google.
• 🔄 Select data for synchronization (contacts, calendar, Chrome).
• 📤 Click Sync Now.

Method 3: Local copy on PC

• 🖥️ Get Redmi on board. 9A computer-to-computer USB.
• 📁 Select the file transfer mode (MTP).
• 📂 Copy important files from folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads), Pictures.

⚠️ Note: Backups via Mi Cloud and Google are not saved SMS, Call history and some application settings. Use specialized programs to save them, such as: SMS Backup & Restore.

7. Alternatives to total dumping

Before resorting to radical measures, try less destructive methods of troubleshooting:

Problem: The phone is slowing down or getting stuck

• 🧹 Clear the cache: go to Settings → Memory. → Cleaning and removing unnecessary files.
• 🗑️ Remove Unused Applications: Settings → Annexes → Delete.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Safe Mode. If the problem has disappeared, one of the installed applications is to blame.

Problem: Lack of memory

• 📁 Transfer files to memory card: Settings → Memory. → Data portability.
• 🗃️ Use cloud storage (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
• 🔍 Check the Downloads folder – often unnecessary files accumulate there.

Problem: Sensor or buttons are not working

• 🔋 Check the battery power – sometimes when the charge is low, the sensor behaves incorrectly.
• 🛠️ Reset the sensor settings: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Resetting sensor settings.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Problem: Forgotten pattern lock

• 🔑 Try to unlock with Mi-account (5 attempts) → "Forgot the password" button?").
• 📞 If the phone number is tied, request the unlock code through SMS.
• 🖥️ Use reset via Recovery (see Section 2).

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If the problem is caused by a virus or malware, instead of resetting, try scanning your phone with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9A reset