How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 9C to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Why do you need to reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9C?

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9C to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, most often resorted to when the smartphone starts to “brake” after a year of active use, is stuffed with unnecessary files or catches a virus. For example, if the phone suddenly began to discharge in 3-4 hours instead of the usual 12, and cleaning the cache and removing applications does not help – hard reset can return the previous performance.

Another common reason is to prepare the device for sale. Even if you delete all photos and messages manually, personal data (logins, passwords, browser history) can remain in the system files. A full reset is guaranteed to erase everything, including hidden folders and app cache. Finally, a reset saves when the Redmi 9C "hangs" on the Mi logo after a failed update or experiments with firmware.

But it's important to understand that the procedure is irreversible. Everything from contacts to saved games will be deleted, so before you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9C, you should weigh the pros and cons, and also prepare backups.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, take a few critical steps: First, save all the data. Even if you plan to recover it later, backup will save you from losing valuable information. Use Settings → Google → Backup to synchronize contacts, calendar and some settings. Photos and videos are better copied to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).

Second, check the battery. The reset process can take 5 to 20 minutes, and if the phone runs out at that point, the risk of bricking increases. The optimal charge level is at least 50%. Also make sure you have access to the Mi Account tied to the device. After the reset, Xiaomi can request a username and password to confirm ownership.

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Save photos and videos on PC/cloud|Synchronize your contacts with Google|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

If you are resetting your phone because of a forgotten pattern lock or PIN-After the procedure, you will need to enter data from the Mi Account, which was tied to the device before the lock. 9C It will not work, it is a measure of protection against theft.

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

If the phone turns on and you remember the password, it's the best option. It doesn't require any additional tools and is minimally risky. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen), then go to About Phone. Scroll down and find Reset (some versions of MIUI may call it Recovery and Reset).

In the menu that opens, select Reset all settings. The system will prompt you to enter PIN-A code or a graphical key to confirm, and then you'll see a deletion warning -- click Reset and wait until the process is complete. The phone will reboot and return to the box-like state».

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 9C Device Protection enabled (under Security), after reset, you will need to enter the Mi Account password, even if you reset through the menu!

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the Redmi 9C doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the screensaver or you've forgotten your password, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even without access to the system, but requires precise execution of instructions. First, turn off your phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).

• 🔘 Power button (right)
• 🔼 Volume up button (top left)

Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear on the screen in English. In this menu, the volume buttons (moving up/down) and the power button (selecting an item) are controlled.

With volume buttons, select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on some versions), then confirm the choice with the power button. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data and confirm again. The process will take a few minutes. Once complete, go back to the main Recovery menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the location of the items: usually Wipe Data is the third or fourth on top. To switch the language, in some versions of Recovery, you can click on the globe icon in the upper right corner.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9C With an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can result in data loss on internal memory without recovery. If you previously unlocked the bootloader to install custom firmware, use this method only as a last resort.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if phone is stolen or lost)

If the Redmi 9C is lost or stolen and you want to remotely erase your data, use Mi Cloud, which only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi)
• 🔒 It has synchronization with Mi Account enabled.
• 🔋 The device is charged (or connected to a charger)

Go to i.mi.com and log in to the same account that is associated with Redmi 9C. In Devices, find your phone and select Find the Device option. The system will show the last known location (if GPS is enabled) and suggest actions: Block, Erase Data, or Sound Signal.

Click Delete and confirm the action. Note that after that all files will be deleted and the phone will return to the factory settings. However, if the attacker turns off the Internet on the device before the command is executed, the reset will not work, in which case you only need to contact the police with the IMEI of the phone (you can recognize it from the box or check).

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Remote reset via Mi Cloud is the only way to erase data from a lost phone, but it only works when an active internet connection is on the device.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and one of the most common is hanging on the Mi logo after resetting, which can happen if you interrupt the reset process (for example, due to a dead battery) or if the phone's firmware is damaged, in which case resetting via Recovery or flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

Another mistake is asking for a password from Mi Account after you reset, even if you don't remember it. This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection. If you forget your account information, you can restore access through account.xiaomi.com by providing your linked email or phone number. If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner.

Another typical situation: after the Redmi reset 9C see SIM-card or not connected to Wi-Fi. This is usually solved by updating the firmware to the latest version through Settings → Update the system. If the problem persists, check if it's damaged. SIM-map or communication module (for example, after a phone crash).

What to do after resetting: setting up Redmi 9C from scratch

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial setup mode, as after buying. First, select the language (Russian is recommended), region (Russia or your country), and connect to Wi-Fi. Then the system will prompt you to log in to Mi Account — if you reset the phone for sale, this step can be skipped. If this is your device, log in to restore backups.

In the Data Recovery phase, you can choose to restore from Google Drive or Mi Cloud (if you have backups). Note that applications and their data will not be fully restored - some games or messengers will require re-authorization. Once you set the basic parameters (date, time, fingerprint), the phone will be ready to use.

To avoid future problems, we recommend:

• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system
• 📱 Set a strong password or pattern lock (but remember it!)
• ☁️ Enable automatic backup in Mi Cloud or Google
• 🛡️ Activate Device Protection in Security Settings

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If the phone is slower than before after reset, check the animation settings. Go to Settings → About Phone, press 5 times on the MIUI version to open Developer Mode. Then in Additional → For developers, reduce the animation to 0.5x.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Redmi 9C Reset