How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why a factory reset may be necessary

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in three cases: before selling the device, in critical system failures or after unsuccessful experiments with firmware.

It’s important to understand that Hard Reset is not a panacea for all problems, and it won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on due to hardware problems (such as a damaged motherboard or battery), but it does work well on software problems such as endless reboots, hanging on the Mi logo, application errors, or slowing down due to overcrowded memory. On the Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SS, M2003J15SC, and other modifications), the procedure is done in the same way, but with nuances depending on the MIUI version.

Before you start, check if the problems are due to simple reasons: a crowded cache (cleared in Settings → Storage), conflicting applications or outdated firmware. If so, try first to update the system through Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

A reset without preparation can result in the loss of important data.

Create a backup of contacts (export to Google Account or SIM-map)

Save photos/videos to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)

Record logins/passwords from accounts (especially from Mi Account)

Ensure that the battery is >50% (to avoid shutting down during the process)

Delete the memory card (if used) – the data on it is not affected, but it is better to be safe-->

Pay special attention to Mi Account. If you forget your password and your phone has a Xiaomi account binding enabled, the device may be locked after the reset, requiring you to enter your account details. This is protection against theft, but it also creates problems for legitimate owners. Check the binding status in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Device Security.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 9 is installed custom TWRP Recovery or root rights, resetting through the standard menu can result in a "brick" (inoperability) of the device. TWRP.

Also note that after the reset:

• 📱 Remove all installed applications (including banking and instant messengers).
• 🔑 Will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and data about connected devices (earphones, smart watches).
• ⚙️ Standard wallpaper, sounds and screen settings will return.
• 📡 Mobile network parameters may be reset (APN), If they have been changed manually.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch. It does not require a computer or additional tools. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 on the Redmi Note 9:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (in some versions Additional → Resetting).
4. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code/pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (or similar button).

It takes 3-10 minutes. The phone will reboot several times, and then the screen of the initial settings will appear, as after the purchase. If at this stage there is an error "failed to reset", try alternative methods.

💡

If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic — wait 15-20 minutes. App optimization is possible (typical for the first launches after Hard Reset).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require a PC or cable.
• ✅ Keeps working MIUI (No risk of damaging the firmware).
• ✅ Suitable for beginners.

⚠️ Note: If the device protection feature is enabled on the phone (in some regional versions) MIUI), After reset, you may need to enter a password from a previously linked Mi or Google account!

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

If the Redmi Note 9 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode, which works even without access to the main system.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press and hold at the same time: Power button Volume Up

Hold on until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

On the Redmi Note 9 with a bootloader, resetting via Recovery does not delete data from the /data/media partition.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and a bootloader that is useful if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Forgotten. PIN-code and Mi Account is not tied.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 📦 Fastboot Firmware Archive for Redmi Note 9 (download from Xiaomi official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot mode (there will be a picture of a hare in a hat-eared).
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\ROM\merlin).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (full reset) or Save User Data (save user files).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool is a "Cannot receive hello packet" error, try it.

• 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable (use the port) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔧 Reinstall drivers ADB via Device Manager.
• 📥 Download a different firmware version (e.g. Global Stable instead of China).

⚠️ Warning: Continuous interruption of the firmware process via Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI (In this case, the phone will lose access to mobile networks. Recovery will require specialized software (for example, for the first time, SN Writer Tool and authorization in Mi Account.

Through the settings menu

Through Recovery Mode

Fastboot/Mi Flash Tool

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Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them:

1. Try to restore your password through the official website.
2. If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner for an unbundling.
3. In extreme cases, use the Mi Account bypass via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader and technical skills).

💡

If the phone is slower than before the reset, that's OK, MIUI is optimized within 24 to 48 hours of first turning on, and give the device time to "set up" the background.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven’t made a backup in advance, the chances of returning the data depend on the type of reset:

• 📱 Reset via the settings menu: data is deleted irrevocably (unless Mi Cloud was used).
• 🔧 Recovery Reset: Sometimes files stay in the folder /data/media/0, But access to them is possible only through ADB or TWRP.
• 💻 Fastboot firmware: data is erased completely, recovery is possible only with specialized tools (for example, Dr.Fone), but without warranty.

To recover from backup:

1. When you first turn on after reset, select Restore from a copy.
2. Sign in to Mi Account or Google where the copy is saved.
3. Select the desired reservation date and wait for completion.

If the copy is not restored:

• 🔄 Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi).
• 🔧 Make sure the version MIUI The same as the one on which the copy was created.
• 📥 Try downloading a copy manually through Mi Cloud on PC.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions