Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even in 2026, but over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require a complete reinstallation of the system. reset to factory settings is a universal solution for most software problems, from endless reboots to viruses and MIUI errors. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account or even “bricking” the device.
In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for the Redmi Note 9 (including the Pro, Pro Max and 9S modifications), their pros and cons, and give checklists for safe preparation. Special attention will be paid to unlocking MIUI after reset - this is the most common problem that leads to the inability to use the phone. If you are looking for a way to return the smartphone to a "clean" state without losing warranty, you are in the right place.
When do I need a Redmi Note 9 reset?
Factory resets are not a panacea, but 80 percent of the time they solve software problems, and here are the exact symptoms that you should consider:
- 🐢 Smartphone strongly slows down, applications open for a long time, animation “suppresses” even after cleaning the cache.
- 🔄 Infinite reboots (bootloop) or hanging on the logo Redmi/MIUI.
- 📱 Lock screen does not respond to password/pattern lock (but phone turns on).
- 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware that is not removed by antivirus.
- 🔧 System Errors: "Com.android.phone process stopped", "MIUI "fails" etc.
- 📦 Preparing to sell or transfer a phone to another user.
However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge (if the problem is in the battery, not in the software).
- 📡 Network problems (no signal, no Wi-Fi) – often associated with an antenna module.
- 💧 Physical damage: cracked screen, moisture ingress, contact oxidation.
⚠️ Warning: If your phone is locked through Find My Device, resetting won’t help — you’ll need to enter your Mi Account data tied to the device, otherwise the smartphone will turn into a brick".
Preparation for resetting: what to do necessarily
The bad surprise after a reset is losing photos, contacts, or important documents. To avoid this, follow 5 key steps:
- Back up. Use the built-in tool. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Backups) or third-party services: 📱 Local Copy: Save to a memory card or PC via Mi PC Suite. ☁️ Cloud: Sync contacts, notes and photos with Mi Cloud or Google account.
Mi Account
Xiaomi
Charge the battery at least 50%.
non-inclusive
Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone).
Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
Prepare the unlocking tools.
Mi Account
Mi Unlock Tool
Make a backup copy of the data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge the phone. ≥50%|Delete your Google account (if necessary)|Download Mi Unlock Tool (in case of lockdown)-->
If you reset your phone before selling, make sure to log out of all accounts:
- Go to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
- Delete your Mi Account, Google Account and other linked services.
- Turn off Find My Device in the security settings.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
- Select Resetting → Erase all data.
- If requested PIN-code or password - enter it.
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.
It takes 5-10 minutes, and after you restart, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like you did after you bought it.
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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will tell you the right way.
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| ✅ No need for PC or additional tools | ❌ It won’t help if you forget your screen password. |
| ✅ Saves the data on SD-map | ❌ It may not work for serious mistakes. MIUI |
| ✅ Minimum risk of “bricking" | ❌ Requires a working touchscreen |
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the Redmi Note 9 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a password, Recovery mode will help, which works even with damaged firmware, but requires care.
Instructions:
- Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Press the button combination: For Redmi Note 9/9S: Power button + Volume up. For Redmi Note 9 Pro/Pro Max: Power button + Volume up + Volume down (hold 5-7 seconds).
MI
Recovery
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Confirm
Reboot
Reboot to System
If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
- 🔹 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
- 🔹 The second point is the power off (Power Off).
- 🔹 The third item is reset (Wipe Data).
What happens if Recovery does not open?
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting via Recovery, you may have a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is tied to Mi Account, and you will need to enter a login / password to continue!
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method is used if:
- 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
- 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons, but is determined by the PC.
- 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
The work will require:
- 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
- 📄 Redmi Note 9 firmware (the version should match your model!).
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB and Fastboot drivers: Download Mi Phone Manager from the official website – it will automatically install the desired drivers.
Mi Flash Tool
- Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- Press Refresh – the program must identify the phone.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
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If the phone is faster after reset, but the battery is discharged faster, perform a battery calibration: completely discharge the smartphone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.