Hard Resets on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S: 3 working ways to reset to factory settings

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S to factory settings (hard reset) is a forced measure when the smartphone starts to brake, emit errors or requires a complete cleanup before selling.The procedure removes all data from internal memory, including applications, accounts and media files, returning the device to the state “out of the box”. However, not all users are aware that an improper reset can lead to blocking MI-account or damage to system files.

In this article, you will find 3 proven methods of performing hard reset on the Redmi Note 9S (codename curtana), including reset via Recovery Mode, settings menu and using Fastboot. We will take a detailed look at each step, point out typical errors and give recommendations for data retention. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires unlocking, here you will find a solution.

⚠️ Important: Remove before resetting SIM-microSD card and memory card: In rare cases, the procedure can cause damage to them due to formatting errors.

1.When do you need a hard reset on the Redmi Note 9S?

A complete reset is not a universal solution to all problems, but in some cases it is really necessary.

• 🐢 Smartphone strongly slows down, applications constantly fly out or freeze even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔒 You forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Lock screen code or password (but remember the MI-account data).
• 📱 The device got stuck on the Xiaomi logo or in endless boot after a failed update.
• 🛒 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).
• 🔄 After firmware through Fastboot, system errors occurred (for example, communication is lost or sensors are not working).

Resetting will not help if the problem is related to physical damage (such as a broken screen, a faulty battery or a flooded motherboard).

Also note: if you reset your phone due to MI-account lock, after the procedure you will need to enter the account details of Xiaomi associated with the device. Without this, you will not be able to unlock the Redmi Note 9S!

Preparation for resetting: how to save important data?

Hard Reset permanently deletes all data from internal memory, including photos, videos, contacts and messages. If the phone is still responding to commands, make sure to back up.

• 📸 Media files: photos and videos from the gallery (folders) DCIM and Pictures).
• 📞 Contacts: Export them to the file VCF sync with your Google Account.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore to save SMS/MMS.
• 🎮 Application Data: Save game files (for example, through Google Play Games or Helium).
• 📝 Notes and documents: Copy files from Documents and Downloads folders.

Methods of backup:

If the phone is locked and does not respond to touch, try connecting it to the PC via a touch. USB-You can use the cable and copy files manually, sometimes it helps. MTP (Media Transfer Protocol, even if the screen is inactive.

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Cloud for backup, make sure there is enough space on your account. If you exceed the limit, the old data will be automatically deleted to make room for new ones!

3. Method 1: Hard Resets via the Settings menu (if the phone is running)

This is the safest and easiest method to use if you have a Redmi Note. 9S It's activated and it responds to commands. MIUI 12–14.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → General settings.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-lock screen code or password (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.

If the menu does not have Resets, try an alternative path:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

⚠️ Note: Some firmware after a reset may require re-activation of the device via MI-account, even if you haven't used it before!

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If the phone is slowing down and does not allow you to open the settings, try to start the reset in safe mode. To do this, hold the power button, then select "Reboot in safe mode" with a long press.

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

If the Redmi Note 9S is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is blocked, a reset via Recovery Mode will help. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires accuracy.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select the Wipe Data option → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 The third point is Wipe Data (data cleanup).
• 🔄 The last item is Reboot to System.

If the phone is stuck in the reset phase for longer than 30 minutes, remove the battery (if possible) or hold the power button for 20 seconds to force a reset.

5. Method 3: Hard Resets via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is damaged or not opened.
• 📥 You need to flash your phone after an unsuccessful update.
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader before resetting.

The work will require:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 5-10 seconds. A rabbit in a fastboot mode will appear on the screen.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be reset to factory settings. If you want a full flashing, instead of the last command, use:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data without recovery. If you make a mistake with the command (for example, you entered fastboot erase system), the phone may stop loading!

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if the first two methods fail or you need to flash the device again.

Possible errors and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

If the phone does not turn on after reset or if it gives an error "This device is locked", then FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection is activated.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Enter the data from the Google account that was synced to the device.
3. If you don’t remember your account, use Google’s recovery service.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory).

7. What to do after a hard reset?

After a successful reset of the Redmi Note 9S, you will need an initial setup.

• 🔄 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest security patches.
• 🔒 Set up the screen lock: we recommend using PIN-pattern lock (fingerprint is configured later).
• ☁️ Recover data: Connect to Google Account or Mi Cloud to sync contacts and apps.
• 🛡️ Disable unnecessary services: Go to Settings → Annexes → Auto-start and prohibit the auto-boot of unnecessary programs.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: after resetting, discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions.

If you sell a phone, don't restore your accounts.

1. Create a new Google account (e.g. temp@gmail.com).
2. Log in on your phone and perform the initial setup.
3. Delete your account before transferring the device to the buyer.

This will prevent the device from being tied to your main account and make it easier to set up for the new owner.

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After reset, check the basic functions: the camera, speakers, microphone and sensors. If something doesn't work, the firmware may not be installed correctly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hard reset on Redmi Note 9S