Hard Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 ways to completely reset + reinstatement

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to problems: freezes, errors after an update or a forgotten password. In such cases, a hard reset (full reset to factory settings) becomes the only solution. However, an improperly executed procedure can turn the phone into a “brick” or lead to the loss of important data.

In this article you will find 3 Proven ways to make a hard reset on Redmi 9 (including Redmi models 9A/9C/9T), And we'll also learn how to prepare for a reset, what mistakes users make most, and what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after the procedure. We'll look at both the software methods through the menu and the hard ones, using physical buttons and PCs.

Important: instructions adapted to current versions MIUI 12/13/14 It also takes into account the features of the MediaTek Helio processor. G35/G80, which is used in the Redmi line 9. If your phone is running on a different chipset (like Snapdragon), some steps may be different – we’ll mention that too.

What is Hard Reset and When You Need It

Hard reset (from English. hard reset) is a complete reset of the smartphone to the factory settings, in which the following are deleted:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 🔑 Passwords, fingerprints, graphic keys
• 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, documents) – if there was no backup
• 🔄 System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, display)
• 📶 Account data (Google, Mi Account, social networks)

The difference from reset software is that hard reset erases all data from internal memory, whereas soft reboot simply updates the system without loss.

Warning: if you forget the data from Mi Account and the phone is enabled Find Device, after a hard reset, Mi Cloud lock may work. In this case, you can unlock Redmi 9 only through the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 models with MediaTek processor may require re-authorization to Mi Account after a hard reset via Recovery to unlock the bootloader. If you do not remember the username / password, first restore access to account.xiaomi.com.

Preparing for hard reset: 5 mandatory steps

Before you reset Redmi 9, follow these steps to avoid data loss and activation issues:

Backup of important data|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Memorize data from Mi Account and Google|Untie Bank Cards and Accounts|Delete SIM-card and memory card (if any)-->

1. Backup

Use the built-in Settings function → The phone. → Backup or third-party services:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud – saves contacts, notes, photos (up to 5 GB free)
• 📱 Google Drive – Reserves applications, SMS, wifi settings
• 💻 PC through USB — Copy files manually (photos, videos, documents)

2. Battery charge

If the phone runs out during a reset, it could damage system files and "brick" the device. Charge Redmi 9 minimum 50%, better yet 100%. If the phone does not turn on - connect to the charger on 15-20 minutes before the procedure.

3. Account data

Take a note or a picture of:

• 🔐 Login and password from Mi Account (if you forgot - restore the site)
• 🔑 Data from Google Account (required after reset to activate)
• 💳 Passwords from banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.)

4. Removal SIM and SD-map

Hard reset does not affect external drives, but it is better to remove them in advance to avoid accidental formatting. SIM or SIM + microSD.

5. Device uncoupling

If you used Redmi 9 for login services (such as Mi Home for smart devices or Google Authenticator), untie it in advance.

Yeah, I did it myself)|Yeah, but I had to go to the service.|No, I'm afraid to break something.|No, there was no need.-->

Method 1: Hard Resets via the settings menu (if the phone is running)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it is only available if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember the unlock password (or it is not set)
• 🔋 The battery charge is quite high (from 30%)

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. The system will prompt you to enter a password (if it is set). After confirmation, click Reset settings.
5. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes a lot of time). 2-5 The phone will restart and start setting up as new.

What to do if there is no reset menu?

In some regional firmware Redmi 9, the reset option may be hidden.

1. Open Settings → Additional (or Special Options)
2. Find the Developer section (if not, activate the Developer mode by clicking 7 times on the Version) MIUI phone).
3. Enable the Unlock option OEM (If you have one, then try again.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 with MediaTek Helio processor G35 After resetting through the menu, you may need to re-assign Mi Account to unlock the bootloader.If you do not remember your account details, use the method via Recovery Mode (described below).

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If after resetting the phone asks you to enter the old password, and you do not remember it, connect to Wi-Fi and use the function Forgot the password? in the input window.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode (volume buttons + power)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔒 Phone locked (forgot password)
• 🤖 The system does not boot (hangs on the Mi logo)
• 📱 The screen doesn’t respond to touch, but the buttons work.

Instructions for Redmi 9 (MediaTek Helio G35/G80):

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press both Power and Loudness up (on some models – Volume down).
3. Hold the buttons. 10-15 A few seconds before the Mi logo and the Recovery menu appear.
4. In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power to select.
5. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Important nuances:

• 🔄 On Redmi 9 with MediaTek, the Recovery menu can be in Chinese).
• 🔋 If the phone is dead during the process, connect the charger and try again.
• 📱 After resetting via Recovery, the first run can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?

If the phone vibrates after holding the buttons, but the menu does not appear:

• Try another combination: Nutrition + Loudness down.
• Connect your phone to charge and try again.
• If the screen is black but the phone is vibrating, the display may be damaged, in which case connect the device to the PC and use Method 3 (via the Mi Flash Tool).

Method 3: Hard Resets via PC (Mi Flash Tool for “brick” phones)

This method is needed if:

• 💀 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔧 Firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed update)
• 🖥️ You need to flash the phone from scratch (for example, to remove viruses)

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (64-bit)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set)
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 9 (download from the official Xiaomi website)
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here)
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if you are running the unofficial version)

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers: Download and install Mi Phone Manager (automatically install the drivers you want) or manually install MediaTek drivers through Device Manager (if the PC doesn’t recognize the phone).
2. Download the firmware: Choose the version for your model: Redmi 9 (Lancelot – firmware for MediaTek Helio G80 Redmi 9A/9C (dandelion - firmware for Helio G35 Redmi 9T (Lime - firmware for Snapdragon 662

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:

Turn off Redmi 9, then press the Volume down + Power before the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode.

Please use the Mi Flash Tool:

Open the program, press Select, and select the firmware folder. Then press Refresh, your phone should appear in the list. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

Wait until it's finished:

The process will take 5-10 When it's over, the phone automatically restarts.

⚠️ Note: If you are running Redmi 9 with the bootloader locked, the Mi Flash Tool may give you an Anti Rollback error. In this case: Use the firmware of the same or newer version that was installed earlier. If the error is repeated, unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you will need a tied Mi Account).

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The firmware via the Mi Flash Tool erases all data without recovery, including: IMEI If the network is missing after the procedure, check it out. IMEI in #06# and restore it through the engineering menu if necessary (#4636##*).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

How to recover data after a hard reset?

If you haven’t made a backup, the chances of returning files are minimal, but you can try:

• 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (only if the phone is defined as a storage device).
• 📱 Cloud services: Check Mi Cloud or Google Photos – there may be copies.
• 💾 Memory card: If the files were on SD-card, connect it to the PC through the card reader.

What if Hard Reset didn't help?

If after reset problems remain (the phone brakes, does not turn on, overheats), perhaps the reason is:

• 🔋 Faulty battery – check for bloating or wear (via ##4636## → Battery information).
• 🛠️ Damaged motherboard – requires diagnosis in the service center.
• 🦠 Viruses in firmware - run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions