The Android operating system can accumulate software errors over time, which manifest themselves in slowing down the interface or sudden reboots of the device. Smartphone owners often face the need to return the gadget to a factory state to eliminate software failures or prepare the device for sale. The data cleanup procedure on the Redmi Note 9 is a standard operation, but requires attention to detail so as not to lose important information.
There are several methods for doing this, each suited to a specific situation, from a standard settings menu to deep cleaning through recovery mode. Choosing the right algorithm depends on whether the user has access to the system or the device is locked. In any case, a complete reset is a radical but effective solution to most software problems.
Before we take action, we need to understand that the result is the removal of all user information, including photos, contacts, installed applications and saved passwords, which is irreversible without a pre-created backup of data on an external medium or in the cloud, and then we will look at all the options available and the nuances of their implementation.
Preparing the device for data cleaning
The initial phase is critical, because it is the key to keeping your personal files safe, and the first step is to back up all your important information, so you can use MIUI's built-in tools to copy it to an SD card or external computer, or use Google One's cloud service.
Be sure to check the battery level. The process of erasing data and reinstalling system files requires stable power. If the charge falls below the critical mark during the operation, this can damage the system partition and the inability to continue turning on the smartphone.
- 📱 Backup your contacts, photos and messages to a memory card or cloud.
- 🔋 Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60% before the beginning of the procedure.
- 🔑 Remember or record the data from your Google and Mi Account account that is used on your device.
- 📶 Extract. SIM-microSD card and memory card, unless you plan to format them with your phone.
The Android security system has a feature of protection against theft (FRP), which requires you to enter a password from your Google account after reset. If you forget this data, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult, and it is recommended to unplug the device from your Mi Account in the settings to avoid blocking the activation.
Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest method is available to every user who has access to a smartphone desktop, using the standard interface of the MIUI operating system, ideal for routine cleaning before selling or for minor software errors.
To start, open the Settings app and look for the About Phone section. At the bottom of the screen, the Reset button will be located. When you click on it, you will be taken to the menu where the system will prompt you to select the reset type. You are interested in the Erase All Data option.
If you have bank apps installed on your phone or important data, you will need to enter your screen unlock password and possibly your Mi Account password to confirm the transaction, and after confirmation, a process that will take a few minutes will begin.
☑️ Checklist before resetting through the menu
It's important not to interrupt the process or press the buttons until the phone restarts itself. Once turned on, you'll be greeted by the screen of the initial setup, like on the new device out of the box, and all user data will have been deleted by that point.
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or not responding to touch, Recovery mode is used. This method allows you to perform Hard Reset at the hardware level, bypassing the operating system. To enter this mode on the Redmi Note 9, you need to use a combination of physical buttons.
Turn off the device completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume button until the Main Menu menu appears. The navigation is done with the volume buttons and the selection is done with the power button.
⚠️ Attention: In the Recovery menu, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical buttons. Be careful when selecting items so as not to start unnecessary processes.
Select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation — select Confirm. Once you have cleaned, select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot —> Reboot to System. The phone will restart, and the initial setup will begin.
This method is universal for all Xiaomi and Redmi models: it completely cleans the data partition, but does not affect the system partition unless changes have been made to the bootloader.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Removal of a forgotten password or pattern lock
Often users resort to a complete reset when they forget the lock password. It is worth understanding that resetting through Recovery or the settings menu (if available) will delete the password, but also delete all data. Alternative ways to save files with a forgotten password on modern versions of Android almost does not exist due to encryption.
If you've used Google's Find Device feature, you can remotely reset via your browser on your computer. Go to android.com/find, select your Redmi Note 9 device and click Clear Device. This only works if your phone is connected to the Internet.
If the phone is not connected to the network, the only thing left is the button method described above, and once turned on, the system will require you to enter the data of a Google account that was synced with the phone earlier, which is a measure of FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
| Resetting method | Access to the menu | Data retention | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Required. | I need a hand-held copy. | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | Not required | Impossible. | Medium |
| Google Find Device | Internet is required | Impossible. | Low. |
| Mi Cloud | Internet is required | Impossible. | Low. |
Possible problems and solutions
Unforeseen situations can occur during the reset process, and one of the common problems is hanging on the Mi or Android logo after the reboot, which may indicate that system files are damaged or an unsuccessful update, in which case you may need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Another problem is the Google account requirement after a reset, and if you don't remember the password, it can take time to restore access through the Google account recovery process (FRP) This is a complex technical task and often requires specialized software.
💡
If the phone warms up or discharges quickly after reset, give it 1-2 hours in the connected state.
Users may also be confronted with a message saying, “Discharge failed,” which may be due to a lack of space in the system partition or damaged memory sectors, and in such cases, it is recommended to repeat the procedure through Recovery Mode.
⚠️ Note: If after reset, the device requires a password from Mi Account that you do not remember, unlocking is possible only through the restoration of access to the official Mi Account website or if there is a check for purchase at an authorized service center.
Setting up your smartphone after resetting
Once you've completed the procedure, you'll see a welcome screen. Choose a language and connect to a Wi-Fi network. The system will offer to restore data from a backup. If you've created a backup in the Google or Mi Cloud cloud, just log in to your account, and contacts, apps, and settings will be downloaded automatically.
Don’t rush to install all applications at once. It is recommended to first update system components through the About Phone menu -> MIUI Version. This will ensure stable operation and close security vulnerabilities. Update can take a considerable time, so it is better to use a Wi-Fi connection.
💡
After first switching on, the new device takes up to 30 minutes to optimize applications and system in the background, during which time the phone can run slower than usual – this is normal behavior.
Check the basic features: camera, speaker, microphone and sensor. If everything works correctly, you can start installing apps from the Google Play Market. Remember to install programs only from trusted sources to avoid re-infecting the device with malware.