Xiaomi’s Redmi smartphones are notoriously reliable, but even the most stable systems sometimes require drastic measures. It sometimes requires cleaning the device completely, returning it to factory parameters. It helps eliminate software errors, remove forgotten passwords, or simply prepare the gadget for sale. Redmi 9 owners often look for ways to make a reset to correct the consequences of failed updates or clean up memory from accumulated digital debris.
Hard Reset affects all parts of the device's memory, and it's important to understand that once you've finished, you'll get a clean MIUI system, like you've just come out of the box, and all your personal files, photos, contacts, and installed applications will be permanently deleted, which is why it's critical to back up your data on an external medium or in the cloud before you start any manipulation.
There are several proven methods for doing this on Xiaomi Redmi 9. You can use the built-in settings menu if access to the system is saved, or use a combination of physical buttons if the phone is locked or not booting. Below we will discuss each of the methods in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with the MIUI shell and Google account.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that the device is ready for the procedure. Hard Reset is stressful for the file system, and interrupting the process can lead to serious errors. First of all, check the battery level. The charge should be at least 50-60% so that the phone does not turn off at the most inopportune time.
The second critical point is accounts, and the current versions of Android and MIUI shells have a powerful theft protection system, and if you reset without deleting your Google or Mi Account, the next time you activate, the system will require you to enter a password from those accounts, and if you don't remember it, the phone will turn into a brick.
- 📱 Make sure the battery is above 60% for stable operation.
- ☁️ Backup your contacts and photos to the cloud or PC.
- 🔑 Remember your Google and Mi Account passwords before clearing.
It's also worth taking out the microSD card if it's installed in the slot. Although the system usually asks if you need to format external memory, it's better to be safe so you don't accidentally lose important files from the card. USB-cables other than charging cables, if required to maintain charge.
⚠️ Note: If the phone has a lock screen (PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint, the system may require you to enter it before starting resetting through the settings menu.
Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to reset on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is available directly from the operating system.--
This is ideal if the phone is functioning normally, but you want to clean it before selling it or fix minor software failures. First, open the Settings app on the home screen or in the notification curtain.
In the settings menu, find the About phone section, which is usually at the bottom of the list. Scroll down to Reset. Here, the system will offer several options, but we need to Delete all data. By clicking on this button, you will see a warning that all files will be deleted.
☑️ Pre-reset check
The system will ask you to enter the unlock password to confirm the operation, then the preparation process will begin, which can take several minutes, the phone will reboot, and the formatting of the memory parts will begin, at which time the Redmi logo or download animation can be displayed on the screen.
- 🔄 Go to the Settings menu → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 🗑️ Select the option to Delete all data for complete cleanup.
- 🔐 Confirm the action by entering the screen lock password.
It's important not to touch the device during the process. Even if it seems like the phone is stuck on the logo, it's normal behavior when formatting the data partition.
Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (Recovery)
If your smartphone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on your logo, or you've forgotten your pattern lock, you'll have to use Recovery mode. This method allows you to reset your Redmi 9 even when the touch screen is not working, using only physical buttons. First, turn the device off completely.
Press both the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu will open with English text, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the power button will select.
From the menu, select Wipe Data. Then the system will offer two options: Wipe All Data (full reset) and Reset Password (password reset, not always working), select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm, and start the cleanup process, the progress of which will be displayed as a percentage.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen does not work. All actions are performed strictly with the volume buttons to move and the on button to confirm the choice.
Google Find My Device with Google Find My Device
In situations where the phone is on and connected to the Internet, but the screen is locked or does not respond to touch, you can use remote control. Google Find My Device allows you to initiate a reset on Xiaomi Redmi 9 remotely, this will require access to another device (computer or smartphone) and knowledge of the data of the Google account that is associated with the problem phone.
Go to android.com/find and log in to your account. Select your Redmi 9 from the device list. If your phone is online, the map will show its location. From the menu on the left (or bottom on the mobile version), select Clean the device.
The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Once confirmed, the team will go to the phone and it will automatically start the reset process. This method also helps bypass screen lock if you don't remember the code but remember the password from Google.
- 🌐 Go to the site. android.com/find from any device.
- 🔍 Select your Redmi 9 smartphone in the list.
- 🧹 Click the Clean the device button and confirm the action.
It is worth noting that to work this way, the phone must be turned on, have an active Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and allowed geolocation. If the device is offline, the command will be executed as soon as it appears on the network.
Resetting a forgotten lock password
A common reason users are looking for a reset on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a forgotten password or pattern lock. In modern versions of Android, simply erasing the password through Recovery is no longer enough because of the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection mechanism.
If you remember your Google account but don't remember your screen unlock password, feel free to do Hard Reset via Recovery (described above). Once turned on, your phone will require you to enter your email and Google password. This is standard security procedure.
However, if you don’t remember the screen password or the data from your Google account, the situation becomes complicated. There are no official ways to bypass FRP, as this is a security hole. You will have to contact the authorized Xiaomi service center with documents confirming the purchase of the device (check, warranty card).
| Resetting method | We need access to the system. | Data retained | Internet is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings menu | Yes. | No. | No. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | No. | No. |
| Google Find My Device | No (remotely) | No. | Yeah (on the phone) |
Data recovery after resetting
Once the procedure is complete and Redmi 9 welcomes you to the language selection screen, the recovery phase begins. If you back up through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the process will go quickly.
Select Restore from Mi Cloud or Restore from Google. You need to enter your login and password. The system will offer a list of available backups with a date of creation. Choose the current one and start recovery. Contacts, notes, schedule and Wi-Fi settings will return automatically.
For photo and video recovery, the best way to do this is to use Google Photos or Sync Gallery. Apps downloaded from Google Play can also be restored by selecting the option to install all previously used programs when you first set up.
💡
When recovering from Mi Cloud, data can be downloaded in the background. Do not interrupt your Wi-Fi connection during the first hours of your phone use after reset.
If you don't have a backup, you can only recover files with PC software, and that (the probability of success) is low, because when you reset the encryption keys are destroyed. So always rely on regular backups.