Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings: 3 ways + important nuances

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. The smartphone can slow down due to overloaded memory, pick up viruses through third-party applications or simply “glut” after a failed update. In such cases, a full reset returns the device to the state “out of the box”, removing all user data, settings and installed programs.

But the procedure has pitfalls, from losing important files to turning your phone into a brick if you interrupt the process. In this article, we'll break down three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), explain how to prepare for the procedure, and warn against common mistakes, and if you're afraid of losing data, there's a manual to save it at the end.

When do I need to reset Redmi 9 to factory settings?

Don't rush to drop your phone the first time you crash. Often, it's rebooting, cleaning up your cache, or removing conflicting apps that solve the problem, but there are situations where a complete reset is the only way out:

• 🐢 Smartphone is severely inhibited, despite free memory and closed background processes.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical bugs (for example, the camera or sensor is not working).
• 📱 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by the antivirus.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and unlocking through Mi Account is not available.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).

If the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, the speaker is not working or a broken screen), the reset will not help.

Preparing for resetting: what must be done?

Unprepared resets can cause you to lose photos, contacts, even accounts, and here's a checklist of mandatory actions:

Create a backup copy of the data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Delete SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)|Check that you know the password from your Google account (to unlock after resetting)-->

Pay special attention to Mi Account. If you forgot your password and your phone has an account link (Settings → Xiaomi Account), after reset, the device may lock up with the requirement to enter your account information. You can restore access to your account through account.xiaomi.com, but it will take time.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 9 feature is enabled Find Device, after the reset, you may need to confirm via the associated Mi Account. → Xiaomi account → Find Device.

For backup, use:

• 📱 Built-in Settings function → The phone. → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, setting).
• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive (photos, contacts), Mi Cloud (notes, records).
• 💻 Computer: Connect the phone to USB and copy files manually (folders) DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp and others.).

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If you use WhatsApp, back up your chats before reset: open the app → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup. After reset, restore the chats when you first start the messenger.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the unlock password. Instructions are relevant for Redmi 9 with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on backup and reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once reset, you will be asked to configure the device as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you may need to enter your username and password.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI The path to reset may be different. If you don't find about the phone, try: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

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

If Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a password, use Recovery Mode, which does not require access to the system, but you will have to manage the menu with volume and power buttons.

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with English text).
4. With the down/up Volume buttons, select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset) and confirm Power button.
5. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, it means that the phone has custom firmware installed. IMEI It is better to use the method via Fastboot (described below).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 You need to reset the phone with installed custom firmware.
• 🖥️ You have a computer and USB-cable.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• Installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• The fastboot utility (part of the Android SDK Platform-Tools).
• Original. USB-cable (better from the set).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 9.
2. Press Power + Volume down for 5-7 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the restart, the phone will be in factory condition. If you also want to reset your modem settings (for example, if you have a network problem), add a command:

fastboot erase modemst1


fastboot erase modemst2

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Fastboot reset is the most reliable way, but it requires a computer and basic command line knowledge. It's not suitable for beginners!

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, Redmi 9 will offer to go through the initial setup. Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to the key points:

• 🔑 If the phone asks for data from Mi Account, enter it. Without this, further settings can be blocked.
• ☁️ Link a Google account – this will help restore contacts, email and applications from backup.
• 📲 Disable unnecessary system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc.) through Settings → Applications to Free Memory.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If there are problems after the discharge:

• Not included. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Reset network settings in Settings → Wi-Fi → ⋮ → Additionally. → Resetting network settings.
• Not defined SIM-map: check if the card is inserted correctly, or update the modem firmware via Fastboot.
• The smartphone discharges quickly: perform battery calibration (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems.-5 Failures and How to Prevent Them:

1. Interrupting the reset process: If you pull out the battery or force the phone to turn off during a reset (especially through Recovery), it can damage system files. The minimum reset time is 3-5 minutes, do not interrupt it, even if the screen is out.
2. Using a non-original cable, when dumped through a Fastboot, cheap cables can cause communication breakdowns. USB-Xiaomi.
3. Forgotten password from Mi Account. If your phone had an account link, you may need to enter your login/password after the reset. Check in advance if you remember the data, or untie your account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
4. Low battery reset: If the charge is below 30 percent, the phone may shut down during the procedure. Charge it to at least 50 percent.

fastboot continue

This often helps to complete the interrupted download process.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions