Xiaomi’s Redmi series of smartphones are renowned for their reliability and performance, but even the most stable devices can eventually encounter software errors, slowdowns or accumulation of system debris. Complete reset is a radical, but often the only effective solution to return the gadget to the “out of the box” state and eliminate software failures that cannot be fixed by standard cleaning methods.
The factory-backsetting procedure on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 requires careful attention, as it involves the complete destruction of user data, including contacts, photos, messages and installed applications. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to perform this operation, discuss the nuances of working with a Google account and MIUI protection system, and explain what to do if the device stops responding to commands.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize the irreversibility of the process for personal files. Recovery Mode reset bypasses standard interface protections, but does not remove the blocking of Google activation (FRP) without a password. Therefore, backup and unbundling accounts are critical steps, ignoring which can lead to loss of access to your own device.
Preparing the smartphone for a complete data reset
The first and most important step is to keep your information safe. The system partition formatting process destroys all data in user storage, so backing up through Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive cloud services is a must. It is also recommended to manually copy important documents and media files to an external drive or personal computer using the USB-cable.
Particular attention should be paid to battery charge. Since the flashing or reset procedure can take from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the volume of data, the charge level should be at least 50-60%. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge while writing system files can damage the bootloader and turn the phone into a “brick”, the recovery of which will require complex hardware intervention.
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Before resetting, remove the microSD memory card and SIM-card to avoid accidentally formatting an external drive or damaging tray contacts during a reboot.
You also need to make sure you remember the login details for your Google and Mi Account. Once reset, the security system will require authorization from previously used accounts to confirm ownership of the device. If the password is lost, access to the phone will be blocked forever, so it is better to restore access to the mail in advance.
Reset via the standard MIUI settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Redmi 9 back to its original state is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system. This method is suitable for cases when the device is turned on, the screen responds to touches, and the user has access to the main menu. The MIUI shell algorithm may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the general logic remains unchanged.
You first need to go to the settings section by finding the corresponding gear icon on your desktop or in the notification curtain. Next, you need to scroll down to About the phone, where you have the basic information about the model, Android version and build number, and this is where the full data cleanup function is hidden.
☑️ Checklist before resetting through the menu
Inside the About Phone section, you'll find the Reset button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen. The system will offer two options: Reset (returns only system settings, leaving files) and Erase all data (full format). After confirmation, the system may request the input of a pattern lock or PIN-screen-lock.
Importantly, after pressing the final confirmation button, the deletion process will begin, which may be accompanied by a device reboot. The screen may go out and light up several times - this is normal behavior, indicating that the system partitions are reinstalled. Do not try to interrupt this process with volume or power buttons.
Using Recovery Mode for Resetting
If the smartphone is frozen, does not respond to touching the screen or does not load to the desktop, the only way out is to use a special recovery mode – Recovery Mode. This mode is loaded separately from the main operating system and allows you to perform low-level operations with the file system. On Xiaomi devices, entry into this mode is carried out by a combination of hardware buttons.
To enter Recovery on Redmi 9, you need to turn the device off completely, then you need to simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button, hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume key until the recovery menu appears.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. Navigation on the menu is carried out by volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button.
In the menu that opens, which often has an English interface, you need to use volume buttons to select the Wipe Data and confirm the choice with the power button. In the next menu, you will need to select the Wipe All Data option. The system will warn you about loss of data and require confirmation, often asking for the input of the word yes or the selection of the Confirm item.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
After the cleaning process is completed successfully, which will take a few seconds, the Data wiped successfully message will appear on the screen. To complete the procedure, select Reboot, then Reboot to System. The first activation after the reset will take longer than usual, since the system takes time to initially set up and index files.
Deleting Google Account and Protecting FRP
One of the most common problems after a reset is that the device is locked by the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security system, a feature that was introduced by Google to protect against theft: if a Google account was added to the phone, then after a reset, the device will require you to enter the username and password from this account at the first setting.
If you sell a phone or transfer it to another user, it is not enough to simply reset. You must first delete your account from your settings. To do this, go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync (or Google), select your email address and click Delete Account or Sign Out. Only after that, the reset will not cause a password request.
The table below shows the main differences between conventional deletion and FRP-protected reset:
| Parameter | Account deleted before resetting | The account remained in the system |
|---|---|---|
| Requesting a password when enabled | Absent. | Google Password Requires |
| Access to the new owner | Full access | Blocking access |
| The risk of blocking | No risk. | High risk of blocking |
| Data recovery | Impossible without a backup. | Impossible without a backup. |
If you forget the password from the account that was linked to the phone, you can only restore access through the process of restoring an account on the Google site from another device. Bypassing FRP methods described on the Internet often requires specific vulnerabilities in the firmware version and is not a guaranteed way to solve the problem.
Decision and errors in discharge
Users may encounter various difficulties in performing the procedure, such as the phone may hover on the Mi or Android logo after a reset, which in most cases means that the process is still in progress and you just have to wait (sometimes up to 15-20 minutes), but if the device reboots cyclically, the system partition may be damaged.
Another common problem is the inability to enter Recovery mode due to sticking buttons or software failures, in which case you can try connecting the phone turned off to your computer through a computer. USB-And then you can just press the button combination, and sometimes you can use the command through the buttons. ADB (Android Debug Bridge, if the phone was enabled debugging USB.
If the phone says “Can’t check your account” after the reset, if you have internet access, it could be due to time out-of-synchronization or Google server issues: try skipping your Wi-Fi connection at the initial stage (if the menu allows) or set the correct time manually before entering your password.
⚠️ Warning: If the device requires unlocking through a Mi Account that does not belong to you after reset, it means that the phone was stolen or lost by the previous owner.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 setup after reset
After you successfully complete all the procedures and restart, you will see a welcome screen. The default language may be English, but it is easy to change to Russian at the very beginning of the setup. The system will offer to connect to the Wi-Fi network, which is recommended for activating the device and checking for security updates.
In the process of setting up, MIUI will suggest recovering data from the cloud, and if you created a backup before reset, now is the time to choose it and restore contacts, call history and installed applications, which will greatly accelerate the process of returning to normal use of the smartphone.
Don't forget to reconfigure biometric protection. Fingerprints and facial recognition data are deleted when resetting for security reasons, so the system will have to be reconfigured through the Passwords and Security menu. It's also a good idea to check for system updates in the About Phone section right away, as the new firmware may contain important fixes.
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The first setup after the reset is the perfect time to abandon the installation of unnecessary pre-installed software and adjust the privacy settings for yourself.
In conclusion, it’s worth noting that cleaning your cache regularly and removing unused apps can delay the need for the next full reset, but if you plan to use Redmi 9 for a long time, a periodic clean start once a year and a half can have a positive impact on your device’s speed.