How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 to factory settings: 3 working ways

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it eventually begins to “brake”, emit errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Reset to factory settings (hard reset) solves most software problems, from viruses to “hangs” after updates. However, the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick” or erase important data without the possibility of recovery.

In this article, 3 proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), detailed risk warnings, and answers to the questions users ask most often. If your Redmi Note 9 doesn’t turn on, hangs on the logo or needs to be unlocked, here’s the solution.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but 80 percent of the time it helps to bring the smartphone back to life.

• 📱 The phone slows down, applications spontaneously close or give out errors (for example, “app stopped” MIUI Launcher»).
• 🔒 You have forgotten your pattern lock or password and Mi Account unlock is not available.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Glitches: sensors do not work, communication or Wi-Fi is lost.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).

But there are also cases where resetting will not help:

• 🔋 Battery swollen or phone does not hold charge (iron repair is needed).
• 💧 Getting liquid - here you need to clean the board.
• 📡 Problems with antenna (no network) or charging connector.

If your problem isn’t on this list, you might want to try alternative methods first: cleaning the cache, reinstalling problem apps, or rolling back updates through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Preparing for the dump: what to do

Resetting to factory settings permanently deletes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Even if you restore some files through programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, there is no guarantee.

Checklist before dumping:

Create a backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account

Copy photo/video to a computer or flash drive

Record or photograph important SMS/contacts

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Find the original cable USB (for resetting via Fastboot)-->

Pay special attention to backup:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Select data to save (contacts, notes, SMS) and click "Create a backup copy».
• ☁️ Google Account: in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronize, turn on synchronization for the desired data.
• 💾 Local Copy: Connect your phone to your PC and manually copy files from folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp/Media (messenger).

💡

If your phone is locked but you remember the Mi Account password, try unlocking it through account.xiaomi.com (the “Find Device” section).

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked. If not, the Fastboot reset may not work.

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

After the reset, the phone will turn on in the initial settings, as after the purchase.

• 🌍 Choose a language and region.
• 🔌 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account or Google Account (if previously linked).
• 📲 Restore data from backup (if created).

This is the most reliable method, as it passes through the regular MIUI functions, but if the phone is locked or does not turn on, read on.

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

If the Redmi Note 9 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, a reset via Recovery Mode will help, which is sewn into the firmware and works even in case of serious system failures.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and a power button (select).

Step-by-step:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the choice (confirm or ).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, but only Fastboot, then you have custom firmware installed. In this case, use Method 3 (reset via Fastboot).

Possible problems and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If you see Mount Mount in Recovery /system or Apply update — don't pick them. It can damage the firmware and build up the phone.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and command line knowledge, but it's the most reliable method if the first two methods don't work, and it's suitable for phones with a locked bootloader or a damaged firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or ADB/Fastboot (discharged).
• 🔋 Charging the phone > 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB/Fastboot Tools (or Mi Flash Tool if you plan to stitch your phone in full).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 9 and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds. Release the buttons when the hare in the ear-headed hat appears on the screen (Fastboot logo).

cmd

Terminal

fastboot devices

If the answer is a serial number, you can continue.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once you've done the commands, the phone will restart and start setting up from scratch, so if the process is stalled, turn off the cable, remove the battery (if possible), and try again.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot erase system or fastboot flash commands without specifying the firmware will destroy the operating system. Use them only if you are confident in your actions!

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If the phone doesn't turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the correct version of MIUI for the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) on en.miui.com.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in first-start mode.

1. Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of Xiaomi services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required to recover data from the cloud)
3. Sign in to Mi Account or Google Account if you have previously linked them.
4. Restore data from backup (if created).
5. Set up a fingerprint/face (optional).

If the phone is running slower than before after reset, it may be a problem with battery wear or overheating of the processor. Check the battery status through the AccuBattery app or contact the service center.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting, and here are the most common ways to prevent them:

If you do have a problem, don't panic. In 90% of cases, you can resuscitate your phone via Fastboot or flashing it, and the key is not to try to reset it, which will only make it worse.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions