Owners of the flagship smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9 sooner or later face the need to return the device to the factory settings. This may be necessary when selling the gadget, transferring it to another user or to eliminate serious software failures that interfere with the normal operation of the operating system. The procedure for cleaning memory is standard for the Android platform, but in the shell MIUI has its nuances that it is important to consider so as not to lose important information.
Before any manipulations, you should be aware that a full reset permanently deletes all user data from the device’s internal memory. Photos, contacts, installed applications and correspondence in messengers will be erased unless you create a backup in advance. Recovering deleted files after the formatting process is completed is in most cases impossible without professional intervention.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for returning the Xiaomi Mi 9 to its original state. We will look at the software reset via the settings menu for regular situations and entering Recovery mode for cases when the system does not boot or lock, and pay attention to preparing the device to minimize risks and ensure the successful completion of the procedure.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery level is at least 60-70%. Sudden power outage during the system partition formatting process can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a “brick».
Xiaomi Mi 9 Preparation for Full Reset
Preparation is a critical step that is often ignored by inexperienced users. The first step is to back up all the important data. In Xiaomi smartphones, it is most convenient to use the built-in cloud storage Mi Cloud or third-party services such as Google Photos for media files. Go to account settings and activate synchronization of contacts, notes and voice recorder.
The second important step is to unbundle your accounts, and if you plan to sell your phone or repair it, be sure to log out of your Google account and Mi Account, otherwise you will have FRP, and the new owner will not be able to activate the device without entering your passwords, which is a standard Android security measure that cannot be avoided without the initial data.
It is also recommended to remove the microSD card and SIM-Although the system usually asks if internal memory should be formatted, randomly choosing the wrong disk can cause data loss on the external media. Make sure you know the screen unlock passwords, as they may be required to confirm the actions.
- 📱 Backup your contacts and photos to the cloud or computer.
- 🔑 Remember or write down passwords from Google and Mi accounts.
- 🔋 Charge the battery of the smartphone to at least 60%.
- 💾 Extract. SIM-Memory card before the start of the process.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Reset via the settings menu (state mode)
If your Xiaomi Mi 9 is stable and you have access to your desktop, the easiest and safest way is to use the built-in settings menu, which is preferable because the system will properly close all processes and clear the cache before formatting. First, open the Settings app and scroll down to the very bottom of the "About Phone" item.
In the menu that opens, look for the Reset section, and the system will offer a few options, but we're interested in "Erase all data." When you press this button, the device will alert you to the consequences and request a graphical key or a pin code to unlock the screen, which is protection against accidental deletion of information by children or unauthorized persons.
Once confirmed, the system can request a password from the Mi Account to verify the identity of the owner, which is a mandatory security procedure. Once all the data is entered, the preparation process will begin, which will take a few minutes, and then the phone will restart and begin cleaning, the entire process can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory filled.
⚠️ Warning: During the reset process, the screen may go out and light up several times. Do not try to interrupt the process or restart the phone with buttons, even if the device appears to be getting stuck.
There is an alternative way through settings search: tap the magnifier icon at the top of the Settings menu and type "Reset." The system will offer the desired menu item itself, which is especially handy if you can't find it in the deep levels of the updated MIUI shell.
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
When Android is damaged, the phone goes into an endless bootloop or does not respond to the sensor, you have to use Recovery mode. On Xiaomi Mi 9, this mode is entered by a combination of physical buttons. Make sure the device is completely turned off.
Press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time, hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume down until the Recovery menu appears. The navigation on this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the selection is with the power button.
From the Recovery menu, select English (if available) or use the Chinese/English menu. You need Wipe Data. After selecting, confirm the action by clicking on Wipe All Data, and then Confirm. The cleanup process will start, the progress of which will be displayed as a percentage.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Once completed, you will see the message “Data wiped successfully.” Select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first system start after a reset will last longer than usual, sometimes up to 10 minutes, as you optimize applications and create system files.
Reset via computer with ADB (for advanced)
For users who prefer PC control, there is a method of debugging via USB and ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tools. This method is useful if the touch screen is partially not working, but the system is booting. You will need to install Xiaomi and Google USB Driver drivers on your computer, as well as the SDK Platform-Tools platform.
You need to activate the developer mode on the phone. To do this, quickly click on the build number seven times in the About Phone section. Then, in the "Additional" -> "Development by USB" menu, turn on "Debugging by USB." Connect the smartphone to your PC and enter a command in the command line to check the connection.
adb devicesIf the device is determined and you have given permission to debug on the phone screen, you can execute a command to reboot to Recovery mode, from where you have already reset, or use a command to immediately reset (requires root rights or specific permissions in some versions of MIUI).
adb reboot recoveryThis method is considered more technical and requires caution, and error in commanding can lead to unpredictable results, and only use it if standard methods are not available.
Post-discharge problems and their solution
Once you return to the factory settings, Xiaomi Mi 9 users may face a number of typical problems. One of the most common is requiring you to enter a password from a previously synchronized Google account (FRP Lock), which is not a bug, but a security mechanism. If you forget your password, it will be extremely difficult to restore access.
Another common problem is fast battery discharge and heating in the first hours after turning on. This is normal behavior: background processes index files, update widgets and applications. Let the phone lie on charge with the screen on for 1-2 hours to stabilize work.
If the phone does not see the network after the reset, or SIM-map, check the settings IMEI. In rare cases, with an unsuccessful reset or reflashing, a section can fly off EFS, This situation requires flashing through special engineering tools.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Requires a Google account | FRP protection | Enter the account information that was on the phone |
| Heats and sits down | Indexation of the system | Wait for 2-3 hours of active work |
| No network/IMEI null | Damage to the EFS section | Flashing through MiFlash |
| Cyclical reboot | Firmware error | Re-dumping or re-flashing |
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The first hours after a reset are critical to stabilizing the processor and background services. Don't panic if the battery behaves strangely on the first day.
Initial adjustment after reset
When the formatting process is complete and the phone is turned on, you will see a welcome screen. Select a language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. At this stage, the system will suggest recovering data from the backup. If you used Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you will be able to return contacts, call history and app list.
It is important to read suggestions for installing additional software and configuring services carefully. MIUI can suggest including ads in system applications or setting recommendations. Power users often turn these features off immediately to ensure the cleanliness of the interface and privacy.
Once you have completed the setup, you should check for system updates immediately. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Installing the current version of Android and security patches will close vulnerabilities that may have caused pre-reset instability.
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When you restore from a backup, select only the data you need. Recovering a full system image can bring back old errors and junk files you wanted to delete.