How to reset settings on Xiaomi Mi 9: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship smartphone of 2019, which is still popular among users. However, over time, even the most reliable technology begins to slow down, give out errors or simply require a clean start. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance. But how to do it correctly, so as not to lose important data and turn the phone into a brick?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reset, from the simplest through the settings menu to the hard methods through Recovery and Fastboot. You will learn how to prepare for the procedure, what mistakes users often make, and what to do if the smartphone does not turn on after the reset. And also unique nuances for the Mi 9, which are not applicable to other Xiaomi models.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting is not just a click, but incorrect preparation can lead to loss of photos, contacts, or even blocking your Mi Account.

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive. Pay special attention to: Contacts and messages (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or external drive) Notes and passwords (linked to your Xiaomi account)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Reset at low charge can be interrupted, leaving the phone inoperable.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. After the reset, the device may require you to enter a login and password to unlock.
• 📡 Disable your Google account (if it was linked) and prevent problems with your account. FRP (Factory Reset Protection) on first activation.

If you are using the Mi 9 with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the reset process may be different, in which case it is better to download the original MIUI firmware for your model (cepheus is the codename Mi 9) from the official Xiaomi website in advance.

⚠️ Note: If your Mi 9 has a bootloader locked, resetting through the Fastboot without unlocking will result in an Anti-Rollback error.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a standard method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, it keeps the system intact and minimizes the risks.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and when it is finished, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to set it up as new.

Full battery charge|Disabling Google account|Backup of contacts|Saving photos on PC|Remember the data from the Mi Account-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI For the Mi 9, the reset may result in a "This device is locked" error, which means that the Mi Account has not been untied, so the solution is to enter the associated username and password when you first turn on.

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If the Mi 9 is long on the MI logo after reset, don't panic. Wait 15-20 minutes - the first download after reset can take a long time due to application optimization.

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

If the Mi 9 is locked, hovers on the screensaver or does not respond to touch, recovery mode will help, which is a riskier method, since if you do not act correctly, you can damage system files.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
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 when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue inscriptions).

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have customized recovery (e.g. TWRP).

1. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
3. Swipe for confirmation (in TWRP this is done by a slider at the bottom of the screen).

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

• The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• Refuse the device after an unsuccessful update.
• You need to bypass Mi Account (only for unlocked bootloader!).

Procedure:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off the Mi 9 and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.

cmd

Platform Tools

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), enter:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For a complete reset with flashing, use the command:

fastboot flash system system.img

(Pre-downloading the original firmware for the Mi 9 from Xiaomi’s website).

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is blocked on the Mi 9, fastboot commands will not work without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool. Trying to flash the locked device will lead to an Anti-Rollback 4 error and a possible blink (complete inoperability).

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Fastboot reset is a last resort, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you should go to a service center, and errors in fastboot can make your phone unusable without specialized hardware.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 9 can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Logo obsession MI: Reason: System file damage or incompatible firmware Solution: Repeat reset via Recovery or run through the original MIUI via Fastboot.
• 🔒 Requirement to enter Mi Account after reset: Reason: Xiaomi account was tied but not untied before reset.Solution: Enter username and password from account. If you don't remember, restore access to account.xiaomi.com.

If the camera functions are lost after reset (for example, the night mode or wide-angle module is not working), the calibration is likely to fly, and you can restore it through the Manual Camera Compatibility application or by flashing the camera module through TWRP.

How to recover data after resetting

If you forgot to back up, the chances of returning the data are there, but they depend on the type of reset:

• 📁 After resetting via the menu: Use programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver to scan internal memory. Connect Mi 9 to your PC in mode MTP And scan the drive.
• 🔧 After discharge through Recovery/Fastboot: Data cannot be restored, as the full formatting of the partition takes place. /data. The only chance is if you’ve previously enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account.

To recover messages and calls, check the archives in:

• Google Contacts (contacts.google.com)
• Mi Cloud (i.mi.com) – if sync is enabled
• Local backups in /MIUI/backup/AllBackup (if they were saved)

⚠️ Warning: Do not install new apps on your phone immediately after a reset if you plan to recover data! Every new entry to your internal drive reduces the chances of a successful recovery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions