How to Reset Your Settings on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 Ways to Work (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune from software failures, viruses or the need to transfer the device to a new owner. In such cases, resetting becomes the only right solution. However, not all users know that there are 5 different ways to reset on Redmi 9 at once, from a simple soft reset to a full hard reset through recovery mode.

In this article, you'll find step-by-step instructions for each method, including resetting through settings, power buttons, Mi Account, and even with a PC. We'll also look at which data will be deleted permanently and which can be saved before reset, and explain why some Redmi 9 firmwares may not work as standard resets. If your phone freezes, doesn't turn on, or needs to be unlocked, here's the solution.

1.When do I need to reset settings on Redmi 9?

Factory reset is a last resort, but sometimes it's a must, and here are 5 of the most common reasons Redmi 9 users resort to this procedure:

• 🔄 Slowdown: phone starts to slow down, apps take a long time to open, and animation twitches - even after clearing the cache.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: Suspicious banner ads, unknown apps, or traffic consumption in the background appear.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code: if you have entered the wrong password several times, the system may be blocked.
• 📱 Preparation for sale: before transferring the phone to the new owner, you must delete all personal data.
• 🔧 Failures after update MIUI: If the sound is gone after the update, the camera is not working or other errors have occurred.

But resetting doesn't always solve the problem, for example, if Redmi 9 doesn't turn on because of hardware failure (a broken screen, a damaged motherboard), then software reset is powerless.

• 🚫 Phone not charging (battery or port problem).
• 🚫 The screen is completely black, but the device vibrates when charging is connected.
• 🚫 Smartphone fell into the water and does not show signs of life.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, but you have a Mi Account tied, you will need to enter your username and password after the reset. Without this data, you will not be able to unlock Redmi 9!

2.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start?

Before you reset Redmi 9 to factory settings, be sure to follow these 4 steps to avoid losing important data:

1. Create a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup or using Mi Cloud.
2. Save your contacts to your Google account or export them to your VCF file.
3. Remember or take pictures of your mobile network settings (APN) if you use non-standard settings.
4. Make sure that the battery is at least 50%, which will prevent the phone from turning off during the reset.

Pay special attention to the associated accounts:

• 📌 Mi Account: If you forgot your password, restore it here.
• 📌 Google Account: Confirmation may be required after reset (FRP-lockdown).
• 📌 Social Media and Messengers: log out of accounts or save recovery codes (for example, for WhatsApp).

⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication in banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.), disable it before reset or save backup codes!

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)

This is the easiest and safest method to use if the phone is switched on and reacts to touch.Instructions are relevant for the Redmi 9 on MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip Settings Reset.
5. Choose to erase all data.
6. Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed).
7. Confirm the action by pressing Ready.

The phone will automatically restart and start the reset process, which will take 3-7 minutes, and once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

If Backup and Reset are not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi 9 firmware (especially custom ones), resetting through settings may not delete all data. In this case, use the method via Recovery Mode (described below).

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If your phone is slowing down and you don't let you open your settings, try running Safe Mode: Press the Power button → Long tap on "Stop" → "Reboot Safe Mode." In it, turn off unnecessary apps and reset again.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

This method is useful if Redmi 9:

• 🔳 Not included or stuck on the logo MI.
• 🔒 Blocked due to forgotten password.
• 🐢 It is very slow and does not respond to touch.

To reset via Recovery Mode, follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, press the power button for 10-15 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 yellow text).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 📛 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
• 🧹 The second item is reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔧 Third point - additional settings.

Important! On some versions of Redmi 9 (for example, for the Chinese market), the Recovery menu may require you to enter a password from Mi Account even to reset. If you don't remember it, use Method 5.

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If you forget the Redmi 9 password, but you have a Mi Account attached, you can reset your phone remotely via Xiaomi's website, and this method works even if the device is locked, but:

• ✅ The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ✅ It should include the function "Find the device" (Settings). → Mi Account → Find the device).
• ✅ You should know the login and password from the attached Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi 9.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After the remote reset, the phone will reboot and require you to enter data from the Mi Account that was tied before locking. If you can't remember the password, restore it through this page.

⚠️ Note: Remote reset via Mi Account does not work if: 🚫 Phone's offline. 🚫 The “Find the Device” function has been disabled in the settings. 🚫 Device discharged (charge less than 10%).

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Remote reset via Mi Account is the only way to unlock Redmi 9 if you forget your screen password, but remember the details from your Xiaomi account.

6. Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

If previous methods didn’t work (e.g. Recovery Mode asks for a password), you can reset Redmi 9 via Fastboot mode using a PC.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable. USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 9.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down and hold until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Download the firmware for Redmi 9 (version of Fastboot) from the official website.
6. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (the device should appear).
7. Click Clean All (full reset) or Save User Data (save user data, but this doesn’t always work).
8. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

After flashing, the phone will turn on in a factory state, which also helps if:

• 🔄 We need to downgrade the version. MIUI.
• 🐛 The phone is not turned on due to damaged firmware.
• 🔒 Recovery Mode asks for a Mi Account password you don't remember.

Important! Using a Fastboot can lead to a loss of warranty if the phone was officially purchased, and there is also a risk of "bricking" (completely inoperable) if you do the wrong thing.

1. Install drivers manually through the developer site.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3.Reboot the PC and reconnect.-->

7. Method 5: Resetting through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help (for example, the phone does not respond to buttons or requires a password from the previous owner), you can contact the Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 Phone stolen or bought from hands and tied to someone else's Mi Account.
• 💥 The motherboard is damaged, and resetting is programmatically impossible.
• 📉 The guarantee is still in place and you don’t want to lose it.

What will be required for the application:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Proof of purchase (to prove ownership).
• 🔐 Data from Mi Account (if your phone is linked to your account).

The cost of a reset in a service center depends on the problem:

The addresses of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website: mi.com/ru/service.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you reset your settings on Redmi 9, you often have a typical problem. TOP-5 errors and ways of solving them:

• 🚫 "Reset is not complete" (phone hangs on logo) MI): Reason: Firmware damaged. Solution: Reset via Fastboot (Method 4).
• 🚫 "Recovery Mode won't open": Reason: faulty buttons or a dead battery.Solution: Charge your phone and try another combination (Powering) + Loudness down).
• 🚫 "After reset, the old password is required: Reason: FRP-Google lock or link to Mi Account Solution: enter your account details or contact the service.
• 🚫 "Phone does not turn on after reset": "Cause: interrupted process or incompatible firmware. Solution: reflash through Fastboot.
• 🚫 "Previous owner's account not deleted": Reason: Mi Account is linked to device.Solution: contact the service with proof of purchase.

If the Redmi 9 gets worse after it is reset (e.g., it discharges quickly or overheats), it may indicate hardware problems, in which case the reset won’t help – it needs repairs.

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If after resetting the phone requires a password from Mi Account, which you do not remember, do not try to find it - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions