How to reset your settings on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: a complete guide with photos and nuances

Why do you need to reset your settings to Redmi 9C?

Hard reset on the Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to get your smartphone back to β€œclean” status, most often when the phone crashes, whether the interface hangs, apps shut down spontaneously, or the battery drains in a matter of hours, and 80% of these problems are solved by reset, because they involve cache accumulation, software conflicts, or viruses.

Another common reason is to prepare the phone for sale, and even if you delete all files manually, personal data (logins, passwords, message history) can remain in the system folders, and a factory reset is guaranteed to clear internal memory, including hidden partitions where app backups are stored, which is especially important if you've used features like Mi Cloud or Google Autocomplete.

Less obvious cases where a discharge is required:

  • πŸ”’ Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code - without reset, you will not be able to unlock the phone (if you do not have a Mi Account tied).
  • 🐒 System updates were made with errors after a failed update MIUI The phone can be rebooted cyclically.
  • πŸ“± Conflict after manually removing system applications – for example, if you deleted com.miui.securitycenter via ADB.
  • πŸš€ Customization Preparation – A clean system is required before installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience.

But resetting is not a panacea; if problems are caused by physical damage (such as a bloated battery or an oxidized motherboard), it won't help; it's also useless to reset when hardware is constrained, such as if the phone is overheated by a thermal paste.

πŸ“Š Why you want to reset your settings on Redmi 9C?
Phone's slowing down.
I'm getting ready to sell.
Forgot my password.
Error after update
Other

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you don’t lose important data. On Redmi 9C, reset removes ALL from internal memory, including photos in the DCIM folder, downloads, and even files hidden from the user (such as system application logs).

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for Redmi's reset 9C

Done: 0 / 5

Pay special attention to Xiaomi account (Mi Account), if you forget the login details, after reset, the phone may require you to enter them for unlocking (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function), which is protection against theft, but it can also lock your own phone, to avoid problems:

  • πŸ“Œ Make sure you remember the email and password from your Mi Account.
  • πŸ“Œ Check if your account is linked to your phone: go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi account.
  • πŸ“Œ If your account is not yours (for example, the phone was bought with your hands), be sure to delete it before reset via Settings. β†’ Account. β†’ Delete the account.

If you are planning to sell your phone, don’t be lazy to log out of all accounts in advance:

  • πŸ“± Google: Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google β†’ Delete the account.
  • πŸ“± Mi Account: As stated above.
  • πŸ“± Social Media: Application settings β†’ Exit/Delete data.

⚠️ Note: If you don’t delete your Mi Account before resetting, the new owner won’t be able to use the phone without your login details.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, which is suitable for most users, as it does not require additional tools.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
  3. Click on Backup and Reset (in some versions of MIUI, this item may be called Settings Reset).
  4. Select Resetting β†’ Delete all data.
  5. If requested PIN-code or pattern lock, enter it.
  6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (usually the red button).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

Advantages of the methodDeficiencies of the method
βœ… Does not require computer or special knowledge❌ It does not work if the unlock password is forgotten.
βœ… Stores data on a memory card (if installed)❌ It will not work if the system is severely damaged.
βœ… Minimum risk of error❌ Does not bypass Mi Account if it was tied

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data that you did not delete in advance, do not try to find the password repeatedly. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. In this case, only an official appeal in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase will help.

πŸ’‘

If the phone slows down and does not allow you to open the settings, try to run them through the search: swipe down the main screen and enter β€œreset”.

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

This method comes in handy if the Redmi 9C does not load beyond the logo, cyclically reboots or is locked with a password. Recovery Mode is a service mode built into the firmware that allows you to control the phone without fully booting the system.

To enter Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press and hold the buttons at the same time: Volume up + Power (for Redmi 9C with MIUI 12 and newer). If it doesn't work, try Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons. The interface can be in Chinese - navigate by icons:

  • πŸ“± Wipe Data (or ) – Resetting settings.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot (or ) - Reboot.
  • πŸ“ Connect with MIAssistant – PC connection (not required for resetting).

For discharge:

  1. Select Wipe Data (or similar item).
  2. Confirm the action (usually you need to choose Yes or ).
  3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe successful).
  4. Select Reboot to reboot.

If the phone is reset and the again requires a password, it means that the Mi Account Lock was activated.

What to do if you ask for a Mi Account after a reset?
If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account and you didn’t delete it before reset, you can only officially unlock the device: 1. Go to [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com/) and log in. 2. Find the β€œFind Device” section and remove the Redmi 9C from the list of attached devices. 3. Wait 24 hours – the lock will reset automatically. If this method does not work, contact Xiaomi support with a check of purchase.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9C (For example, the global version for India, the Wipe Data item might be called Factory Reset. If you see a menu in Chinese, look for the characters, that's the reset.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if phone is stolen or lost)

If you lost the Redmi 9C or it was stolen, you can remotely reset your settings via the Mi Cloud service, which only works if you meet three conditions:

  • πŸ“Œ The phone was tied to your Mi Account.
  • πŸ“Œ The phone has the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi) on it).

Instructions:

  1. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

It can take up to 30 minutes. Once reset, the phone will be unlocked, but all the data will be deleted without recovery. This method is also useful if you sold the phone but forgot to reset β€” you can clean it remotely.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ It does not work if the phone is off or without the internet.
  • ❌ If the new owner has already dropped the phone through Recovery, your account will be untied.
  • ❌ It will not work if the Find the device function is disabled on the phone.

πŸ’‘

Remote reset via Mi Cloud is the only way to regain control of a lost phone, but it requires pre-setting the Find Device feature.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple process like resetting can go wrong, and here are the typical Redmi 9C users’ mistakes and ways to prevent them:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery Mode

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Wrong button combination or battery drain.
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Charge the phone to at least 30%, then try again.For Redmi 9C work-in: πŸ“± Loudness up + Nutrition (hold 10-15 seconds). πŸ“± Loudness up + Loudness down + Food (for older versions) MIUI).

2.After reset, the phone asks for the old password

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Data Protection was activated on the phone MIUI (encryption).
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Enter the password that was used before the reset. If you forget, you'll have to do a full reset via Fastboot).

3.Dumping interrupted in the middle

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Battery discharged or phone overheated.
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Connect charging and reset. If the phone doesn't respond, try logging in to Recovery and select Wipe Data again.

4.The phone is stuck on the logo after being dumped

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Firmware or module conflict is damaged MIUI.
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Try flashing your phone over Fastboot with the Mi Flash Tool. If it doesn't work, contact the service center.

Mistake.Probable causeDecision
I can't get into Recovery.Faulty buttons or a discharged batteryCharge your phone, check buttons for physical damage
After reset, asks for Mi AccountThe account was not deleted before the reset.Restoring access to your account or contacting for support
The phone will not turn on after resettingFirmware failure or hardware malfunctionSwitch through Fastboot or carry to the service
The discharge takes too long (>30 minutes)Sticking of the process due to damaged memoryForced reset and repeat reset

⚠️ Note: If the phone is this device is locked after the reset, it has been activated by Google’s Anti-Theft function.

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the Redmi 9C will launch in initial setup mode.

1. Choice of language and region

  • 🌍 Choose Russian (or other language you need).
  • πŸ“ Specify the region of Russia (or your country) – this will affect the available services of Google and Mi Services.

2. Network connection

  • πŸ“Ά Connect to Wi-Fi or insert SIM-mobile-internet.
  • πŸ”„ If the internet is not working, check your settings. APN (mobile-network).

3. Log in to accounts

  • πŸ“± Mi Account: If your phone is yours, log in. If you sell, skip this step.

4. Data recovery

    5. System optimization

    • πŸ”§ Disable unnecessary system applications: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Manage applications and deactivate Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser (if not used).
    • πŸ”‹ Activate Battery Mode in Settings β†’ Battery to increase working time.

    If you're selling a phone, don't restore data or log in to your accounts, just skip all the setup steps and hand over the device to the new owner.

    πŸ’‘

    After reset, it is recommended to update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update and check available updates.

    FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

    Can I reset Redmi 9C without losing data?
    No, any reset (via menu, Recovery or Mi Cloud) completely clears the phone's internal memory.The only way to save data is to back up in advance (via Mi Cloud, Google Drive or manually on a PC).
    The phone doesn't turn on after the reset.
    If the screen is black or the Mi logo is on after reset, try: Charge your phone for 30 to 60 minutes (possibly the battery was drained during reset); log in to Recovery (loud up + power buttons) and repeat the reset. If it doesn't work, run your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool. If these methods don't work, contact the service center - there may be a hardware malfunction.
    How to reset Redmi 9C if you forget your Mi Account and password?
    If the phone is locked with a password and the Mi Account is not tied (or you don't remember the data), the only option is a reset via Recovery: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power to log in to Recovery. Select Wipe Data β†’ Yes. After the reset, the phone will not require Mi Account as the account was not tied. If the account was and the data is lost, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
    Does the reset delete data from the memory card?
    No, reset your settings on Redmi. 9C It only cleans the internal memory of the phone. SD-The card (if installed) remains intact, but it is still recommended to remove the card before reset to avoid accidental errors.
    Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
    No, once the reset is confirmed, the process cannot be interrupted. If you turn off the phone during the reset (for example, by pulling out the battery), it can damage the firmware and "brick" the device. Wait for the process to be completed - it usually takes 5-15 minutes.