How to return Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings: all methods

The Xiaomi Mi 9, despite its age, remains a powerful device capable of performing most modern tasks. However, over time, the operating system becomes overrun with cache, application conflicts and software errors that slow down the gadget, in which situations the most effective solution is a complete data reset that returns the device to the state “out of the box”.

Memory cleanup may be required not only to speed up work, but also when selling the phone or transferring it to another user. It is important to understand that a complete reset permanently deletes all personal information, including contacts, photos, correspondence and installed applications, which is why you need to carefully prepare before starting any manipulations so that important data is not lost forever.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can get the Mi 9 back to factory settings, learn how to perform the procedure through the standard menu, how to use Recovery mode if the system is not booting, and what to do if you forget your unlock password. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid critical errors.

Preparation of the device before the discharge procedure

The first and most critical step is to back up data, and the built-in MIUI tools allow you to save contacts, messages, call history, and even desktop icons to the cloud or external drive, and ignoring this step will result in the loss of personal archives that cannot be restored by standard means.

Be sure to check the battery level. To perform a safe procedure, the charge should be at least 60-70%. If there is not enough power to write new system files or format power partitions, the device may go into a cyclical restart or require a flashing through the computer.

Deleting your Google account and Mi Account from your settings before reset will prevent the device from being locked by FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, especially if the phone is reset with an associated account, the new owner will need your password to activate.

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Remove before resetting SIM-microSD card and memory card so that they don’t accidentally format their contents along with the phone’s internal memory.

Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu

The easiest and safest way to get the Xiaomi Mi 9 back to its original state is to use the standard operating system interface, which is suitable for cases when the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you remember the password to log in to the menu. The algorithm of actions is standardized for all versions of the MIUI shell.

To start, go to the main menu and find the Settings icon. Next, scroll down to the bottom and select About. That's where the memory management and reset tools are located. You'll need to find the Settings Reset or Erase All Data section, which is usually at the bottom of the screen.

The system will issue a warning that all files will be deleted. Once confirmed, the device will restart and begin the process of cleaning the userdata and cache partitions. Depending on the amount of memory used, this can take from 5 to 15 minutes.

Once cleaned, the smartphone will automatically restart, and you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language, signaling that the procedure has been completed, and now the gadget is ready to be set up as a new device.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the operating system is unstable, hangs on the logo or the touch screen does not respond, you will have to use Recovery mode. In Xiaomi Mi 9, this mode is entered by a combination of physical buttons, which allows you to bypass the broken interface.

Turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears. In this mode, the touch screen does not work, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.

⚠️ Note: In the Recovery menu, the interface may be in English. Be careful when selecting items to avoid starting the Connect with MIAssistant process instead of cleaning.

Using the volume buttons, select Wipe Data and confirm the power button, then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm, the system will warn about the risks again, and after successful completion, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear.

When you're done, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first startup after Hard Reset can last up to 5-7 minutes longer than usual. This is normal behavior as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files.

Resetting a forgotten password or pattern lock

The situation when the user forgets the unlock password is one of the most common reasons for resorting to the reset procedure. Unfortunately, modern Android security standards do not allow you to simply bypass the lock screen without losing data. The only working method is a full reset via Recovery, described above.

But here, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) comes into effect, and if you have a Google account on your phone, when you reset, you're going to have to login and password that account, and it's a theft protection that makes the phone useless to an outsider, and if you don't remember your account, it's going to be very difficult to unlock the device.

There is also the possibility of resetting through Google's Find My Device service if the phone has been enabled with Internet and geolocation, and if you access the service's website from another device, you can send a command to clean up the data remotely, which is equivalent to Hard Reset.

⚠️ Note: Resetting passwords through Recovery does not remove protection for Google accounts. Without knowing the username and password from the Gmail to which the phone was attached, you will not be able to activate the device.

Use of Fastboot Mode and PC

For advanced users, there is a method of resetting via Fastboot mode and a computer, which is often used if the Recovery partition is damaged or blocked. ADB/Fastboot and the Mi Flash Tool or similar utility.

To enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Mi 9, turn off your phone and press the volume down and power button at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android. Connect the device to your computer via a computer. USB-cable.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Executing these command-line (CMD) commands will force the user partition and cache to be cleared.This is a "hard" method that should only be applied in extreme cases where other methods do not work. A mistake in commands can lead to loss of data on all partitions, including system ones, if you are not careful.

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Fastboot mode is a low-level tool designed for flashing and deep diagnostics, not for the usual resetting of settings.

Possible problems and solutions

After a reset, users often wonder why the phone takes longer to turn on. As mentioned, the first download takes longer because of the optimization of the Dalvik/ART cache. If the process lasts more than 15-20 minutes and the phone is stuck on the logo, the system partition may be damaged.

If you have a System UI stopped error or persistent reboots after reset, it is recommended to re-clean through Recovery, but this time select the Wipe All Data item again, making sure that the formatting was successful. Sometimes it helps to flash the device with the current version of the software through the Mi Flash Tool.

If the phone requires activation after reset but does not see the Wi-Fi network, check the date and time. An incorrect date may block the connection to Google's security servers. Try changing the date in the recovery menu (if you have one), or manually adjust the time as soon as possible.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone says "Device is locked" after resetting when trying to boot, it means that the bootloader is locked. Unlock requires a formal procedure through the Mi Unlock website with a 168-hour wait.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)