Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to return the device to its original state, which can be caused by various reasons: selling the gadget to a new owner, transferring it to a relative or the need to fix software errors accumulated during active use. Redmi 9, despite its age, remains popular, and the issue of data cleaning is relevant for it.
The procedure for complete deletion of information, known as Hard Reset or Factory Reset, affects all user files. It is critical to understand that once the process is started, it will be impossible to restore photos, contacts and messages without a preliminary copy. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of resetting.
Weβll look at the standard methods through the Android operating system interface and MIUI shell, as well as forced reset methods through the Recovery Recovery menu, which will help you solve the problem even if the phone stopped responding to touch or forgotten the pattern lock.
Preparing the device for complete data deletion
Before any manipulation of the software part of the smartphone, a number of preparatory steps must be performed. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important information or locking the device with a security account. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be missed.
Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%.The process of formatting the internal memory can take 10 to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point is fraught with damage to the system files. If the phone does not turn on, connect it to the original charger.
β οΈ Note: If you are planning to sell your phone, be sure to pull it out. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card before reset. Formatting internal memory does not affect external drives, but physical extraction ensures that your personal data is stored on them.
You should also untie your device from your Google and Mi Account if you can, and this will prevent theft protection (FRP) from activating, which will require you to enter the passwords of the previous owner after you reset, and then go to the settings and select deletion.
Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (standard method)
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Redmi 9 back to factory settings is to use the built-in menu functionality, which is suitable for devices that work, turn on and respond to commands, and you donβt need additional tools or a computer.
Open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find About Phone or Advanced Settings, depending on the version of the MIUI shell. In some versions, the reset menu is placed in a separate section called Additional.
Select the βErase all dataβ option, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. If the device has a password or pattern lock, you will need to enter it to confirm the operation.
βοΈ Checklist before resetting through the menu
Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the cleaning process will begin.The screen may go out and light up several times.Do not interrupt the process or try to turn off the smartphone until the language selection welcome screen appears.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the operating system is not booting, the phone is stuck on the logo or you forgot the screen unlock password, you will need to use Restore Mode, which allows you to reset at a lower level, bypassing the Android interface.
To enter Recovery mode on Redmi 9, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the Up Volume and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
In the menu that opens, you can navigate with volume buttons, and you can select the power button. Select Wipe Data, then confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The system will request final confirmation β select Confirm.
β οΈ Note: After resetting via Recovery on new versions MIUI You might need to enter a password from the Mi Account that the phone was attached to, which is a theft protection that you can't get around with simple formatting.
Once you've finished, select Reboot to restart the system. The first start after Hard Reset can last longer than usual, sometimes up to 5-7 minutes. This is normal behavior in the initial initialization.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device
If your phone is locked but connected to the Internet, you can use Google services for remote control, which is true if you canβt access the phoneβs menu, but remember the data from your Google account.
Go from any other device (computer or tablet) to Google Find My Device. Sign in with the same account used on the problematic Redmi 9. From the list of devices, select your smartphone.
From the control menu, select the "Erase Device" function, and the system will send a command to the phone, and the important condition is that the smartphone must be on and have an active connection to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
Once the command is received, the phone will automatically begin the reset process, all data will be deleted, and the device will return to factory condition. This method also helps bypass the locking of the screen if you forget the pin code.
Solving Google Account Problems (FRP Lock)
After resetting the settings, especially through Recovery, modern Xiaomi smartphones can request verification of a Google account that was synced earlier. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, designed to protect the ownerβs data in the event of theft.
If you own a device, just enter your Google account login and password. If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie the account, you'll have to contact them to get the data or re-dump it with their participation.
In some cases, users try to circumvent this protection by third-party methods, but it is worth remembering that using unofficial software to bypass FRP can lead to unstable operation of the system or a complete lockdown of the device by the Mi Cloud service.
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When buying a used Xiaomi Redmi 9, always check whether the Mi and Google account of the seller is untied in the presence of the seller.
Table of comparison of discharge methods
To make it easier to choose the best way to clean your Xiaomi Redmi 9, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you quickly navigate depending on the current situation with the device.
| Method | Access to the menu is required | Data retained | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Yes. | No (removed) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | No (removed) | Medium |
| Google Find My | No (we need the internet) | No (removed) | Low. |
| Xiaomi Cloud | No (we need the internet) | No (removed) | Low. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In this section, we will answer the most popular questions that users have when resetting Redmi 9. If your question is not on the list, carefully read the sections above, most likely, the answer has already been given.
How long does it take to reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9?
Will the Android version be removed after the reset?
What if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after a reset?
Can I recover the photo after resetting?
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The most reliable way to avoid FRP issues and data loss is to back up and untie accounts regularly before selling your device.
Now you know all the basic techniques to reset the Xiaomi Redmi 9. Choose the method that best suits your situation and take precautions. Properly following the instructions ensures your smartphone runs clean and fast.