How to return Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually begins to slow down, glitch or require a complete reset. Hard reset solves most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss, locking Mi Account or even “bricking” the device.

This guide provides 3 proven ways to reset Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), detailed photo instructions, method comparison table, and answers to frequent questions. We also explain how to bypass locking Xiaomi account after reset if you forget your password, and what to do if the phone does not turn on or hangs on the logo.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is an extreme measure to be used in cases of:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-screen-lock.
• 🦠 Phone infected with viruses or adware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 📱 The device does not turn on, hovers on the Redmi logo or cyclically reboots.
• 🔄 Before selling or transferring the phone to another user (required for data security!).
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware update when the system is unstable.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Physical breakdown of the battery or motherboard.
• 📡 Hardware malfunctions (camera, speaker, sensor not working).
• 🔌 Damage to the charging connector or USB-port.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Xiaomi account (Settings) → Mi Account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device due to the link to your Mi Account!

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the dawn

The factory reset removes ALL data from the phone’s internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (if not synced to Google).
• 🎵 Music, documents and other files.
• 🎮 Save in games and settings of applications.

To avoid losing important information, follow the following steps:

Backup in Mi Cloud| Copy files to PC or flash drive |Write down Xiaomi account details (login/password) |Check battery (minimum 50%) |Delete Google account if phone was root-nut-->

1. Backup through Mi Cloud

Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Select data to save (contacts, SMS, notes, photos) and click Create Backup. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB available).

2. Copying files on a PC

Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB-cable, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM (Photos, Downloads, Documents on the hard disk.

3. Export of contacts

Open the Contacts app, click on the three dots in the top right corner → Contact management → Import/Export → Export to file. Save the.vcf file to the memory card or send it to your post office.

⚠️ Note: If you have used root rights or installed custom firmware, a reset via a standard menu may result in a bootloader lock.

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

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ✅ You remember the screen unlock password.
• ✅ No errors in the system (no cyclical reboot).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Recover and Reset).
4. Select Reset Settings → Erase all data.
5. Enter the screen unlock password (if requested).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process (it will take 5-10 minutes) and after you complete, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will show a direct path to the desired section.

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

If Redmi 9 doesn’t respond to touch, freezes on the logo, or reboots cyclically, use Recovery, which works even when the screen is locked, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data → 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 point is reboot (Reboot).
• The second point is the power off.
• The third point is the reset (Wipe Data).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware after reset via Recovery may require you to enter Mi Account data tied to your phone. If you don't remember the password, the phone will become a "brick"! To avoid this, untie your account in advance or use the official unlock tool from Xiaomi.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available or working.
• 🖥️ Requires a complete refashion of the device.
• 🔒 Phone locked off Mi Account after reset.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool or Platform Tools (for command line).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website).
2. Turn off Redmi 9 and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type:

fastboot devices

(Your device serial number should be displayed. If not, install ADB drivers.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After completing the commands, the phone will restart with a clean firmware.

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Reset via Fastboot deletes all user data but does not touch system files.If the phone was locked after being reset via Recovery, this method will help bypass the Mi Account lock (but does not guarantee 100% success on new firmware).

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting

If Redmi 9 requires you to enter Mi Account data after resetting, you have 3 options:

• 📧 Restore access to your account through the official account.xiaomi.com. Use the linked email or phone number to reset your password.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box with) IMEI). They can remove the binding remotely.
• 🔧 Use an unlock tool (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool), but it requires Fastboot skills and can break the warranty.

Important: Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy; with new firmware (MIUI 12.5+), it is almost impossible to bypass Mi Account without official permission. If the phone is bought from hand, contact the previous owner to unbundle the account.

If you can’t restore access and your phone is locked, you can only:

• Contact the Xiaomi service center with purchase documents.
• Use the device as a “brick” (e.g. for spare parts).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset Redmi 9, you're going to have a typical problem, and we've put together solutions for the most common cases.

If the phone does not see after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Correct installation SIM (Try to move the map).
• 🔄 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Select the network (select Automatically).
• 📱 Update firmware (sometimes bugs with the network are fixed in new versions) MIUI).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions