How to return Xiaomi Redmi 9T to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9T to factory settings is a necessary procedure if the smartphone has started to brake, freeze or you give it to another person. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, 3 proven methods (through settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), detailed warnings and answers to questions that arise from 90% of users.

Many people mistakenly think that resetting solves all problems, and in fact, it won't fix hardware problems (such as a bloated battery or a damaged motherboard), but it will help in cases where the Redmi 9T:

- It only boots to the Mi logo and turns off (bootloop).

- He's not responding to touches due to firmware failure.

- Infected with viruses that cannot be removed manually.

- Requires cleaning before selling.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your sensitive data. Even if your smartphone doesn't turn on, some files can be recovered through TWRP or service center. More on that later.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Factory reset is the complete removal of all data from Redmi 9T’s internal memory, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders.thumbnails and DCIM).
• 🎵 Music, documents and downloads from the Download folder.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, browser logins, application data (e.g. game progress).

If the smartphone is still turned on, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Sync your contacts with Google Account: go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync.
2. Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
3. Export SMS via SMS Backup & Restore.
4. Write down or take pictures of Wi-Fi passwords (you can see them in Settings → Wi-Fi → Network Name).

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Synchronize your contacts with Google|Copy photo/video on PC|Delete the memory card (if any)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account-->

Pay special attention to your Mi Account. If you forget your password or email, your smartphone may lock after reset and require you to enter your account data, even if you didn’t have one before. This is due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature that Xiaomi has implemented to protect against theft. You can check the account’s link in Settings → Xiaomi Account.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 9T The previous owner didn't untie his Mi Account, and when the phone is reset, it becomes a brick, and the only way out is to contact the seller for account details or the service center with a check.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 🔋 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock./PIN-unlock.
• 📶 No critical firmware failures (e.g., constant reboots).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You are a developer!” appears (this unlocks hidden settings).
4. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
5. Click Reset Settings, then Delete all data.
6. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
7. Wait until the process is complete (it takes 3-10 minutes).

After the reset, you will be asked to configure your phone as new. At the Wi-Fi connection stage, you can skip signing in to Mi Account if you don’t plan to use Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud or Mi Fit), but without an account, some features will be limited.

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If after reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, and you do not know it, try contacting the previous owner. Otherwise, you will have to contact the service center with proof of purchase (check, warranty card).

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

If the Redmi 9T is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, hardware reset via Recovery Mode will help.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader, but will delete all data without the possibility of recovery.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button and the Volume up simultaneously.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in some Clear Data versions).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on or hangs on the logo after resetting via Recovery, the problem may be the damaged firmware, which requires flashing through Fastboot (method 3) or contacting the service.

Yeah, through the settings menu.|Yes, through Recovery Mode.|No, but I've had to use other phones.|No, it's my first time.-->

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a failed update).
• 🖥️ Access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔓 You are ready to unlock the bootloader (this will erase all data and reset the settings to the factory).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 9T (You can download it from the official Xiaomi website or Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, follow the instructions below).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh to allow the program to detect the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Important: Fastboot firmware is a risky operation. If you choose the wrong firmware version (for example, for another model or region), the phone can turn into a brick. Always check compatibility with the model code (M2010J19SG For the global version of Redmi 9T).

5 What to do if after resetting the phone asks for a Mi Account

If Redmi 9T requires Mi Account data entry after reset, who you don’t know, you have a few options:

1. Contact the previous owner (if you bought from hand) and ask for data to decouple.
2. Provide proof of purchase to Xiaomi service center (check, warranty card) They can remove the lock.
3. Use the official unlock tool (not applicable to all regions): en.miui.com/unlock.

If the phone is new and the lock is triggered after your reset:

• Check if you have changed IMEI or other system settings (this may trigger a lock).
• Try logging in under your Mi Account that was tied before the reset.
• Update your firmware via Fastboot (sometimes this removes the lock).

⚠️ Note: Do not use "gray" ways to bypass the lock (for example, through the use of a "gray" lock). TWRP This can lead to a total loss of IMEI Official Xiaomi service centers refuse warranty repairs to phones with signs of unauthorized interference.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Redmi 9T. Here are the most common:

If the Redmi 9T started to work worse after reset (for example, it discharges faster or overheats), it may not be the software problem, but the hardware wear problem, in which case only replacing components (battery, thermal paste, etc.) will help.

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Factory reset is not a panacea; if the phone is a physical injury (fall, moisture), a diagnosis at a service center is required.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions