Reset Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why Redmi 9 Resets Are Needed and When to Use Them

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only solution to restore the smartphone to health, a procedure that completely removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state, most often resorted to in three cases: before selling the phone, to fix software failures or after a failed MIUI update.

For example, if your Redmi 9 slows down for no apparent reason, overheats or makes errors like com.android.phone, a reset can help. However, it is important to understand that this is not a panacea for hardware problems (for example, a broken screen or a failed battery), and the procedure will not remove the official MIUI firmware, but will reset all personal data, including photos, contacts and passwords from Wi-Fi.

Service center statistics show that up to 40% of the “hang” or “spontaneous reset” problems are solved by resetting, while the Redmi 9 models with MIUI 12 and later resetting through Recovery takes 30% less time than the older versions – thanks to the optimization of the recovery system.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Neglecting preparation can lead to the loss of important data or even to the "bricking" of the device (if it is a Fastboot dump).

Create a backup copy of the data|Check the battery level (minimum 50%)|Delete your Mi Account (if you plan to sell your phone)|Write it down. IMEI device|Disconnect the factory protection (Find Device)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Even if you plan to reset your phone through the settings menu, there is always a risk of crash. Use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive. Settings → About Phone → Backup will be good for media files.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 9 activates Find Device, after reset, you will need to enter the password from the Mi Account associated with the phone!

Also check the MIUI version: Settings path → About phone → MIUI version. On versions older than MIUI 13, the reset process may be different - for example, an additional confirmation step through the pattern lock will appear. If you have custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS), use only the Recovery reset method.

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

This is a good method if the phone turns on, reacts to touch, and you have access to the menu, and the main advantage is that it's simple and has minimal error risk. MIUI on Redmi 9, including MIUI 14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes. The phone will reboot several times, which is normal. Once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setting, like when you first turned on. If the phone has been stuck on the Redmi logo for longer than 20 minutes, then there's been an error (see What to do if the reset freezes).

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If after reset, the phone requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account, but you do not remember it, use the official recovery service at account.xiaomi.com. Do not use third-party programs to bypass protection - this can block IMEI!

This method does not require a computer and is suitable for most users, but if the phone does not turn on or the menu is not available, move on to the next method.

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

If Redmi 9 is stuck on the boot, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which allows you to reset your settings without access to the main system. Importantly, on some firmware (e.g. global MIUI EU), Recovery menu items may differ.

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow inscriptions).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm the action.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe All Data on the Recovery menu, just Wipe Cache, you have an unofficial firmware installed.

• 🔹 Choose Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
• 🔹 Then go back and select the Wipe. Data/Factory Reset.
• 🔹 Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9 (e.g. India's Redmi 9 Prime) may have Recovery menus in Chinese, in which case, look for characters (clean up data) and (reboot).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and USB-It's useful if the first two things don't work or you need to reflash your phone. It's good for a Redmi 9 with a locked bootloader, but it requires unlocking the Bootloader (if you haven't done it before, it won't work).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (or Linux with fastboot installed).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (don’t use cheap Chinese cables – they can interrupt the process!).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer. A hare in a hat should appear on the phone screen.
3. Open the command line (Windows: Win + R → enter cmd).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install Qualcomm drivers.
5. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once you've done the commands, the phone will restart and start the reset procedure, which is the most reliable method, but it requires technical skills. If you've never worked with fastboot, you'd better go to the service center.

What to do if the reset is frozen or errors occur

Even if you do the instructions right, sometimes you have problems, and let's look at the typical scenarios and their solutions.

If none of these methods worked, it could be a hardware problem, like a memory chip (eMMC) or power controller that's damaged, and in this case, self-repair is not recommended, so go to Xiaomi's authorized service center.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->

How to recover data after reset (if there is no backup)

If you forgot to backup, the chances of returning the data are there, but they depend on how long ago the reset was performed. After Soft Reset (via the menu), some files can be restored using specialized programs. After Hard Reset (via Recovery/Fastboot), the chances are minimal - the data is overwritten.

Recovery programs (Windows/macOS only):

• 🔍 DiskDigger scans internal memory for file residues (works if there was no overwriting of data).
• 📁 EaseUS MobiSaver – Recovers photos, messages and contacts (paid, but there is a trial version).
• 🖥️ Recuva is a free tool for finding deleted files (suitable for memory cards).

Important: Don't install recovery software on Redmi 9 itself, which will overwrite the data and make it impossible to recover. Connect your phone to your computer in MTP mode and scan from your PC. If your phone has been synced to your Google Account, check:

• 📧 Contact: contacts.google.com
• 📷 Photo: photos.google.com
• 📅 Calendar and notes: calendar.google.com

⚠️ Note: Don’t use programs like Dr.Fone or iMobie – they often contain malicious code and can permanently damage data!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 9

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If you are resetting Redmi 9 before selling, be sure to delete your Mi Account and disable Find Device. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the phone!