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

The Xiaomi Redmi 9T is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a balance of performance and price, but even it can eventually start to "brake," issue bugs or require a complete clean before selling.Disposal to factory settings (hard reset) solves most software problems, but it's important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or lock the device permanently.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to return the Redmi 9T to its original state: through the phone settings, Recovery mode and using the PC (Mi Flash Tool), we will also discuss how to prepare for a reset, what to do for errors such as “This MIUI version cannot be installed”, and why after a reset, you may need to re-activate your Xiaomi account.

Warn in advance: the reset deletes all data from internal memory (photos, contacts, messages, applications), but does not affect files on the internal memory. SD-If you don't back up, it's going to be very difficult to recover the information.

1.Reset preparation: What to do before returning to factory settings

Before you reset Redmi 9T, follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or even locking your device through your Mi Account.

First, back up. MIUI has a built-in archiving feature: Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. The alternative is to use Google Drive (for contacts, photos and some settings) or third-party apps like Titanium Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with Google Account or export to.vcf file.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC, SD-Map or Cloud (Google Photo, Yandex Drive).
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: Check if they are saved in Google Smart Lock or Password Manager.
• 🎮 Gaming data: link your gaming accounts to Google Play or social media.

Second, unplug your Xiaomi account if you plan to sell your phone. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. If you don’t, the new owner won’t be able to activate the device without your data. Also make sure the phone has disabled Find Device (Settings → Additional → Security → Find Device) or the phone will require you to enter your Mi Account password after the reset.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Xiaomi account password and your phone is tied to it, a reset via Recovery or Mi Flash Tool can result in a full lock (requires official unlocking through the service center.

Third, charge your phone at least 50%, interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can cause a device to "brick" (unfunctioning state). USB-cable and computer - they will be needed for one of the methods of resetting.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

If your Redmi 9T is turning on and reacting to touch, use this method. It does not require a computer and is suitable for most situations: before selling, when slowing down or after a failed update.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click Backup and Reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. The system will suggest choosing which to reset, and we recommend that you mark "Erase all data" (includes internal memory).
6. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
7. Confirm the action with the Reset button.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes. Once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase. If the phone freezes during the reset phase longer than 15 minutes, see the section "What to do if the reset freezes."

Battery charge > 50%|Mi Account binding disabled|Backup of important data is made|I know. PIN-code-key-->

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a Mi Account password that you do not remember, do not try to guess it repeatedly - the device can lock up for 72 hours.

This method will not help if:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or hangs on the Redmi logo.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN.
• 🛠️ Reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

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

If the Redmi 9T doesn’t respond to touch, freezes on the screensaver, or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the screen is locked, but requires a combination of physical buttons.

Steps to Enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it doesn’t respond).
2. Press and hold the buttons: Volume up (+) + Power for standard Recovery. Volume down (-) + Power for Fastboot login (needed for firmware via PC).

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Recovery

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (Up/Down, Move, Power, Select). Select the language (usually English or ), then:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
2. Next up is Wipe All Data (full reset).
3. Confirm the action (Confirm).
4. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
5. Press Refresh – your Redmi 9T should appear in the list of devices.
6. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. It can take up to 15 minutes to start the first run — don't interrupt. If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find device" error, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

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If the phone does not turn on after firmware, try to press the Power button for 30 seconds, then repeat the firmware with the choice of Clean All mode (without locking the bootloader).

⚠️ Note: The firmware via the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data without recovery, including the contents of internal memory, and this method can lead to locking the bootloader if you use unofficial firmware. Unlocking requires an official request via Mi Unlock (can take up to 30 days).

5 Frequent Resetting Errors and How to Fix Them

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 9T users face problems, and let's look at the most common errors and their solutions.

Mistake 1: phone is stuck on startup Redmi logo after reset

Reasons:

• 🔄 Damaged firmware (for example, after an interrupted update).
• 🔌 Incompatible version MIUI (installed firmware for another model).
• 🛠️ Conflict with Custom Recovery (TWRP).

Decision:

1. Try to log back into Recovery and repeat the reset.
2. If it doesn’t work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 3).
3. If it hangs on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, remove the battery (if possible) or press Power + Volume down for 30 seconds.

Error 2: After reset, the phone asks for the old Mi Account password

This means that the device is tied to a Xiaomi account and you didn't untie it before resetting.

• 🔑 Enter the correct password from the account that was linked.
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is purchased by hand) – contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

Error 3: This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device

This error occurs if you are trying to install firmware that is not designed for your model or region, for example, the firmware for Redmi 9T Global will not be suitable for the Redmi 9T China version.

Decision:

1. Check the exact phone model in Settings → About Phone → Model (e.g. M2010J19SG – Global version).
2. Download the firmware for your model from the official website.
3. If you install custom firmware, make sure that the bootloader is unlocked.

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If your phone shows a firmware error, never interrupt! This can cause a complete loss of performance. Try repeating the firmware with another version of MIUI or contact the service.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi 9T will launch with a greeting screen, just like after the purchase.

1. Select language and region: We recommend you to choose Russian and Russian (or your country) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: This is necessary to download updates and recover data from your Google Account.
3. Sign in to Google Account: If you have made a backup, the system will prompt you to restore data (contacts, apps, settings).
4. Set up security: Set a PIN, pattern lock, or fingerprint. Activate Find the device (Settings → Google → Security).

Update the firmware

• Go to Settings → About Phone → Update the system and install the latest security patches.

If you're selling a phone, don't set it up, just turn it off and pass it to the customer. If you keep it, check the basic features.

• 📶 Network: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Battery: charging, working time.
• 🎵 Sound: speakers, microphone, headphones.
• 📸 Camera: Check all modules (main, front, macro).

If new problems arise after the reset (for example, the camera is not working or the network is not working), the firmware is likely to be incorrect, in which case repeat the reset or flash the phone again.

7.Alternative methods: when standard discharge does not help

If none of the methods described have worked, consider these options:

Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is turned on but the sensor is not working, you can reset the settings via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb shell recovery --wipe_data

Contacting the service center

If the phone:

• 🔥 It doesn't even include Fastboot.
• 🔒 Blocked with Mi Account and you can’t restore access.
• 🛠️ Has hardware damage (for example, after falling or getting moisture).

The best option is to take it to an authorized service center Xiaomi. the cost of unlocking an account or flashing it is usually 1000-3,000 rubles.

Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)

If you don't like standard MIUI, you can install alternative firmware, like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock.
2. Install custom Recovery (TWRP)
3. Flush the firmware through TWRP.

⚠️ Note that this voids the warranty and can cause the phone to function unstablely.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions