How to return factory settings to Xiaomi Redmi 9: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it can eventually start to brake, issue bugs or require a reset before selling. Hard reset solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so you don't lose important data or lock the device.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset Redmi. 9 (including Redmi models 9A/9C/9T), And also answers to the common questions: what to do if the phone doesn't turn on, how to bypass the Mi Account lock, and why some features may disappear after a reset. MIUI 12/13/14 newer versions.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your data — the reset will delete all files, apps and settings, including photos, contacts and messages. If your phone is locked and you don't remember the password from your Mi Account, check the unlock section first.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Resetting to factory settings is an irreversible process, so preparation is key, and many users lose important data simply because they haven't paid attention to it.

Here is what you need to do before the procedure:

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can cause damage to system files and "brick" of the device.
• 🔐 Make sure to remember the Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter a username/password from your Xiaomi account (if Find Device was enabled).
• 📡 Disable all accounts. Go to Settings. → Accounts and sync and delete Google, Mi Account and other tied services – this will make it easier to set up after a reset.

If you drop your phone before selling, do the following:

• 💳 Extract. SIM-card and memory card (if any).
• 📍 Turn off Smart Lock and Fingerprints in Security Settings.
• 🚫 Remove all bank cards from Google Pay and Mi Pay.

⚠️ Note: If your phone has Google’s Device Protection enabled, you will need to enter the last password you used from your Google account after reset.

2. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and most secure method if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password.

• Elimination of programmatic failures;
• Removal of viruses;
• Cleaning memory before selling;
• Restore the factory firmware without losing the unlock of the loader.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data (entry may be required) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the initial setup screen, just like after you buy it.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone requires activation of Mi Account, but you do not remember the password, do not try to guess it repeatedly - the device can lock for 72 hours.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method will be useful if:

• The phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo;
• You forgot the unlock password;
• Sensor's not working.
• You need to remove the custom firmware that caused the failures.

To enter Recovery Mode on Redmi 9, use a button combination. Importantly, the combinations may vary slightly on different versions (9A/9C/9T).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press and hold the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the power button, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, be guided by the location of items (usually Wipe Data is the third on top).Redmi 9T (model M2010J19SG) may require additional confirmation via Yes.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is the most radical and is used if:

• The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• We need to reflash the loader.
• Removal of custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP)
• Resetting through the menu and Recovery didn't help.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot;
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original);
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Nutrition to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

1. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. disable the antivirus - it can block the utility.-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot resets the bootloader unlock. If you previously unlocked Bootloader for custom firmware installation, you will have to re-unblock it after this procedure (waiting 7-15 days).

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If some features (such as Google Services or Widevine L1 for Netflix HD viewing) are missing after the reset, it may be due to:

• 🔄 Unofficial firmware - install the original MIUI;
• 🔒 Lock the bootloader – unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool;
• 📱 Hardware damage – contact the service center.

💡

If the phone is running slower than before after reset, it's likely a hardware problem (memory wear, processor overheating) in which case the reset won't help - it requires diagnosis.

6.How to bypass Mi Account lock after reset

If you reset Redmi 9 and now your phone requires data from Mi Account that you don’t have, there are a few ways to address it:

Official method (recommended):

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions (access to the linked email or phone number is required).
3. If your account is not yours (the phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner.

Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

• 📧 Dumping through EDL (Requires special cable and software (Mi Flash Pro) suitable for models until 2021 release.
• 🔓 Test point bypass, open the phone and close the contacts on the board, 70%.
• 💻 Unlocking services: 500 to 2,000 rubles (depending on the model) and look for trusted masters on the forums 4PDA or XDA.

⚠️ Note: Using informal unlocking methods may result in loss of warranty, lockdown IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting against these methods, regularly closing vulnerabilities.

7. Alternatives to resetting: when can you do without it

If the goal is to eliminate lags or make room, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an app (e.g. Google Play Services) → Clear the cache. Use Settings for system cleaning. → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Resetting individual settings: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. → Annexes → Reset application settings (return the standard settings for all programs).
• 📉 Updates rollback: If the lags appeared after the update MIUI, Try to roll back through the settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select a Service Package.

If the problem is viruses, instead of resetting:

1. Install an antivirus (Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light)
2. Run the scan in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode).
3. Remove suspicious applications manually.

💡

Before selling your phone, it’s not enough to simply reset your settings. To completely delete data (including recovered files), use the Recovery Format (Wipe Data → Format Data) feature, which will take longer, but will ensure cleanup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 reset