Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to return the device to its original state. The Redmi 9 Pro, despite its popularity and stability, can eventually start to function slower due to the accumulation of system debris or software errors. A complete reset is the most effective way to solve such problems, eliminating application conflicts and restoring system performance.
There are several reasons why a user may need to perform Hard Reset, such as selling a gadget, handing it over to another family member, or trying to fix critical bugs that lead to permanent freezes. It is important to understand that this process completely removes all information from the internal drive, so preparation is a key step.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways Redmi 9 Pro can return to factory settings, learn how to safely save your contacts and photos, what steps to take if your smartphone screen is not responding, and how to bypass Google account lock if necessary.
Preparation of the device before resetting settings
Before you start the cleanup process, you need to make sure that all important data is saved.Reset to factory settings permanently deletes photos, videos, music, documents and installed applications. It is recommended to back up through the Google Drive cloud service or use the built-in Security app for local backup.
Make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the procedure due to battery discharge can damage system files and inability to start the operating system. It is also worth checking if you know the passwords from your Google account and Mi Account, as after a reset, the system will require them to confirm ownership.
☑️ Checklist before reset
If a microSD card is installed in the device, it is better to remove it before starting the procedure. Although modern versions of MIUI usually ask whether to format an external drive, physical extraction guarantees the safety of your files on the card. In some cases, formatting internal memory can take from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of data stored.
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The easiest and most secure method is available if you have access to your desktop and smartphone menu, which is preferable because it is less error-prone and allows the system to correctly complete all background processes before cleaning.
In the menu that opens, scroll down and find About Phone. This is where the basic device information and system management tools are concentrated. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, the interface may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi models.
Inside the About Phone section, you'll need to find the Reset button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the three-dot menu in the upper right corner, and clicking on it will show a warning that all data, including files in the internal memory, will be deleted.
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Before resetting via the settings menu, take a picture of the screen with important Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device settings if you don’t remember the passwords from them.
The system will offer two options: Reset (without deleting files) and Erase all data. To return to the factory state, choose the second option. You will need to enter a pattern lock or a digital pin unlock the screen, and then the preparation process for the reset begins.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is stuck, does not turn on to the desktop or forgotten the lock password, the Recovery Mode mode is used. This method allows you to clean at a low level, bypassing the operating system.
After turning it off, press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time, hold them until the Mi logo appears, and then the power button can be released while holding the volume button. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and confirm the selection. Next, the system will suggest selecting Wipe All Data for complete cleaning.
What to do if you recover in English?
Once confirmed, the system will alert you to the irreversibility of action. Select Confirm and wait until the process is complete. When the Data wiped successfully message appears, press Back to Main Menu, then Reboot and Reboot to System. The smartphone will restart, and the initial setup will begin.
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device
In situations where a device is lost or stolen, but it has Internet and geolocation enabled, you can reset remotely using Google Find My Device, and access the service’s official website from any other device (computer or phone) under the same account used on the Redmi 9 Pro.
In the device list, select your smartphone. The control menu has options like, "Ring, Lock, and Clean the device." We're interested in the last item. Clicking on the "Clean the device" button will trigger a full reset command.
It is important to understand that to execute a command, the smartphone must be on and connected to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet). If the device is offline, the command will be executed automatically as soon as it appears on the network.
This method is also useful if the smartphone screen is broken and does not respond to touch, but the system works. However, unlike local reset, there is no way to save data, so use this method only in extreme cases.
Solving Google Account Problems (FRP)
Once you reset, especially through Recovery or remotely, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) will work, a security mechanism that requires you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset, and without that password, you can't activate the smartphone.
If you have forgotten your password, try to re-access your account via your computer or another phone at accounts.google.com. Enter a new password on your smartphone after connecting to Wi-Fi. In some cases, the system may ask you to wait 24 hours after changing your password before logging in.
The table below shows the main scenarios of blocking and how to solve them:
| Script | Action required | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Forgot screen password | Reset via Recovery | Total loss. |
| Phone sale | Reset via Settings | Total loss. |
| Forgotten Google account | Recovery through Google website | No (unless you do the reset) |
| Systemic errors | Full reset (Wipe All) | Total loss. |
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The FRP system protects your data in the event of theft, but requires remembering your Google account.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
Xiaomi users may face a variety of challenges in the reset process, and one common problem is the bootloop cycle, where the phone is constantly turned on and off, often solved by re-entering Recovery and selecting the Wipe Data item again.
Another problem is the message “failed to reset” or freeze during the cleaning phase, in which case try to perform the procedure with the charger connected, and cleaning the cache (Wipe Cache) before the main reset can also help, if the Recovery menu allows you to do this separately.
If the phone says “Device is corrupted” after the reset, or requires the bootloader to be unlocked, it may have previously been modified to system files or custom firmware installed, in which case it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires activation from an account that does not belong to you (bought with hands), it will be extremely difficult to unlock it legally.
Setting up the smartphone after returning to factory parameters
Once you have successfully restarted, you will see the Miui Welcome screen, select language, region, and connect to the Wi-Fi network. The system will prompt you to copy applications and data from the backup. If you have backups through Google or Mi Cloud, this step will go quickly and restore contacts, calendar, and app list.
Take your time to install all applications at once. Give the system 10-15 minutes for background optimization. During this time, the processor can work harder and the battery can run faster, this is normal for the first start after Hard Reset. Set the necessary system updates through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
To improve security, reconfigure your fingerprint and facial recognition. It's also a good idea to check your privacy settings and disable ads in system apps if they bother you. Now your Redmi 9 Pro is running like new again.
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After the first turn on, don't install heavy games right away.Let the system complete the background file indexing for better autonomy.
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What if my phone asks for a password from a Mi Account I forgot?
⚠️ Note: Using third-party programs to bypass FRP The lock may contain viruses and cause the smartphone software to finally break down.