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

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 9 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to fix software failures, prepare the device for sale or delete personal data.The procedure erases all user files, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three official ways to perform the reset: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and using a PC (for “bricks”).

In this article, we will go into detail on each method, point out the hidden nuances of resetting MIUI 12/13/14 (including blocking Mi accounts), and provide checklists for safe preparation. We will focus on common errors, such as why you might need to enter an old password after a reset or how to avoid data loss in internal memory. If your Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires unlocking the bootloader, here you will find working solutions.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Factory resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it's the only way to bring a smartphone back to life.

• 🔄 System failures: constant reboots, “departures” of applications, errors such as “the process of com.android.phone stopped».
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that is not removed by antiviruses (for example, banner ads in the status bar).
• 📱 Preparation for sale / transfer: complete deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔓 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (unlocked by Mi Account).
• 🐢 Critical slowdown after long use (cache clogging, memory fragmentation).

It's important to understand that resetting won't help with hardware malfunctions, like a broken screen, a broken camera, or a charging connector, and that requires repair. SD-cards (if installed), but completely clears internal memory – including screenshots, downloads and application data.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi 9 was enabled Find Device and the Mi Account is tied, after reset, you will need to enter the username and password from it»!

Preparing for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you click the Reset button, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and avoid blocking:

Make a backup copy (photos, contacts, SMS)

Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Delete your Google account (if you plan to sell)

Disable Find Device (Settings → Mi Account → Device Search)

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The most critical item is backup. Even if the phone is unstable, try to save the data at least partially:

• 📁 Photo/video: copy to PC via cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 📞 Contacts: sync with your Google account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google).
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game saves: link to accounts in games (e.g. Google Play Games).

If Redmi 9 doesn’t turn on or freezes, try extracting data via Fastboot or Recovery (more on this below). PC Suite.

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If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, but the screen is working, plug the mouse through the phone. OTG-Adapter: It’s easier to manage the menu.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest method is to use the built-in feature in MIUI. Suitable if the smartphone is turned on, responsive to touch and you have access to the menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → System Update → Click three times on the MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (on some versions of MIUI - Remove everything).

It takes 5-10 minutes to complete, and when it is finished, the phone will automatically restart and prompt it to be configured as new, and if the error "This device is linked to an existing Mi Account" appears after the reset, enter the attached email and password.

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

If Redmi 9 is stuck, unresponsive or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode, a special recovery mode that works even when the system is damaged, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press both Power and Loudness up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (manage volume keys, choose from the power button).
4. Choose a language (usually English or English).
5. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Note: Some versions of Recovery may have different menu items, such as:

• Wipe & Reset instead of Wipe Data
• Erase Everything instead of Wipe All Data.

If after reset the phone still does not turn on or gives an error "No command", then the firmware is damaged - you will need to flash through Fastboot (method 3).

⚠️ Warning: Don’t choose Wipe Cache over Wipe Data in Recovery – it’s just cache clearing, not a complete reset!

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Recovery Resets all data, including files in internal memory, but does not affect the data. SD-map (if installed).

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for “bricks”)

If the first two methods don't work (e.g., the phone doesn't boot even to Recovery), the last option is to run the Fastboot firmware on a PC.

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11);
• 🔌 Cable. USB (preferably original);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Redmi 9;
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, official permission from Xiaomi will be required).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool and the firmware for Redmi 9 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you a "Couldn't flash" error, check:

• Are Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download here)
• Whether the bootloader is unlocked (if not, follow the official instructions);
• Does the firmware conform to the model (Redmi 9 is encoded lancelot).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware, try repeating the process with another version of MIUI (for example, instead of global, put Chinese or vice versa).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, problems can arise. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If the network is lost after reset, try to restore the IMEI:

1. Type ##4636## and select Phone Information.
2. Check the current IMEI1 and IMEI2 (if they are all zeros, you need to restore).
3. Download the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or use ADB:

adb shell


su




echo'AT +EGMR=1,7,"Your IMEI_1" > /dev/pttycmd1




echo'AT +EGMR=1,10,"Your IMEI_2" > /dev/pttycmd1

Where's yours_IMEI_1 yours_IMEI_2 — Original numbers listed on or under the battery.

How to avoid data loss in the future

To avoid losing important files in the next reset, follow the following simple rules:

• ☁️ Automatic backup: enable sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive (Settings) → Accounts. → Backup).
• 📱 Local copies: once a month, copy photos and documents to a PC or external drive.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: Install updates regularly – they fix bugs that lead to crashes.
• 🛡️ Antivirus: Use Google Play Protect or Dr.Web to protect against malware.
• 🔑 Account Management: Write down your username/password from Mi Account and Google to a secure location (e.g. KeePass).

If you often experiment with firmware or settings, consider installing custom Recovery (like TWRP), which allows you to create full backups before any changes, but it will require you to unlock the bootloader, which will void the warranty.

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Regular backup saves 90% of the problems when reset, and even if the phone fails, you won't lose any data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions