How to reset Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 9 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a smartphone for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, the wrong approach to this process can lead to data loss, locking the device or even turning it into a “brick.” In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to reset for the Mi 9 (codenamed cepheus), including hidden nuances that are rarely mentioned in standard instructions.

The Xiaomi Mi 9 features Mi Account protection, which can make it more difficult if you forget your account data, and after resetting some firmware, you need to re-activate OEM Unlock to unlock the bootloader, and we will show you how to get around these pitfalls and restore the device to work without losing functionality.

Important: the procedure differs depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, custom) and the state of the smartphone (whether the screen is working, whether there is access to the menu). If your Mi 9 is locked or not turned on, skip the section about hardware reset through the buttons.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset the Xiaomi Mi 9, follow a few critical steps, and ignoring this step can result in your device being locked through the Mi Cloud or losing access to important data.

• 📱 Create a backup: Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root). Especially important to save: Contacts (export to the site) VCF) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications like SMS Backup & Restore: Wi-Fi and App Settings (via Mi Cloud)
• 🔋 Charge the battery: The charge level must be at least 50%.When discharged through Recovery, the discharge during the process can cause firmware damage.
• 🔑 Check the Mi Account binding: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and make sure that the device is linked to your account!
• 📡 Disable Blocks: Delete all Google accounts, disable Find My Device and Mi Cloud Find Device if they are active. FRP-Factory Reset Protection (Factory Reset Protection).

If you plan to sell or transfer a smartphone, additionally:

• 🛡️ Log out of all accounts (Google, Xiaomi, social media).
• 📲 Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if any).
• 🔄 Turn off Automatic Sync in Google Account Settings.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 9 has custom firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard menu can lead to a hang on the logo. TWRP Recovery.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the safest method if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the unlock password. Suitable for MIUI 10-14 (including global and Chinese versions).

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions – Reset all settings).
4. The system will tell you which data to clean: 📱 All data (including applications) 📁 Internal memory (optional if you need to clean up the garbage) 🔄 Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

password/pattern lock

Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After the reboot, the Mi 9 will launch with a greeting screen, just like after the purchase.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Sign in to Mi Account (required! otherwise the device will be locked).
3. Set up the smartphone again or restore data from the backup.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the Mi 9 requires you to enter data from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember them - the device will be blocked.The only way out is to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).

Method 2: Hard reset via buttons (hard reset)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔐 Forgot a pattern lock or password.
• 📵 The smartphone is not turned on (hang on the logo) MI).
• 🤖 The screen doesn't respond to touch.

For the Xiaomi Mi 9, the procedure is performed via Recovery Mode. Important: some firmwares may require unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock) after such a reset.

1. Turn off your smartphone (press Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press simultaneously: Power button + Volume increase

Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Recovery

Nutrition

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese:

• → (Wipe Data → Wipe All Data).
• (Confirm).
• → (Reboot → Reboot to System).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you forget the pattern lock but remember the Mi Account data, you can reset the lock without losing data (on some versions of MIUI).

• 📶 Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔓 Linking your device to your Xiaomi account.
• 📱 No root rights (on rooted devices, the method may not work).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password / key 5 times until the message Forgot the password appears.
2. Click on this message and select Restore via Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new unlock password.

If this method didn't work:

• 🌐 Try to restore access through the web version of Mi Account.
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account – there may be an instruction letter.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi support via official chat (you need a check or a check) IMEI device).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 9 was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, you can unlock the device only through Xiaomi support with the provision of proof of purchase (for example, a check with the help of the user). IMEI). Independent attempts to bypass the lock can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the smartphone.

💡

If after resetting via Mi Account, the smartphone requires re-activation, but you do not remember the password, try to restore access through the linked phone number or backup mail. In extreme cases, use the "Forgot password?" function on the login screen.

Reset via TWRP (for custom firmware)

If your Xiaomi Mi 9 has custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, a standard Stock Recovery reset may not work.

1. Download to TWRP (Power + Volume Combination).
2. In the main menu, select Wipe.
3. Check the boxes opposite: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (optional if you need to clear the memory)

Swipe to Wipe

Reboot

System

If the Mi 9 does not load after resetting via TWRP:

• 🔄 Try to flash the boot image (boot.img) via Fastboot.
• 📥 Install the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🛠️ Check the integrity of the firmware files (they may have been damaged during downloading).

For firmware via Fastboot, use the commands:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img




fastboot reboot

💡

Reset via TWRP deletes all data without recovery, and if you need to save photos or contacts, remove the memory card or connect your smartphone to your PC in MTP mode (if it still works) before the procedure.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, a Xiaomi Mi 9 reset can end up in error.

1. error "Can't mount /data" or "Invalid partition"

Reason: Data partition damage or incompatibility of the Recovery version with firmware.

Decision:

• 🔧 Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img
• 📁 Format the section /data manually TWRP (Choose the Wipe → Format Data → enter).

2.Hanging on the MI logo after being reset

Reason: Conflict of firmware and Recovery versions, damage to system files.

Decision:

• 🔄 Run a full flash flash through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All option).
• 📥 Download the official firmware for Mi 9 (cepheus) from the Xiaomi website.

3. Requires a password from the previous Mi Account

Reason: The device is linked to the previous owner’s account.

Decision:

• 📄 Contact Xiaomi with a check or box from your device.
• 🔓 If you are the owner but you have forgotten the data, restore access via account.xiaomi.com.

4.The sensor is not working after reset

Cause: Failure of sensor drivers or firmware damage.

Decision:

• 🔄 Repeat the reset via Recovery.
• 📥 Sweep the official firmware through Fastboot.
• 🛠️ If the problem remains - perhaps the plume of the touch screen is defective (requires repair).

Frequent questions about the reset Xiaomi Mi 9