Reset Xiaomi Mi 9T to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and nuances

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (aka Redmi K20 in some regions) is a popular smartphone with a retractable front camera that is still in use today. But even such a reliable device can eventually start to “brake”, emit errors or require complete cleaning before selling. Hard reset solves most software problems, but only if done correctly.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset Mi 9T — From the standard menu to Recovery and Fastboot modes, and how to avoid common errors, you will learn what data will be deleted irrevocably, how to save important information and what to do if the smartphone “hangs” during the process. MIUI and working with an unlocked loader.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory resets are not just the press of a button, improper preparation can lead to loss of important data or even "bricking" of the device.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. If the smartphone turns off during reset, it can damage system files.
• 📱 Backup – Save contacts, photos, messages and app data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local storage.
• 🔑 Accounts – remember the username and password from Mi Account, otherwise after reset you will not be able to unlock the device.
• 📡 Network – if you reset via the menu, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection (for post-reset updates downloaded).

Special attention is given to users with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, in which case a reset via a standard menu can lead to a looped reboot, and they are advised to use only methods through Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, reset won’t help you bypass it. Once you reboot, the device will require you to enter your previously associated account details.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This is a method that works if your smartphone is turned on, touch-sensitive, and you have access to the menu, and it's the safest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter a password or pattern lock (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The process will take 5-10 minutes. The smartphone will reboot and prompt you to configure it as new. If after resetting the Mi 9T requires you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, then the device was tied to the Xiaomi account before the reset.

Make sure your smartphone is over 30% charged

Keep a backup copy of important data

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Disable protection with a pattern lock (if it interferes)

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

If the Mi 9T is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or is locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery mode will help.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Volume Up + Power button at the same time.
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Recovery may have different menu items (e.g. Factory Reset instead of Wipe Data).If you see a menu in Chinese, look for the characters "" (data cleanup).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

• 🔄 The smartphone is stuck in bootloop (infinite reboot).
• 🔓 You have unlocked the bootloader and need to "roll back" the firmware.
• 🛠️ Standard Recovery is damaged or missing.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the Mi 9T and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and do:

fastboot devices

(The serial number of the device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once you reboot, the device will reset. If you want to completely reflash your smartphone, instead of using the last command, use:

fastboot flash system system.img

(where system.img is the firmware file for your model).

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If the smartphone does not restart after fastboot erase commands, manually hold the power button for 10-15 seconds. Sometimes the Mi 9T “hangs” on the black screen after cleaning the partitions.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the Mi 9T will offer to go through the initial setup, as after the purchase.

• 📱 Link to Mi Account – if you forget your password, restore it in advance on the Xiaomi website.
• 🔄 Data recovery – use a backup from Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 🔒 Security – set up your pattern lock or fingerprint right away to avoid being blocked again.
• 📲 Updates – Check for new versions MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If there are problems after the reset:

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth does not turn on – reset your network settings to Settings → Network and Internet → Reset your Wi-Fi settings.
• Apps fly out – clear the cache in Settings → Apps → App management.
• Quick battery discharge – Calibrate: completely discharge, then charge to 100% without interruption.

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If after the Mi reset 9T does not SIM-map, check if it's gone. IMEI. You can restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or by using the SN Write Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple procedure, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems.

1. Resetting with low battery power - can damage system files. Always charge your smartphone to at least 50%.
2. Using unofficial firmware — if custom software was installed, a reset through a standard menu can "brick" the device.
3. Interrupting the process – if you pull out the battery or force the smartphone to turn off during a reset, there is a high risk of damaging the userdata partition.
4. Forgotten Mi Account – without the account data Xiaomi unlock the device after reset will not work.

Another common problem is loss. IMEI After being reset via Fastboot, this happens if the modem or nvram partitions have been deleted. IMEI assisted:

• Engineering menu (#4636## → Phone information)
• Maui META (requires PC and cable)
• Contact the service center (if you do not have experience with firmware).

⚠️ Note: If after the discharge of the Mi 9T If you try to unlock the bootloader, you have already unlocked it, but did not wait for the end of the waiting timer (usually 7-14 days.

Alternative methods: when standard resetting does not help

If none of the methods described worked (for example, the smartphone does not respond to buttons or gives an error “No command” in Recovery), try these options:

• 🔧 Firmware via Mi Flash Tool – Full Reinstallation MIUI It requires a PC and an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔄 EDL Mode (9008) - Emergency mode for firmware through Qualcomm tools. Suitable if the smartphone does not turn on at all.
• 🛠️ Service center – if the problem is hardware (for example, damaged memory eMMC), self-repair is not possible.

For the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for Mi 9T (codename davinci) from MIUI Downloads.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Log in to Fastboot on your smartphone and connect to your PC.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.

The process will take 5-15 minutes. Once completed, the smartphone will restart to the clean system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 9T