Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 to factory settings: a complete guide to problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it is not immune from system failures, viruses or the need to transfer the device to a new owner. Hard reset solves most software problems, but requires caution: without preparation, you risk losing photos, contacts and application data. This guide contains 3 proven reset methods (including the method for a locked phone), unique solutions for errors such as “No command” or “This device is locked”, as well as answers to frequent questions about data recovery after a reset.

Before you start, consider that the factory settings on the Redmi Note 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS, etc.) reset everything, including the attached Mi Account. If you forget the password from it, after resetting the phone can turn into a "brick" requiring login.

Preparing for resetting: what to save and how not to lose data

Reset erases all user information from internal memory, but does not affect files on the user’s memory. SD-The card (if it is installed as a removable drive) here is what you need to do:

• 📱 Sync your contacts with your Google Account or export them to a file VCF via the Contacts app → Settings → Imports/Exports.
• 📷 Copy photos and videos on PC (via cable) or in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). DCIM weightiest!
• 🔑 Write down the usernames and passwords of the apps (especially banking ones) and the auto login won't work after the reset.
• 📡 Unlock the device from the Mi Account if you plan to sell the phone.This will avoid locking the new owner.

If the phone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, skip this step - go straight to reset via Recovery (section 3). But remember: in this case, data recovery will be almost impossible.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 9 with the bootloader unlocked, the reset may result in the loss of the ability to flash the device through the Fastboot. Check the lock status with the fastboot oem device-info command - if the answer is unlocked: true, after the reset you will have to unlock again.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the password/pattern lock, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (scroll down).
2. Tap three points (⋮) → Resetting settings.
3. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
5. Confirm the action with the button to erase everything.

The phone will restart and start the cleaning process (it will take 5-15 minutes), after which the screen of the initial settings, as after purchase, will appear.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the username Mi Account, whom you do not remember - do not try to guess the password! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the Redmi Note 9 doesn’t respond to the screen, forget the pattern lock, or the device is stuck on the boot, use Recovery, which works even without access to the system.

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use Volume Down for navigation and Power to select. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (the screen will appear the words Data wiped successfully).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after this action or shows a No command error, then the firmware is damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see section 4).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (for example, due to a damaged Recovery), the firmware remains via Fastboot, USB-Mi Flash Tool cables and utilities, which completely reinstalls the firmware, removing all data, including viruses and system errors.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (will not damage ports!).
• 📦 Firmware for Redmi Note 9 (download from the official website, choose the version of Fastboot).
• 🛠 The Mi Flash Tool (download here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware (.tgz file) into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\ROM\).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers (if Windows didn’t pick them up automatically).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds and the device will go to Fastboot mode (the screen will appear rabbit in the hat).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

1. Reinstall drivers via Mi Phone Manager.

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

3. Run the utility on behalf of the administrator.-->

⚠️ Note: Firmware through Fastboot will unlock the bootloader if it has been blocked.This can lead to loss of warranty and problems with the bootloader. OTA-After the procedure, it is recommended to block the bootloader again with the command fastboot oem lock.

What to do if your phone requires a Mi Account

If you reset the Redmi Note 9 but don't untie the Mi Account, the device will require you to enter your login and password when you first turn on, which is anti-theft protection, and there are only two ways to legally circumvent it:

1. Remember your account details: 📧 Try to restore your password through account.xiaomi.com (you need access to an email or phone associated with your account). 🔍 Check the saved passwords in your browser or password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager).
2. Contact the previous owner (if the phone is purchased by hand): 📞 Ask the seller to untie the device through Settings → Mi Account → Devices. 📄 Save a check or a sales contract – Xiaomi may request it to unlock.

If these methods do not work, there are still illegal methods (for example, firmware through EDL or using paid unlock services).

• 🚫 Violate the Xiaomi user agreement.
• 🔧 Can finally "kill" the device in case of error.
• 💰 Cost from 1000 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model).

💡

The only official way to unlock the Mi Account is to restore access to the account or help the previous owner. Other methods can lead to loss of warranty and the risk of damage to the phone.

How to recover data after resetting

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on what was lost:

To recover files from internal memory:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (after reset, it will be as new).
2. Install DiskDigger or EaseUS Data Recovery.
3. Select internal memory scan (not SD-map!).
4. Save the files you find on your PC – don’t write them back to your phone so you don’t overwrite the remaining data.

⚠️ Note: If you've already used your phone after a reset (installing apps, taking photos), the chances of recovering old data are near zero.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 "phone is stuck on Mi logo after reset: Reason: damaged firmware or incompatible version MIUI. Solution: Fastboot (Section 3) with the official firmware for your model (M2003J15SC or.).
• 🔒 "This device is locked. Sign in with Mi Account": Reason: Mi Account was not untied before reset.Solution: see section 5.
• ⚡ "Battery drains too fast after reset": Reason: Background optimization is not set up yet.Solution: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruptions) and disable auto-run of unnecessary applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 📶 "No network after reset: Reason: the settings are lost IMEI Or a communications module. Solution: check it out. IMEI *#06# - if he is the NULL, Restore it through Engineering Mode (requires root rights).

1. Is the "Do Not Disturb" mode on (Settings → Sound)

2. Is there dirt in the headphone jack (the phone may "think" that they are connected).

3. Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions