How to return Xiaomi Redmi 6A to the original settings: 3 working ways

The Xiaomi Redmi 6A is one of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually starts to slow down, glitches or requires a complete cleanup before selling.Factory reset solves most software problems, but many users are afraid of losing data or doing something wrong. In this article, step-by-step instructions for everything from a standard reset through the menu to forced recovery through Recovery if the phone doesn't turn on.

We'll not only learn how to reset, but also what to do before and after the procedure: how to save contacts, photos and apps, how to avoid reset errors, and why sometimes the Redmi 6A "hangs" on the Mi logo after recovery, and also a unique way to bypass the locking of the Mi Account after the reset if you forget the password.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. Here are 5 signals that it is time to return the Redmi 6A to its original state:

  • 🐒 Phone brakes even after cleaning cache and removing unnecessary apps.
  • πŸ”„ Apps will spontaneously close or issue errors (e.g., Google Play Services has stopped workingΒ»).
  • πŸ“± The screen got stuck on the Mi logo after a failed update or firmware.
  • πŸ”’ You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and phone locked.

But before you start, make sure that the problem is the software. If the Redmi 6A is not charging, overheating or not responding to touch, it may be a hardware malfunction, and reset will not help.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) β†’ Mi Account β†’ Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

πŸ“Š Why do you want to lose Redmi? 6A?
Remove the lags and brakes
Prepare for sale
Remove viruses
Reset the pattern lock
Another option

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Factory reset will remove everything: photos, videos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and even some system settings.

  1. Sync your contacts with Google Account: Go to Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Import/Export β†’ Export to Google. If sync is already enabled, contacts will be restored automatically after reset when you re-enter your account.
  2. Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud: Connect Redmi 6A to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode) and copy the DCIM and Pictures folders. Or upload them to Google Photos, Yandex.Disk.

If you have root access, you can do a full backup through TWRP or Titanium Backup, but for most users, cloud services and manual copying are enough.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before reset

Done: 0 / 5

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

This is the easiest and safest method. It works if Redmi 6A is turned on and you can go into the settings.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings in some versions of MIUI).
  3. Click Restore and Reset (or Reset Settings).
  4. Select Settings Reset (sometimes called Erase All Data).
  5. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code (if requested).
  6. Click Reset your phone and wait until it is completed (it will take 3-5 minutes).

The phone will automatically restart and start with factory settings, and it may take longer than usual to turn on the first one, which is normal.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the data of the Mi Account that was previously tied, and you do not remember them, do not enter at random. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

πŸ’‘

If the phone hangs on the Mi screensaver for a long time after reset, try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If it doesn't help, go to method 2 (Recovery).

Method 2: Recovery reset (if the phone is not turned on or locked)

If Redmi 6A doesn’t respond to touch, hangs on the logo or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode. This is a built-in recovery menu that works even when the system crashes.

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
  2. Press the button combination: Volume up (+) + Power button Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
  3. In the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese), select Wipe Data (or ): Control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down - select item, power - confirmation).
  4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
  5. Once completed, select Reboot() to reboot.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

  • 🧹 β€” Data Cleanup (Wipe Data),
  • πŸ”„ β€” reboot (Reboot).

Problem.Reason.Decision
Phone is not included in RecoveryWrong button combination or hardware malfunctionTry Volume Down + Power. If it doesn't work, check the buttons for physical damage.
Recovery menu in ChineseStock firmware without RussificationTarget icons or install custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP)
After reset, the phone asks for a Mi AccountXiaomi account was tied to the deviceEnter your account details or use the bypass method (see below)
Recovery is a bug with E:unknown command.Recovery section damagedReflash Recovery via Fastboot (PC required)
What happens if Recovery does not open?
If the phone doesn't respond to the button combination, try plugging it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes β€” sometimes a dead battery blocks the Recovery login. If that doesn't help, it may be damaged, and you'll need to run the Fastboot firmware (the instructions are in Xiaomi's official documentation).

Method 3: Bypassing Mi Account lock after reset

If Redmi 6A requires you to enter the Mi Account that was previously tied and you forgot it, don't panic.There's a legal way to get around the lock without hacking.

Xiaomi blocks a device if it was reset without logging out, but if you have access to an email or phone linked to Mi Account, you can reset your password:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Click Forgot Password? and enter email/phone.
  3. Follow the instructions to restore access.
  4. After successful login, unlock your phone by entering your account details.

If you do not have access to email/phone, there are two options:

    ⚠️ Note: Use of informal methods of circumventing a lock (e.g., through EDL-regime) may violate the guarantee and result in loss IMEI. The official way - only through the support of Xiaomi.

    πŸ’‘

    If you bought the Redmi 6A hand-held and can't contact the previous owner, the only legal way out is through Fastboot with full cleaning.But that requires ADB skills and can void the warranty.

    What to do after resetting: initial setup

    After a successful reset, the Redmi 6A will launch as a new one.

    1. Sign in to Google Account to restore contacts and applications.

    A few tips for optimal work:

    • πŸš€ Turn off animation to speed up the interface: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to enable Developer Mode, then in Additional β†’ For developers, install Windows animation = 0.5x.
    • πŸ”‹ Calibrate the battery: after resetting, discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions.
    • πŸ›‘οΈ Update the firmware: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.

    If the phone is slower than before after reset, it may be a problem with the older version of MIUI. Check available updates or consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS).

    Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Even a process as simple as resetting can go wrong.-3 Redmi user error 6A and how to prevent them:

    • πŸ”Œ Discharge during reset: If the battery runs out in the process, the phone can turn into a "brick" (will not turn on). Charge the smartphone to at least 50% before reset.
    • πŸ”’ Forgot to log out of Mi Account: As mentioned, this leads to locking.Always check your account's link in Settings β†’ Mi Account.
    • πŸ“± Use unofficial firmware: Installing custom Recovery or firmware without experience can damage IMEI Or you can take out the communications module. If you're not sure, call the experts.

    If after the reset there are problems with connection to the mobile network (no signal, not determined) SIM-map, check it out:

      πŸ’‘

      If the speaker is missing after the reset, check if the Do Not Disturb mode is activated (Settings β†’ Do Not Disturb). Also, the volume profile may be lost - set it manually.

      FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

      Can I reset Redmi 6A without losing data?
      No. Factory reset removes everything, including photos, apps, and settings. The only way to save data is to back up in advance (see Preparing for Reset).
      The phone doesn't turn on after the reset.
      If Redmi 6A doesn't respond after reset: Connect to charge for 30 minutes - maybe the battery is dead. Press Volume up + Power for 15 seconds for a forced reboot. If it doesn't work, try flashing your phone through Fastboot (PC required).
      How to reset Redmi 6A if you forget your pattern lock?
      Use Recovery mode (see Method 2). If you have Mi Account binding enabled, you will need to enter your account details after the reset. If you do not have them, see the section on bypassing the lock.
      How long does it take to dump?
      Usually 3-7 minutes, depending on the amount of data, if it takes longer than 15 minutes, something went wrong (like the phone freezes), in which case force it to restart with the power button.
      Can the reset be cancelled after the process has begun?
      No. Once you have confirmed the reset, the process is irreversible. Interruption (e.g., pulling out the battery) can damage system files and "brick" the phone.