How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 6A: a complete reset to factory settings

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 6A to factory settings is a forced measure when the smartphone starts to brake, emits errors or you forgot the pattern lock. The procedure deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and installed applications, so it is often called “hard reset” or hard reset. In this article, we will discuss three official ways of zeroing: through the phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot – taking into account the nuances for the Redmi 6A based on MIUI 9/10/11.

Despite the ease of operation, many users face problems: the phone does not respond to commands, hovers in boot mode or requires a password from the Mi Account after a reset. We will describe in detail how to avoid these situations, and also give recommendations for saving important data before zeroing. If your Redmi 6A is locked, there is a section at the end of the article with instructions to unlock without losing functionality.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before zero

Before you start resetting, make sure to back up your data, and even if your phone is unstable, you still have a chance to save photos, SMS and contacts.

• 📱 Sync your contacts with your Google or Mi Cloud account. → Accounts. → Google/Mi Account and enable synchronization.
• 📷 Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud. Connect Redmi 6A down USB file transfer mode (MTP) Or use apps like Google Photos.
• 🔐 Remember the Mi Account details. After the reset, the phone may require the username and password from Mi Account if the Find Device function was previously activated.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can make it impossible to turn on the phone without flashing it over.

If you reset Redmi 6A before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Settings → Accounts) and untie the device from Mi Cloud. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the phone without your data.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is installed on the factory PIN-code (not to be confused with a pattern lock), it will also need to be entered after reset, you can only find it from the previous owner or through the official Xiaomi service.

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

This is the easiest and safest method, but it is only available if you can unlock the screen and go to the settings.Instructions are relevant for the Redmi 6A on any version of MIUI (9-12).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Slip on Reset (or Delete all data in new versions of MIUI).
4. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Select Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-7 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

Check the battery level.

Synchronize your contacts with Google/Mi Account

Copy important files on the PC

Remember the data from Mi Account (if tied)

Make sure you know. PIN-code SIM-Cards (required after resetting)-->

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - do not try to guess! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Reset (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Redmi 6A is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is blocked, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with English inscriptions).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleanup).
6. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 The second item is Wipe Data (cleanup).
• 📥 Third item – Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware).

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If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes after resetting via Recovery, remove the battery (if possible), wait 1 minute and re-energize. On the Redmi 6A, the battery is non-removable, so just hold the power button for 20 seconds for a forced reboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).
• 📦 Refuse the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Teams.
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 6A (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a bunny will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
2. Connect the Redmi 6A to your computer.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear) – continue.
4. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you need to reflash your phone, use the Mi Flash Tool:

• Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).
• In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.
• Wait until the end (green check) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Resetting via Fastboot using erase commands deletes all partitions, including internal memory. SD-map - they will be lost without the possibility of recovery.

How to unlock Redmi 6A after reset if you need a Mi Account

If after zeroing the phone asks to enter the Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, there are three official ways to unlock:

1. Password Recovery: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions (access to email or phone associated with the account is required).
2. Unlock through proof of ownership: On Xiaomi, select Unlock Device. Download the scans of documents (passport, purchase check) and wait for support (up to 7 days).
3. Contact the service center: Find the nearest official Xiaomi service. Provide a check or box from the phone to confirm ownership.

After 3 failed attempts to enter the Mi Account password, the phone will lock for 72 hours.The only way to speed up unlocking is to contact support with proof of purchase.

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If you bought the Redmi 6A with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie the device from his Mi Account. Otherwise, it will be impossible to unlock the phone without it!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset Redmi 6A, you're going to have a problem, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix it.

If none of these methods worked, it's likely that there's a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), and that's only a service center repair.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions