The Xiaomi Mi6, released in 2017, is still a legend among compact flagships, but time takes its toll. Over time, the operating system becomes cachey, old apps conflict with new versions of Android, and user data accumulates, causing unexplained brakes and battery discharge. In such a situation, the only effective solution is often a radical measure – a return to the original state. Full reset allows you to remove all software debris and return the device to factory responsiveness.
However, the process of cleaning the memory requires careful attention to detail, as it irrevocably destroys all personal information. Before starting the procedure, you need to clearly understand what exactly you are going to take: a soft reset through settings or a hard Reset through an engineering menu. The choice of method depends on whether the phone has access to the desktop or the device is locked and does not respond to commands.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to re-initiate a MIUI-based system for the Mi6, look at the preparation of the gadget, step-by-step algorithms for various scenarios, and answer questions that often arise when owners of this model try to clear memory.
Preparatory stage before cleaning the memory
Before you start deleting data, it is critical to back up. The reset process will affect all parts of internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Xiaomi’s standard tools allow you to create a backup on an external drive or in the cloud, which is the most reliable way to save important files.
Special attention should be paid to the Google account and Mi Account. If you plan to sell the device or transfer it to another person, you need to untie accounts before the procedure begins. Otherwise, anti-theft protection will work, and the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone without entering your password, which is a serious obstacle to using the gadget.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for discharge
It is also worth checking the battery charge level. Although the reset process does not take much time, interrupting the system file recording due to discharge can damage the bootloader. The optimal solution is to connect the charger or have a charge of at least 60-70% before the start of the action.
Reset method through system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Mi6 back to factory status is available right from the operating system interface, which is suitable for when the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can freely navigate the menu. The action algorithm is standardized for most versions of MIUI firmware.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the About phone list. Here you are interested in the Reset section. When you click on it, you will see the option to Erase All Data. The system will alert you that all files will be deleted and request confirmation of action. Once you enter the unlock password, the cleanup process will begin.
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If the device is enabled with Find Device mode, the system will require you to enter the password from the Mi Account before starting a reset, a protective measure to prevent someone else's phone from being remotely locked.
Importantly, once you reboot, the phone will look like you just pulled it out of the box, you'll need to reset the initial setup, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your accounts, a method that ensures user data is deleted, but sometimes leaves system debris if the cause of the problems lies deep in the sections.
Use Recovery Mode for Hard Reset
If the smartphone does not load, freezes on the logo or does not respond to sensor commands, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. It is a low-level environment that runs independently of the main operating system. To enter this mode on the switched off Xiaomi Mi6, you need to press the power and volume buttons simultaneously.
Hold the keys until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open, which is controlled by volume buttons (up/down) and the power button confirmation. You need to select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All navigation is done exclusively with mechanical buttons. Don't confuse the volume buttons so you don't pick the wrong menu item.
After the cleaning process, which takes 10 to 30 seconds, the system will return to the main Recovery menu, where you select Reboot, and then Reboot to System. The first activation after this procedure can last longer than usual - up to 5-7 minutes, since the initial initialization of system files occurs.
Cleaning through the Dialer Codes service menu
There is a lesser known but effective way to initiate a reset via the dialing engineering menu, which works if the touchscreen is functional, but the normal settings are difficult to log in or blocked by some kind of interface failure.
Enter the ##7780### code in the dial box. Once you enter the last star, the menu should open automatically without pressing the call button. The window that opens will prompt you to reset your settings with saving photos and videos in memory or completely reset.
What if the code doesn't work?
The good thing about this method is that it's less aggressive than Hard Reset, and in some cases allows you to save multimedia files, although we still recommend pre-copying them to your computer, which is an intermediate option between a software reset via settings and a hard reboot.
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
The choice of the specific method depends on the technical condition of your Xiaomi Mi6 and the goals you are pursuing. Understanding the differences between them will help avoid unnecessary actions and potential risks. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of each method.
| Method | Access to the OS is required | Saving media files | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Yes. | No (removes everything) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | No (removes everything) | Medium |
| Dialer Codes | Partially. | Maybe. | Low. |
| Mi Flash Tool | No (PC needed) | No (complete flashing) | Tall. |
It is worth noting that using the PC and the Mi Flash Tool is the most radical method that actually reinstalls the operating system, which is only required in the case of serious damage to system files, when the phone turns into a brick and does not start even in Recovery mode.
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For the average user who wants to speed up the phone, the best choice is to reset via settings or Recovery.
Solution: Google account and blocking
One of the most common problems after a reset is asking for a password from a Google account that was previously linked to the device, which is a feature of FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is implemented by Google to protect against theft. If you forget your password, it will be extremely difficult to activate the phone without going to the service center with purchase checks.
To avoid blocking, be sure to log out of your Google account before resetting. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google, select your address and click “Delete Account.” Only then you can safely complete the zeroing procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to circumvent FRP Third-party software can cause the device to be completely locked at the server level.
If the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the device, you will need its help to unlock. remotely via the site of Google or Xiaomi, you can delete the device's association with the account if you have access to the account of the previous owner.
Actions after discharge has been completed
After a successful reboot and initial setup, you will have a clean MIUI interface. Don’t rush to install all applications from the backup. It’s recommended to update system components first through the About Phone menu to make sure the latest security patches are installed.
Then you can gradually return the necessary applications. Pay attention to the behavior of the battery in the first hours of use: the system takes time to index files and optimize background processes. If the phone heats up or discharges quickly on the first day after reset, this is a normal phenomenon that will pass through 1-2 charge-discharge cycles.
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Install a diagnostic app to check battery and memory status after reset, which will help make sure that the Xiaomi Mi6 hardware is functioning correctly.
Now your Xiaomi Mi6 is ready for further use. Regular cleaning of the cache and removing unused applications will help keep the device running at a high level in the future, pushing back the need for resetting.