How to format Xiaomi Redmi 6 correctly: 3 proven ways + recovery tips

Why Redmi 6 formatting may be a necessity

Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still popular with users due to its balanced features and affordable price, but over time, even reliable technology begins to slow down: applications spontaneously close, memory is clogged with unnecessary files, and the system produces errors like “com.android.phone process stopped”, In 80% of these cases, a complete resetting procedure that returns the phone to the “factory” state helps.

But formatting is not a universal solution. It erases all data from internal memory (photos, contacts, messages), so it is important to evaluate the feasibility before you start. For example, if Redmi 6 is just slow, first try to clean the cache manually or roll back updates through Settings → About the phone. But if you have a virus attack, lock the screen (forgot the pattern lock), or “eternal” the MI logo when you boot, reset becomes the only way out.

In this article, we will discuss the three official ways of formatting Redmi 6 (including methods for locked phone), as well as give recommendations for data recovery after the procedure. MIUI 9-14 and do not require root rights.

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

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in reset function in MIUI, which is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch;
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code;
• 📶 No critical crashes (e.g., Android system is not responding»).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset (in new versions of MIUI the path can be Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
3. Select Resetting (not to be confused with Network Resetting!).
4. The system will prompt you to enter a password from your Mi Account (if tied) or PIN-lock-screen.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset. The phone will restart and start the process (3-7 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account details that you don't remember, you will need to unlock through Fastboot.This is due to the default Mi Cloud Lock feature.

Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts)

Remember the username/password from the Mi Account (if linked)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure that SIM-map removed (optional)-->

Once the reset is complete, the phone will start as new, and you will only have to go through the initial setup: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and restore data from the backup (if it was created).

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 6 is stuck on the MI logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, Recovery Mode will help.This method does not require access to the system, but has a nuance: on some Xiaomi firmware, the standard Recovery has been replaced with OrangeFox or TWRP (if custom firmware was previously installed).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in some versions of Factory Reset).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Recovery, it may be a damaged firmware, in which case you'll need to reflash the device via Fastboot (see next section).

Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most radical, but it's also the most reliable, and it's suitable for:

• 🔒 Phones with locked screens (don’t remember password);
• 🤖 Devices that have been “bricked” after a failed update;
• 🔄 Reset Mi Account (if you forget your Xiaomi account details).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11;
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming;
• 📂 Firmware for Redmi 6 (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Fastboot drivers for Xiaomi.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi6_firmware).
3. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The hare in the eardress hat will appear on the screen.
4. Connect Redmi 6 to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
6. Press Refresh – your phone should appear in the list of devices.
7. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
8. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Using Fastboot with unofficial firmware can lead to loss IMEI Always download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website!

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

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

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

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting

One of the most common problems after formatting Redmi 6 is requesting data from the Mi Account that was linked to the device, which is anti-theft protection, but it also prevents legitimate owners who have forgotten their password, and you can solve this problem in two ways:

Official method (if you remember the account data)

1. On the lock screen, select Forgot password.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Follow the instructions for password recovery (the link will come to the mail or SMS).
4. After changing the password, unlock the phone.

Unofficial way (via Fastboot)

If you don't remember your account details, but your phone belongs to you, you can use the Mi Account Unlock Tool. Importantly, this method only works on firmware older than MIUI 12 and requires you to disable Find Device in your account settings (if the phone is still on).

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Account Unlock Tool (check with antivirus!).
2. Move your phone to Fastboot mode (as in the previous section).
3. Connect to the PC and run the utility on behalf of the administrator.
4. Click Bypass Mi Account and wait until it is completed (it may take several attempts).
5. Restart your phone and the lock should disappear.

If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of purchase (check, box) and 90% of the time they will help unlock the device remotely.

Data recovery after formatting

Resetting wipes all user data from internal memory, but there is a chance of recovery if:

• 📁 You have made a backup copy through MIUI Backup or Google Account;
• 💾 The phone was enabled synchronization with Mi Cloud;
• 🔍 Files were not overwritten with new information (the faster you act, the better the chances are).

Recovery methods:

1. Restore from MIUI backup

If you created a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup, after reset:

1. When you first turn on, select Restore from backup.
2. Specify the path to the backup file (usually stored in a folder) MIUI/backup/AllBackup internal memory or SD-map).
3. Select data for recovery (contacts, SMS, applications).

2. Programs for Recovery of Deleted Files

If you don't have a backup, try tools like DiskDigger, Recuva, or EaseUS MobiSaver, which scan your phone's memory for file residues.

• 🛑 Don’t install programs on Redmi 6 itself – it will overwrite the data!
• 💻 Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP And scan from the computer.
• 📂 Look for files with.jpg extensions,.mp4,.db (databases) SMS/contact).

⚠️ Note: Recovery programs only work with internal memory. SD-map, extract it and connect to the PC through the card reader - the chances of success are higher.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

To minimize the risks:

• 🔋 Always charge your phone at least 50% before resetting.
• 📋 Check the firmware version (Redmi 6 is relevant). MIUI 12–14).
• 🔒 Untie your Mi Account before selling your phone (Settings) → Mi Account → Get out).

Yeah, through the settings menu.

Yes, through Recovery.

Yes, via Fastboot.

No, I never did.

I don't know what it is.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

1. Battery charge (minimum 50%).

2. the presence of a backup copy of important data.

3. whether the Mi Account is untied (if you sell a phone).

4. firmware compatibility (for Fastboot).-->