How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi 6: instructions with photos and videos

The Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, remains a popular budget smartphone, but over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires preparation for sale. Formatting is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance, delete viruses or erase personal data. However, not all users know that an improper reset can lead to a “brick” (completely inoperable) of the phone, especially if it is a matter of manipulation through the Fastboot.

In this guide, we will discuss three official ways to format Redmi 6: through system settings, Recovery mode and Mi Flash Tool (for power users), and you will learn how to bypass Mi Account lock after reset, save important data and avoid typical errors. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not turn on or requires a password after buying from hand, here you will find solutions.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Factory reset erases all data from internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even files on the memory card (if the appropriate item is selected).

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can turn the device into a brick».
• 🔐 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. After reset, the phone may require authorization if the Xiaomi account was previously linked.

If you format your phone before selling, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks) and untie the device from services. The buyer will not be able to use the smartphone if it remains tied to your Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 6 handheld and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can lock the phone, ~$10–$30).

Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the most secure)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The instructions are relevant for firmware. MIUI 9–12:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

After resetting, the phone will turn on in the initial settings, as after purchase.If you forgot the screen lock password, but remember the data from Mi Account, this method will help to bypass the lock without losing data (in some cases).

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

If Redmi 6 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a password, use Recovery mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or Clear Data) item.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

In some versions of MIUI, the Recovery menu may look different. If you see items in Chinese, look at their location:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone requires a Mi Account password after resetting via Recovery, and you don't know it, don't try to guess! After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Method 3: Full formatting with the Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery.
• 🚫 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the phone to another version. MIUI.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 6 (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔑 Unlocked Bootloader: If it is locked, unlock it through the official tool first.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the archive with the firmware (file with the.tgz extension).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or freezes on the logo after firmware, repeat the process by selecting Clean All and Lock mode (this will block the bootloader, but often solves loading problems).

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then you have blocked the bootloader. Unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires binding to Mi Account and waiting 72-360 hours).

How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset

If Redmi 6 requires you to enter data from Mi Account after formatting and you don’t know it, you have a few options:

1. Contact the previous owner (if you bought with your hands) and ask them to untie the device through the Mi Account website.
2. Official unlock. Xiaomi provides a paid unlock service (~$10-$30).

Bypassing Test Mode (EDL)

Deep Flash Cable

Be wary of "grey" services offering 5 minutes of unlocking, often scammers who could steal your data or permanently lock your phone.

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If you buy a Redmi 6 handheld, always check if it's untied from the Mi Account. ask the seller to do a reset with you and make sure the phone doesn't require authorization after the reboot.

Frequent Formatting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause the phone to fail, and the most common ones are:

If you see this device is locked or this device is bound to a Mi Account, don't try to type random passwords.

• 🔴 5 attempts – lock for 72 hours.
• 🔴 10 attempts – 30 days of blocking.
• 🔴 20 attempts – permanent lock (official unlock required).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions