How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi 6A: 3 proven ways (2026)

Why Redmi 6A formatting might be the only solution

Xiaomi Redmi 6A (codename cactus) is still a popular budget device 6 years after its release, but over time, any gadget begins to slow down: applications spontaneously close, memory is filled with garbage, and the system produces errors like “The com.android.phone process is stopped.” In 80% of cases, these problems are solved by a complete reset to factory settings – the so-called “formatting”.

But many users are afraid of this procedure. And for good reason: an incorrect reset can lead to Mi Account locking, loss of IMEI or even "bricking" of the device. In this article, we will discuss three official formatting methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give a checklist to prepare. And if you have already hit the bootloop after a failed reset, at the end there is a section with instructions for recovery.

⚠️ Critical warning: On Redmi 6A Resetting through Settings → Recovery and reset don't always delete data completely. If you're selling a phone, use the Fastboot method, which is guaranteed to erase all partitions, including internal memory.

Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the easiest one)

This is a good method if the phone is turned on, not locked by a password and you have access to the menu. The main advantage is that it does not require a computer and takes no more than 5 minutes. But remember: after the reset, the device will require you to enter the data of the Mi Account that was tied before formatting. If you do not remember it, immediately go to method 3 (Fastboot).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Resetting (not to be confused with Network Resetting!).
3. The system will tell you what to do to wash: 📱 All data (including applications and settings) 💾 Internal memory (optional if you want to delete the photo/video)

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone asks for the old Mi Account password and you don't remember it, do not enter the data at random. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours).

Backup your contacts (export to Google Account)

Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud

Remember/save the username and password from Mi Account

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure that SIM-Card active (required to be confirmed after reset)-->

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

If the Redmi 6A is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically, or doesn’t respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help, which works even without a PC connection, but requires care: wrong actions can lead to a loss of IMEI.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold on for 8-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you'll be taken to the Recovery menu. Use Volume Up/down for navigation and Power for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some versions of Recovery, the item may be called Factory Reset).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you’re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the ADB & Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool drivers.
2. Unpack the downloaded firmware (you should get a file with the extension.tgz, then.tar).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait until it's finished (it takes 5-15 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

💡 Useful tip: If after firmware the phone does not turn on, try to pinch the Volume up + Power for 30 seconds – sometimes it helps to wake up the device after a failed flash.

How to avoid data loss: checklist before formatting

Even if you're sure there's nothing important on the phone, always back up. On the Redmi 6A, this is especially critical: once reset via Fastboot, it won't be possible to recover data. Here's what you need to save:

• 📞 Contacts: Export to Google Account (Contacts) → Settings → Exports/imports) or on SIM-map.
• 📸 Photo/Video: Copy on PC via USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos.
• 📝 SMS and calls: Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Save Games: Link accounts to Google Play or social media.
• 🔑 Passwords: If you use Mi Browser or Xiaomi Cloud, save usernames/passwords manually.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 6A s MIUI 9 and below backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup may not work due to the “Not enough space” error, in which case use third-party utilities such as Titanium Backup (requires root).

💡

If the phone is not detected by the computer, try connecting it in ROM (MTP) mode. To do this, when connecting via USB, select File Transfer in the notification curtain instead of Only Charging.

Frequent errors after formatting and how to fix them

Even if the reset is successful, there may be problems after the reset, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

🔧 Technical point: If after reset via Fastboot the phone gives an error "This device is locked", then the bootloader is blocked. You can unlock it officially through the Xiaomi website, but you will need to wait 7-15 days (if the account was not previously linked).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 10 minutes after formatting, don't panic. Turn it off, remove the battery (if it's removable), wait 1 minute and try to turn it on again. 60 percent of the time, this helps when you're hanging on the logo.

Recovery after failed formatting

If the phone has turned into a brick (it doesn't turn on, doesn't respond to buttons, doesn't detect the PC), don't rush to bring it to the service. In 90% of cases, the Redmi 6A can be reanimated yourself. Here's the algorithm for actions:

1. Check the charge: Connect the phone to charge for 30 minutes. Sometimes the discharged battery blocks the power on.
2. Try to go to Fastboot: Click Volume Down + Power for 15-20 seconds. If a hare appears in a hat, the phone is "alive."
3. Sweat through Mi Flash Tool: Download stable firmware (e.g. V10.2.2.0.OCLMIFH) and repeat the steps from method 3.
4. Check the drivers: If the PC doesn’t see the phone in Fastboot, install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
5. Use Test Point: If the phone doesn't respond at all, you'll have to disassemble it and close the Test Point (located next to the battery) and force it to EDL mode, and then you can flash it through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock tick.

⚠️ Warning: Test Point closure is a last resort. If you've never taken your phones apart, you better go to the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions