Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and low price, but many users face the problem of locking the device β whether it is a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-Unlike the new models, Redmi 6 does not support unlocking through Find Device (since 2021, Xiaomi has disabled this feature for older devices), so alternative methods are required.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to unlock, including options with data storage and forced reset. Importantly, the procedure depends on the type of lock (screen, account or after firmware) and the version of MIUI. For example, on MIUI 10/11 (current for Redmi 6), some methods work differently than on new versions. Also note that after a reset, you may need to re-activate the device via Mi Account, which we will discuss at the end of the article.
1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)
If Redmi 6 has Mi Account sync enabled, the easiest way is to use Find Device. However, since 2021, Xiaomi has limited this option to older models, so the method doesn't always work. Check it first - it allows you to unlock the phone without losing data.
Instructions:
- π Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in with the same account as you do on your phone.
- π In the Devices section, find your Redmi 6 (if it's connected to the internet, the last location will be displayed).
- π Press Find the device. β Unlock. The system will send a command to reset the lock screen.
- β οΈ If the Unlock button is inactive, it means that the function is disabled for your model (typical for Redmi 6 on the model). MIUI 10).
β οΈ Warning: If your phone has mobile internet or Wi-Fi turned off, the unlock command won't reach, in which case, connect the device to charge and wait for the network connection (the network indicator should appear on the lock screen).
If it doesn't work, move on to the next method, and keep in mind that all other options (except one) will result in data being deleted from your phone.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
Hard reset is a universal method for unlocking Redmi 6 if you don't remember the password or the pattern lock, which deletes all data from the device, including apps, photos and settings, but returns access to the system, which works even if the phone is not connected to the Mi Account.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery Mode menu appear.
- In the menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data β Confirm.
- After the process is complete, select Reboot β Reboot to System.
The phone will reboot and prompt you to set it up as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you will need to enter your account details to activate (more on this below).
βοΈ Preparation for Hard Reset
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi 6 firmware (e.g. custom) may have Recovery Mode menus in Chinese, in which case, look for characters (clean up data) and (reboot).
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)
If the Recovery Mode menu is not available (for example, due to a damaged firmware), you can reset your phone via Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot, It is suitable for cases where other methods do not work.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).li>
- π¦ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
- π Charging the phone at least 30%.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 10-15 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-outer (Fastboot logo).
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB utilities.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
Once rebooted, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.This method also helps if Redmi 6 "hangs" on the Mi logo after a failed update.
What if Fastboot canβt see the phone?
4. Bypassing locking through EDL Mode (for advanced)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even if it doesn't turn on. The method is complex and requires a special cable or short circuit of contacts on the board, but it is the only one that helps in cases of:
- π Phone does not load (brick after firmware).
- π Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked after reset.
- π οΈ The firmware is damaged, and Fastboot/Recovery not.
Redmi 6 (codename cereus) requires:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (select MIUI 10/11 for Redmi 6).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool program.
- Put the phone on mode EDL: π Method 1: Use EDL-cable (buyed on AliExpress). π§ Method 2: Disassemble the phone and close contacts Test Point (requires a soldering iron).
Mi Flash Tool
Clean All
β οΈ Attention: Firmware through EDL Removes the Mi Account lock, but may result in loss IMEI or network problems if you use informal firmware. Redmi 6 recommends you to use firmware marked Global Stable.
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If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a service center. The cost of unlocking through EDL in workshops usually does not exceed 1000-1500 rubles, which is cheaper than the risk of damaging the phone yourself.
5 Unlock without data loss (only for MIUI 10)
There is one little-known way to get around screen lock without resetting, but it only works on MIUI 10 (installed on most Redmi 6s).The method is based on a vulnerability in the system and requires access to ADB.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Open the command prompt and check the connection: adb devices If the phone is not detected, turn on USB Debugging (but how to do this if the screen is locked? see spoiler below).
- Enter the commands to delete lock files: adb shell cd /data/system rm *.key
- Reboot the phone: reboot
After the reboot, the lock will reset and the data will remain intact, but this method does not work if:
- π Encrypted data (Redmi 6 is disabled by default).
- π± Installed MIUI 11 or newer.
- π Debugging by USB It was not included before the lockdown.
How to enable debugging over USB on a locked phone?
Table: Comparison of unlocking methods
| Method | PC required | Data retained | Difficulty | It works when blocking Mi Account. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | β No. | β Yes. | β | β No (only if the screen password is forgotten) |
| Hard Reset (Recovery) | β No. | β No. | ββ | β No (required entry after discharge) |
| Fastboot | β Yes. | β No. | βββ | β No. |
| EDL Mode | β Yes. | β No. | ββββ | β Yes (removes the account link) |
| ADB (without data loss) | β Yes. | β Yes. | βββ | β No. |
What to do after unlocking: activate Mi Account
If your Redmi 6 was tied to Mi Account, after a reset via Recovery or Fastboot, your phone will require you to enter your account data to activate, which is protection against theft, and you can not legally circumvent it (except for the EDL method, which removes the binding).
If you do not remember your account information:
- π Try to restore the password on the Xiaomi site (you need access to the email or phone associated with the account).
- π Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box with) IMEI).
- π° If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him to unlock.
β οΈ Warning: Buying βunblockedβ Mi Accounts on third-party sites (such as AliExpress) is a scam. Xiaomi can block such an account, and the phone will again become a βbrickΒ».
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If you are selling or buying Redmi 6 b/d, be sure to untie/check Mi Account in the settings: Settings β Xiaomi Account β Sign out. This will save the new owner from activation problems.