How to open Xiaomi Redmi 6A: all ways to unlock the screen and account Mi

Why Redmi 6A doesn’t open and what to do

Xiaomi Redmi 6A β€” One of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, released in 2018.Despite its age, the device is still in active use, but owners often face a lock problem: a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-Mi Account code or linked account. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock, including methods without losing data and with a complete reset.

The main reasons for blocking Redmi 6A:

  • πŸ” Forgotten password/pattern lock after long-term non-use
  • πŸ“± Blocking your Mi Account (for example, after buying a used phone)
  • πŸ”„ Firmware failure or system freeze
  • πŸ‘Ά A child or other user has repeatedly entered the wrong code.

Important: unlocking methods depend on the type of lock, for example, a pattern lock can be bypassed through ADB, and to unlink to Mi Account you will need the official Mi Unlock Tool. Below are detailed instructions for each case.

πŸ“Š What type of lock your Redmi has 6A?
pattern lock/PIN
Mi Account Account
Forgot my password after the update
Another option

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

If you have a Mi Account attached to Redmi 6A and you have access to an email/phone, use this method, which works even when the screen is locked, but requires an Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Step-by-step:

  1. On the locked screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
  2. Choose the method of recovery: by SMS or by email.
  3. Enter the confirmation code received on the linked number/mail.
  4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

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Note: If the phone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, this method will not work, in which case you will need a complete reset (see Method 4) or contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

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If the "Forgot Password" button doesn't appear, try connecting your phone to charge and try again in 5-10 minutes. Sometimes the system locks the button when the battery is dead.

Method 2: Bypassing the pattern lock through ADB (without data loss)

The method is suitable if the Redmi 6A has USB debugging enabled and you have access to your computer. It is the only way to unlock the screen without resetting data, but it requires pre-preparedness.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (original or quality)
  • πŸ“¦ Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot
  • πŸ”§ Archives from Google Platform Tools

Instructions:

  1. Connect Redmi 6A to your computer and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, proceed to the next step.
  3. Delete the file with the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
  4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Once you reboot, the lock screen will disappear. Importantly, this method only works when USB debugging is enabled. If it's not activated beforehand, use Method 3 or 4.

Install drivers ADB|Download Platform Tools|Enable debugging on USB on the phone (if you have access)|Connect the original USB-cable-->

Method 3: Unlock via Fastboot (reset to factory settings)

If USB debugging is disabled and Mi Account is not tied, then you only have to hard reset via Fastboot mode, which deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps.

How to Sign In to Fastboot on Redmi 6A:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Volume Down + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds.
  3. Release the buttons when the Fastboot logo appears.

Next, connect the phone to the computer and execute the commands:

fastboot devices

(connection check)

fastboot oem edl

(Switching to EDL mode for firmware)

fastboot flashing unlock

(Unlock the bootloader – you will need confirmation on the phone)

fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot

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Warning: After the command fastboot flashing unlock, a warning will appear on the Redmi 6A screen. Confirm the unlock with the Volume Up button. This step completely erases the data and can void the warranty (if it is still valid).

What if the fastboot can’t see the device?
If the fastboot device team doesn’t show your Redmi 6A, Check: 1. Are drivers installed (e.g. Mi Flash Tool for Windows). 2. Are you using the original driver? USB-cable (low-quality cables often don't transmit data). 3. Try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC). 4. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager (Windows).

Method 4: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (for Mi Account)

If Redmi 6A is blocked due to a tied Mi Account (for example, after buying a used one), the official Mi Unlock Tool will help you unlink.

  • πŸ“§ Access to email/phone-linked
  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer (7/10/11)
  • πŸ”— Internet connections
  • ⏳ Expectations of 72-720 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy)

Step-by-step:

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
  2. Sign in to your Mi Account on your computer (should match your phone account).
  3. Connect Redmi 6A in Fastboot mode (see Method 3).
  4. Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the program’s prompts.
  5. Wait until the process is completed (it may take several days).

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Note: Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks from one account. If you have previously unlocked other devices, you may experience a "Couldn't unlock" error, in which case use a different account or contact Xiaomi for support.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Couldn't unlockExceeded the limit of unlockingUse another Mi Account or wait 30 days
Device not connectedProblems with drivers or cableReinstall drivers, try another USB-port
Wait 720 hoursNew account or first deviceWait for the specified time (usually 15-30 days)
Account not boundThe account on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool do not matchLog in to the correct account or reset your phone via Fastboot

Method 5: Unlocking through Recovery Mode (alternative reset)

If the Fastboot is not available or is not working, you can reset through the Recovery Mode, which also erases all data, but does not require a computer.

How to Sign in to Recovery Mode on Redmi 6A:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10 seconds.
  3. Release the buttons when the menu with the Mi logo appears.

Next:

  • πŸ“± Use Volume buttons for navigation.
  • πŸ”˜ Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
  • πŸ”˜ Confirm the reset by choosing Confirm.
  • πŸ”„ After completion, select Reboot.

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Note: Some Redmi 6A firmware may have a Recovery menu in Chinese, in which case look for characters (data cleanup) and (confirm).

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Recovery Mode reset is the easiest way, but it deletes all data without recovery. Use it only if other methods have failed.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you unlock Redmi 6A, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

1.The phone is not included in Fastboot or Recovery

  • πŸ”‹ Check the battery charge (should be at least 30%).
  • πŸ”Œ Use the original Xiaomi cable.
  • πŸ”„ Try to hold the buttons longer (up to 15 seconds).

2 The computer does not see the phone in ADB or Fastboot

  • πŸ–₯️ Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect the phone to the port USB 2.0 (usually black).
  • πŸ”„ Restart your computer and phone.

3.After reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account

  • πŸ“§ This means that the device is tied to the Mi Account. Use the Mi Unlock Tool (Method 4).
  • πŸ“„ If the phone is bought with hands, ask the seller for account details or return the device.

4. "This device is locked" error in Fastboot

  • πŸ”“ This means that the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  • ⏳ If you need to wait, wait for the specified time (usually 7-30 days).

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If Redmi 6A does not turn on or freezes on the logo after unlocking, run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option option.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Redmi 6A without losing data?
Yes, but only if the phone is debugging on USB and you have access to your computer. Use the ADB method (Method 2). In all other cases, the data will be deleted.
How long does it take to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool?
The timeframe depends on Xiaomi’s policy: New accounts can be up to 720 hours (30 days); old accounts with a history of unblocking can be up to 72 hours (3 days); the exact time is displayed in the program after the phone is connected.
What to do if I forget an email from my Mi Account?
Restore your account through the recovery page. If your email or phone is not tied, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).
Can I unlock Redmi 6A through the service center?
Yes, but only if you have: a check or a warranty card, boxes with IMEI (must match the IMEI of the phone), passport of the owner, the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the region).
After resetting, the phone asks for a password from SIM-What do you do?
It's PIN-code SIM-- card, not phone lock. PIN (usually indicated on a plastic carrier SIM If you forget, contact the operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) for recovery.