Why Redmi 6A doesnβt 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:
- π Forgotten password/pattern lock after long-term non-use
- π± Blocking your Mi Account (for example, after buying a used phone)
- π Firmware failure or system freeze
- πΆ 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.
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:
- On the locked screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
- Choose the method of recovery: by SMS or by email.
- Enter the confirmation code received on the linked number/mail.
- 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:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- π USB-cable (original or quality)
- π¦ Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot
- π§ Archives from Google Platform Tools
Instructions:
- Connect Redmi 6A to your computer and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, proceed to the next step.
- Delete the file with the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
- 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:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press Volume Down + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds.
- 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 β you will need confirmation on the phone)
fastboot erase userdatafastboot erase cachefastboot rebootβ οΈ
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 canβt see the device?
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.
- π§ Access to email/phone-linked
- π₯οΈ Windows computer (7/10/11)
- π Internet connections
- β³ Expectations of 72-720 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy)
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Sign in to your Mi Account on your computer (should match your phone account).
- Connect Redmi 6A in Fastboot mode (see Method 3).
- Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the programβs prompts.
- 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 unlock | Exceeded the limit of unlocking | Use another Mi Account or wait 30 days |
| Device not connected | Problems with drivers or cable | Reinstall drivers, try another USB-port |
| Wait 720 hours | New account or first device | Wait for the specified time (usually 15-30 days) |
| Account not bound | The account on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool do not match | Log 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:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the menu with the Mi logo appears.
Next:
- π± Use Volume buttons for navigation.
- π Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
- π Confirm the reset by choosing Confirm.
- π 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
- π Check the battery charge (should be at least 30%).
- π Use the original Xiaomi cable.
- π Try to hold the buttons longer (up to 15 seconds).
2 The computer does not see the phone in ADB or Fastboot
- π₯οΈ Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers.
- π Connect the phone to the port USB 2.0 (usually black).
- π Restart your computer and phone.
3.After reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account
- π§ This means that the device is tied to the Mi Account. Use the Mi Unlock Tool (Method 4).
- π 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
- π This means that the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- β³ 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.