How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 6: everything from resetting your password to unlocking your bootloader

The Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its balanced performance and reliability. However, even such devices are not immune to problems: a forgotten pattern lock, locking a Mi Account, crashing firmware or activating Fastboot mode without the ability to exit. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where unlocking the bootloader requires a wait of 168 hours, Redmi 6 can still be unlocked without long delays – but only if you know the right methods.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking – from a standard reset via Recovery to bypassing your Mi Account using official Xiaomi tools. Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader without waiting 7 days (relevant to firmware before MIUI 12), as well as the nuances of working with Redmi 6 based on the MediaTek Helio P22 processor, which requires specific drivers. If your phone is locked after a failed update or purchase from hands, here you will find a solution.

1 Unlock through Recovery Mode reset (unless a Mi Account is required)

The easiest way to get Redmi 6 back is to reset your settings through Recovery, which works if:

• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but did not link the Mi Account.
• 📱 Phone is not locked after reset (no username / password request Mi Account).
• 🔄 The device is turned on, but does not go beyond the lock screen.

To perform the discharge:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu (manage volume buttons, choose power button) select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After resetting all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. If the phone was enabled Find Device, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account even after the reset.

Save the phone's IMEI (printed on the box or under the battery)

Check if your Mi Account is linked (remember your login/password)

Prepare a backup of important data (if the phone is still unlocked)

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

2. bypassing the Mi Account (if the phone requires a login after reset)

If Redmi 6 requests Mi Account details after a reset and you don’t remember them or the phone is bought with hands, it will require official unlocking. Xiaomi provides two legal ways:

Method 1: via i.mi.com (if your account is yours)

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com and restore access to your account via email or phone number.
• 📧 If a backup email is attached, check the Spam folder – a recovery code email can get there.
• 🔑 After restoring access, enter data on the phone - the lock will be removed.

Method 2: Officially request to unblock (if your account is not yours)

If the phone is purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact Xiaomi via:

• 📩 Form of feedback: mi.com/support (Choose Unlock Device»).
• 📞 Hotline phone (for Russia: +7 495 783-78-37).

It will be necessary to provide:

• Check or proof of purchase (if the phone is new).
• IMEI of the device (indicated on the box or under the battery).
• Photo of a phone with a serial number.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial methods of bypassing Mi Account (via SP Flash Tool or modified firmware can lead to blocking IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting against these methods, and since 2021 they have stopped working on most devices.

I bought it and forgot to ask about my account.

Forgot my Mi Account password

The phone is locked after the update

Resetting settings required login

Another option-->

3 Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 6

If you want to flash Redmi 6 through Fastboot or install custom firmware (like LineageOS), you will need to unlock the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (Redmi 6 version is not newer than 5.5.224.54).
2. Install MediaTek drivers for Redmi 6 (you can download here).
3. Turn on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Unlock OEM and Debug over USB
4. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.

On Redmi 6 with firmware older than MIUI 10, unlocking the bootloader can go without waiting if the device is not tied to the Mi Account for more than 30 days.

4. Unlock via EDL and Test Point modes (for power users)

If Redmi 6 doesn’t turn on, gets stuck on the Mi logo, or requires an account after a failed firmware, Emergency Download Mode (EDL) can help.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10 (Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers for Redmi 6).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format for Redmi 6 (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool program or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).

Instructions for EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the Test Point contacts (located on the motherboard under the back cover) or use a combination of buttons to force the transition to the back cover. EDL: Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + plug in USB-cable
3. In the PC Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL may result in loss IMEI or damage to the module NVRAM. After the procedure, check. IMEI *#06# - if it is 00000000, you will need to restore it via Maui META or SN Writer.

1. Use another. USB-cable (preferably original).

2. disable driver signatures in Windows (via gpedit.msc → User configuration → Administrative templates → System → Driver Installation → Disable signature verification).

3. Reflash from another PC (sometimes ports conflict) USB 3.0).-->

5 Unlocking through Service Centers and Alternative Methods

If independent attempts have not been successful, the following options remain:

Official Xiaomi service:

• 🏢 Addresses of the centres: mi.com/service/center.
• 💰 Cost: from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the type of lock).
• ⏳ Term: 1-3 days (if you need to order spare parts - up to 7 days).

Informal services:

• 🔧 They may offer unlocking via Deep Flash Cable or software exploits (for example, to bypass Mi Account on old firmware).
• ⚠️ Risks: loss of warranty, blocking of iCloud-analogue from Xiaomi, damage to firmware.

Alternative methods (at your own risk):

• 📱 Use the Mi Account Bypass Tool (only for the user) MIUI 9–10).
• 🔄 Flashing through OrangeFox Recovery (requires an unlocked bootloader).

💡

Xiaomi Service Center is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account and the previous owner is not available.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking Redmi 6, users often face the following problems:

If Redmi 6 has stopped catching the network after unlocking, check:

• 📶 Settings APN (Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).
• 🔄 Network mode (should be) 4G/3G/2G (auto)).
• 📞 IMEI (If 00000000, restore it with Engineer Mode).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions