How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 6 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why Redmi 6 reset could be a lifesaver for your smartphone

Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still a popular budget device due to its balanced performance and reliability. However, over time, even the most stable technology begins to “brake”: applications spontaneously close, the battery dies in a few hours, and the system gives out errors when updating, in 80% of these cases, helps reset to factory settings – a procedure that returns the smartphone to a “clean” state, as after purchase.

But before you start, it's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, it's a tool with clear indications.

• 🐢 Critical slowdown after update MIUI (This is especially true for transitions between versions 9. → 10 → 12).
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (if the Mi Account is not suitable).
• 📱 Cyclical reboot (bootloop) after a failed firmware.
• 🦠 Viruses or suspicious software that is not removed by standard methods.

In this article, we will break down three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), tell you how to prepare your device to avoid losing important data, and warn you of common errors that make a simple procedure a nightmare.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Factory reset is the irreversible removal of all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Even if you plan to restore information from a backup, some data (such as call history or app settings) can be lost forever. So preparation is 50% of the success.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Pay special attention to Xiaomi account (Mi Account), if you forget the password from it, Redmi 6 can be blocked after resetting at the activation stage (this is called Mi Account Lock).

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Make sure that your Redmi 6 is displayed in the Devices section.
3. Write down your login and password on paper or in a secure place (for example, in the password manager).

⚠️ Note: If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, the reset will lead to a complete lock of the device.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This is a good method if the smartphone is turned on, touch-responsive, and you have access to the menu, and the main advantage is the minimal risk of errors, since the procedure is controlled by the MIUI system.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will offer two options: 🔄 Resetting – only deletes user data, system files remain intact. 🧹 Reset all settings – complete cleanup, including cache and temporary files (recommended).

graphical key PIN-code

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

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase, where you can either restore data from the backup or configure the smartphone as new.

💡

If after the reset Redmi 6 hangs on the logo for a long time MI, Don't panic -- wait 10 to 15 minutes. If nothing's changed, try the method. №2 (via Recovery).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone is not turned on)

If Redmi 6 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery mode, which requires carefulness, as improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or other serious problems.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then let them go.
4. After 5-10 seconds, you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Control in Recovery is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection).

1. Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese version).
2. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
3. Once you’re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, it means that the smartphone has custom firmware installed. In this case, a reset via Recovery can lead to a blink. №3 (Fastboot).

Recovery reset time is 5-15 minutes, and if it takes a while, don't interrupt it or take out the battery (on Redmi 6 it's not removable).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, and it's needed in cases where:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or missing.
• 📱 The smartphone does not respond to the buttons.
• 🔄 Refuse the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Archive with Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 6 (download on the official website of Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite).
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi6_firmware).
3. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
4. Connect Redmi 6 to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (you should determine your smartphone).
6. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (10-20 minutes) and the smartphone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Using Clean All and Lock will permanently block the bootloader. After that, you will not be able to install custom firmware or obtain root rights without an official unlocker from Xiaomi.

What to do after resetting: the first steps

After a successful reset, Redmi 6 will appear in a virgin form, with factory firmware and no unnecessary applications.

1. Check the IMEI

Sometimes, after a Fastboot reset, the IMEI disappears (especially if an unofficial firmware was used) to make sure the smartphone can ring:

1. Type on the keyboard *#06#.
2. Compare the number that appears with what is listed on the box or under the battery.
3. If there is no IMEI (empty field), it will need to be restored through an engineering menu or service center.

2. Update MIUI

The factory firmware on Redmi 6 is often outdated, with security holes.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download and install the latest available version of MIUI for your region.
3. After the update, restart the device.

3. Set up accounts

If you are recovering data from a backup, make sure that:

• 🔐 Wi-Fi password saved (otherwise you will have to enter it again on all devices).
• 📧 Mail accounts (Gmail, Mail.ru) are added manually, if not restored automatically.
• 🎮 Accounts in games (e.g. Google Play Games) are re-linked.

💡

If Redmi 6 is slower than before the procedure, the problem is likely to be incompatibility between the firmware and the region. MIUI via Fastboot (see method) №3).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If none of these methods worked and the Redmi 6 still doesn’t work, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory).

• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if the warranty is valid).
• 🛠 Try to resweeten the memory chip (for experienced masters).
• 📱 Consider buying a new smartphone (repair may cost more than the device).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions