How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 6 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 6 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems.Maybe your smartphone started to brake after the MIUI update, contracted a virus or simply requires a “clean start” before selling. Unlike the new Redmi models, this budget version of 2018 has its own nuances: there is no section Additional in the reset settings, and in Recovery mode – stripped down functionality.

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, many users face errors, from endless download after reset to the requirement to enter the old Mi Account password. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of reset (including hidden ones), explain how to bypass the locking of a Xiaomi account, and warn against typical errors that will turn your Redmi 6 into a “brick”.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings isn't just about removing apps, it erases all user information, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (if not synced with Google)
• 🎮 Save in games and settings of applications
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts

Redmi 6 with MIUI below 12 doesn’t have a built-in backup function to Xiaomi’s cloud. So the only reliable way to save data is to copy it to your computer or external drive. Connect your phone to USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode and manually transfer DCIM, Downloads and Pictures folders. For contacts, export it to a.vcf file through the Contacts app.

Pay special attention to the associated Mi Account. After reset, Redmi 6 will require you to enter the login and password from the last account if the Find Device function was activated. If you forgot the data from the Mi Account, the reset will lock the phone forever - unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service with a purchase check. Check the binding in Settings → Xiaomi Account.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 6 with firmware MIUI Global 9.6 and below reset via Recovery could result in loss IMEI. This will make your smartphone unusable for calls. Before using this method, update your firmware to the latest version.

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

This method is suitable if Redmi 6 is turned on and responsive to touch, the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors and the integrity of system partitions, the instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI on this model.

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Resetting (some firmwares call Reset and Reset).
4. Tap to erase all data and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

If the menu doesn’t have Backup and Reset, try an alternative route:

Settings → Additional settings → Recovery and reset → Resetting

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Disable Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google)

Remember the password from Mi Account (if tied)

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

⚠️ After reset, Redmi 6 can “hang” on the logo MI If you load for 10-15 minutes, that's OK. Don't turn off your phone or remove the battery. If you load for more than 20 minutes, go to method 2 (Recovery).

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This is a method that comes in handy if Redmi 6 doesn't turn on, it doesn't stick on the logo, it doesn't respond to touch. Recovery Mode is a service mode built into the firmware. On Redmi 6, it has a simplified interface without touch controls, so you'll have to use volume and power buttons.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press both Loudness up (+) and Nutrition at the same time.
3. Hold for 5-8 seconds until the MI logo and menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, use Volume Down (-) for navigation and Power to select.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on old firmware).
2. Confirm the action with the Wipe All Data item.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On Redmi 6 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the Recovery menu might look different. In this case, look for Factory Reset or Format Data. After resetting through Recovery, the first launch of the system will take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and command line knowledge, and it's needed in extreme cases.

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔧 After resetting via Recovery, errors have occurred (e.g. loss of IMEI)
• 📦 You need to reflash the phone to the clean version. MIUI

The work will require:

• Computer with Windows or Linux
• USB Type-C Cable (original)
• Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website)
• Firmware for Redmi 6 (for example, santoni_global_images_...)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down (-) + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect Redmi 6 to your computer. Install Xiaomi drivers (unless Windows finds them automatically).
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi6).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait until it's finished (green tick in the program). The phone will reboot automatically.

1. reconnect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (look for Android Bootloader Interface).-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erases all partitions, including internal memory (userdata). If you want to save data on the memory card, remove it before the procedure. Also make sure you download the firmware specifically for Redmi 6 (santoni) - firmware from Redmi. 6A (Cactus will not work and turn the phone into a brick".

How to Restore an IMEI After Resetting on Redmi 6

One of the most common problems after a hard reset on Redmi 6 is the loss of IMEI, which leads to no network, no ability to call and use mobile Internet, and the reason is the damage to the nvram file in the /data partition.

To restore the IMEI:

1. Install the Mobile Uncle Tools app on your phone (available on Google Play).
2. Open the app and go to Engineer Mode (MTK).
3. Select Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
4. Enter commands for each slot SIM: AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2" Instead IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 substitute the original numbers (written under the battery or on the box).
5. Reboot the phone.

If this method doesn’t work, try an alternative method using ADB:

adb shell


su




echo 'IMEI_1' > /data/.cid_info




echo 'IMEI_2' >> /data/.cid_info




chmod 644 /data/.cid_info




reboot

💡

Recovery IMEI — This is an illegal procedure in some countries. On Redmi 6 with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (a Redmi 6 Pro modification), this method does not work - it requires firmware through the processor. QCN-file QPST.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Redmi 6, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔋 Battery discharge. If the charge is below 30%, the phone may turn off during the reset, causing firmware damage. Always charge the Redmi 6 to 50% or more.
• 🔒 Forgotten Mi Account: 70% of Xiaomi service centers are linked to locked phones after a reset!
• 📱 Unoriginal cable USB. Cheap cables can interrupt data transmission while running through Fastboot, leading to "bricking." Use Xiaomi's proprietary cable.
• 🔄 If the reset through Recovery lasts more than 20 minutes, don't pull out the battery. Wait at least 30 minutes, sometimes it's slow because of damaged memory sectors.

Another common problem is that you lose the superuser rights after you reset, and if you've used Magisk or SuperSU, you'll have to reinstall them.

1. Download the latest version of Magisk.zip from GitHub.
2. Reboot to Recovery (mode 2).
3. Select Install and point the way to Magisk.zip.
4. After the reboot, check root through the Root Checker app.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions