How to reset the Xiaomi Mi 6 settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

The Xiaomi Mi 6, released in 2017, is still popular with users thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 835 processor and robust design. However, over time, any smartphone starts to slow down, glitch or simply require a “clean” state before selling, in which cases, a factory reset helps – a procedure that returns the device to its original state.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), as well as answers to frequent questions: what to do if the Mi 6 does not respond to buttons, how to bypass the locking of the Mi Account after the reset, and what data can be restored. We will also examine the unique feature of this model - the problem with unlocking the bootloader after the reset via Fastboot, which is rarely discussed in standard instructions.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting is not just a matter of pressing a few buttons, but if you don't prepare, you risk losing important data or locking your device, and this is what you need to do before you start.

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party apps like Titanium Backup (root rights required) Cloud backup via Mi Cloud only saves contacts, notes and some settings - photos and messages will have to be copied manually.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupted discharge due to discharge can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device. On the Mi 6 with its battery of 3350 mAh this is especially true - the reset process through Recovery takes 10-15 minutes.
• 🔐 Make sure to remember the data from your Mi Account. After the reset, the device may require you to enter a username and password from the Mi Account associated with the phone. If you forget the data, use the recovery service on the official account.xiaomi.com website.
• 📶 Disable all accounts. Go to Settings. → Accounts and sync and delete Google Account, Mi Account and other profiles.This will make it easier to set up after resetting and avoid conflicts when reauthorizing.

If you drop your phone before selling, additionally log out of your Google account in the security settings, which will prevent blocking through Factory Reset Protection (FRP), an Android security feature that requires you to enter data from the previous owner.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, reacts to touch and you have access to the menu. The advantage of the method is simplicity and minimal risk of errors. The instructions are relevant for the Mi 6 based on MIUI 10-14 (inclusive).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (in some versions of MIUI, this item may be called About Phone).
3. Go to Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. Select Erase All Data (not to be confused with Network Resetting!).
6. Enter a password or pattern lock if the system requests confirmation.
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-10 minutes. Upon completion, you will see the screen of the initial setting, as after purchase. If the device has hung on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes, then there has been an error (see the section "What to do if the reset freezes").

⚠️ Note: If the Mi 6 has an unofficial firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through settings can lead to a freeze on the screensaver.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 6 doesn’t respond to the screen, hangs on the logo or is locked with a pattern lock, a reset via Recovery will help.This model uses Xiaomi’s stock Recovery, so the instruction is different from the universal one for Android.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Charger (so that the battery does not run out during the process).
• 🖱️ Buttons Power and Volume + (They're tough, press confidently).
• ⏳ Patience – the process can take up to 15 minutes.

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, press the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume + at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with yellow text in English and Chinese).
4. Use the Loudness. − for navigation and volume + Select Wipe Data (in some versions - Wipe & Reset).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot and wait for the reboot.

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have a customized version of the Recovery (e.g., TWRP).

1. Pick Wipe.
2. Swipe to Factory Reset Swipe to Factory Reset.
3. After cleaning, press Reboot System.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Requires to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-Cable (preferably from the kit) Warning: Wrong Fastboot actions can turn a phone into a brick»!

1. Turn off the Mi 6.
2. Hold the volume. − + Food and hold until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), execute the reset command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If after rebooting the phone again requires a pattern lock or password, perform a full reset with flashing:

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Important: This will require firmware files for Mi 6 (codename sagit). Download them from the official Xiaomi website or forum. XDA Developers.

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If after commands in Fastboot there is an error FAILED (remote: unknown command), update the version of the Android SDK Platform-Tools platform on PC.

What to do if the reset is getting stuck or the phone is not turned on

Even with the right actions, the Xiaomi Mi 6 can “hang” on the Mi logo, reboot cyclically or not respond to buttons.

• 🔄 Halt on the logo after reset: Most often it means damage to the system partition.The solution is to flash the phone through Fastboot (see Method 3) or use the mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).
• 🔋 Phone turns off during reset: Most likely, battery is down. Charge the device for at least 30 minutes, then try again.
• 🔒 After the reset asks for the old Mi Account: This is Mi Account protection.If you don't remember the data, try to restore access via account.xiaomi.com or contact the service center with proof of purchase.
• 📵 Does not respond to the buttons for entry into Recovery/Fastboot: Maybe physical buttons or motherboard are faulty. Try connecting your phone to your PC and use the adb reboot recovery command (if you have a reboot). ADB included in the developer settings).

If none of these methods worked, there are two options:

1. Firmware via EDL (Emergency Mode) requires special cable and software like Mi Flash Pro, which is a complex and risky method, recommended only for advanced users.
2. Xiaomi official centers can restore the phone even after a “hard” breeze, but this is a paid service (from 1500 to 3000 rubles depending on the problem).

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If the Xiaomi Mi 6 does not turn on after reset for more than 20 minutes, do not try to repeat the procedure repeatedly - this can aggravate the problem. EDL, How to risk the final “kill” loader.

How to recover data after resetting

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on what type of reset was performed:

• 📁 Reset via settings: Data is deleted software and can be recovered using utilities like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver or DiskDigger. However, success is not guaranteed - after overwriting new data, the chances tend to zero.
• 🗑️ Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: Here, data is deleted at a low level (userdata is formatted) and it is almost impossible to recover anything, especially if the phone was used after resetting.

If it is critical to return photos or messages:

1. Do not write new data to your phone (do not install apps, do not take photos).
2. Connect the Mi 6 to your PC and use a recovery program (e.g. 7-Data Android Recovery).
3. Deep scanning may require root access, but it’s hard to get on a dropped phone.

If your phone has Mi Cloud enabled, check to see if the data is synced to the cloud.

1. Go to i.mi.com from your account.
2. Check the Gallery, Contacts and Notes sections.
3. Download the files you need to PC.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use questionable services that promise to "recover data after a reset in 5 minutes": Often these are scammers who demand payment for empty results or install malware.

Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Mi 6