How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 6 to factory settings: 3 working ways + problem solving

Why Redmi 6 might be needed and what you need to know in advance

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 6 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, a process that removes all user data, returning the smartphone to the β€œout of the box” state, most often when selling a device, after a virus attack, or when the phone starts to brake for no apparent reason, but before you hit the β€œReset” button, it is important to understand: this is not a panacea.

For example, if Redmi 6 stopped turning on due to a damaged battery or a physical failure of the board, a software reset will not help, but if system failures (infinite boot, application errors, β€œbricking” after a failed update) are the first step to recovery. Another nuance: on Redmi 6 with an unlocked bootloader, a reset can lead to re-locking if the Mi Account conditions are not met.

In this article, we have three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), and answers to questions like what to do if the phone doesn't respond to buttons, how to bypass the Mi Account request after the reset, and whether it's possible to recover the data later, and let's start with preparation, the most important step.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

First rule: no backup, no step. Even if you're sure the data isn't important, check again. Once reset, it's extremely difficult (and often impossible) to recover photos, contacts or messages. Redmi 6 has two backup options:

  • πŸ“± Local Copy: Go to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset β†’ Local backup. Select the data (contacts, SMS, call log) and save to memory card.
  • ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: In the same menu, click "Reserve in Mi Cloud". Make sure you have enough space (free 5GB).
  • πŸ’» Manual transfer: connect your phone to your PC via USB, copy the folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads and WhatsApp (if any) on your computer.

Second, charge the battery to at least 50 percent. Recovery or Fastboot resets can take up to 30 minutes, and if the phone turns off in the process, the risk of bricking increases dramatically. Third, record or photograph your Mi Account details (login and password). After reset, Redmi 6 may require authorization, especially if your Xiaomi account was tied.

⚠️ Note: If you bought your phone with your hands and don’t know the previous owner’s details, the reset may lock the device permanently.

πŸ“Š Have you ever done a reset on your smartphone?
Yeah, you.
Yeah, at the service center.
No, but I want to try.
No, and no planning.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

The easiest method is to drop the Redmi 6 right out of the system, and it's good if the phone turns on but brakes, it gives you errors, or you're preparing the device for sale.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll down and select Additional.
  3. Slip backup and reset.
  4. Select Resetting (in some firmwares – β€œReset to factory settings”).
  5. The system will tell you what to delete: πŸ“± Annexes and their data πŸ“ž Contacts, SMS, callbook πŸ“· Media files (photos, videos, music)

Reset the settings

It takes 5-10 minutes. The phone will reboot and start with the initial setup screen, like after the purchase. If after the reset, the error "This device is locked" appears, then the Mi Account was tied. The solution is in the section about the bypass lock.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Backup of important data

Record the username/password from Mi Account (if linked)

Disable Google Account (Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Google β†’ Delete)

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

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If Redmi 6 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, Recovery Mode, an emergency recovery mode, will help you to log in:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Press both Loudness up (+) and Nutrition at the same time.
  3. Hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear.

In Recovery, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

  1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
  3. Once completed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off Redmi 6 and press Volume Down (-) + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a screen with a hare and the inscription Fastboot).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC. Install the drivers (if Windows doesn't find them automatically, download QDLoader).
  3. Unpack the firmware (file with.tgz extension) and run the Mi Flash Tool.
  4. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh – Redmi 6 should appear in the list of devices.
  5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. When you're done, the phone will reboot in factory condition. If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an "anti-rollback" error, you're trying to install an older firmware than the one before the reset, and the solution is to download the new version of MIUI.

1. Reconnect. USB-cable to another port (preferably) USB 2.0).

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

3.In Device Manager, check that Redmi 6 is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.-->

What to do after resetting: setting up and possible problems

After the successful reset, Redmi 6 will launch with a welcome screen.

  1. Don't connect to Wi-Fi right away if you're selling a phone. The buyer has to set it up themselves.
  2. If the phone is for personal use, sign in to Mi Account to unlock features (such as cloud backup).
  3. Restore the data from the backup (if you did a backup).

Common problems after reset and their solution:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Phone asks for old Mi AccountThe device is linked to the account of the previous ownerContact Xiaomi with Proof of Purchase
Not activated after dischargeThe firmware process is interrupted or the battery is dischargedRepeat reset via Fastboot with charged battery
No net after resetIMEI settings are down.Restore IMEI through Engineer Mode (instruction below)
Tormosite after dischargeInstalled unstable firmwareSwitch to the official MIUI with the Mi Flash Tool

If the mobile network is lost after the reset, the IMEI settings are likely to be lost.

  1. Type on the keyboard ##4636##.
  2. Go to Phone Information and check for IMEI.
  3. If IMEI is not available, use the SN Write Tool (requires Qualcomm drivers).

πŸ’‘

If Redmi 6 requires a Mi Account you don’t remember after reset, DO NOT try to enter passwords at random.After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

How to bypass Mi Account request after reset (if phone bought from hand)

One of the most frustrating things is when Redmi 6 requires the previous owner's Mi Account information after a reset, and it's because of the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature, which links the device to the account, and if you bought a used phone and you can't contact the seller, there are several ways to do this:

  1. The official way: to contact Xiaomi with a check to buy (even if you are not the original owner) they can unpeg after checking.
  2. Through EDL Mode: If you have experience with Qualcomm devices, you can flash your phone in EDL (Emergency Download) mode using Mi Flash Pro. You will need an authorized developer account.
  3. Service center: some workshops offer services for the withdrawal of Mi Account for a fee (from 1000 to 3000 rubles), the risk is the possible installation of unofficial software.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware bypassing "holes" (e.g., with XiaomiTool) often lead to re-blocking or "bricking." On Redmi 6 with the latest versions MIUI Most of these methods no longer work.

If the phone is locked on Mi Account and the seller is not responding, the only legal option is to return the device under the Consumer Protection Act (if the purchase was less than 14 days ago) or claim compensation for β€œnot informing about the lock”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset of Xiaomi Redmi 6

Can I reset Redmi 6 without losing data?
No. Any factory reset deletes all user data. The only way to save the information is to back up in advance (via Mi Cloud, local backup, or manual port to PC).
The phone doesn't turn on after the reset.
The reasons may be different: πŸ”‹ Battery is exhausted – connect the charger and wait 15-20 minutes. πŸ› οΈ Resetting process interrupted – repeat the procedure via Fastboot. πŸ”§ The Firmware is damaged - smear the official MIUI If the screen is black but the phone vibrates when charging, it may have damaged the display or plume.
How to reset Redmi 6 if you forget your pattern lock?
There are two options: Reset via Recovery Mode (mode 2). No pattern lock required. If Recovery is blocked, use Fastboot (mode 3) with full firmware reflashing. ⚠️ After the reset, you may need to enter the Mi Account data if it was tied.
Can data be recovered after resetting?
Theoretically yes, but with a lot of reservations: πŸ“± If you made a backup copy, restore it through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Recovery and discharge. πŸ’Ύ If you don’t have a backup, you can try programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but they only work if new data isn’t written over old data. ☁️ Data from Mi Cloud (contacts, notes, photos) is automatically restored when you log in to your account. The chances of returning data after a full reset via Fastboot are close to zero.
Why does Redmi 6 slow down after resetting?
Possible causes: πŸ”„ Installed unstable firmware - swipe the official MIUI via Mi Flash Tool. πŸ“± Memory is clogged - check in Settings β†’ Memory. πŸ”‹ Battery worn out – replace battery (average service life – 2-3 years). πŸ› οΈ Flash memory is damaged, you need a diagnosis at the service center, and if the brakes appear immediately after reset, try to roll back to the older version. MIUI (but not lower than what was originally).