Reset Xiaomi Redmi 6 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still a popular budget smartphone thanks to reliable hardware and support for MIUI. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires a complete reboot before selling. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance. But how to do it correctly, so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a brick?

In this article, we'll look at all the reset methods available for Redmi 6, from the standard menu to forced flashing through Fastboot. You'll learn how to prepare for the procedure, what mistakes users most often make, and what to do if the smartphone refuses to turn on. And for those who are afraid of losing photos or contacts, we've prepared a backup checklist.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Reset is not a panacea, but a last resort. Before you press the "Erase Everything" button, make sure that the problem really requires such a radical solution. Here are 5 signals that your Redmi 6 needs a reset:

• 🐢 Smartphone stuck on the logo MI or cyclically rebooted (bootloop»).
• 📱 Applications are spontaneously closed, and the system emits errors like “Com.android.phone process stopped».
• 🔒 You have forgotten your pattern lock or password and it is not possible to unlock through Mi Account.
• 📉 The phone heats up for no reason, discharges quickly or brakes even after cleaning the cache.
• 💰 You are preparing your device for sale or transfer and want to delete all personal data.

However, there are situations where resetting won't help, such as if the problem is a physical breakdown (a broken screen, a broken power button) or damage to the motherboard, in which case it's best to contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 6 was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset via the standard menu can lock the device! EDL-Mod (read about this in the section about Fastboot).

Preparing for resetting: how not to lose important data

Factory resets remove everything: photos, messages, contacts, installed apps, even files on internal memory. If you don't back up in advance, it's almost impossible to recover data. Here's what you need to save first:

• 📸 Photos and videos – copy them to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contacts – sync with your Google account or export to a.vcf file.
• 📥 Messages – Use apps like this SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game data – link accounts to Google Play or social networks.
• 🔑 Passwords – export them from your browser or password manager.

For convenience, we have prepared a checklist - go through the points so that nothing is missed:

Pay special attention to IMEI, which is your phone's unique identifier, and you can find it by typing in the phone app *#06#, or look at the device box. If Redmi 6 loses its network after reset, IMEI will help you restore communication through the engineering menu.

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If you have Find Device enabled in Mi Account, turn it off in advance! After resetting, the phone may lock if the previous account is not deleted.

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

If your Redmi 6 is activated and responsive to touch, it's the easiest and most reliable method, it doesn't require any additional tools, and it's even suitable for beginners.

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. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter a password or pattern lock if the system requests it.
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase.If the phone asks you to enter your Mi Account details, use the same account that was tied before the reset.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 6 requires an old Mi Account after reset and you don’t remember it, don’t enter data at random! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours).

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

If Redmi 6 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically, or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery mode, which is a built-in recovery menu that works even when the system is damaged.

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. From the menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of items: the first is a reboot, the second is a reset, the third is a connection to a PC.

In some cases, Recovery may give an E:unknown command or Can't mount /data error, which means that the data partition is corrupted and a routine reset won't help. You'll have to use Method 3, the Fastboot firmware.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, the last chance is to run the firmware through Fastboot, which requires a computer, USB-It's a cable and a special tool, but it's the most reliable one, and it'll help even if you have a good one:

• 🔄 The phone is stuck in bootloop (infinite reboot).
• 🔒 Device locked in Mi Account after reset.
• 🛠️ Recovery partition damaged or deleted.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 6 in.tgz format (e.g. stable or developer version) MIUI).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi (you can download with the program).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi6_Firmware).
3. Turn off Redmi 6 and press the Power button + Volume Down button to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect the phone to the PC.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, it means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, In this case, download a newer firmware or use it. EDL-Mod (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

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Fastboot is the only way to get around Mi Account lock if you don’t remember the previous owner’s details, but after the procedure, the phone may need to unlock the bootloader (if it was blocked).

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 6 will launch in initial setup mode.

1. Language and region choice – Install Russian and Russia (or your country) to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi connection – without the Internet, you will not be able to download updates and restore backups.
3. Sign in to Mi Account – if your phone was linked to your account, use the same data!
4. Data recovery – If you have made a backup through Mi Cloud or Google, the system will suggest restoring it at this stage.
5. Fingerprint/Face settings – If the sensor is working properly, add biometrics for convenience.

After setting up, check:

• 📶 Mobile network operation – if there is no signal, it may have crashed IMEI (Restore it through the engineering menu by dialing ##4636##).
• 🔋 Battery Charging – After reset, it may be necessary to completely discharge/charge for calibration.
• 🔊 Sound and microphone - sometimes after firmware, the sound in the speaker disappears (solved by flashing persist partitions).

If Redmi 6 does not reset SIM-map, check if the Flight Mode function is activated in the settings. Also try to manually select the operator in the Settings menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Redmi 6. TOP-5 problems and ways of solving them:

If you encounter an error that isn’t in the table, try searching for a solution on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums. Usually Redmi 6 has ready-made recovery instructions for any crashes.

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If the phone starts to discharge faster after reset, calibrate the battery: completely discharge it before turning it off, then charge it to 100% without interruptions. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions