Hard Resets on Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro: 3 working ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro is a popular budget smartphone released in 2018, but still in active use. Over time, the device can start to slow down, give errors or even lock down due to a forgotten password. In such cases, hard reset helps – a complete reset to factory settings. However, the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss all the safe ways of reset, including unlocking through Mi Account, recovery via Recovery Mode and alternative methods for cases where standard instructions do not work.

It's important to understand that a hard reset deletes all the data -- photos, contacts, messages, and installed apps. If the phone still responds to touch, first try to save important information via Mi Cloud or a PC connection. If the screen is locked and there's no backup, the data will be lost irretrievably. Next, let's look at how to properly reset depending on the situation.

What is Hard Reset and When You Need It

Hard reset is a forced reset of a smartphone to factory settings, which, unlike a normal reboot, erases all user data and returns the system to a “boxy-like” state. On Redmi 6 Pro, this can be required in several cases:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code – the phone is locked and unlocking via Mi Account is not available.
• 🐢 Strong lags and brakes – the system is unstable, applications constantly fly out.
• 🦠 Viral infection – suspected malware that is not removed by standard methods.
• 🔄 Preparation for sale – you need to completely clear the device of personal data.
• 🛠️ Failed firmware update – the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo or cyclically reboots.

On the Redmi 6 Pro, hard reset can be performed in three main ways:

1. Recovery Mode (if the phone is turned on but locked)
2. Fastboot (if the device does not respond to buttons)
3. Through Mi Account (if you have a Xiaomi account and access to the Internet).

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device function is enabled on the phone, after reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account. Without them, the phone will remain locked!

Preparing for hard reset: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% – interruption of the process due to battery discharge may lead to the inability to further turn on the device.
• 📱 Make sure you have access to your Mi Account – proof of ownership may be required after the reset.
• 💾 Save important data – if your phone is still working, copy your files to your PC or cloud.
• 🔌 Prepare. USB-cable – you will need it to connect to your PC if you use Fastboot.

If the phone is locked but is responding to a PC connection, try extracting data using Mi PC Suite or Dr.Fone. However, in most cases, with a locked screen, access to files will be limited.

Check the battery level.

Save contacts and photos

Make sure you remember the username/password from your Mi Account.

Prepare. USB-cable and PC (in case of Fastboot)

Turn off your Google account (if your phone is still working)-->

Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. After the hard reset, Redmi 6 Pro can request:

• Login and password from the Xiaomi account that was tied before the reset.
• Confirmation via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

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

Method 1: Hard Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

This method is suitable if the Redmi 6 Pro is enabled but does not respond to the input of a password or pattern lock.

Steps for discharge:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (if it freezes, press the button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Volume Up (+) and Power buttons simultaneously.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu.

In the recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm the selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in some versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
4. Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

Once the phone is rebooted, it will look like new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you'll need to enter the activation data.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Redmi 6 Pro doesn’t respond to buttons, hovers on the logo or reboots cyclically, a reset via Fastboot mode will help.This will require a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
2. Download the firmware for Redmi 6 Pro (Fastboot ROM version) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
3. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Volume buttons down (-) + Power for 5-10 seconds
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
7. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically restarts, and this method not only resets the settings, but also reinstalls the firmware, which helps with serious system failures.

1. whether Xiaomi drivers are installed (you can download on the official website).

2. Whether the original is used USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).

3. Is the debugging mode on USB (if the phone still turns on).-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware process! this may cause partition damage EFS, stored IMEI It's impossible to restore them without specialized equipment.

Method 3: Unlocking with Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code, but the phone has a Xiaomi account attached, you can unlock the device without losing data. This method only works when you connect to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message Forgot the password appears.
2. Click on this label and select Unblock via Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Create a new password or pattern lock.

If this method does not work, it means:

• 📶 The phone is disconnected (connect to Wi-Fi or insert) SIM-mobile-internet).
• 🔒 Mi Account was not tied to the device.
• 🛡️ Find Device protection is enabled and additional confirmation is required.

In such cases, only hard resets via Recovery or Fastboot remain, but with the risk of data loss.

💡

Unlocking through Mi Account is the only way to save data on a locked phone. If the account is not tied, a reset is inevitable.

What to do after a hard reset: setup and recovery

After a successful reset of the Redmi 6 Pro, you will need to set up the following:

1. Choose the language and region (Russia is recommended for the correct operation of Xiaomi services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
3. Enter your Mi Account details (if the phone requests an old anchor).
4. Set up a fingerprint or a new pattern lock.
5. Restore data from the backup (if it was created earlier).

To recover data:

• 📱 Contacts and notes – sync through Mi Cloud or Google account.
• 📷 Photos and videos – if you don’t have a backup, try programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (the odds are low after a reset).
• 🎵 Music and documents – check the folder MIUI/Backup internal memory (sometimes there are old backups).

After setting up, it is recommended:

• Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
• Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications.
• Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Dr.Web) to protect against malware.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you run a hard reset, you often have a problem that's typical, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the phone requires the account of the previous owner after the reset, and you do not know it, try:

1. Contact the seller for account details.
2. Provide a check or a sales contract to the Xiaomi service center.
3. Use the official unlock service (paid, about 1000-2000 rubles).

⚠️ Warning: Buying handsets without a Mi Account undock can risk getting a brick after a reset.Always check if the previous owner's account is untied!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions