Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and simplicity. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, give out errors or simply require a “clean sheet” before selling. Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution for most software problems, but Redmi 6 has its own nuances: from locking through Mi Account to the features of working with Recovery Mode.
In this article, you’ll find three proven reset methods (including hard reset via Fastboot), detailed screenshots of each step, and answers to common questions: what to do if the phone asks for a password after a reset, how to bypass Xiaomi account check and why the smartphone may not turn on after the procedure.
When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi Redmi 6?
Reset the smartphone to factory state is not only when selling, but also in a number of other cases:
- 🐢 Phone brakes strongly, applications spontaneously close or give errors "Application stopped".
- 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
- 📱 Smartphone infected with viruses or suspicious programs that are not removed by standard methods.
- 🔄 After a failed update MIUI system is not working correctly (for example, settings are not opened or communication is lost).
- 💰 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person – to delete all personal data.
But resetting doesn't always solve the problem, like if Redmi 6 doesn't turn on because of a damaged battery or a fall, or if the IMEI is missing after the upgrade, you need to repair or flash it through the Fastboot, and in such cases, the reset will only make things worse.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 6 with firmware MIUI 10 and older, after resetting through Recovery, you may have a request to link your Mi Account, even if you haven't used your account before, and it's anti-theft protection, but it locks your phone if you don't remember the login details.
Preparing for resetting: what to save and how not to lose data
Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from internal memory, including:
- 📷 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
- 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
- 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
- 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.
To avoid losing something important, follow the following steps:
Copy photos/videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)|Export contacts to VCF-file through Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports|Save it. SMS using applications like SMS Backup & Restore|Take a picture or take a picture of your Wi-Fi settings, APN, social media|Check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone (in Settings) → Xiaomi account)
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Pay special attention to Mi Account. If the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, you may need to enter your username and password after reset. On Redmi 6 with MIUI 12+ firmware, the lock works even when you reset through the settings menu if you previously turned on "Device Search".
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Turn off the "Device Search" option (if it's active).
- Sign out (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).
Yes, several times |Yes, but only before the sale |No, never |I tried, but something went wrong-->
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-Advantages:
- ✅ No need to reboot in Recovery.
- ✅ Minimal risk of “blinking” the phone.
- ✅ Keeps the ability to unlock through Mi Account after reset.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Select Resetting (on some firmware - Reset all settings).
- The system will suggest choosing which to delete, and we recommend that you mark "Clear internal memory" for a complete reset.
- Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
- Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).
If the phone has requested Mi Account data after the reset, enter it. If the account is not tied or you have forgotten the password, see the section on bypassing the lock.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 6s MIUI 11 and below, after resetting, access to the mobile network may disappear through the menu. APN. Solution: manually add operator settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset, try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If it doesn't work, move to reset via Recovery.
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
This method is needed if:
- 🔐 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code.
- 📵 The phone is stuck on the logo and does not load.
- 🔄 You need to reset the settings without logging in.
On Redmi 6, you can log in to Recovery via hardware buttons.
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
- Hold on for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- Select a language (usually English or Chinese) from the menu, then:
It takes 5-10 minutes. If the phone is on the logo again after the reboot, repeat the procedure or try the method through Fastboot (see next section).
| Post-dump problem | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone asks for Mi Account | Xiaomi account was tied before reset | Enter account details or use a bypass (see section below) |
| Not included after the logo | Firmware or Recovery damaged | Repeat reset or flash through Fastboot |
| No mobile network. | Removed APN settings | Add APN manually (operator settings) |
| The sensor is not working. | Firmware error or hardware malfunction | Switch the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool |
⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 6 (especially custom firmware) may not have the Recovery menu or be in Chinese.If you only see the Mi logo and no further download, try another reset method.
Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)
This method is suitable if:
- 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
- 📱 Phone 'bricked' after failed update.
- 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (requires unlocking the bootloader).
The work will require:
- 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
- 📄 Firmware for Redmi 6 (download from the official Xiaomi website).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume Down button to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
- Press Refresh to allow the program to detect the device.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
If after firmware the phone requires the entry of Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset
If Redmi 6 requires you to enter Mi Account data after a reset and you don’t remember it, there are several ways to solve it:
- Restore Account Access: Go to Mi Account. click "Forgot password?" and follow the instructions (requires access to email or phone associated with the account).
- Delete your account via Fastboot (requires unlocking the bootloader): Log in to Fastboot Mode (power button + volume reduction). Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in ADB: fastboot oem remove-frp Reboot your phone. The lock should disappear.
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