How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 6 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why a factory reset may be necessary

Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still a popular budget device, but over time, even the most reliable technology begins to slow down: apps open for a long time, memory is filled with unnecessary files, and the system emits errors, in which case a complete reset to factory parameters is one of the most effective ways to return the phone to its previous speed.

But it's not just the brakes that cause the reset, it's possible that you're planning to sell or transfer the device to another person and you want to delete all your personal data, or it's infected with a virus that's not being removed by the antivirus, or it's because of a failed MIUI update that the system has malfunctioned, and in all of these cases, factory resetting is the best solution.

It’s important to understand that the procedure removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

If your Redmi 6 is turned on and you can go to the settings menu, it's the fastest and safest method, it doesn't require any additional tools, and it's even suitable for beginners.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
• 🔧 Go to the section Additional → Recovery and discharge.
• 🔄 Select the Reset option.
• 🔒 Enter the password from your Mi Account if it was linked.
• ✅ Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process. This can take 5 to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it! -- when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

Backup of important data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account (if tied)

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

⚠️ Note: If you forget the Mi Account password, resetting through settings can block your phone! in this case, use the method via Recovery (described below).

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

When Redmi 6 doesn't respond to the on button, freezes on the logo or stops you from entering settings, Recovery Mode will help, which works even in severe system failures.

To enter Recovery:

1. 🔌 Turn off the phone completely (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. 🔘 Press the Power Button and Volume Up button at the same time.
3. 📱 Hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear in English.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select item) are controlled.

• 🔧 Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
• ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
• 🔄 Wait for the process to complete and select Reboot to restart.

If you need to enter a password in the Recovery menu and you don’t remember it, you will have to use Fastboot mode (mode 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (for example, because of a blocked Mi Account or damaged Recovery), Fastboot mode remains. It requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Download and install Mi Flash Tool on PC.
2. 🔌 Turn off Redmi 6 and connect it to your computer by holding the Power Button + Turning down the volume.
3. 🖥️ On the phone screen will appear the image of a hare in a hat-eared – this means that the device is in Fastboot mode.
4. 📂 In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Clean All option and click Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot with clean firmware, and it's also helpful if you want to install custom firmware or remove root rights.

1. Install drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-cable (preferably original).

3. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.-->

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot reset removes all firmware, including system files. If you interrupt the process, the phone can turn into a brick.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 6 will launch with a greeting screen, like after purchase.

• 🌍 Select the language and region (we recommend Russian (Russia)).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (required to download updates).
• 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account (if you have one before) or create a new account.
• 📲 Restore data from backup (if it was made).

In the setup phase, the system will suggest updating the firmware. If your Redmi 6 was reset due to brakes, upgrade MIUI to the latest version - this will improve performance. However, note that new versions may be heavier for budget hardware.

We also recommend:

• 🚫 Disable autoload of unnecessary applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🔄 Enable the Overclock option in Settings → Additionally. → For developers (if unlocked).
• 📁 Transfer applications to the memory card (if installed).

💡

After a reset, the phone works faster, but over time, the brakes can come back. To avoid this, clean the cache regularly and do not install unnecessary apps.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery.

Reason: Wrong combination of buttons or a discharged battery.

Solution: Charge your phone at least 30% and try again with the power + volume button retention.

2. Upon reset, the old Mi Account password is required.

The reason: Xiaomi account was tied to the device.

Solution: remember your password or reset it through the Mi Account site, and if you don't, use Fastboot.

3. The reset hung in the middle of the process.

Cause: corrupted system files or interrupted update.

Solution: Wait 20 to 30 minutes. If nothing changes, force reset (press the power button for 15 seconds) and reset again.

4 After the reset, there is no network or no camera.

Reason: The firmware or incompatible version of MIUI is damaged.

Solution: Update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions