How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 6 if you forget your password: 5 proven ways

A forgotten password on a smartphone is a situation that almost every user has encountered, and it's especially frustrating when it comes to budget models like the Xiaomi Redmi 6, where there's no fingerprint scanner or facial recognition. PIN-code too many times, the system will lock the device for 30 seconds, a minute, and then even require the input of data from the Mi Account?

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the working ways to unlock Redmi 6 (including Redmi 6A and Redmi 6 Pro versions), from official methods to technical workarounds. Importantly, some methods will lead to data loss, so first check if the phone is connected to Xiaomi’s cloud backup. If not, be ready to reset before factory settings.

Also note that Redmi 6 runs on a MediaTek Helio processor. P22 (Unlike the Redmi Note 6 Pro on Snapdragon, so the ways to unlock through Fastboot or EDL-We're going to focus on the methods that are guaranteed to work on this model.

Before you start, answer one question:

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi 6 is linked to a Xiaomi account, this is the easiest and most secure way to unlock, and the system will prompt you to enter your account details after 5 failed password attempts.

How it works:

1. After several incorrect attempts, the button “Forgot the password” or “Unlock” will appear on the screen.
2. Click on it and enter the email or phone attached to your account.
3. Enter the password from Mi Account (if you forgot - restore through the official website).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset the lock.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled your settings → Additionally. → Linking the device to your account won't work, and remember that you may need to confirm it through Mi Account after you unlock it. SMS email.

What to do if you do not remember your account information?

• 📧 Try to restore your password through the recovery form (access to email or phone will be required).
• 📱 If you have a phone number attached, ask for it. SMS confirmation-coded.
• 🔄 If your account is not yours (for example, the phone was bought by hand), contact the previous owner.

💡

If you often forget passwords, enable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account settings and save your backup codes in a safe place.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If you don't remember Mi Account data or your device isn't tied to your account, the only reliable way to do this is to hard-dump it through Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 6 with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in some versions).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
6. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 6 firmware in Recovery Mode may require you to enter a password. If this happens, proceed to the next method (via Fastboot).

What if Recovery Mode asks for a password?

• 🔧 Try entering any password (e.g. 1234) – sometimes the system skips further.
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, use the method with Fastboot (described below).
• 💻 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), But it requires an unlocked bootloader.

Turn off the phone.

Slam Power + Volume Up

Wait for the Mi logo to appear.

Select Wipe Data and confirm it.-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

If Recovery Mode requires a password, you can try resetting your phone via Fastboot, a mode that allows you to interact with your device via your computer, which is suitable if you have an unlocked bootloader. If not, you will first have to unlock it (instruction below).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Utility. ADB & Fastboot Tools.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not - see spoiler below).

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 6.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
5. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: If the bootloader is locked, the commands will not work. In this case, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (see spoiler).

4.Use of ADB (if USB-debugging was included)

If Redmi 6 was previously included USB-debugging (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB), You can try to delete the file with the password through ADB. This method does not cause data loss, but only works when debugging is active.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command line and type in: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
3. After resetting, the password should be reset.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (12+) This method may not work because of changes in password storage, and it will require root rights, which are not easy to obtain on Redmi 6.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB — Try another cable.
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB Developer settings (if the phone is not already locked).

💡

The ADB method is the only way to unlock Redmi 6 without losing data, but it requires debugging pre-setting.

5.Blocking bypass through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods do not work, you can contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. This is the official way that is guaranteed to unlock the phone, but has its own nuances:

Pros:

• ✅ Guaranteed result (if the phone is not blacklisted).
• ✅ No risk of damaging the device.
• ✅ Possibility of data retention (in some cases).

Cons:

• ❌ Cost of the service (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region).
• ❌ Proof of ownership (check, box, tied account) is required).
• ❌ Waiting time (from a few hours to a week).

How to find the official Xiaomi service?

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Choose a country and a city.
3. Find the nearest service center with the Authorized mark.
4. Check by phone if they are unlocking Redmi 6.

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops! There's a high risk of running into scammers who might be:

• 🔄 Reflash the phone with unofficial firmware (loss of warranty).
• 📱 Install malware.
• 💰 Overcharging services.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

To choose the best way, compare all the options in the table:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock Redmi 6, you often have typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery Mode

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be at least 30%).
• 🔌 Use the original cable to recharge.
• 🔄 Try to clamp down the Power + Volume Up + Volume Down (on some firmware).

2.Fastboot doesn't see the device

• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 📱 Enable the Developer Option (if the phone is not already locked).

3.After reset, the phone asks for the old password

• 🔄 Repeat the reset via Recovery Mode again.
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, use Fastboot with fastboot erase frp.
• 🔓 The phone is linked to a Google Account (FRP-defence).

4. Can't unlock the bootloader.

• 📧 Make sure you use the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
• ⏳ Wait 72–168 hours if your account is new).
• 🔧 Try unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool on another computer.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions