Owners of Xiaomi Mi Box S (MDG6) smart consoles periodically face the need to return the device to its original state, which may be necessary when selling the gadget, transferring it to another user or when critical failures in the Android TV operating system. The data cleanup process eliminates accumulated software debris and corrects errors that interfere with stable operation.
There are several ways to perform Hard Reset or soft reset through the system menu. The choice of the specific method depends on whether the console has access to the interface or it is completely blocked. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the options available for returning the Xiaomi MDG6 to factory parameters so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Before starting the procedure, it is important to understand that any type of complete reset will lead to the permanent removal of all user data, including installed applications, saved Wi-Fi passwords, Google accounts and personalized interface settings, and once completed, the console will look like you just took it out of the box.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
A number of preparatory steps are required immediately before the cleanup process is started, which minimizes the risk of errors during the formatting of internal memory and helps avoid problems with activating the device after the reboot, and ignoring these steps can lead to the fact that you lose access to important information or face an account lock.
First of all, make sure that the remote control is in good working order and has fresh batteries installed. The reset process can take from 5 to 15 minutes, and it is not allowed to interrupt it at a critical stage. Use the original power supply and cable, avoiding connection through USB-TV ports, as they may not have enough power.
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Take a picture of the screen with the current network settings and a list of important apps before resetting to quickly restore the work environment after cleaning.
If you can, sync your data to Google’s cloud storage. Many settings and passwords can be automatically restored when you re-enter your account. This is especially true for lists of installed applications and stored Wi-Fi networks, which will greatly speed up the initial setup process of the Xiaomi MDG6.
- 🔌 Make sure the console is connected directly to the outlet, not through USB-television-port.
- 🔋 Check the battery charge in the remote control so that it does not discharge in the process.
- ☁️ Backup important data to your Google account.
- 📝 Write down passwords from Wi-Fi networks if they are not stored in the cloud.
Reset via the Android TV system menu
The safest and easiest way to return the Xiaomi MDG6 to factory settings is through the operating system’s standard menu, which is suitable for cases where the console interface is stable and you have full access to settings, and ensures that all system processes are completed correctly before formatting.
To start, go to the main menu and find the gear icon for the settings section, and you need to go to the bottom of the list to About (or About), which is where the basic system management functions, including reset options, are hidden. Don't confuse this section with the usual image or sound settings.
☑️ Reset algorithm through menu
Within the About Device section, select Reset, the system will issue a warning that all data will be deleted, you will need to confirm the action by pressing the corresponding button on the remote, and then the cleaning process will begin, and the console will automatically restart, starting the initial setup procedure.
⚠️ Warning: Once the reset is confirmed through the menu, the process can no longer be stopped. Make sure you really want to delete all data, as recovery will not be possible without a prior backup.
Using Recovery Mode for Resetting
If the Xiaomi MDG6 does not load, freezes on the logo or the interface does not respond fully to commands, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This low-level menu allows you to perform system operations regardless of the state of the main operating system.
To get into the recovery menu, you need to turn off the console from the outlet. Then, holding the OK (center) and Back (left) buttons on the remote simultaneously, connect the device to the power supply. Hold the buttons until the Mi logo or menu with English text appears. On some versions of firmware, the combination may be different, so you should be ready to try different options.
The key combination for entering Recovery:
Press OK + Back -> Connect power -> Hold until the menu appearsIn the menu that appears, you can navigate with volume buttons (if you have them on the remote) or up/down buttons. You need to find Wipe data/factory reset and confirm the choice with OK or Play/Pause. The system will ask you to confirm the action by selecting Yes or Factory data reset. After you complete the process, select Reboot system now.
- 🔄 Press the button combination before power connection to enter Recovery mode.
- ⬇️ Use navigation buttons to select the Wipe data/factory reset.
- ✅ Confirm the reset and wait for the formatting to be completed.
- 🔁 Select Reboot system now to reboot console.
Remote reset via Google Find My Device
In situations where the Xiaomi MDG6 is on and connected to the Internet, but the remote is lost or broken, you can use Google Find My Device, which allows you to remotely initiate a reset if your device is logged in to your Google account.
To do this, go to android.com/find from any computer or smartphone. Sign in to the same Google account that you use on the console. From the device list, select your Xiaomi MDG6 and click Clean Device. The command will be sent over the Internet, and the console will begin the reset process.
What to do if the device is not displayed?
It's worth noting that this method requires an active Internet connection, and if the console is offline, the command will be executed automatically as soon as it's online, and it's an effective way to protect data if you suspect that the device has fallen into the wrong hands, or if you simply can't physically control it.
| Resetting method | Access to the menu is required | I need a DU remote. | Demands the Internet. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | Yes (physically) | No. |
| Google Find My Device | No. | No. | Yes. |
| Mi Remote appendix | Yes (partially) | No (smartphone) | Yes (locally) |
Alternative ways to control when the remote fails
A common problem when resetting is a remote control malfunction, and if the buttons are stuck or the IR port is not working, you can't reset through the menu or Recovery in the standard way, and in this case, alternative command input methods come to the rescue.
You can use the Google Home app or Android TV Remote Control on your smartphone. If the console and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network, the app can emulate the remote. This will allow you to go through the Settings → About device → Reset without using a physical remote. However, this method is not suitable for logging into Recovery, since it only works when the system is loaded.
Another reliable option is the connection USB-Keyboards or mouse to the port of Xiaomi MDG6. Virtually any wired peripheral is automatically defined by the system. With the keyboard you can easily navigate the menu, and in Recovery mode, some keys can perform the functions of the remote buttons, which will allow you to perform Hard Reset even with a completely non-functioning IR panel.
Decision after resetting settings
Once the Xiaomi MDG6 returns to factory settings, you may encounter a number of standard situations. Understanding what is normal and what requires intervention will help avoid unnecessary panic.
One of the common problems is requiring you to unlock a Google account (FRP). If you have a Google account entered on your device before resetting, the security system will require you to enter a password from it on the first download. This is a security mechanism against theft, and you can't get around it without a password in legal ways. Make sure you remember the login details.
⚠️ Warning: If the console is cyclically restarted after resetting (bootloop), try to disable everything USB-Recovery resets again, and the problem may be caused by the connected periphery.
Also, check for firmware updates immediately after setup. The factory version of the software may be outdated, which causes some applications to run unstable. Go to Settings → About device → System Update and install the current version of Android TV for your MDG6 model.
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After the first turn on, give the console 10-15 minutes for background optimization of applications and the system before demanding high performance from it.