Owners of the budget but popular Redmi series smartphones often face the need to completely clean the device’s memory. Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, has already managed to acquire a significant amount of temporary files, app cache and system debris. Full reset allows you to return the gadget to its original speed and eliminate software errors accumulated over the years of operation.
There are several proven ways to get the device back out of the box, each with its own characteristics: some require access to the system’s work interface, others are designed for situations where the phone is locked or not loading. In this article, we will detail the algorithms for different Hard Reset use cases.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about the consequences of this procedure: data deletion will be complete and irrevocable, if you do not take care of backup in advance, we will consider all the nuances of preparation, so that the process goes as smoothly and safely as possible for your personal files.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Start with the critical step of saving personal information. Before you start the Wipe Data process, make sure that all contacts, photos, videos and documents are transferred to an external medium. The Xiaomi Redmi 6’s built-in memory will be fully formatted, and it will not be possible to restore files using standard methods after that.
Android security and MIUI are protected against theft, so when turned on after a reset, the phone may ask for a password from a previously used Google account or Mi Account. If you forget this data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device.
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Backup your contacts to the Google cloud or to the Google cloud SIM-save the photos to your computer or cloud storage before the procedure.
The process of cleaning and re-initializing the system can take from 10 to 30 minutes, so the battery charge should be at least 50-60%. If the device runs out at the time of partition formatting, this can lead to damage to system files and inability to boot.
☑️ Preparation for discharge
Method 1: Resetting through system settings
The easiest and most secure method is available if you remember the screen unlock password and the phone menu is stable. First, open the main menu and find the Settings icon. Next, follow the Advanced Settings path → Recovery and Reset. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be called simply “About the phone” with the reset button at the bottom of the list.
In the menu that opens, you will need to select the Reset option, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. If the device has a lock screen, you will need to enter a pin code or pattern lock to confirm the operation, a protective measure to prevent accidental or unauthorized reset by unauthorized persons.
Once confirmed, the system will start the cleaning process. The screen may go out and the device will restart several times. Do not interfere with the smartphone at this point. The formatting process should go through automatically, after which the screen of the initial setting will open, as when you first turn on a new gadget.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the system interface is damaged, the phone is stuck on the logo or you forgot the unlock password, you will need to use Recovery mode. This method allows you to reset at a low level, bypassing the operating system. To enter this mode, you need to completely turn off the Xiaomi Redmi 6 smartphone.
After turning it off, press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up. In a few seconds, the Recovery Mode menu will open, where the volume buttons control and the power button select.
From the menu, select English (if available), then go to Wipe Data. Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The system will start formatting /data and /cache partitions. Once completed, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear, then select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot → Reboot to System.
⚠️ Note: When reset via Recovery Mode, the phone may automatically be locked by Mi or Google account if the Find Device feature was enabled before the reset.
Method 3: Resetting with service codes
There is an alternative software method that works through the dialer code engineering menu, which is only suitable for fully working devices where the Phone app operates. Open the dial and type the ##7780## combination. In some Xiaomi firmware, this code can cause you to reset your settings to factory settings without deleting your personal files, but often it requires additional confirmation.
The more radical code *2767*3855# on some versions of Android initiates a complete reset, but on modern MIUI shells it is often blocked by the manufacturer for security reasons.
Using codes requires caution, as an error in input or incompatibility of the firmware version can lead to unpredictable system behavior. If nothing happens after entering the code, then this method is blocked at the software level of your version of the operating system.
Why can't the code work?
Comparison of data dumping methods
The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of your Xiaomi Redmi 6. Below is a table that will help determine the best way to proceed in your situation, given the availability of the interface and the presence of passwords.
| Method | Access to the menu is required | Deletion of all data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Yes. | Yes (optional) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | Yes (full) | Medium |
| Service codes | Yeah (only calls) | Depends on the code. | Low. |
| Mi Flash Tool (PC) | No (Fastboot needed) | Yeah (flashing) | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, Recovery Mode is the most versatile method, because it doesn't require a working interface, but it's guaranteed to delete all user data. It's more flexible through settings, allowing you to save files in some cases, but it's useless when you lock your phone.
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If the phone turns on and you remember the password, use reset via settings. If the phone is locked or hangs on the logo, only Recovery Mode.
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of restoring factory settings, users may face various difficulties, and one of the common problems is hanging on the Mi logo after reset, which may indicate damage to the system partition or lack of space for temporary files during initialization, in which case re-entering Recovery and selecting the Wipe Data item again helps.
Another common problem is cyclic reboot. If the phone is constantly restarting and does not reach the home screen, the cache file may be damaged. Cleaning the cache through the recovery menu (Wipe Cache Partition, if available, or full Wipe Data) usually solves this problem. It is also worth checking the integrity of the volume button, since sticking it can permanently return the phone to Recovery mode.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires a password from an account that you do not remember, it will be impossible to unlock the device by legal methods without contacting the service center with a check for purchase due to protection. FRP.