Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still actively used by many users as a main device or backup gadget. However, over time, the MIUI operating system may become unstable, accumulate errors, or require cleaning before sale. In such situations, the only correct solution is hard resetwhich returns the device to its “out of the box” state. This procedure deletes all user data, application cache and system errors, but requires careful preparation.
Execution resetting settings on Redmi 6 - the process is irreversible. All photos, contacts, messages and installed apps will be permanently deleted from the device’s internal memory. Before starting any manipulations, it is critical to create a backup copy of important information on an external drive or in a cloud service. Ignoring this step may lead to the loss of valuable data, which subsequently cannot be restored using standard methods.
In this guide, we will look at all the available ways to return Redmi 6 to the factory state: through the standard Android settings menu and using Recovery mode. We will also look at the nuances of working with Google protection (FRP) and possible problems that you may encounter in the process. The instructions are compiled taking into account the features of the MIUI shell, installed on this model by default.
Preparing the smartphone for the reset procedure
Before initiating the cleaning process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. This ensures that the phone does not turn off at the most critical moment and you do not lose access to your accounts. Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. If the device runs out of power while formatting the memory partitions, this can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a “brick.”
The second important step is unlinking accounts. Android security has built-in anti-theft protection known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection). If you reset your phone without first logging out of your Google account and Mi account, the next time you activate it, the device will require you to enter the password for these accounts. Without this data, it will be impossible to turn on the phone.
⚠️ Attention: If you have forgotten the password for your Mi account or Google mail, restore access to them through the official website before the reset begins. Otherwise, you risk getting a locked device, the unlocking of which will require complex technical interventions.
It is also recommended to remove the microSD memory card and SIM cards before starting the procedure. While a factory reset usually doesn't affect external drives, accidental formatting of the SD card can happen when you select the wrong options or use third-party Recovery utilities. Removing the cards will ensure 100% safety of the data on them.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The safest and easiest method return Redmi 6 to factory settings - using the built-in MIUI interface. This method is suitable for cases when the phone turns on, the screen responds to touches, and you remember the unlock password. Go to the main menu and find the icon Settings.
In the list that opens, scroll down to the section About the phone. This is where the main system management functions are concentrated. At the bottom of the screen you will see the item Reset settings. By clicking on it, the system will offer two options: “Reset settings” (returning network and call settings) and “Delete all data”. We need the second option for complete cleaning.
After selecting the item Delete all data the phone will ask for identity confirmation. You will need to enter the digital password, pattern, or fingerprint that is used to unlock the screen. This is protection against accidental reset by attackers. Confirm the action by pressing the button OKand then Reboot and reset.
If the phone asks for the password for the Mi account when trying to reset, this means that the Find My Device feature is active. Enter your Xiaomi account password to continue.
The data deletion process will take from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of occupied memory. The screen may go off and on several times - this is normal system behavior when formatting partitions. Do not press any buttons during this period. After completion, the smartphone will automatically reboot and launch the initial setup wizard, as when turned on for the first time after purchase.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery mode
If the device is frozen, does not boot to the desktop, or you have forgotten the unlock password, the only way out is to use the mode Recovery. This method allows you to perform a reset at the bootloader level, bypassing the operating system. To enter this mode on Redmi 6, you must completely turn off the smartphone.
After turning off, press two buttons simultaneously: Volume Up and Power. Hold them until the logo Miappears, then release the Power button, but continue to hold the Volume button until the main Recovery menu appears. The interface can be in Chinese or English, navigation is carried out with the volume buttons, and selection is done with the power button.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively with physical buttons. Be careful when selecting menu items so as not to start the PC connection mode (Connect with MIAssistant) instead of resetting.
In the menu list, find the item Wipe Data (or Clear Data). After selecting, confirm the action by pressing Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation again - select Confirm. The cleaning process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed as a percentage. Upon completion, a message will appear Data wiped successfully.
What to do if the menu is in Chinese?
If you are in the Chinese Recovery menu, be guided by the icons or button layout. The reset point is usually second or third on the list. The hieroglyphs corresponding to data cleaning often look like a broom or a basket. Select an item, confirm the action (usually the lower right button), and wait for successful completion.
After a successful reset, select the item Reboot, and then Reboot to System. The first boot after a Hard Reset always lasts longer than usual - from 5 to 10 minutes. This is due to application optimization and system file creation. Be patient and do not try to reboot the phone manually at this moment.
Bypassing Google FRP protection after a reset
Protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a security mechanism that ties the device to the last entered Google account. If you performed a reset via Recovery without logging out of your account first, during the first setup the phone will require you to enter the email and password that were used on this device previously.
This is done so that a stolen phone cannot simply be reset and used further. If you are the rightful owner, simply enter your details. If you bought a used device, and the previous owner has not unlinked the account, you will have to contact him to get a password or remove the lock.
| Situation | Required action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via Settings | Entering the unlock password before resetting | FRP is automatically disabled |
| Reset via Recovery | Entering Google account data during setup | Requires login to the old one account |
| Replacing the motherboard | Binding to new hardware | FRP is not requested (new device) |
| Purchasing a used phone | Contacting the seller | Account deletion by seller |
There are various software methods to bypass FRP, but they often depend on the specific Android version and security patch. For Redmi 6 with Android 8.1 or 9.0, these vulnerabilities may be closed by updates. Using unverified apps to reset FRP can lead to the installation of malware.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One of the common problems is Stuck on the logo (bootloop) after a reset. This may indicate corrupted system files or an update conflict. In this case, re-entering Recovery and performing a reset will often help fix the situation.
Another common problem is a formatting error. If the reset process is interrupted or displays an error message, one of the internal memory sections may be damaged. In this case, you may need to flash the device using a computer and a utility. Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the phone constantly reboots and does not reach the setup screen, do not try to do this endlessly. This drains the battery and can make the software glitch worse. Try logging into Recovery and resetting again, or contact the service center.
It is also worth noting that after a reset, some applications may not work correctly until you update them through the Google Play Market. System services need current versions to work correctly with current Google and Xiaomi servers.
If a standard reset does not help eliminate freezes or errors, the problem may be hardware (flash memory wear) or require a complete flashing of the device via a PC.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the SD card when resetting the Redmi 6?
When performing a reset through the settings menu (Settings → About phone → Reset settings), the data on the microSD memory card is usually saved. However, when resetting via Recovery, in some firmware versions an option to format the external drive may appear. To ensure the safety of photos and files, physically remove the memory card before starting the procedure.
What should I do if the phone asks for a password for the Mi account after resetting?
This is standard protection for the Find My Device function. You need to enter the password for the Mi account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset. If you have forgotten your password, restore it on the official website i.mi.com via a computer or other device. Without this step, you will not be able to activate the phone.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset process if it takes too long?
It is strictly not recommended to interrupt the formatting process, even if it seems stuck. Interrupting data recording may damage the file system, rendering the phone inoperable. Wait for it to complete, even if it takes more than 20 minutes. If the phone doesn't respond for more than an hour, try a forced reboot, but be prepared for the need to reflash it.
Will it reset the phone to the factory version of Android?
No, a factory reset only returns software settings and deletes user data, but does not roll back the operating system version. If your Redmi 6 has been updated to Android 9.0, it will still be running Android 9.0 after the reset. To roll back the version, a complete flashing via a computer is required.
How do you know if the reset was successful?
A reset is considered successful, after which the phone boots to the welcome screen (language selection) without asking for the old pattern or screen unlock password. If the device only requires setting up Wi-Fi and logging into a new account (or old one, if FRP worked), then the data clearing was successful.