The smartphone Redmi 6A has become a real bestseller in the budget segment due to its affordability and survivability, but the issue of software still causes controversy among users. Many owners of gadgets released several years ago are faced with uncertainty: is it possible to get new features on old hardware or should they accept the current state of affairs. Understanding what what version of Android is installed on your device is critical for compatibility with modern applications and banking clients.
Initially, this device went on sale with a rather old version of the operating system, which was typical for ultra-budget models of that period. However, the company Xiaomi has provided the ability to update, albeit to a limited extent. In this article, we will analyze in detail the evolution of firmware for this model, the technical nuances of switching to new versions and consider whether it is even worth touching on the update system on such a modest device in terms of characteristics.
Initial version and update history
At the time of the official start of sales in 2018, the smartphone Redmi 6A was running shell MIUI 9based on the core Android 8.1 Oreo. This was the standard for entry-level devices, as newer versions required more RAM and processing power, which this model could not boast. Users who bought the phone in the first months of release received a stable, but functionally limited system without many modern gestures and privacy settings.
Subsequently, the manufacturer released an update to MIUI 10, which brought some visual changes and improved multitasking management. However, this was practically the last major over-the-air update for global versions of the device. It is important to understand that support cycle budget smartphones are usually only one or two years old, after which the focus of developers shifts to new models. For owners, this means that they cannot count on receiving Android 10 or higher using official methods.
⚠️ Attention: Official software support for Redmi 6A has been discontinued. Attempts to find official OTA updates higher than MIUI 10/11 on Android 8.1 in the phone settings will be unsuccessful.
Technical limitations of hardware
The main reason why Redmi 6A did not receive more recent versions of Android is its hardware characteristics. The smartphone is based on a processor MediaTek Helio A22, made using a 12-nm process technology, and only 2 or 3 GB of RAM, depending on the modification. Modern versions of Android, such as Android 11 or Android 12, require significantly more resources for background processes, data encryption and Google services.
An attempt to install a heavy system on a weak device leads to a critical drop in performance. Even if it is technically possible to port new firmware, the user will encounter constant freezes, long opening of applications and rapid battery drain. Optimization systems for a specific hardware in the case of state employees is often achieved by preserving the old, but light version of the kernel.
In addition, drivers for MediaTek chipsets are often closed, and the manufacturer is not obliged to release updates long after the model has been discontinued. This creates a technical barrier that cannot be overcome without deep intervention in the system code, which is beyond the power of an ordinary user and is dangerous for the stability of the gadget.
Before any manipulations with the firmware, be sure to back up your contacts and photos to Google Drive or a computer, since resetting the settings will delete all data without the possibility of recovery.
How to check the current software version
To find out exactly what operating system is installed on your device right now, you need to go to the corresponding settings section. This action does not require special rights or a computer connection and will only take a few seconds. This check will help you understand whether any micro-security update is still available for your region or whether you are already on the final version.
Follow the following steps in the smartphone menu:
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson the main screen. - 🔍 Scroll to the bottom of the list and select
About phone. - 💻 Click on the block with the name MIUI Version or look at the line
Version Android.
In the window that opens you will see the build number. If it says Android 8.1, it means that your device is running on a standard factory version or an updated version. Clicking on the version icon can start an animation, and the button Check for updates contacts the server to search for new packages. In most cases, you will receive a message that you have the latest available version installed.
☑️ Checking the software is up to date
Custom firmware capabilities
For advanced users who are not satisfied with the obsolescence of standard firmware, there is an alternative way - installing custom assemblies. Enthusiasts on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers create modified versions of Android, which can be based on newer kernels, for example Android 9 or even Android 10 (via project LineageOS or Pixel Experience). This allows you to get a fresh interface and new security features.
However, this process is fraught with serious risks. To install such a system, you need to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader), install custom recovery (TWRP) and flash a new image. An error at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick” that will not turn on. In addition, banking applications often do not work on custom firmware due to a violation of the integrity of the system, and the camera may shoot worse due to the lack of proprietary drivers. Xiaomi.
⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and carries the risk of completely losing the functionality of the device. Do this only if you understand the consequences and have experience
If you still decide to take this step, be sure to study the profile forum thread specifically for your model (Xiaomi Redmi 6A), since firmware from other models (for example, Redmi 6) will not work and may damage the device. Make sure to download files only from trusted sources.
What is bootloader unlocking?
Unlocking the bootloader is the process of removing manufacturer restrictions on installing unofficial software. On Xiaomi phones, this requires submitting an application in the official Mi Unlock application and waiting from 3 to 7 days, after which you connect the phone to the PC in Fastboot mode.
Comparison of performance on different versions
The difference in the operation of a smartphone on stock firmware and after attempts to “refresh” the system can be colossal. Users often wonder whether the phone will work faster on the new Android. In the case of Redmi 6A the answer is most often negative: the newer the system version, the more resources it consumes, which this device is in short supply.
The table below shows a comparison of key performance indicators of the device at different stages of its life cycle:
| Parameter | MIUI 9 (Android 8.1) | MIUI 10/11 (Android 8.1) | Custom (Android 10+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup speed | High | Medium | Low / Unstable |
| RAM consumption | ~600-800 MB | ~900-1100 MB | ~1.2 GB+ |
| Application compatibility | Good | Excellent | Excellent (but bugs are possible) |
| Communication stability | Stable | Stable | Possible failures |
As can be seen from the data, the “golden mean” for this smartphone is the version MIUI 10 or early MIUI 11. They offer a balance between modern appearance and acceptable performance. Switching to heavier systems turns using the phone into a test of the owner's nerve cells due to constant interface lags.
For Redmi 6A, the best performance is achieved on versions MIUI 9-10, since they are optimally optimized for the weak Helio A22 processor.
Optimization and security on the old system
Even while staying on Android 8.1 Oreo, you can ensure a decent level of safety and comfort when using a smartphone. Google and application manufacturers continue to support this version of the kernel for a long time, so the main instant messengers, social networks and browsers work correctly. However, it is worth paying attention to manually setting up the system to extend its life.
It is recommended to disable unnecessary animations to visually speed up the interface. To do this, you need to activate the developer mode by clicking 7 times on the build number in the menu About phone, and then in the section Advanced settings → For developers change the animation scale of windows, transitions and animator duration to the value 0.5x or Disabled.
It is also critical to regularly clear the application cache and remove unused software, since the built-in memory of 16 or 32 GB fills up very quickly. Clogged storage is the main cause of slowdowns on older devices. Use the built-in utility Cleaning or third-party lightweight tools, but avoid “heavy” antiviruses that themselves consume a lot of resources.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update Redmi 6A to Android 10 or 11?
No, Xiaomi has not officially released Android kernel updates above version 8.1 Oreo for this model. All options with Android 10+ are unofficial custom firmware, installed at your own risk.
Will applications on Android 8.1 stop working in the near future?
In the next 1-2 years, critical applications (WhatsApp, banking clients, browsers) will continue to support Android 8.1. However, some new games and heavy software may gradually stop being installed, as developers focus on more recent APIs.
Why did the phone run slower after the MIUI update?
MIUI shell updates often add new visual effects and background services that load the processor and RAM. On the Redmi 6A with its modest specifications, this inevitably leads to slower performance. It is recommended to perform a factory reset after a major update.
Is it safe to use online banking on this version of Android?
Yes, Android 8.1 is still receiving security updates (via Google Play System patches) and most banking apps are stable. The main thing is not to install applications from dubious sources and not to obtain root access if you use finance.
How to return the factory firmware if the phone is buggy after customization?
To return to the stock firmware, you need to use the Mi Flash Tool app on your computer. You will need to download the official Fastboot image for Redmi 6A, put the phone into Fastboot mode (by holding down the power and volume buttons) and flash the device completely, which will delete all data.