Xiaomi Redmi 6A is one of the most popular budget smartphones released in 2018. Despite its venerable age, the device is still used by many users due to its reliability and low price. However, with the release of new versions Android owners Redmi 6A often wonder: what operating system is on their phone, is it possible to update it and is it worth doing?

In this article we will figure out which version Android was originally installed on Redmi 6A, which updates were officially released, and what to do if you want to get more recent firmware. We will also talk about the nuances of working with outdated devices and give practical advice on optimizing their performance.

What version of Android is installed on the Redmi 6A out of the box?

The smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 6A went on sale with a pre-installed version Android 8.1 Oreo. It was an operating system that was current at the time and offered basic functions for budget devices. However, it is worth noting that Redmi 6A worked not on “pure” Android, but on a proprietary shell MIUI —in this case it was MIUI 9 (later updated to MIUI 10).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi often releases several modifications of one device for different regions. In the case of Redmi 6A there were options for the global market (Global), China (China) and India (IndiaThe firmware versions for them could differ slightly, but the base Android 8.1 remained. general.

  • 📦 Global version: Android 8.1 + MIUI 9/10 (updates to MIUI 11)
  • 🇨🇳 China version: Android 8.1 + MIUI 9/10 (same as global) You can check this in the settings:: Android 8.1 + MIUI 9/10 (updates to MIUI 12, but without Google services)
  • 🇮🇳 India version: Android 8.1 + MIUI 9/10 (same as global)

If you bought your phone from an official store or from a trusted seller, most likely you have Global-version. You can check this in the settings: Settings → About phone → MIUI version. If the firmware name contains letters CN, this is the Chinese version.

📊 Which version of MIUI are you using? you?
MIUI 9 or 10
MIUI 11
MIUI 12
I don’t know
Other

Official Android updates for Redmi 6A: what has been released?

Xiaomi Redmi 6A received only one major operating system update - up to Android 9 Pie. It became available in 2019 along with the release of MIUI 11. This was the last official Android update for this model. Further updates were limited only to shell updates MIUI (up to version 12 for some regions), but the Android base remained 9 Pie.

Here is the timeline of official updates:

Android version MIUI version Release date Features
8.1 Oreo MIUI 9 June 2018 Initial firmware "out of the box"
8.1 Oreo MIUI 10 October 2018 Updating the shell with a new design
9 Pie MIUI 11 2019 Last major Android update
9 Pie MIUI 12 2020 Only for the Chinese version (without Google)

As can be seen from the table, Redmi 6A did not receive Android 10 and later versions officially. This is due to the limited technical characteristics of the device (processor MediaTek Helio A22 and 2 GB of RAM) and policy Xiaomi on supporting budget models.

⚠️ Attention: If you see offers to upgrade Redmi 6A to Android 10+ through third-party sites, this is a scam. There are no official firmwares higher than Android 9 for this model.

How to check the current version of Android on Redmi 6A?

You can find out which version Android is installed on your Redmi 6Ain several ways. The easiest way is through the settings menu:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon).
  2. Scroll down and select About phone.
  3. Click on Android Version —the current version will be indicated here (for example, 9 PKQ1.181007.001).
  4. To see the version MIUI, go back and find the line MIUI Version.

Also, information about the firmware can be found through recovery mode (Recovery Mode):

Turn off the phone|Hold Volume up + Power|In the Recovery menu, select Reboot to System (the version will be displayed at the top of the screen)|Do not confirm the reset data!

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If your Redmi 6A shows version Android 8.1, this means that the device has never been updated. In this case, we recommend installing at least MIUI 11 (if available), as it brings improvements. security and stability.

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Take a photo of the screen with information about the firmware version before updating - this will help you roll back if something goes wrong.

Is it possible to update Redmi 6A to Android 10, 11 or later?

Unfortunately official it is impossible to update Redmi 6A to Android 10 or later versions. Xiaomi stopped supporting the device after the release MIUI 12 based on Android 9However, there are several alternative ways to get a more recent one. system:

  • 🔄 Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience) require unlocking the bootloader and may lead to loss of warranty.
  • 🛠️ Ported GSI images (Generic System Image). experienced users, but they work unstable.
  • ⚠️ Third-party “firmware” from dubious sites. 90% of such files contain viruses or spyware - using them is strictly not recommended.

If you still decide to install custom firmware, consider the following risks:

What are the dangers of installing unofficial firmware?

  1. Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
  2. Possible brick (turning the phone into "brick").
  3. Problems with the camera, mobile connection or Wi-Fi.
  4. Lack of security updates.
  5. Blocking of some banking applications (due to lack of Google certification).

For most users Redmi 6A the optimal solution would be to stay on the latest official firmware (Android 9 + MIUI 11/12) and follow the tips for optimizing performance, which we provide below.

How to improve the performance of Redmi 6A on outdated Android?

Even if yours Redmi 6A runs on Android 8.1 or 9.0, its performance can be significantly improved with a few simple steps. The main problem of budget devices is not so much the OS version, but clogged memory. data-i="153">background processes and background processes.

Here's what you can do:

  • 🧹 Cleaning cache and garbage: Use the built-in utility Cleaning (Settings → Cleaningor applications like CCleaner (only from the official store!).
  • 🚫 Disable startup: Go to Settings → Applications → Startup and disable unnecessary apps.
  • 🔄 Lightweight firmware: Some modifications MIUI (for example, MIUI Lite) are optimized for weak devices.
  • 📱 Disable animation: Enable Developer mode (click 7 times on MIUI version) and in Developer settings set Window animation = 0.5x.

It is also worth deleting or freezing applications that you do not use To do this:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an unnecessary application (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music).
  3. Click Delete or Disable (if deleting unavailable).
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete system applications named com.android... or com.miui... —this may lead to unstable operation of the phone.

What to do if Redmi 6A is not updated?

If your Redmi 6A does not receive updates via Settings → System update, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 🌍 Wrong firmware region: For example, the Chinese version (CN) will not receive updates for the global one (Global).
  • 🔌 Problems with Xiaomi servers: Sometimes updates are delayed due to high load.
  • 📵 Lack of free space: The update requires at least 1.5 GB free memory.
  • 🔒 Bootloader is blocked: If you have previously tried to install custom firmware, official updates may not arrive.

To force check for updates:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updates via mobile data can be blocked).
  2. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Update package.
  4. If the update is not is located, try resetting the network settings (Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Network reset).

If all else fails, you can try manual installation of firmware via Mi Flash Tool. To do this:

Download the official firmware from the website Xiaomi (for example, MIUI Download)|Unzip the archive to a folder on your computer|Connect your phone in mode Fastboot (press Volume down + Power|Run Mi Flash Tool and follow the instructions

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⚠️ Attention: Manual firmware erases all data from the phone First, make a backup copy via Settings → Advanced → Backup.

Is it worth buying Redmi 6A in 2026?

Xiaomi Redmi 6A in 2026 can only be considered as secondary phone or a device for basic tasks: calls, messages, watching videos in low resolution, simple games. For modern applications (especially social networks and instant messengers), its performance is no longer enough.

Here are the key pros and cons of the purchase Redmi 6A today:

Pros Cons
✅ Low price (can be found for 3,000–5,000 ₽) ❌ Android 9 without updates security
✅ Compact size and light weight ❌ Weak processor (MediaTek Helio A22)
✅ Removable battery (can be replaced) ❌ Only 2 GB of RAM (slows down when multitasking)
✅ Support for two SIM cards + microSD ❌ 13 MP camera with mediocre quality

If you need a phone for primary use, it is better to consider more modern models, for example:

  • Redmi 9A (Android 10, 4/64 GB)
  • Redmi A1 (Android 12 Go, 2/32 GB)
  • Poco C50 (Android 12, 3/32 GB)
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Redmi 6A is suitable only for basic tasks. If you need modern applications, social networks or games, choose a model no older. 2020.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Redmi 6A and Android

Is it possible to install Android 10 or later unofficially on Redmi 6A?

Technically yes, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery (for example, TWRP) and firmware GSI image or LineageOS. However:

  • The camera and mobile communications may be unstable.
  • There is no guarantee of security updates.
  • Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may be blocked.

For most users, the game is not worth the candle - it is better to buy a more modern phone.

Why is my Redmi 6A slow on Android 9?

Main reasons:

  1. Lack of RAM (2 GB is not enough for modern applications).
  2. Full storage (leave at least 2 GB of free space).
  3. Too many background processes (disable auto-loading of unnecessary applications).
  4. Outdated firmware (update to the latest available version MIUI 11/12).

Try also rolling back the firmware to MIUI 10 —it is considered more stable for Redmi 6A.

How to reset Redmi 6A to factory settings?

There are two ways:

Method 1 (through settings):

  1. Open Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset.
  2. Select Reset settings.
  3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern or password).

Method 2 (via Recovery):

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold Volume up + Poweruntil the logo appears Mi.
  3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control the volume and power buttons).
  4. Confirm the reset and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: The reset deletes all data, including photos and contacts!

Where can I download the official firmware for Redmi 6A?

Official firmware is available on the sites:

Download only files marked:

  • cactus - code name Redmi 6A.
  • Global - for the international version (if you have CN, look for Chinese firmware).

Do not download firmware from torrents or dubious forums - there is a high risk of catching a virus!

How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 6A to install custom firmware?

The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi includes several steps:

  1. Link your account Mi to your phone (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
  2. Activate OEM unlock v Developer settings.
  3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from official website.
  4. Connect your phone in mode Fastboot and follow the instructions of the app.

⚠️ Important: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if the account is new or the phone was purchased less than 7 days ago. Also, after unlocking, all data will be reset!