The Xiaomi Redmi 6 (codename cereus), released in 2018, was a significant entry-level device that marked a shift in Xiaomi’s strategy by incorporating a MediaTek Helio P22 chipset. It brought modern features to the budget segment, including a compact 18:9 aspect ratio display, a capable 12MP + 5MP dual-camera, and the security of a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. As a popular and affordable workhorse, it served millions of users reliably. For those looking to restore a bricked device or perform a clean software installation, this page provides the official ROMs for China, Global, and Russia, which must be flashed using SP Flash Tool.
Important: The Redmi 6 is a MediaTek device. You must use SP Flash Tool to flash the firmware. The standard Mi Flash Tool for Qualcomm phones will not work. This firmware is not compatible with the Redmi 6A (cactus).
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Redmi 6 (cereus)
- Release year: 2018
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio P22
- Display: 5.45″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 8.1 (Oreo), MIUI 9
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| SP Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official ROMs (for SP Flash Tool)
| Region | Build | Android | Release Date | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V12.0.2.0.PCGCNXM | 9.0 | 2021-06-17 | Download | cereus |
| Global | V11.0.5.0.PCGMIXM | 9.0 | 2020-09-16 | Download | cereus |
| Russia | V11.0.5.0.PCGRUXM | 9.0 | 2020-09-14 | Download | cereus |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V10.0.1.0.OCGCNFH (Based) | 8.1 | — | Download | cereus |
How to Flash (SP Flash Tool)
Disclaimer: This process is for MediaTek devices and is different from Mi Flash Tool. Proceed with caution.
- Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers on your PC. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows first.
- Extract the firmware .tgz file and the SP Flash Tool .zip file into separate, simple folder paths (e.g.,
C:\Redmi6</code>). - Run
flash_tool.exefrom the SP Flash Tool folder. - Click the “Scatter-loading File” button and select the
MT6762_Android_scatter.txtfile from the extracted firmware folder. - Ensure the dropdown menu is set to Download Only. Never use “Format All + Download” unless you are an expert user, as it can erase your IMEI.
- Power off your phone completely.
- Click the green Download button in SP Flash Tool, then connect your powered-off phone to the PC with a USB cable. The flashing process should begin automatically.
FAQs
Q1. Why must I use SP Flash Tool for the Redmi 6 and not Mi Flash Tool?
The Redmi 6 is powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 chipset. SP Flash Tool is the required software for flashing MediaTek-based devices. Mi Flash Tool, which is for phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, will not detect or flash this model.
Q2. Can I flash a Redmi 6A (cactus) ROM on my Redmi 6?
No, absolutely not. The Redmi 6A uses a different MediaTek chipset (Helio A22) and has different hardware. Their firmwares are incompatible, and cross-flashing will brick your device.
Q3. What was the final Android update for the Redmi 6?
The Redmi 6 launched with Android 8.1 Oreo and received its final major OS upgrade to Android 9 Pie. It continued to receive MIUI updates on top of this Android version, with the latest China ROM being MIUI 12.
Q4. The provided Xiaomi.eu link is for Android 8.1. Is it safe to flash?
That is a very old custom ROM. If your device is already running on an official Android 9 ROM, downgrading the Android version by flashing this old custom ROM is highly risky and can lead to a brick. It is recommended to find a newer custom ROM that is based on Android 9.
Troubleshooting
- Drivers: The most common issue is the PC not detecting the phone. Ensure MediaTek VCOM drivers are installed correctly. If you have problems, try reinstalling them after disabling Windows Driver Signature Enforcement.
- SP Flash Tool Errors:
- BROM ERROR → This can be caused by using the wrong ROM, a bad USB connection, or incorrect drivers. Ensure you have the correct cereus firmware.
- Tool doesn’t react after clicking “Download” → Make sure the phone is completely powered off. If it still doesn’t work, try holding Volume Down while connecting the USB cable to force detection.
- Bootloop after flashing: If the phone boots but gets stuck on the MIUI logo, try booting into recovery (Power + Volume Up) and performing a factory reset (Wipe Data).
