A red phosphor BaSnF6:Mn4+ has been prepared by etching Sn metal in solution including BaF2, HF, and K2MnF6 at room temperature under continuous stirring for several hours, which is a highly efficient strategy for synthesis of Me doped complex fluorides. The phase identification, thermal stability, and structure of the phosphor BaSnF6:Mn4+ have been investigated by XRD, TG-DSC, and IR, respectively. Broad and intense absorption in blue region and high thermal stability makes the phosphor BaSnF6:Mn4+ a competent candidate for application in InGaN - YAG:Ce type white LEDs (WLEDs) with high color rendering index (CRI). The WLED fabricated with YAG:Ce and BaSnF6:Mn4+ exhibits "warm" white light with CRI of 83.6 and correlated color temperature (CCT) at 3576K, which indicates promising application in indoor solid-lighting. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.