IFR recency requirements

[James dean]

I currently have my group 1 IFR, and I’m a little unclear on the recency requirements. The first 12 months is a grace period and then the 666 rule begins.

My 12 month grace ends oct 20. Does this mean by oct 21 I must have 6h with 6 approaches to minimums done to be current still? Secondly could I hypothetically fly all 6h in the month of oct, and be valid for another 6months but then come April I’ll need another 6h done to keep the currency?

Last question, to do the 666 in a Flight training device do I need to be with an instructor or can it be solo?

Cheers