Complete the device setup: how to remove the Xiaomi binding

The situation when Xiaomi smartphone after a reset or purchase stops at the stage of “Complete setting up the device”, requiring a password from a forgotten account, is one of the most common problems in the brand ecosystem. FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a security mechanism designed to protect the owner’s data in the event of theft of the gadget, but often it becomes a barrier for legal users who have changed the number or forgot login details.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to remove the authorization requirement if you own a device but access to an account is lost, a process that can range from simple password recovery to complex manipulation of system settings through special combinations or software.

Mi Account is deeply integrated into MIUI and HyperOS, and simply removing your profile through the settings menu before reset is the only regular way to avoid locking, but if the device is already reset and locked, more drastic action will be needed to bypass the welcome screen.

Reasons for the Mi Account Authorization Requirement

The activation lock is a result of Xiaomi’s security algorithms, and when you reset to the factory settings via Recovery Menu, the system marks the device as “potentially stolen” and requires proof of ownership the next boot.

Often users create a problem by forgetting to turn off the Find Device function before selling or transferring a gadget, at which point the Mi Cloud captures the protection status, and it is impossible to get around it simply by turning on or off the power.

  • 🔒 Resets are done without first logging out of your Google or Mi Account.
  • 📱 The device was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie it from his profile.
  • 🔄 The device’s firmware was changed or updated with errors, causing a failure in the license checks.

It is important to distinguish between IMEI blocking (blacklist of operators) and program blocking by an account. In our case, we are talking about a program request that appears on the Welcome screen.

📊 How did you encounter the lockdown?
Forgot my password.
I bought a used phone.
Reset the settings myself.
Other

Preparation for the procedure of unlocking the device

Before you start active actions to delete an account, you need to prepare the work environment. Chaotic button presses can lead to locking the device on the timer or complete inoperability.

You will need a stable internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, as the mobile network may not be determined until the setup is complete, and also make sure that the battery is at least 50% so that the process does not interrupt at a critical stage.

☑️ Checklist before the start of work

Done: 0 / 4

If you have access to a computer, it is recommended to download ADB drivers or specialized utilities for working with MIUI in advance, although in many cases you can do with built-in system functions. It is critical to know the exact version of Android and MIUI, since the methods of bypassing for Android 9 and Android 13 are radically different.

Method 1: Restoring access through official channels

The easiest and most secure method to try is to restore access to your account, and if you remember your login (phone number or email) but you forgot your password, it will take a few minutes.

Go to the official i.mi.com website from any other device, enter your details and follow the password reset instructions. After changing your credentials, return to your locked phone, connect to Wi-Fi, and enter a new password.

Method of recoveryRequired dataProbability of successImplementation time
By phone number.Access to SIM-mapTall.2-5 minutes
Email.Access to the mailboxTall.5-10 minutes
Through trusted contactsAccess to a friend's phoneMedium15-30 minute
Xiaomi Tech SupportCheck of purchase, box.100%1-3 days

If the phone number is lost or the SIM card is not restored, this method becomes unavailable, and alternative solutions are needed.

💡

If you changed your phone number but you were tied to your old one, try to restore your SIM card from a carrier – this is often faster than going through the process of confirming your identity in support of Xiaomi.

Method 2: Bypassing the availability settings (TalkBack)

One popular software method to remove the lock screen is based on special features, which often works on MIUI versions up to and including 12.

The essence of the method is to activate the voice assistant TalkBack through on-screen buttons or gestures combinations, which allows you to access the browser or Wi-Fi settings with extended rights.

⚠️ Note: New versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14/15 This method is often patched. Don't waste time if nothing happens after three finger swipes.

The algorithm of actions usually looks like this: activate TalkBack, draw the letter “L” or use two fingers to call a menu, go to the TalkBack settings, launch the browser through voice input and download a special browser. APK-dumper FRP.

After installation APK-file (e.g., Activity Launcher or specialized file) FRP Bypass Tool) you get access to the full Android settings menu, where you can add a new Google account and reboot the device, bypassing the check of the old one.

Why does this method stop working?
Google and Xiaomi regularly close security vulnerabilities, and methods that worked in January may be useless as early as March after the security patches update for Google Play Services.

Method 3: Using PC and ADB commands

For more advanced users who have a Windows computer, the Android debugging bridge (ADB) can be effective, requiring USB debugging, which is difficult to do on a locked screen, but possible through certain interface vulnerabilities.

If you managed to get into the debugging menu (sometimes available through emergency numbers or special codes in the password field), connect your smartphone to your PC.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.setupwizard

Executing these commands disables the account verification services and the setup wizard, and after the reboot, the system can “forget” what required authorization, and skip the greeting stage.

However, ADB is not always available without prior permission on the phone screen, and in such cases, special loaders or test modes (Test Point) are used that require opening the case, which is not recommended for beginners.

  • 💻 Install Platform-Tools on your computer.
  • 🔌 Connect the cable and check the display of the device by the adb device command.
  • 🛠 Use commands to remove or freeze Mi Cloud system packages.

Official Unblocking through Service Center

If software methods seem too complex or risky, the most reliable option is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

The service employees have access to the manufacturer’s servers and can disconnect the device from the account remotely by providing a check, warranty card or a box with the matching IMEI code.

⚠️ Warning: Without a check or box, the service may refuse the service, as it is a standard procedure for checking for stolen devices.

This is the only way that guarantees 100% results without the risk of turning the phone into a brick, which is usually lower than buying a new device, and is completely legal.

💡

Officially unlocking through the service is the only guaranteed way for new models with closed security vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I unlock Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, this is possible with methods that exploit interface vulnerabilities (TalkBack, emergency call), but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI. On older versions, this works well, on newer versions – almost impossible without a PC.
Will all information be erased when circumventing FRP?
Yes, the device has already been reset to factory settings, so it's not on the data, and once you successfully bypass the lock, the phone will look like new, and you can reconfigure it.
What to do if the phone says "Device locked"?
This is a more serious lock (Mi Cloud Lock), which is different from FRP. It blocks the use of the phone completely, not even allowing you to enter the menu, you can only remove it through a service center with a check or paid unlock services.
Is it safe to use FRP reset software?
Using third-party software carries risks: you can bring viruses to your PC or damage the system partitions of your phone, always check files with antivirus and use only proven tools.