Authorized Xiaomi account: why you need, how to create and link to the device

You bought a new Xiaomi smartphone, a Mi Band smartwatch or a Mi Router router, but when you first turn on, the system requires you to create or log into an “authorized account”? It’s not just a formality — without it, many of the features of the technology will not be available. In this article, we will analyze what is an authorized Xiaomi account, how it differs from a regular Mi Account, how to properly link it to the device and what to do if access is lost.

Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened security policies to make authorization mandatory for most devices, which is linked to the fight against theft, fraud and illegal use of equipment. However, many users still confuse an authorized account with a regular Mi Account, which leads to problems when resetting, selling a gadget or restoring access.

What is an authorized Xiaomi account and how is it different from a Mi Account?

Let's start with the main thing: an authorized Xiaomi account is not a separate profile type, but the status of your existing Mi Account, confirmed by the company.

• 🔒 Blocks unauthorized resetting of settings (protection against theft).
• 📱 Allows the use of branded services (Mi Cloud, Mi Home, Xiaomi Community).
• 🔄 Allows data recovery after a reset or breakdown.
• 🛡️ Confirms the legality of the device ownership (important for warranty).

What’s the difference with a regular Mi Account? You create a regular account when you first turn on your smartphone or on account.xiaomi.com. But until the device is authorized (i.e. not tied to an account with confirmation via a phone). SMS/email), Many functions will be limited, for example:

• ❌ I can't download themes from Mi Themes.
• ❌ Cloud backups are not working.
• ❌ Mi Home Access to Smart Devices Blocked.
• ❌ After resetting the settings, the phone will require entering the login / password of the previous owner.

In essence, authorization is a digital passport to your gadget, without which Xiaomi views the device as “suspicious,” limiting its capabilities.

Why You Need an Authorized Account: 5 Reasons

Many users think of authorization as red tape, but it actually solves critical problems, and here are the specific situations where it's not necessary:

1. If the phone is stolen, the thief can't reset without your Mi Account password, and even after a hard reset, the system will ask for the previous owner's information.
2. Warranty service: Xiaomi service centers check the device’s link to the account, and without it, they can refuse to repair under warranty, citing “illegal origin”.
3. Smart devices work. Mi Router routers, Yeelight light bulbs or Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaners require authorization to operate via Mi Home.
4. Firmware updates: Some updates (especially for Chinese versions of smartphones) are only available to authorized users.
5. Data recovery: Without an account link, you will not be able to recover contacts, photos or notes from Mi Cloud after a reset.

Example: a user bought a used Redmi Note 10 Pro, but the former owner did not untie his account. After resetting the phone was blocked, requiring the entry of a login / password. Without communication with the seller, you can unlock the device only through the official Xiaomi service (which costs you). ~30% of the price of a smartphone).

⚠️ Warning: If you buy a Xiaomi device with your hands, be sure to check the former owner's account untidy. ask the seller to do a setting reset on you and make sure the phone doesn't require authorization.

How to create and authorize a Xiaomi account: step-by-step instructions

The process of creating an account and its authorization takes no more than 5 minutes.

• 📱 Smartphone, tablet or computer with Internet access.
• 📧 Current email (preferably Gmail or Mail.ru).
• 📱 Phone number for confirmation (required!).

Step 1 Registration of Mi Account

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com or open your smartphone settings (Settings) → Mi Account).
2. Click on “Register” and enter email, password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
3. Confirm registration by link in the letter.

Step 2. Linking the phone number

1. Sign in to your account on the website or in your phone settings.
2. Go to Security. → Phone number.
3. Enter your number and wait. SMS confirmation-coded.

Step 3: Authorization of the device

1. On a smartphone: Settings → Mi Account → Authorize this device.
2. On other gadgets (such as Mi Band): Link your device to your account via the Mi Fit or Mi Home app.
3. Confirm the action by SMS or email.

If you buy a new device, authorization usually occurs automatically when you first log in to your account. Used gadgets will require a reset (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting) and re-association.

What to do if you forget your password or lose access to your account

The situation when a user forgets the data from Mi Account is one of the most common, and fortunately, you can restore access in several ways:

Instructions for recovery via email:

1. Go to the login page and click “Forgot your password?”
2. Select “Restore by email” and enter the address associated with the account.
3. Check your email – a letter should come with a link to reset your password.
4. Create a new password (remember or save it in the password manager!).

If none of the methods work:

• Try to restore access through an alternative form (entry will be required). IMEI device).
• Contact the support service with a photo of the check and passport.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the device with your hands and can not contact the previous owner, do not try to reset the settings repeatedly - after 3-5 unsuccessful attempts, the phone will be locked for 72 hours.

💡

If you often forget passwords, use a manager like Bitwarden or KeePass, which securely store logins/passwords and automatically fill in login forms.

How to untie your Xiaomi account before selling your device

Selling a smartphone or other Xiaomi gadget, be sure to untie it from your account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device, and you risk losing access to your data (if you forgot to make a backup copy).

Step-by-step:

1. Back up important data (Settings → System → Backup).
2. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign out.
3. Confirm exit by entering the password.
4. Perform a reset settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings → Delete all data).
5. After the reboot, the device will be “clean” – it can be transferred to a new owner.

For smart devices (such as Mi Band or Mi Robot):

1. Open the Mi Home or Mi Fit app.
2. Find the device in the list and click “Delete” (or “Untie”).
3. Confirm the action.

If you sell a device remotely (e.g. via Avito), make a video reset to a customer, which will protect you from fraud charges (e.g. if a customer claims that the phone is locked).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with authorized Xiaomi accounts, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔄 Reset your settings without detachment.Always log out of Mi Account before resetting, otherwise the device will remain tied to your profile.
• 📱 You can use one account on multiple devices, but if you're selling one of these devices, remember to untie it separately.
• 🔒 Weak passwords: The 123456 password account is easy to crack and with it, access your devices.
• 📧 Unconfirmed email or phone, without confirmation, you can't retrieve access if you forget your password.
• 🛡️ Ignoring two-factor authentication, including it in your security settings, will protect your account from being hacked.

A real example: a user sold Poco X3 Pro, but forgot to unplug it from his account, and a month later, the new owner filed a complaint about the lock, and the original owner had to prove that he was no longer using the device by providing screenshots of the correspondence with the buyer.

To avoid such situations, always check:

• 📌 Is the gadget untied from the account (account.xiaomi.com) → Devices).
• 📌 Is it removed from the Mi apps? Home/Mi Fit.
• 📌 Is the settings reset made.

💡

Unbinding your account is not only polite to the customer, it's also your protection. IMEI You may be able to access your account.

Authorized account on Chinese and global versions of Xiaomi: what is the difference

If you buy a Xiaomi device outside of Russia (for example, on AliExpress or on a trip), pay attention to the firmware region.

The main problem with the Chinese versions is that you have to be linked to a Chinese phone number, if you buy one, but you don't have a Chinese phone. SIM-It's going to be hard to log in to the card, it's going to be hard:

• 📱 Ask the seller to link the device to your international Mi Account.
• 🔄 Install global firmware (but it may take away warranty).
• 🛠️ Contact the service center for reflashing.

For global and European versions, there are usually no problems, but check the region in the settings (Settings). → The phone. → Version. MIUI). If China is listed, be prepared for authorization difficulties.

FAQ: Frequent questions about authorized Xiaomi accounts