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

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, a Mi Band smartwatch, or another Mi Home device, you've probably come across the term "Authorized Xiaomi Account." But what is it really like? Why does the system insist on authorization when you turn on your phone first, and some features (like unlocking a bootloader or accessing cloud storage) are not available at all without an account being tied?

In this article, we will discuss in detail how an authorized account differs from a regular Mi Account, why it is needed by the manufacturer and user, how to properly create it, link it to the device - and what to do if access is lost, and also find out what risks the use of unauthorized accounts carries (spoiler: from locking the device to data leakage).

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

Many users confuse the two concepts: “Mi Account” (a regular Xiaomi account) and “authorized account”, which are actually different things, although related.

Mi Account is a standard account that you create on account.xiaomi.com or through the Mi Community app.

• 📱 Synchronize contacts, notes and photos between devices
• 🔄 Access to Mi Cloud storage (5GB) free)
• 🎮 Use of Mi Home, Mi Fit and other ecosystem applications

An authorized account is a Mi Account that is tied to a specific Xiaomi device at the hardware level.

• 🔐 When you first turn on the smartphone / tablet (mandatory step)
• 🔄 When resetting to factory settings (requires re-authorization)
• 🛠️ When unlocking the bootloader or firmware through Fastboot

The main difference: Mi Account can be used on any number of devices, and an authorized account is tied to one gadget and stores its unique data (IMEI, Serial number, lock status, this is for protection against theft and unauthorized access.

Why Xiaomi has introduced mandatory authorization of devices

Since 2018, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, making account authorization a prerequisite for using smartphones and other technology.

There are several reasons:

1. Anti-theft: Without an account link, a thief could reset the phone to factory settings and sell it as new, and now even after a reset, the device would require the username/password of the previous owner (Mi Cloud Lock feature).
2. Firmware control: Authorization is needed to unlock the bootloader, which protects users from installing unofficial (and potentially dangerous) firmware.
3. Xiaomi analyzes which devices are active, which features are used more often to optimize updates.
4. The ecosystem works. Without authorization, you can't synchronize data between your smartphone, your smartwatch, your Mi speaker. AI Speaker and other gadgets.

But there is a downside: if you forget your account details or buy a used device with a tied someone else’s account, it will be difficult to unlock it (you will need to contact with proof of purchase).

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Before selling a Xiaomi smartphone, be sure to untie it from your account in the Settings menu → Xiaomi account → Delete the device, or the new owner won't be able to use the phone!

How to create an authorized Xiaomi account: step-by-step instructions

The process of creating an authorized account depends on whether you have a new device or used.

Method 1: Authorization on a new device

If you have just unpacked a Xiaomi smartphone, a Redmi Pad tablet or a Mi Band smartwatch, the system will offer to create an account when you first turn on:

Choose a language and region|Connect to Wi-Fi|Click "Create an Account" (or "Log in")|Fill in. email/phone|Confirm mail/sMS|Link the device to the account (step "Activate")

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Important: Use a real email (not temporary) and a strong password (save it in the password manager). If you already have a Mi Account, you can log in under it - the system automatically authorizes the device.

Method 2: Binding the used device

If you bought the phone with your hands, first make sure that the previous owner untie it from your account.

1. Turn on the device.
2. If there is a request to enter a login / password - ask the seller to enter your data and delete the device from the account through Settings → Xiaomi account.
3. If the seller cannot do this (for example, forgot the password), you will need to unlock through Xiaomi support (you need a check, a box and a box). IMEI).

After deleting your old account, you can link your device to your Mi Account through the settings menu.

How to check if your account is authorized on your device

Sometimes users think their account is linked to a phone, but the authentication didn't go through (for example, because of a network failure).

Method 1: Through the settings menu

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. If you look at the line with the device name, if it says, "This device is authorized," it's okay.
3. If there is no inscription or there is a button “Activate”, then there is no binding.

Method 2: Through the Mi Cloud Site

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
2. Open the Devices section. It should show your smartphone/tablet marked "Connected."

Method 3: Through the ADB command (for advanced users)

adb shell dumpsys account | grep mi

If the output contains a line with your email and authenticated status=True, so the account is authorized.

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Without authorization, you will not be able to use the cloud backup, find the device through Find the phone, and unlock the bootloader for installing custom firmware.

What happens if you do not authorize your account: restrictions and risks

Some users try to bypass authorization (for example, by resetting settings without logging in to an account), but this can have serious consequences:

In addition, unauthorized devices may:

• 🚫 Getting delayed updates (or not getting them at all)
• 🛡️ Be vulnerable to attacks (without Mi Security protection)
• 📵 Lose access to smart home features (such as Xiao voice assistant) AI)

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If you bought a used device and are not sure of its status, check it through the service Mi Verification. IMEI — The system will show whether the gadget is listed as stolen or blocked.

How to unlock your device if you forget your authorized account details

Situation: You reset your phone to factory settings, and when you turn it on, it requires you to enter Mi Account data that you don't remember. What do you do?

Options:

Method 1: Restore access to your account

1. Go to the recovery page.
2. Enter the email/phone associated with your account.
3. Follow the instructions to reset your password (access to mail or SMS is required).

Method 2: Appealing for Xiaomi

If recovery does not help, contact support with:

• 📄 Checks/documents for the purchase of the device
• 📦 Photo of a box with a serial number
• 📱 IMEI Devices (you can find out through the command *#06#)

Support may request additional evidence (e.g., a photo of your device) SIM-The process takes between 3 and 30 days.

Method 3: Unofficially unlock (at your own risk)

There are some services that promise to remove Mi Cloud Lock for money (such as Mi Account Unlock or DC-Unlocker).

• ⚠️ This violates the terms of use of Xiaomi.
• ⚠️ Risk of getting a “brick” (defaulting device)
• ⚠️ There is no guarantee of success (many services are fraudulent)

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The only legal way to unlock is to call Xiaomi official support, and all other methods can result in a loss of warranty or device breakdown.

Frequent errors when working with an authorized account and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to device lockdown or data loss.

⚠️ Warning: Never buy Xiaomi devices with your hands if the seller refuses to show the Settings menu → Xiaomi account: There's a high risk that the phone is stolen or blocked!

Error 1: Using a temporary email when registering

Many people create a one-time account and then they can't re-access, and Xiaomi blocks those accounts after 30 days.

Solution: Use persistent email (Gmail, Yandex) and link backup phone.

Mistake 2: Not untiing the device before selling

If you forget to delete your phone from your account, the new owner will not be able to use it.

Solution: Before selling, go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Remove the device.

Error 3: Trying to bypass authorization through resetting

Some users drop their phone over Recovery, hoping to bypass Mi Cloud Lock. It doesn't work -- the lock remains.

Solution: If you forget your password, restore access through official channels.

Error 4: Linking your device to an account from another region

If you have created an account in China and the phone is purchased for Europe, you may have problems with updates and services (e.g., Google Play will not work).

Solution: When registering, select the region corresponding to the device firmware (see Settings). → The phone. → Version. MIUI).

FAQ: Frequent Questions About an Authorized Xiaomi Account