Have you bought a used Xiaomi smartphone or simply forgotten which inbox is tied to your device? Or maybe the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account information after a reset, but you don't remember the login? Situations when you urgently need to know the associated account arise more often than you think. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to check, both through standard settings and using hidden system functions.
In this article, weβll look at all the current methods, including those that work even on locked devices, where exactly the information about the account is stored in the MIUI firmware, how to extract it without root rights, and what to do if the phone does not turn on. And also why you should never buy Xiaomi with a tied Mi Account, even if the seller promises to delete it.
1. Verify your Xiaomi account through standard settings
The most obvious way is to look into the account section right in the smartphone menu, which works if the phone is unlocked and you have access to the main screen.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account in older versions of MIUI).
- At the top of the screen, you'll see an email or phone number tied to the device, and if the account is not connected, the system will prompt you to log in or create a new one.
On some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro), the path may be slightly different:
- π± Settings β Password and security β Xiaomi account
- π Settings β Synchronization β Mi Cloud (on firmware to firmware) MIUI 12)
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If the settings show someone elseβs email and you canβt change it, it means that the previous owner hasnβt untie the device, in which case you need to reset via Fastboot (more on this below).
Note that if this section says Not connected, but the phone still asks you to enter your account details when you reset, it means that the device is tied to a hidden account (bypassing FRP protection), a common problem on used smartphones purchased with hands.
2. How to find out Xiaomi account through Mi Cloud on your computer
If your phone is locked or you canβt find the right partition in the settings, try checking your linked account through the web version of Mi Cloud.This method is only suitable if youβve previously logged in to your profile on that device.
Do the following:
- On your computer or other phone, open i.mi.com.
- Enter your email or phone number that may have been linked to Xiaomi.
- After logging in, go to Devices, which will show all gadgets associated with your account, including models and IMEIs.
If your phone is not on the list, it means:
- π§ You are using the wrong email (try all possible addresses).
- π The device is linked to another account (e.g., a previous owner).
- π« The phone is disabled synchronization with Mi Cloud.
3. Hidden method: check through the engineering menu (for advanced)
Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu where you can find account information even if your phone is locked, a method that doesnβt work on all models, but itβs worth a try.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the Mi Account block β this can show email or anchor status.
If the combination does not work, try the alternative codes:
- π’ ##7780## - Reset settings (does not delete data, but can show your account).
- π’ ##36446337## β information about the firmware and binding (works on the MIUI 11-14).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Important: don't enter random combinations - some codes can reset settings or activate test modes. If you're not sure, you'd better skip this step.
4. Viewing your account via Fastboot mode (for locked phones)
If the phone is locked and requires Mi Account data to be entered after a reset but you donβt know it, you can try to find out the linked email via Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone. Press the Power + Volume buttons down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the computer via USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined, follow the command:
fastboot oem getvar allIn the conclusion, find the lines:
- mi_account β There could be an email here.
- mi_lock_state β Blocked status (locked or unlocked).
βοΈ Preparation for work with Fastboot
If the output does not contain information about the account, then the data is stored in an encrypted partition, in which case only official restoration through Xiaomi support (purchase documents are needed) or reset via the encrypted partition is left. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized developer account).
5. Restore access to your Xiaomi account if you forget your data
If you find an email but donβt remember a password, or your phone is tied to someone elseβs account, there are several ways to recover, and the main thing is to act quickly, as Xiaomi can lock the device if you try to log in suspiciously.
Official methods of recovery:
- Through email: On the Mi Account login page, click Forgot your password? and follow the instructions. The reset link will come to the linked mail.
- SMS: If a phone number is linked to your account, you can request a confirmation code.
- Backup email: When creating an account, you can specify an additional address for recovery.
If the account is someone elseβs (for example, from a previous owner), the options are:
- π Ask the seller for checks and documents on the phone β you can contact them in support of Xiaomi for unlocking.
- π§ Use informal methods (for example, firmware through the EDL), But it requires skill and can lead to a lockdown. IMEI.
- β οΈ Never buy Xiaomi with a tied account if the seller refuses to untie it in front of you.
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Xiaomi blocks devices with other peopleβs accounts 3-7 days after a reset.If you bought one, you have limited unlock time!
It is worth noting that since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, and now it requires not only a check to unlock through support, but also a photo of the IMEI box, as well as the buyer's passport data, so buying used smartphones on Avito without documents has become extremely risky.
6. How to protect your Xiaomi account from hacking and loss
To avoid access problems, follow simple security rules:
| Action. | Why? | How to execute |
|---|---|---|
| Link the phone number | Recovery of password via SMS | Account settings: Security β Phone number |
| Add backup email | An alternative method of recovery | Account settings β Backup email |
| Enable two-factor authentication | Protection against burglary | Security β Two-step verification |
| Regularly synchronize data | Saving contacts and files | Mi Cloud β Synchronization |
| Unlocking the account before selling | Avoid blocking for the new owner | Settings β Xiaomi Account β Sign out |
If an attacker finds out your password, without a code from SMS or the Google Authenticator application, he will not be able to log in. We also recommend periodically checking active devices in the Mi Cloud - if an unknown device appears, immediately revoke access.
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Create a bookmark in your browser with a direct link to the Mi Account recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword. This will save time in a critical situation.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users are experiencing problems because they donβt know the nuances of Mi Account, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
β οΈ Note: If you reset your phone through Recovery and it requires you to enter your account data, do not enter random email β after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.
Mistake 1: Buying a phone with a linked account, and many sellers say that the account is deleted, but it actually stays in the system. Check this right away when you buy it!
Mistake 2: Using one account across multiple devices, if you forget your password, it will be harder to unlock all your phones, and it will be better to create separate profiles for each device.
Error 3: Ignoring suspicious login notifications, if you receive a login email from an unknown device, change your password and revoke access immediately.
Error 4: Storing passwords in notes on your phone. If the device is stolen, an attacker will gain access to all your accounts. Use password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password.