Deleting Xiaomi’s Mi ID is a critical procedure to perform before selling, donating or transferring the device to another user, and if you ignore this step, the new owner will not be able to fully use the smartphone, as the Mi Cloud security system will block the activation of the device without entering the previous owner’s password, a measure of protection against theft that often becomes a problem for forgetful users.
The unbundling process depends on whether you have physical access to the device and remember the password from the account. In some cases, you need to delete the data completely, in others, just log out of the profile. Let's take a look at all the nuances to avoid problems with blocking Activation Lock.
It is worth noting that a simple change SIM-The system of binding is hard-wired into the server part of the Mi Account Service. So if you plan to part with your gadget, take a few minutes to carefully study this manual.
Preparing for account deletion and data synchronization
Before taking drastic action to delete or undo, you need to make sure your personal data is safe. Deleting an account often involves resetting your settings to factory settings, which will result in the loss of contacts, photos and notes if they were not synchronized. Check the sync status in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
Make sure all important files are transferred to your computer or cloud storage. Pay special attention to the gallery and voice recorder, as this data often remains local. It is also worth checking your subscriptions to Xiaomi Video or Mi Music services, so that after deleting your account, you do not continue to debit funds.
⚠️ Note: If the Find Device feature is enabled on the device, deleting the account without disabling this option may result in a temporary lock of smartphone functions before re-authorization.
It is recommended to create a full backup of the system, this can be done through the built-in Security app or by connecting the phone to the computer. Keep the backup in a safe place, as after the data recovery procedure, it may require entering the old Mi ID.
☑️ Preparation for the uncoupling of Mi ID
Deleting the account through smartphone settings
The easiest and most correct way to delete an account is to do so through the settings menu while you have access to the system, which ensures that the device is properly unconnected from Xiaomi servers and that activation locks do not occur after the reset.
To start, go to Settings → Mi Account. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the "Get Out" or "Delete Account" button. The system will require verification of your identity by requesting a password from Mi ID or a screen unlock code. This is standard MIUI security procedure.
Once you have entered the password, the system will request the server to untie the device, which can take a few seconds to do, and it's important to wait for the message of a successful exit, and if the Internet is unstable, the operation may not be completed the first time.
- 📱 Open the settings and find the “Mi Account” section».
- 🔓 Click the “Exit” button and enter the password from the account.
- 🔄 Wait for confirmation of detachment of the device from the server.
- 🗑️ If necessary, select the option to delete local synchronization data.
If you forget your password, the system will suggest that you restore it through your linked email or phone number, and without this step, you can't delete your account through the menu, and this is done to protect against unauthorized access.
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Before deleting your account, make sure that the device is disabled mode "Do not disturb" and the Internet is stable so that the server receives a signal about the uncoupling in real time.
Device uncoupling via i.mi.com web interface
If your smartphone is lost, sold off without a prior release, or simply unavailable, you can use the web version of the service, which allows you to control your connected devices remotely, and you need a computer or other smartphone with Internet access.
Go to the official i.mi.com website and log in to your Mi ID. In the interface, look for Devices or Find Device, and you'll see a list of all the gadgets that are linked to your account.
In the device management menu, select the option “Delete from account” or “Unlink”, the system will warn that this action will remove the activation lock, confirm the action, and then the device will disappear from the trusted list.
| Action. | Access to the device is required | Internet is required on the device | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit through settings | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
| Deletion through the site | No. | No (preferably) | Minimum |
| Reset buttons (Hard Reset) | Yeah (physical) | No. | High (no junction) |
| Appeal of support | No. | No. | No. |
It's important to understand that deleting through the site doesn't erase the data on the phone itself, it only breaks the connection between the device and the server-side account, and if you have the phone in your hand, you still have to delete the data manually or reset.
Why is the device not removed from the list on the site?
Hard Reset and its consequences
Hard Reset, or Hard Reset, is often confused with account deletion, which is actually the process of returning the phone to a factory state, which erases all user data, but if you don't log out of the Mi ID before the reset, the phone will lock.
Turn off the device to perform the reset. Then press the button combination (usually Volume Up + Power) to enter Recovery mode. Select a language and press "Wipe Data" → "Wipe All Data." Confirm the action.
Once you reboot, the phone will ask you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi, and at this point, security checks will work, and if the account hasn't been deleted in advance, the screen will ask for the password from the Mi ID that was previously linked, and without this password, you won't be able to log in.
- 🔌 Turn off the smartphone completely.
- ⬆️ Press the login buttons in Recovery Mode.
- 💾 Select Wipe Data and confirm the reset.
- ⚠️ Be prepared to enter the password from Mi. ID after-in.
⚠️ Warning: Hard Reset without first detaching your account turns your phone into a brick for an outsider.
This method is only suitable if you remember the password and just want to clean the phone, or if you buy a used device and are sure that the seller untied it remotely, otherwise you will encounter an activation screen.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password
The situation where you need to delete an account but your password is lost is one of the most common. Fortunately, Xiaomi provides tools to restore access. Without password recovery, you can not delete the account legally.
Go to account.xiaomi.com and click "Forgot your password." You'll need access to your linked phone number or email. SIM-the card has been changed, but the card itself is with you, request a confirmation code through SMS.
If you lose your email and phone, you need to go through identity verification, which can take time, and the system can request a scan of a receipt for a device or a box of hardware. IMEI-code to prove that you are the owner.
Service codes and reset methods exist, but they often require an unlocked bootloader, which is not possible without an account on current versions of MIUI and HyperOS, so password recovery is the only workable way.
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Without a Mi ID password or access to account recovery, untethering the device is almost impossible due to the high degree of protection against theft.
The problem of blocking activation (Activation Lock)
Activation blocking is a security mechanism that activates automatically when you link your account and turn on the device search function, and its purpose is to render the stolen phone useless to an attacker even after flashing it.
If you see a screen that requires you to enter a password from a previous owner, it means that the device was not properly prepared for sale, and it is difficult and often illegal to circumvent this protection by software methods without losing data and guarantees.
The only official way to unlock such a device is to contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their account via i.mi.com using the i.mi.com website. IMEI-Phone code, or submit a check to an authorized service center.
Don't trust the dubious Mi Account hacking software that's posted online, at best it won't work, at worst it'll contain viruses or require payment for a failed result, and data security is more important than a quick but risky solution.