Mi Account on Xiaomi: where to find and manage it

The Mi Account is a key element of the Xiaomi ecosystem that connects all the brand’s devices: from Redmi smartphones and smartphones. POCO Without it, you can't use cloud storage, contact sync, remote control, or even unlock your device after you reset, but where exactly does that account hide in your smartphone settings? Why it’s not always visible on the home screen, and how to access it if you forget your password?

In this article, we’ll break down all the possible ways to find Mi Account on Xiaomi devices, including hidden paths in the menu, variations between versions. MIUI You will also learn how to check if your account is linked to your phone, and what to do if the system requires authorization after an update or reset. We will pay special attention to the problems that users face when buying used devices – for example, when the previous owner did not delete his Mi Account, and the phone is blocked.

What is a Mi Account and why is it needed?

The Mi Account is a universal account that works on all Xiaomi devices, including smartphones, tablets, Mi Band smartwatches, headphones, routers and even electric scooters.

  • πŸ” Security: Locking your device in case of theft or loss through i.mi.com.
  • ☁️ Cloud storage: Automatic synchronization of contacts, photos, notes and call history.
  • πŸ“± Remote management: phone search, locking or clearing data remotely.
  • πŸ› οΈ Service Features: Access to Xiaomi branded services such as Mi Cloud, Mi Home (for smart home) and Mi Fit (for fitness trackers).

Without a Mi Account, you can’t:

  • ⚠️ Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) for installing custom firmware.
  • ⚠️ Recover data after resetting to factory settings.
  • ⚠️ Use certain functions MIUI, For example, "Second Space" or "Children's Regime".

It’s important to understand that Mi Account is not the same as Google Account.Even if you delete your Google Account from your phone, Mi Account will remain active and may block access to your device.

πŸ“Š You are using Mi Account on your Xiaomi?
Yeah, tied to all devices.
Only for the cloud.
No, I didn't.
I forgot my password and I don't use it.

Where to look for Mi Account in smartphone settings

The location of the Mi Account item in the menu depends on the version MIUI and the device models. in the latest firmware versions (starting with the MIUI 12) the path has become more unified, but on older smartphones (Redmi Note 4, Mi 5) it may be different:

Method 1: Through basic settings (MIUI 12–14)

On most modern devices (Redmi Note 10, POCO X4, Xiaomi 12 and newer is the way:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll up and select Accounts and Sync (or Mi Accounts on some models).
  3. Slip on Mi Account – here will display your email or phone number associated with the account.

Method 2: Through the notification panel (fast access)

If you don’t want to dig into the settings, you can use quick access:

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Click on the profile icon (avatar or human silhouette) in the upper right corner.
  3. In the window that opens, you will see an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account.

Method 3: On older versions MIUI (before MIUI 11)

On firmware devices MIUI 9–11 (e.g. Redmi 5, Mi 8) path may differ:

  • πŸ“± Settings β†’ Mi Account (directly in the main menu).
  • πŸ“± Settings β†’ Synchronization β†’ Mi Account.
  • πŸ“± Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Accounts.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the binding of Mi Account

Done: 0 / 4

Method 4: Through the Security App

If the standard paths don’t work, try:

  1. Launch the Security app (shield icon).
  2. Go to Mi Account or Xiaomi Account.
  3. Here you can not only see the linked account, but also manage the blocking functions.

If none of these methods worked, you may have disabled your Mi Account or purchased it without a binding (for example, in some regions, you can sell phones without registration).

How to check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone

Sometimes users don't remember whether they registered for a Mi Account, or doubt that the previous owner of a used device deleted their account.

Method 1: Through i.mi.com

The most reliable way is to use the official Xiaomi service:

  1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Enter your Mi Account (email or phone number) + password).
  3. In the Devices section, you'll see all the devices that are tied, and if your phone isn't there, your account is not tied.

Method 2: Through phone settings

If you have access to the device:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap several times on the item version MIUI, until the message appears You became a developer! (this will open the hidden settings).
  3. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional β†’ For Developers.
  4. Scroll down to Mi Account Status – here will indicate whether the account is tied.

Method 3: Attempting to reset settings

If you buy a used phone, be sure to check it for Mi Account binding before you pay.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Recovery and Reset.
  2. Select Settings Reset.
  3. If the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, then the account is tied and not deleted.

⚠️ Note: If you reset a phone with a Mi Account tied without knowing the password, the device will lock! it will only be unlocked through the official Xiaomi service (sometimes with a payment).

What to do if Mi Account is not displayed in the settings

If you don’t see Mi Account on the menu, the reasons may be:

Reason.How to fix it
The device is not tied to the accountRegister a new Mi Account through Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Add an account.
Regional firmware without Mi AccountInstall global firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.
Hidden by the administrator (on work phones)Please refer to IT-or reset the settings (if permitted).
An outdated version MIUI (before MIUI 8)Update the firmware through Settings β†’ System Update.

If the problem is regional firmware (for example, on phones for the Chinese market), you may need to unlock the bootloader and install a global version. MIUI. Xiaomi’s official instructions are available here, but the process requires waiting (usually 7-15 days) and confirmation via Mi Account.

How to distinguish global firmware from Chinese?
The global firmware has in its name Global (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5) and China or China CN. You can check the version in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI.

If you are sure that Mi Account should be, but it is not in the settings, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware to the latest version.
  • πŸ”„ Reset your settings to factory settings (but only if you are sure your account is not tied down!).

How to delete or change Mi Account on Xiaomi

If you're selling a phone or want to change your account, you have to delete it correctly, and just logging out of your Mi Account isn't enough, you have to untie your device from your account.

Step 1: Signing out of your account

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Mi Account.
  2. Slip the profile icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Select the exit (Sign Out).

Step 2: Delete your account from your device

After exit, you need to delete the account completely:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts and Synchronization.
  2. Select Mi Account from the list.
  3. Click Delete your account (Remove Account).
  4. Confirm the action with a password or fingerprint.

⚠️ Note: If you delete Mi Account from a phone that was purchased by a used phone, make sure the previous owner untie the device from their account via i.mi.com. Otherwise, after reset, the phone may require the old password!

Step 3: Checking the decoupling

To ensure that your account is deleted:

  1. Reset your phone to factory settings (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Recovery and Reset).
  2. After you restart, go through the initial setup, and if the phone doesn't require you to enter your Mi Account password, it's done right.

If you are selling a device, it is also recommended to:

  • πŸ“± Log out of all accounts (Google, Facebook, Mi Account).
  • πŸ“± Delete all data from the memory card (if any).
  • πŸ“± Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and networks β†’ Resetting network settings).

πŸ’‘

Before selling your phone, back up your data through Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset. This will save your contacts, photos and settings in the Mi Cloud.

How to Restore Access to Mi Accounts If You Forgot Your Password

If you forget your Mi Account password, you can recover it in a number of ways, most importantly remembering the email or phone number to which the account is linked.

Method 1: Through email

  1. Go to the Mi Account login page: account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Click Forgot Password? (Forgot Password?)
  3. Enter the email linked to the account.
  4. Follow the instructions in the password reset letter.

Method 2: Through the phone number

If the account is linked to a number:

  1. On the recovery page, select the Phone tab.
  2. Enter the number in the international format (for example, +79123456789).
  3. Confirm receipt of SMS with code.
  4. Come up with a new password.

Method 3: Through Backup Email

If you do not remember the main email, but provided a backup when registering:

  1. On the login page, click Other ways to log in.
  2. Select Restore Access and provide a backup email.
  3. Confirm your identity through the code from the letter.

⚠️ Note: If you don’t remember your email or phone number, it will be extremely difficult to restore access.In this case, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, IMEI).

What to do if your account is blocked

Sometimes Mi Accounts are blocked due to suspicious activity (e.g. multiple attempts to enter a password).

  1. Wait 24 hours – often the lock is automatically removed.
  2. Try to restore your password through email or SMS.
  3. If the lock is not removed, contact Xiaomi support by providing:

πŸ’‘

If you buy a used phone, make sure to check if it is untied from the previous Mi Account. Otherwise, after reset, you will get a locked device!

Frequent Mi Account Problems and Solutions

Xiaomi users often encounter Mi Account errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Phone requires Mi Account after resetPrevious owner did not delete the accountContact the seller or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase
No confirmation code is coming in. email/SMSProblems on Xiaomi servers or blocking by the operatorCheck the Spam folder, try another one. email/number or use VPN
Error: "The device is already linked to another account"The account was not properly deleted.Untie the device via i.mi.com or reset the settings with confirmation
You cannot log in to Mi Account after the update MIUISynchronization failure or outdated version of the applicationUpdate the Mi Account app via Google Play or reboot your phone

If none of these methods worked, try:

  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs with the account are fixed in new builds). MIUI).
  • πŸ”„ Install a global firmware (if you have a Chinese version).
  • πŸ”„ Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (for warranty devices).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Mi Account

Can I use Xiaomi without a Mi Account?
Yes, but with limitations, without a Mi Account, you can't: πŸ” Use the Mi Cloud Cloud. πŸ” Unlock the loader for custom firmware. πŸ” Recover data after resetting. πŸ” Use some functions MIUI (For example, "Second Space" but the basic functions (calls, SMS, Application installation will work.
How do I know if my account is locked to my phone?
If your phone is locked and requires a password from Mi Account, check: Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account. See Devices if your phone is showing up. If so, it's tied. If you don't remember your account details, contact the seller or support Xiaomi.
What if the previous owner did not delete the Mi Account?
If you bought a used phone with a tied Mi Account, the options are as follows: πŸ“ž Contact the seller and ask them to untie the device via i.mi.com. πŸ“„ Contact Xiaomi with a check and device data (IMEI, serial). πŸ’° In some cases, you can pay for official unlocking (cost depends on the model.
Can I transfer my Mi Account to another phone?
Yes, Mi Account is tied to your account. email/To transfer it: Log in to the same account on the new phone. Enable sync in Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Synchronization: Wait for data to be downloaded (contacts, notes, photos from Mi Cloud, SMS) They are not automatically synchronized.
How to protect your Mi Account from hacking?
To secure your account: πŸ”’ Use a complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters). πŸ”’ Enable two-factor authentication in Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Security. πŸ”’ Do not use the same password for Mi Account and other services. πŸ”’ Regularly check active devices in your personal account and remove unknowns.