How to change your account on Xiaomi smartphone: from deleting to linking a new account

Change your Mi Account on Xiaomi, Redmi or Smartphones POCO — The process that every user faces when selling a device, losing access to email or wanting to switch to another account, unlike other brands’ Android devices, is complicated by the deep integration of Xiaomi services into the system: from cloud backup to locking when reset (FRP). Without properly deleting your old profile, you risk losing access to data or running into sync errors.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to change an account on Xiaomi smartphones - from standard deletion through settings to bypassing the lock with a forgotten password. MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS firmware (2026 We will pay special attention to the hidden nuances: why photos from the gallery can disappear after changing the account and how to avoid locking the device when selling it.

1. Preparation for changing an account: what to do before deletion

Before you delete your old Mi Account, follow the steps to avoid losing data and avoiding problems with activating a new profile, and many users miss this step and then encounter errors such as “Device is linked to another account” or “Identity failed”.

First, untie the device from key services:

• 🔄 Cloud Backup: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and disable sync for Contacts, Notes, Bookmarks and Gallery. otherwise, after deleting the account, this data will be deleted from Xiaomi servers.
• 📱 Remote management: in the same Mi Cloud section, deactivate the “Find your device” option – this will prevent your phone from being locked through your old account.
• 💳 Xiaomi Pay: If you have tied bank cards, delete them in Settings → Memory and payments → Xiaomi Pay.

Second, keep the local data:

• 📁 Move photos and videos from the folder DCIM/MiCloud to another location (for example, a memory card or PC) – they may disappear after detachment of the account.
• 📋 Export. SMS And the log of calls through apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Save games (if you play Mi Game Center) manually copy from the folder /Android/data/com.xiaomi.gamecenter.

Make a backup of contacts in Google Account

Disable Find Your Device in Mi Cloud

Remove Bank Cards from Xiaomi Pay

Copy photos from the MiCloud folder

Export SMS call-book

Record the IMEI of the device (in case of locking)

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🔴 Critical error: If you sell a phone, do not delete your account through Hard Reset without first disconnecting from the Mi Cloud. FRP-locking, and the new owner will not be able to use the device without your login details.

2. How to delete an old Mi Account: step-by-step instructions

Deleting Mi Account directly from settings is the safest way, but it only works if you remember the password and have access to the linked phone number/mail. If not, go to the reset section.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Slip on your profile (usually your name and avatar are displayed).
3. Scroll down and select "Delete Account".
4. Enter the password from Mi Account and confirm through SMS/mail if required.
5. Confirm the deletion - the device will restart.

⚠️ Note: After deleting the account, all data synchronized with Mi Cloud will be lost without the possibility of recovery:

• 📇 Contacts (unless they were duplicated in Google)
• 📝 Notes from the Mi Notes app
• 🖼️ Photos from the album Mi Cloud
• 🎵 Music and bookmarks from Mi Music

For HyperOS devices (2026), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Users and accounts → Xiaomi Account → Account Management → Delete account

First time.

When selling a phone

Loss of access

Frequently (several times a year)

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3.Adding a new Mi Account: nuances and possible errors

Once you delete your old profile, you can link a new Mi Account, but there are pitfalls, such as limiting the number of accounts (no more than 5 devices per profile) or blocking if you suspect fraud.

How to add a new account:

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Add an account → Xiaomi.
2. Select the method of registration: by phone number or email.
3. Fill in the data and confirm through SMS/letter.
4. Link the device to your account (a password will be required).

🔴 Typical errors and decisions:

⚠️ Warning: If you buy Xiaomi handheld, check the device's decoupling from your old account before paying. → The phone. → Mi Account status: it should say "Not tied." If not, ask the seller to delete the account with you!

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If you add a new account, you may have a "Server Unavailable" error, try changing your phone's settings to India or Russia (depending on the firmware), which can sometimes help you bypass Xiaomi's time constraints.

4. Resetting as a last resort: when and how to apply

If you can’t delete your account through your settings (for example, you forgot your password), you can still completely reset your settings (Hard Reset). FRP-lock – reset protection, which requires the entry of the old account data after rebooting.

How to reset the settings correctly:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Erase all data."
3. Enter the device password (if installed).
4. Confirm the reset - the phone will reboot.

🔹 What to do if an old account is required after a reset?

• 📞 If your phone is yours, enter the old Mi Account (login and password).
• 🛒 If the phone is bought with hands, contact the seller – he must provide the data to unlock.
• 🔧 If access is lost, you will have to unlock the bootloader and flash the device through the Fastboot (instruction below).

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Resetting settings without decoupling from Mi Cloud leads to FRP-This mechanism cannot be circumvented legally, only through official unlocking or complete flashing.

5. Bypass FRP-Blocking: Legal and Illegal Ways

If the phone requires the old account information after the reset and you can’t contact the previous owner, there are two options: official unlocking or bypassing through firmware.

🔵 Legal way (through Xiaomi support):

1. Collect proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).
2. Take a picture. IMEI Devices (under the battery or in the settings) → The phone).
3. Contact Xiaomi for unblocking request by attaching documents.
4. Wait for a response (usually 3-7 days) and follow the instructions.

⚫ Illegal methods (at your own risk):

• 🖥️ Fastboot Firmware: Requires unlocking the bootloader and PC with Mi Flash Tool installed and drivers ADB.
• 📱 Use of the FRP-bypasses: special APK-files, for example, FRP Bypass) which are installed through ADB Sideload.
• 🔄 Reverse to the old firmware: some versions MIUI They have vulnerabilities that can be avoided FRP.

⚠️ Attention: Illegal methods of circumvention FRP They can permanently block access to Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud or Xiaomi Pay) on this device. IMEI, What will make your phone unsuitable for calls.

6. Features of changing the account on different models Xiaomi

The process of changing an account may vary depending on the device model and firmware version, and the key differences for popular lines are listed below.

🔹 For HyperOS devices (2026):

• 🔐 Xiaomi Pass account binding (biometric authentication system).
• 📡 Mandatory Internet connection when changing your account.
• 🔄 Automatic Data Backup Before Deleting Profile.

⚠️ Attention: On devices POCO Globally integrated (Global) ROM) The path to account settings may be called "Xiaomi Account" instead of "Mi Account!

7. Frequent problems after changing the account and their solution

Even after a successful Mi Account change, users experience sync errors, data loss, or lockdowns. Let's look at the typical cases.

🔴 Problem 1: Gallery photos missing

• 📂 Photos may have been stored in the MiCloud folder – check through the file manager.
• ☁️ If sync with Google Photos is enabled, the data could move there.
• 🗑️ Recover files through programs like DiskDigger (if it hasn’t been long after you’ve deleted them).

🔴 Problem 2: Xiaomi services are not working (Mi Cloud, Themes, etc.)

• 🔄 Restart the device and check the internet connection.
• 📥 Update Mi Cloud apps, Themes through Play Market.
• 🛠️ Reset the settings of services: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Cloud → Warehouse → Clear the data.

🔴 Problem 3: Phone asks for old account after firmware

• 🔧 That means that FRP Repeat the firmware marked "Clean All" in the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📡 Try to flash the old version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 12), where FRP can be bypassed by bugs.

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If notifications from applications have stopped coming after changing your account, check the synchronization settings: → Accounts and synchronization → Autosynchronization of data (should be enabled).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions