Owning a Xiaomi device involves actively using the company’s cloud services, which are inextricably linked to your Mi Account, and this digital ID stores important data from contacts and photos to the location of the lost smartphone. Often users are faced with the need to change the contact number to which the account is linked, for example, when changing. SIM-card or purchase of a new device.
The process of replacing data can seem confusing due to different levels of security and regional features of servers. However, knowing the exact algorithm of actions will avoid locking the gadget and losing access to cloud storage. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods that are relevant to current versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell.
Changing a number is a critical operation involving two-factor authentication. SIM-If you use a card without updating your profile, you risk permanently losing the ability to reset your password or unlock your phone after resetting your settings.
Preparation for changing the phone number
Before you start making changes to your profile settings, make sure you have all the tools you need, you will need access to both the old number that you are currently logging in and the new number you plan to link to, and make sure the device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet.
Check the balance in advance. SIM-card, as the system can send a check SMS-In some regions or when using certain operators, the delivery of messages may be paid or require a positive balance. SIM-The card is not active, the procedure will be complicated and will require the use of alternative verification methods.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure that the new phone number has not yet registered another Mi Account.One number can only be linked to one account, and trying to link to a busy number will lead to an error or require detaching from another profile.
To successfully complete the operation, it is also recommended to remember the password from your current account in advance. Xiaomi security system can request re-authorization at the most critical time of data change. If you use a two-step verification, make sure that the authenticator application is available.
☑️ Check before changing the number
Change the number through the settings of the smartphone
The easiest and most common way to change your contact information is to use the menu of the smartphone itself, which is useful when you have physical access to the device and you remember the password to log in. Open the Settings app and find the section responsible for the accounts.
Depending on the operating system version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same: you need to find the Mi Account at the top of the menu or go to Passwords and Security, and this shows the current anchor status and basic profile data.
Click on the settings icon or gear in the corner of the screen to reveal the additional profile management menu. Select the account security option. This section contains critical settings, including the linked email and phone number. The system will offer you a list of available actions, among which you need to choose Change next to the phone number.
Once the action is selected, the system will request proof of identity, which can be an account password, fingerprint scanning, or facial recognition if the features are configured on your Xiaomi, a standard procedure for protecting against unauthorized access to personal data.
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If the system doesn't send for long SMS-Confirmation code, try switching network mode from 4G/LTE on 3G in mobile internet settings and request the code again.
Use of confirmation codes and voice calls
The key step is verification, the system must make sure that the real owner of the profile is doing the operation, the standard scenario involves sending a six-digit code to the old phone number, enter the message in the appropriate field on the smartphone screen.
If SMS not coming through 2-3 In the minutes, the interface usually offers an alternative way, which is a voice call, and the robot operator will call the number and dictate the code in a voice, which often works more stable in the face of poor signaling or in the face of problems with gateways. SMS-operator.
Once the old number is confirmed, the system will ask you to enter a new number, and the new number will also be sent a confirmation code that you need to enter to complete the binding, and it is important to enter all the numbers correctly and in the allotted time, since the codes have a limited expiration date.
| Type of verification | Speed of receipt | Reliability | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS-message | Instantly (10-30s) | Tall. | SIM presence, network signal |
| Voice call | Mean (1-2 min) | Tall. | Calling ability |
| Email letter | Depends on the server. | Medium | Access to the post office |
| Authenticator Appendix | Instantly. | Very high. | Installed annex |
In some cases, especially when changing region or using virtual numbers, standard methods may not work, and the system may then suggest additional verification steps, such as answering a secret question or confirming through a trusted device.
What if the code doesn't come?
Actions in case of loss of access to the old number
When the old number is lost, the SIM card is blocked or simply unavailable, the most difficult situation is the standard SMS swap path will not work, but Xiaomi has provided a mechanism for restoring access through the account management page.
You will need to go to the official account.xiaomi.com website from a computer or other device. Select the login option and click on the Forgot Password or Can't Receive the Code link. The system will offer alternative confirmation options if they were previously configured, such as a backup email address.
If backup mail is also not available, you will have to go through the account recovery process through the feedback form, you will need to provide the maximum amount of information: device model, approximate registration date, recent purchases made in the Mi Store or data on tied bank cards. The more evidence you provide, the higher the chance of success.
⚠️ Attention: The process of recovering an account without access to the phone can take from 3 to 10 business days.Do not create many requests in a row, this can be considered by the security system as an attack and will lead to a blocking of the profile.
Once you have successfully restored access, the first thing you do is remove the old number from your profile and link a new one that is valid, which will give you full control of your account and security features.
Change the number through the web interface
Profile management is not only possible from your smartphone, but also through your browser, which is convenient if your phone is repaired, discharged or unavailable. Go to Xiaomi Cloud and log in using your current credentials.
In your personal account, go to Profile or Account Settings. The web version interface often has more advanced security settings than the mobile application. Find the Contact Information block and click the edit button.
The web interface may require confirmation of login via push notification on a trusted device. If you have a tablet or second Xiaomi phone that has logged in to the same account, confirm the operation there. SMS-codes on the main device.
Once the changes are made to the web version, they sync with all devices, but the changes may require a re-sign-in to fully take effect and activate security features on the smartphone.
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The web interface allows you to manage your account even in the absence of a physical SIM-Cards on the phone if alternative confirmation methods are configured.
Problems and errors in changing data
Users may encounter various technical difficulties, and one of the most common mistakes is to report that the number is already occupied, meaning that the number was previously used to register another Mi Account that was not deleted or untied.
In this case, the system will offer two ways: either untie the number from the old account (if you have access to it), or use a different number, sometimes helping to clear the cache of the application Xiaomi Services and Security before you try again.
Another common problem is network error or server timeout, which often happens when using unstable servers. VPN or out-of-the-box DNS-Try to shut down the servers. VPN Or switch from Wi-Fi to mobile internet.
If you see an error related to your account region, make sure the region selected in your phone settings matches the region of your Mi Account registration. Region mismatch may block some profile management features.