How to change the user on Xiaomi devices: all the ways for smartphones and TV

Changing users on Xiaomi devices is a procedure that both beginners and experienced owners face, depending on the type of gadget (smartphone, tablet or TV) and the firmware version (MIUI Android TV) The algorithm of actions can be very different, for example, on smartphones with a different MIUI 14 and later available multiplayer, and on TVs Mi TV — Only linking to a Xiaomi or Google account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change users, including the nuances for root-access devices, locked devices and cases when the previous owner did not untidy his account. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of data loss if you delete a profile incorrectly - this is a common problem when buying used equipment. If you just need to log out, skip the first two sections and go to the untidy instructions.

1. When you need to change the user to Xiaomi

Not all owners understand the difference between changing an account and adding a new user, and here are the key situations where the procedure is needed:

• 📱 Buying a used device – the previous owner did not delete his profile or Mi Account.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Use – Create a separate profile for a child with restrictions.
• 🔒 Device locking – the phone requires old account data after resetting.
• 📺 Change of TV Owner – Google Account Linking Interferes with Setup.
• 🛠️ Application Testing – Developers Need a Clean Profile with No Personal Data.

On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI There are two types of profiles: Primary User (device owner) and Additional User (limited user). TV There is no multiplayer mode – there only works binding to Xiaomi or Google accounts.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a used device and it requires the data of your old Mi Account after a reset, a simple change of user will not help.

2. Ways to change the user on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)

On smartphones with MIUI 12-14: Three options for changing users:

1. Adding a new user (without deleting the old one).
2. Remove the current profile with the transition to the main one.
3. Reset to factory settings (full cleaning).

Let us examine each method in detail.

Adding a new user (multi-user mode)

This is a good method if you want to leave an old profile but create a new one, for example, for a family member or testing apps. MIUI 13/14:

Turn off the lock screen password

Connect to Wi-Fi

Battery charge > 30%

Make a backup copy of the data-->

1. Open Settings → System → Additional → Multiplayer mode.
2. Click Add User.
3. Confirm the action at the request of the system.
4. Set up a new profile (you can skip the initial setting).

The new user will get a clean system without applications and main profile data.

• 🚫 No access to SMS Calls and calls (only on the main profile).
• 🚫 System updates cannot be installed.
• 🚫 Restricted access to certain settings (e.g. Developers).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro) Multiplayer mode can be hidden. To activate it, run the command to ADB: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 New User

2.2. Removal of the current user

If you need to delete your profile completely (for example, before selling your device), do the following:

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Multiplayer mode.
2. Choose the profile you want to delete (not the main one!).
3. Click on the cart icon or Delete the user.
4. Confirm the action.

Important: The main user (the owner of the device) cannot be removed through this menu.

Reset to factory settings (full cleaning)

It's a radical method that deletes all data, including users, accounts and apps, if:

• 🔄 You need to transfer the device to a new owner.
• 🔒 Device blocked by old Mi Account.
• 🐌 The system is unstable due to profile conflicts.

Instructions for MIUI 14:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter your password (if installed).
4. Confirm the reset.

⚠️ Note: After reset, the device may require the old Mi Account if the Find Device function has been activated.

💡

Remove before resetting SIM-card and memory card – this will speed up the process and prevent accidental formatting of the external drive.

3. Change of user on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV)

On Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV A2, Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV) There's no multiplayer mode. Instead, it's using account binding:

• 📧 Xiaomi account (Mi Account) – for synchronization of settings and access to Mi Home.

To change the user, you need to unplug old accounts and link new ones.

3.1. untied Xiaomi account (Mi Account)

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Security → Mi Account.
2. Select Exit (or Delete your account on some models).
3. Enter the password from the account for confirmation.
4. Confirm exit.

If the TV requires the data of the old account after reset, use the unlock instructions.

3.2. Untie Google Account

Google account on Mi TV remove:

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts and security → Google.
2. Select a linked account.
3. Click Delete Account.
4. Confirm the action.

After deleting both accounts, the TV can be reset to factory settings:

1. Open Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter. PIN-code (if installed).

4 Unlocking a device tied to someone else’s account

If you bought a used Xiaomi device and it requires the old Mi Account data after a reset, you will need an official unlock.

Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Contact the previous owner and ask them to untie the device via i.mi.com (Find Device section).
2. If the connection is not possible, collect proof of purchase: 📄 Check or sales contract. 📸 Photo of a box with a serial number. 📱 IMEI Devices (you can find out via *#06#).

Contact us for support of Xiaomi

• 🌐 Fill out the form at account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 Send scans of documents to support mail@xiaomi.com.
• Wait for the answer – unlocking takes 3 to 7 days.

Cost of service: free if you provide all the documents, otherwise you may need to pay (about 10-30)$ depending on the region).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use "grey" ways to unlock through third-party services: 🚨 Blocking IMEI. 🔄 Loss of warranty. 💻 Installation of unofficial software with viruses.

💡

Officially unlocking through Xiaomi support is the only safe way to remove someone else’s Mi Account from a used device.

5. Change of user on devices with root access

If your Xiaomi device has an unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can manage users through ADB It's a file system, and it's a method that's suitable for advanced users.

5.1. User management through ADB

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB device-wise.
• 🔓 Unlocked loader.

Major teams:

# View the list of users


adb shell pm list users




Delete the user (replace the ID with the current one)



adb shell pm remove-user ID_User




Create a new user



adb shell pm create-user New name




Switch to another user



adb shell am switch-user ID_User

5.2. File editing users.xml

In Android, user information is stored in a file. /data/system/users/users.xml. To edit it:

1. Connect the device to the PC and open ADB Shell.
2. mount the section for recording: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /data
3. Edit the file (for example, via nano or copy to PC).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing users.xml This can cause a cyclical reboot of the device. Before making changes, back up the file: adb pull /data/system/users/users.xml

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you change to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If your problem is not described in the table, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI — Some features are not available on old firmware.
• 🔄 Firmware region - on Chinese versions (China) ROM) Google may not have any options.
• 🔒 bootloader status – a blocked bootloader limits changes.

7 Security: How to Protect Your Device

To avoid problems with future sale or transfer of the device, follow these rules:

• 🔐 Untie accounts before reset: Mi Account (via i.mi.com). Google Account (in device settings).
• 📱 Check the Find Device status – disable the feature in Settings → Mi Account. → Find Device.
• 📝 Keep the purchase documents – they will be needed to unlock.
• 🔄 Update the firmware - on new versions MIUI fewer bugs with users.

If you are buying a used device, you must:

• 🔍 Check the status of Mi Account by ##6484## (test code to check locks).
• 📋 Ask the seller to make a reset with you.
• 💳 Use secure payment methods (for example, a transaction through a bank).

💡

Before buying a used Xiaomi check IMEI on imei.info, this will show if the device is blacklisted.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions