How to link Xiaomi account to the device: all the ways and nuances

Linking a Xiaomi account to a device is a must for the brand ecosystem to be fully exploited, without which you can’t sync data, use Mi Cloud storage, unlock the bootloader or restore access to the smartphone when lost, but many users face errors when trying to authenticate: the system asks for identity, does not accept a password or even blocks the device as “stolen”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to link an account, from standard authorization through settings to restore access to locked devices. Particular attention will be paid to the new requirements of Xiaomi 2026: two-factor authentication and restrictions on the number of associated devices (no more than 5 gadgets per account), and you will learn how to avoid common mistakes, for example, when the system requires “confirmation of previous owner” when buying a used phone.

Why link Xiaomi account to your device

Many users skip the authorization step, considering it optional, but without an associated account, you lose key features:

• 🔄 Data Sync: Contacts, notes, photos and call history are automatically backed up in Mi Cloud and available on all devices.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader: without a tied account, it is impossible to officially unlock the bootloader for installing custom firmware.
• 🛡️ Protection against theft: Find Device allows you to remotely block or erase data from your smartphone when lost.
• 📦 Access to branded services: Mi Home (smart home), Mi Fit (fitness trackers), Mi Video and other applications require authorization.

In addition, on devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS, account binding has become mandatory for activating certain features, such as a fingerprint scanner or facial unlock. Without authorization, the system will issue a notification: “Continuing requires a sign-in to a Mi Account.”

Preparation before linking the account

Before proceeding with authorization, make sure that all the prerequisites are met:

Created a Mi Account (if not, register at account.xiaomi.com)

The device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet

The latest version of MIUI/HyperOS is installed on the smartphone (check in Settings → About the phone)

VPNs and proxy servers are disabled (they can block access to Xiaomi servers)

The battery charge is sufficient (at least 30%) to complete the process.-->

If you buy a used device, make sure to check if someone else's account is attached to it.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi-account.
2. If someone else’s email is displayed, ask the seller to untie the device through Settings → Mi-account → Delete the account.
3. After removal, reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Resetting).

⚠️ Note: If the seller cannot untie the account (for example, forgot the password), do not buy such a device. Xiaomi blocks gadgets with other people's accounts 72 hours after reset, and you can only unlock them through the official service with confirmation of purchase.

Method 1: Account binding via device settings

This is the easiest and most recommended method, suitable for new devices or after resetting.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings on your Xiaomi device.
2. Go to Accounts and Sync (HyperOS – Passport)
3. Select a Mi Account (or Add an Account) → Xiaomi).
4. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and the password.
5. Confirm the entrance with the help SMS-Two-factor authentication or code (if enabled).
6. Accept the terms of use and allow data synchronization.

If you see the error "This account is already linked to another device", then the limit of 5 devices is exhausted.

• 📱 Go to i.mi.com.
• 🔍 In the Devices section, find the unnecessary gadget and click Delete.
• ⚠️ Confirm the action. SMS-code.

💡

If you log in to the device, try contacting the seller and asking them to delete the gadget from their account via i.mi.com. If this is not possible, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy.

Method 2: Mi Cloud binding (if the device is locked)

If you have forgotten your account password or bought a locked smartphone, you can try to restore access through Mi Cloud.

• 📧 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
• 🔑 You remember the control questions (if they were set up).
• 📱 The device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or SIM-map).

Step-by-step:

1. On the locked device, click Forgot your password? (or No account? → Restore access).
2. Choose the method of recovery: by email or SMS.
3. Enter the confirmation code sent to your email/phone.
4. If required, answer control questions (e.g. date of birth, backup email).
5. Create a new password and confirm it.
6. After successful recovery, the account will be automatically linked to the device.

⚠️ Note: If a device has been stolen and blocked by a previous owner through Find Device, it is officially impossible to unlock it. Xiaomi does not provide unlock services for such cases - even if a check is presented.

Method 3: Computer-assisted tethering (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to server errors or lockdown), you can try to link an account via Mi. PC suite ADB-This method is suitable for users familiar with the technical nuances.

Method 1: Through Mi PC Suite

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite on your computer.
2. Connect Xiaomi device over USB (enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times click on version → Additional → For developers).
3. Run the Mi PC Suite and wait for the device to be recognized.
4. In the program menu, select Account → Sign in and log in.

Method 2: ADB (only for unlocked bootloader)

adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.account/.ui.ManageAccountActivity


adb shell input text 'your email@example.com'




adb shell input keyevent 66 #Press Enter




adb shell input text 'your password'




adb shell input keyevent 66

This method does not work on all devices and requires ADB pre-setting.

How to untie Xiaomi account from the device

If you sell or transfer a device to another person, be sure to untie your account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the full functionality, and you risk losing access to your data.

Methods of deleting the account:

• 📱 Through device settings: Open Settings → Mi-account. Click on the icon. ⚙️ In the upper right corner, select Delete your account. Confirm it with a password.
• 💻 Through the Mi Cloud website: Go to i.mi.com. log in and select the device in the list. Click Delete next to the name of the gadget.

⚠️ Note: After deleting your account, all data (contacts, notes, photos) will be deleted from the device if backup is not enabled. Mi Home and Mi Fit settings will also be reset.

💡

Always reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Reset) after deleting your account, which will clear your data and prevent problems for the new owner.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When you link an account, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi’s official support via:

• 🌍 Contact us (select the Mi Account category).
• 📧 Email: support@xiaomi.com (English-Chinese).
• 📞 Hotline phone for Russia: 8 800 700 01 03 (free call).

Please indicate when applying:

• IMEI devices (you can find in Settings → About phone → General information or on the box).
• Email linked to your account.
• Check or other confirmation of purchase (if it is about unlocking).