How to link Mi Account to Xiaomi phone: full instructions with pictures and tips

Linking a Mi Account to a Xiaomi smartphone is not just a formality, but a key step to fully use the device. Without an account, you lose access to branded services: cloud storage Mi Cloud, synchronization of contacts, search for lost phone through Find Device, and the ability to install updates over the air. Moreover, on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro + or Xiaomi 14 Ultra) without an attached account, you can not activate the unlock function of the bootloader for custom firmware.

But there's a downside: if you forget your account data, your phone can turn into a brick. For example, after you reset your settings, the system will require you to enter your username and password from your previously-linked Mi Account, otherwise the device will remain locked. So it's important not only to link your account, but also to keep it accessible. In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can link it, from registering a new account to solving common errors.

Preparation for binding: what to check before starting

Before you start binding, make sure your phone is ready for the procedure.

  • 📶 Stable Internet connection. Tethering requires access to Xiaomi servers, so use Wi-Fi or mobile Internet with a good signal. On a weak connection, the process can be interrupted, which will lead to errors.
  • 🔋 Battery charge at least 30%. Although the binding does not take much time, it is better to eliminate the risk of sudden shutdown, POCO F5) The system can block actions at low charge.
  • 📱 Up-to-date version MIUI. If your phone is running on an outdated firmware (for example, MIUI 12 against the background of available MIUI 14), update it through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system, reducing the risk of failure.
  • 📝 Recovery data. Prepare a backup email or phone number, which you will need when you register a new account or restore access.

Also check if another Mi Account is linked to the phone. If the device was bought by hand, the previous owner may not have logged out of his profile. To find out, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. If it shows someone else’s email, you will have to untie the old account first (we will discuss this below).

📊 What kind of Xiaomi phone is you?
Redmi (Note/Pro series)
POCO (F/X/M)
Xiaomi (digital series)
Black Shark
Other

Method 1: Register a new Mi Account directly on your phone

If you don't already have a Mi Account, you can create it directly on your smartphone, which is suitable for new devices or after you completely reset your settings.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Scroll up and select Xiaomi Akcount (or Mi Account in English firmware).
  3. Click Create an Account (or Sign Up).
  4. Enter a valid email or phone number. Please note that the number must be linked to the country of registration (for example, for Russia - +7).
  5. Create a strong password (at least 8 characters, with capital letters and numbers).
  6. Confirm registration via SMS or email (depending on the chosen method).
  7. Fill in additional data (name, date of birth) – this is optional, but will help in restoring access.
  8. Click Ready – an account is created and automatically linked to the phone.

Once registered, the system will offer to enable data synchronization with Mi Cloud. We recommend that you activate this feature so that backups of contacts, photos and notes are stored in the cloud. However, remember: the free tariff provides only 5 GB of storage. You will have to pay for a subscription (from 99) ₽/month).

Contact synchronization enabled | Photo backup activated |Two-factor authentication configured |Email to restore added-->

Method 2: Linking an existing Mi Account to a new phone

If you already have a Mi Account (for example, you used it on your previous Xiaomi phone), you can link it to a new device.

  1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
  2. Select Sign In (Sign In).
  3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
  4. If you forget your password, click Forgot your password and follow the recovery instructions.
  5. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  6. Wait for the data synchronization to be completed (it can take a few minutes depending on the amount of information in the cloud).

If you log in, you see an error that says, "This device is already linked to another account," the previous owner hasn't untie his profile.

  • 📱 Ask the seller to delete the account remotely via account.xiaomi.com (Devices section).
  • 🔄 If you can’t contact the seller, do a hard reset via Recovery mode, but on some models (e.g. Xiaomi). 13T) After reset, you will need to enter the data of the old account - this is protection against theft.
  • 📞 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, sales contract) and they can help unlock the device.
What if your phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset?
If after resetting the device (Hard Reset) the phone requests data from the previous Mi Account, this means that the protection of Mi Account Lock is activated. The solution to the problem can be as follows: 1. The official way: contact the previous owner and ask him to untie the device through his personal account (Device section → Delete). 2. Alternative way: if the phone is purchased from hand and it is impossible to contact the seller, contact Xiaomi support with a check or a purchase agreement. They can remove the lock within 3-7 days. 3. Informal way: on some models (for example, Redmi 9A) you can bypass the technical skills, but the service requires a special warranty.

Method 3: Tethering via computer (if the phone is locked)

If the phone is locked because of a forgotten password from the Mi Account, and you can not log in through the device, you can try to link the account through a computer.

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in to your account (or restore access).
  2. In the Devices section, click Add Device.
  3. Scanner on the screen or manually enter the IMEI of your phone (you can find it on the box or through the engineering menu: dial *#06# on the locked device).
  4. Confirm the link via SMS or email.
  5. Reboot your phone – it should sync with your account.

Importantly, this method does not work on all models. On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), binding via IMEI can be blocked due to enhanced protection.

MethodSuitable forDifficultyRisks.
Recovery via email/SMSAll models.Low.Not if the email/phone access is saved
Linking through IMEI (site)Xiaomi until 2022MediumIt may not work on new devices.
Reset via FastbootModels with unlocked loaderTall.Data loss, risk of "bricking"
Appeal of supportAll models.Low.Requires proof of purchase

Typical Mi Account Errors and How to Fix Them

When you link a Mi Account, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ways to solve them:

Error 1: "I was unable to connect to the server"

Reasons:

  • 🌍 Internet problems – check your Wi-Fi or mobile network connection.
  • 🕒 Xiaomi servers are overloaded – try again in 10-15 minutes.

Error 2: “This account is already linked to another device”

Decisions:

  • 📱 Untie the old phone through your personal account (Devices section).
  • 🔄 Sign out of your account on your old device: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
  • 📧 If your device is lost, use Find Device to remotely erase data (this will break the binding).

Error 3: "Incorrect password or account"

Action:

  • 🔑 Restore your password through the Recovery Form.
  • 📩 Check the Spam folder in the mail – the confirmation code email could have got there.
  • 📵 If you have a phone number attached, ask for it. SMS code (sometimes comes with a delay of up to 5 minutes).

💡

If you often forget passwords, enable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account settings. Go to Security → Two-step verification and link backup email or an authenticator application (such as Google Authenticator).

How to untie your Mi Account from your phone before selling

If you are planning to sell or transfer your Xiaomi, be sure to untie your Mi Account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device.

  1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
  2. Scroll down and press the exit (Sign Out).
  3. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.
  4. Return to Settings → About Phone → Reset settings and select Erase all data.
  5. Once reset, the phone will be like new — without a tied account.

⚠️ Warning: If you just log out without resetting, the data will remain on the device, and the new owner will be able to recover it with special software!

If you have already sold your phone and forgot to unplug your account, do it remotely:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Go to the Devices section.
  3. Find your phone in the list and click Delete.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use one Mi Account on multiple Xiaomi phones?
Yes, you can link a Mi Account to multiple devices (up to 5 devices at a time). However, some features, such as Find Device, will only work with the phone that is currently active. Also note that Mi Cloud data (contacts, photos) will sync across all associated devices.
What happens if you delete your Mi Account from your phone?
When you delete your account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account), all data synced to the Mi Cloud will be erased from the device, including contacts, notes, call history and certain settings. However, the files in the phone’s memory (photos, videos, documents) will remain intact. To completely clean the device, you need to do a Hard Reset.
How to connect a Mi Account if the phone is not turned on?
If the phone doesn't turn on (for example, after a drop or moisture), you can only link the account after repair. However, if the device responds to charging (vibrates or shows the battery indicator), try logging into Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up) and reset.
Can I bypass the Mi Account binding after resetting?
On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), it is almost impossible to bypass the binding of the Mi Account after a reset without data from the previous owner. The only legal ways: Access the old account (through password restoration); Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase. Informal methods (for example, through Fastboot or service cables) do not work on all devices and can lead to breakdown.
How long does it take to link a Mi Account?
The binding process usually takes 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the Internet speed and phone model. On older devices (like the Redmi 4X), syncing with the Mi Cloud can take up to 10 minutes. If the process drags on, check the network connection or restart the phone.

💡

Linking a Mi Account is a must for Xiaomi smartphones to be fully used, and it provides access to cloud services, updates and security features, but it’s important to remember that without account data, unlocking your phone after a reset is extremely difficult. Always keep your recovery codes backed up and don’t hand it over to other people without a profile unblocking.