How to link Xiaomi phone to Mi Account: all ways and solutions to errors

Linking a Xiaomi smartphone to a Mi Account is a must for full use of the device. Without this procedure, you will not be able to sync data, use branded services like Mi Cloud, and in some cases even unlock the phone after a reset. However, many users face difficulties: the system requires an SMS confirmation, does not accept a password or even gives an error “The device is already tied to another account”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to link Xiaomi phone to Mi Account, from the standard procedure through settings to alternative methods using a computer. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, Couldn't verify device or Mi Account locked) and how to fix them. If you bought a used smartphone or faced locking after the MIUI update, here you will find working solutions.

Why do you want to link Xiaomi phone to your Mi Account?

Many users miss the Mi Account registration step, considering it optional, but without binding, you lose key features:

• 🔄 Data Sync: Contacts, notes, photos and call history are automatically backed up in Mi Cloud and available on other devices.
• 🔒 Theft protection: Find Device allows you to remotely lock your phone, erase data or locate it.
• 📱 Recovery after reset: without an associated account, the smartphone may require login / password entry even after a hard reset (Mi Account Lock protection).
• 🎁 Access to branded services: Mi Home (smart home), Mi Fit (fitness trackers), Mi Video and other applications require authorization.

Moreover, since 2022, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: on new devices (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13) without binding to an account, it is impossible even to activate some camera or NFC functions. And when buying a used phone, the lack of binding can mean that the previous owner did not untidy the device - this is fraught with locking after 72 hours.

Method 1: Tethering through phone settings (main method)

This is the easiest and most recommended method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12-14.

• 📱 Xiaomi phone with access to settings.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ☎️ Phone number for confirmation by SMS (if the account is new).

If you already have a Mi Account, skip the sign-up steps, and if you don't, the system will prompt you to create one in the process.

Open Settings → Mi| Account Click Login or Create Account | Enter email/phone number and password | Confirm SMS or email | Accept the terms of use and allow synchronization-->

Once you have successfully logged in, your phone will automatically link to your account. To make sure you do, go to Settings → Mi Account → Devices – your smartphone should show up in the list. If the device doesn’t show up, update the page (pull down) or reboot the phone.

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If the system asks to “confirm the device” via SMS when you log in, but the message does not come, try using a different number or log in via email. Also check if your carrier blocks messages from short numbers (for example, from +8610 is the code of China, where SMS from Xiaomi comes from).

Method 2: Linking via Mi Cloud on a computer

If there are errors on the phone (such as Network error or Unable to connect to server), you can link the device via the web version of Mi Cloud.

• 🔄 The phone is not connected to the internet.
• 🔐 You forgot your account password and restore access.
• 📵 On the smartphone screen, an error appears when trying to enter.

Instructions:

1. On your computer or other phone, open account.xiaomi.com.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (or register a new one).
3. Go to the Devices (or Find Device) section.
4. Click Add Device and select Connect via QR-code.
5. On Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Mi Account → QR scanner and scan the code from your computer screen.

If QR-The code is not readable, try an alternative way: in Mi Cloud, click Send a link to an email, open it on your phone and follow the instructions. This method works even on locked devices (if you know the password from the account).

Method 3: Linking via SMS (for new accounts)

If you are registering a Mi Account for the first time, the system may require an SMS confirmation, a step that is mandatory to protect against bots, but sometimes causes problems:

• 📵 SMS Not coming (especially to Russian numbers after 2022).
• 🔢 The code is not appropriate, although entered correctly.
• ⏱️ The message is delayed (up to 10 minutes).

To successfully confirm the number:

1. Use a number that is not linked to other Xiaomi accounts.
2. If the SMS does not arrive, request a resubmit (Resend button).
3. Check the Spam folder in your messages – sometimes the code gets there.
4. For Russian numbers, try to specify the country code as +7, not 8.

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If the SMS never arrives, use the backup email confirmation method. When registering, select "Use email" instead of the phone number.

Important: Since 2023, Xiaomi has restricted SMS sending to numbers in some countries (including Russia and Ukraine) due to sanctions: If the code does not arrive, register an account via email or use a VPN with the China/India region when registering.

Solving common binding errors

Even with the right actions, users often encounter errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.This often solves problems with connecting to Xiaomi servers.

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If you buy a used Xiaomi phone, be sure to check if it is untied from the previous account. Ask the seller to show the Settings section → Mi Account → Devices – there should not be other people’s gadgets.

How to untie Xiaomi phone from your old account

If you bought a phone with your hands and it's tied to someone else's Mi Account, you have to untie it, or you risk losing access to the device.

Method 1: Through settings (if the password is known)

1. Log in to an old account on your phone.
2. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Security.
3. Select Remove the device and confirm the action.

Method 2: Mi Cloud (if your phone is locked)

1. On your computer, open i.mi.com.
2. Log in to the account of the previous owner.
3. Go to Find Device, select your phone and click Delete Device.

If the previous owner can’t or won’t untie the phone, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, contract) in some cases, they help unlock the device.

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After untidying the old account, be sure to reset settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset settings), otherwise the new account may not be tied due to residual data.

What to do if you forget your Mi Account password

If you forgot the details to log in to Mi Account, you can restore access in several ways:

• 📧 Through email: on the login page, click Forgot your password?, enter your email and follow the instructions in the letter.
• ☎️ Through SMS: Select recovery by phone number (if it is linked to your account).
• 🔐 By backup email: if you have specified it when registering.

If none of the methods work (for example, you don’t have access to an old email/number), try:

1. Contact Xiaomi with a photo of your phone check.
2. Use the Find Device feature on i.mi.com – sometimes you can reset your password through the attached device.

Critical: if the phone is locked due to a forgotten password from Mi Account (This device is locked or Mi Account verification), self-unlocking without official methods can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability of the device).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s link to an account