How to link Xiaomi device to your account: all ways and solutions to problems

Linking a Xiaomi device to a Mi Account is a must for a full-fledged smartphone, tablet or smart gadget brand. Without this procedure, you will not be able to sync data, use cloud storage, remotely manage the device or restore access when lost. However, many users face difficulties: the system requires an old account of the previous owner, there are authorization errors, or the device refuses to connect to Xiaomi servers at all.

In this article, we will look at all the current binding methods, from standard registration on a new smartphone to bypassing locks on used devices, focusing on common errors (for example, codes 10008, 150005 or 20030) and how to fix them, and learn how to check whether a device is associated with an account, and what to do if the previous owner has not untied the gadget.

Why Xiaomi should be tied to Mi Account: the key advantages

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

• 🔄 Data Sync: Contacts, notes, photos and call history are automatically backed up in the cloud and available on all Xiaomi devices.
• 🔍 Remote management: the ability to find a lost smartphone through the Find Device service, block it or erase data.
• 🛡️ Protection against theft: the tied device cannot be reset to factory settings without entering the username / password from the account (Mi Cloud Lock function).
• 📱 Access to branded services: Mi Home (smart home), Mi Fit (fitness trackers), Mi Video and other applications require authorization.
• 🔄 Safe Recovery: When resetting or flashing, the device will automatically pull up the saved settings from the cloud.

Without a binding, you will also not be able to update the firmware through the air (OTA), Use the Xiao voice assistant AI Or adjust parental controls, and moreover, on some models (e.g. Xiaomi). 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12) without Mi Account can not even activate 5G or tune in NFC contactless.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a used Xiaomi device, be sure to check if it is untied from the previous account. Otherwise, you will not be able to use the smartphone at full capacity, and when resetting, it will require the entry of data from the old owner.

How to link Xiaomi to an account: step-by-step instructions

The binding process depends on the type of device and its state (new / b / y). Below we will discuss all the current methods.

1. Standard binding on the new smartphone

If you just unpacked the new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, The system will prompt you to create or log in to Mi Account at the initial setup stage:

1. Turn on the device and select the language.
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet.
3. At the "Login to Mi Account" stage, click "Create an Account" or "Login" if you already have a profile.
4. Fill in the data: email or phone number, come up with a password.
5. Confirm registration via SMS or email.
6. Accept the terms of the user agreement.

Then the device will automatically connect to the account. You can check this in the settings: Settings → Mi Account.

Successful authorization in Mi Account

Synchronization of contacts and notes

Access to Find Device service

No errors in the Devices section of i.mi.com

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2. Linking used device (if the previous owner untied the account)

If you bought a used smartphone that has already been reset to factory settings, the binding procedure is almost the same as the new one.

1. Do reset settings (if not done): Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.
2. When you first turn on, select "Login to Mi Account".
3. If the system requires an old account, the device was not properly untied, in which case, contact the previous owner or use methods of bypassing (see the section "How to bypass the binding to someone else's account").
4. If there is no block, log in to your account or create a new one.

After successful binding, we recommend you to immediately turn on Find Device and check the work of cloud synchronization.

3. Linking through the Mi Account website

Some devices (such as Mi Band smartwatches or Mi Smart Speaker speakers) can be linked via a web interface.

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the "Devices" section, click "Add device".
3. Scan the scanner on your smartphone QR-code from the device screen (e.g., with Mi Band 8).
4. Confirm the binding in the mobile app (e.g. Mi Fit or Mi Home).

This method is suitable for gadgets that do not have their own interface for entering a login / password.

4. binding via Mi Home or Mi Fit apps

For smart devices (robot vacuum cleaners, Yeelight lamps, fitness bracelets) a separate procedure is used:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for smart home) or Mi Fit (for fitness trackers).
2. Sign up or sign in to your Mi Account.
3. Click "Add device" and select a category (for example, "Smart lighting" or "Fitness bracelet").
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to turn on Bluetooth and scan). QR-code).

Once you've tied it up, it'll appear in a list on the app's home screen, and you'll be able to control it remotely, set up automation, and receive notifications.

How to bypass the binding to someone else’s account on used Xiaomi

One of the most common problems when buying used Xiaomi devices is locking due to the link to the account of the previous owner. If the smartphone requires entering a username / password after reset, you have several ways to solve:

1. Contact the previous owner

The most reliable and legal way to do this is to ask the former owner to untie the device from his account.

1. Go to i.mi.com.
2. In the "Devices" section, find your smartphone.
3. Click "Delete Device" and confirm the action.

You can then link the gadget to your account, and if you can't contact the seller, you can go to alternative methods.

2. Use an official unlock request

Xiaomi provides the ability to unlock the device through support, if you can prove ownership.

1. Go to the unlock page.
2. Fill out the form by specifying IMEI Devices (you can find it in *#06# or on the box).
3. Attach a check or other confirmation of purchase.
4. Wait for the response of the support team (usually 3-7 days).

This method doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying if the device was purchased legally.

Circumvention through regimes EDL Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the device is locked to an account and the previous owner is not available, you can try resetting the link through special modes, which requires technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty.

To unlock, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed (depending on the device processor).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool programs or EDL Tool.
• 📱 Firmware for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

The process includes transition EDL (Through test points or a combination of buttons, firmware clean system image and reset all data. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the mode EDL They can turn the device into a brick, if you're not sure about your abilities, go to the service center.

Common binding errors and their solutions

When trying to link a Xiaomi device to an account, users often encounter errors. Let’s consider the most common ones and how to fix them.

If you see an error not listed in the table, try the following generic steps:

1. Reset the device.
2. Check your internet connection (better use Wi-Fi).
3. Update the Mi Account app or device firmware.
4. Clear the app's cache Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Account → Clear the cache.

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If the device gives you an error of 150005 when you link, but you are sure that the previous owner untied the account, try resetting the settings again and repeat the procedure after 24 hours.

How to check if Xiaomi device is linked to your account

If you’re not sure if your smartphone or smart gadget is tied to your Mi Account, there are a few ways to check.

1. Through device settings

On smartphones and tablets:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
2. If you see an email or phone number, the device is tied.
3. Click on your account avatar to see a list of all the devices associated.

On the smart watch (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch):

1. Open the Mi Fit app.
2. Go to the "Profile" section → My devices".
3. If the gadget is displayed in the list, it is tied to the account.

2. via the Mi Account website

To see all the attached devices:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section you will see a complete list of gadgets, including models, IMEI and anchorage.

If the device does not appear in the list, it is not tied to the account.

3. Through the Find Device service

Find Device shows all the devices associated with your account, with the ability to track their location, and if your smartphone is not there, you need to re-link it.

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If you are selling or transferring a Xiaomi device to another person, be sure to untie it from your account via Settings. → Mi Account → Devices or i.mi.com site.This will protect your data and allow the new owner to use the gadget without restrictions.

How to Protect Your Mi Account from Hacking

Linking your device to your Xiaomi account adds convenience, but it also requires attention to security. If your Mi Account is hacked, attackers can:

• 📍 Track your location through Find Device.
• 🔒 Remotely lock or drop the device.
• 📂 Access backups of photos and contacts.
• 💳 Use tied payment methods (if configured).

To protect your account, follow these guidelines:

1.Use a complex password

The password must contain:

• 🔢 Numbers, capital and lowercase letters.
• 🔤 Symbols (!@#$% etc.).
• 📏 Minimum length of 12 characters.

Do not use the same password for different services.

2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authorization adds an extra layer of protection to enable it:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Security.
2. Select "Two-step verification".
3. Attach a phone number or an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy).

3. Check active sessions regularly

In the Settings section → Mi Account → Security → Accessed devices can be seen on all devices that are currently logged in to your account. If you see suspicious sessions, immediately terminate them.

4.Do not use public Wi-Fi to enter

When logging in to Mi Account, avoid public networks (cafes, airports) and use mobile Internet or a proven home network.

5. Set up a backup email and phone

In case of hacking or loss of access to your account, you can restore it through backup contacts.

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Personal data.
2. Update your email and phone number.
3. Add a question for recovery.

⚠️ Note: If you sell a Xiaomi device, not only untie it from your account, but also perform a full reset (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. This will delete all your data, including app cache and accounts.

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