Why Xiaomi users are having trouble changing their Google account
Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi line and POCO, They are closely integrated with Google services, from syncing contacts to working with Google Play, but when trying to change an account, many people encounter errors such as โThe device is already connected to another accountโ or "FRP-The reason is because of the layered security system. MIUI, which links the device hardware identifier to the first account added.
Unlike pure Android, MIUI firmware (even in the global version) retains traces of the old account in system files. This makes it difficult to change the process, especially if the previous owner has not deleted his profile. For example, when buying a used Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12, a new user may find that the device requires the entry of the old account data after resetting.
Further confusion is caused by Factory Reset Protection (FRP), a Google security feature that activates when reset to factory settings. If you don't untie your account in advance, after a hard reset, your phone will require authorization through old mail, which applies to all Android 5.1+ models, including the POCO X5 and Redmi A2+.
Preparing for a change of account: what to do in advance
Before you start deleting your old account, follow the mandatory steps to avoid blocking your device:
- ๐ Sync data: Move contacts, photos and files to the cloud or PC. Use Settings โ Google โ Backup or third-party services like Mi Cloud.
- ๐ฑ Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI. For Android 12 models+ (for example, Xiaomi 12T) The process is different from the older versions.
- ๐ Check if you have a password: If you have a pattern lock installed on your phone or PIN, You'll need to enter it when you delete your account. The forgotten password blocks access to your settings.
- ๐ Connect to Wi-Fi: Deleting a Google account will require online confirmation.Mobile traffic may not be enough.
Pay special attention to two-step authentication. If it is enabled on an old account, you will need to delete a code from SMS or Google Authenticator application. Without access to them, you will not be able to change your profile - the phone will be locked with the message "Confirm identity".
If you buy a phone with your hands, ask the seller to delete your Google account before resetting, otherwise you risk getting an FRP-locked brick that you will have to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool or service center.
Method 1: Standardly delete Google account through settings
This method works on most Xiaomi models, if the phone is not locked and you remember the password from your current account. MIUI 13/14 Android-based 11-14:
- Open Settings โ Accounts and Sync (or Settings โ Passwords and Security โ Google Accounts on new versions).
- Select the account you want to delete. Click on it.
- In the upper right corner, tap the icon. โฎ (three dots) and select Delete Account.
- Confirm the action by entering a password or PIN-phone.
- Reboot the device: Long press on the power button โ Reboot.
After the reboot, add a new account:
- Go to Settings โ Accounts and Sync โ Add an account โ Google.
- Enter the new account details and follow the system prompts.
Backup | Check version of MIUI| Connect to Wi-Fi | Make sure you have a password from your account | Disable two-step authentication (if necessary)
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โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4) After deleting your account, you may lose access to Google Play. To restore it, go to Settings โ Annexes โ Application management โ Google Play Store โ Warehouse โ Clear the cache.
Method 2: Delete your account through resetting (if the standard method doesnโt work)
If the phone gives an error "Can't delete your account" or you don't remember your password, you'll have to do a hard reset. This method erases all data, so use it only as a last resort. MIUI 12-14:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data โ Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
- After reset, select Reboot โ Reboot to System.
After the reboot, the phone will suggest adding a new Google account.
- ๐ฑ Do not connect to a mobile network or Wi-Fi before adding an account โ this can provoke a new connection. FRP-lockdown.
- ๐ If the phone requires the entry of the old account data, then, FRP In this case, go to the section about the circumvention. FRP.
What is FRP and why does it block your phone?
โ ๏ธ Attention: On phones with MIUI Global Stable may require a link to a new Mi Account (not to be confused with Google!) if you donโt create it, some features (such as themes or the cloud) will not be available.
Method 3: Bypass FRP-locking (if the phone requires an old account)
If, after resetting, the phone is locked with the message "This device has been reset. To continue, log in to the Google account that was previously synced with this device," then the FRP-lock has worked. You can only legally circumvent it if you have access to old mail, otherwise you will need official software from Xiaomi.
The official method (if you know the information of the old account):
- On the lock screen, select Add Wi-Fi network (sometimes you need to tap the password field).
- Enter any characters in the password field, highlight them and click Share (or Copy).
- In the menu that opens, select Google Settings and log in to your old account.
- After logging in, restart your phone and add a new account.
Informal methods (for experienced users):
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Using the Mi Unlock Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader and PC).
- ๐ฑ Installation of custom recovery (TWRP) and manual deletion of files FRP through ADB.
- ๐ง Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone.
| FRP bypass method | Required. | Risks. | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authorization through an old account | Login/password from previous Google account | No. | All models. |
| Mi Unlock Tool | PC, unlocked bootloader, Mi Account | Loss of warranty, possible brick | Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO with Unlocking |
| TWRP + ADB | Castomy recovery, knowledge of ADB teams | High risk of system damage | Models with TWRP support |
| Service centre | Check or phone ID | Paid service, waiting time | All models. |
โ ๏ธ Attention: Use of informal circumvention techniques FRP It may lead to a blockage. IMEI or loss of warranty, on phones with MIUI China ROM (For example, the used devices from China) FRP It can be linked to a Mi Account, not Google, and it will require a separate unlocking procedure.
Adding a new Google account: step-by-step instructions
After successfully deleting an old account or bypassing FRP, add a new profile:
- Go to Settings โ Accounts and Sync โ Add an account โ Google.
- Choose to create an account (if you need a new one) or Sign in (for an existing one).
- Follow the instructions on the screen. If the phone asks for confirmation via SMS, make sure you have access to the number associated with the account.
- Activate synchronization for the desired services: Contacts, Calendar, Google Drive.
For models with MIUI 14 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite), you may need to:
- ๐ Update of Google Services: Go to Google Play โ My apps. โ Update everything.
- ๐ฅ Reinstall Google Play: If Markets Are Not Working, Download the Latest APK APKMirror.
- ๐ Configuring permissions: C Settings โ Annexes โ Google Play Services Enable All Permissions.
๐ก
If Google services (such as Gmail or YouTube) are not working after adding an account, clear the cache and data of the Google Play Services and Google Play Store apps in the settings. Then restart the phone and check the Internet connection.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you change your Google account to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Can't add an account." | Unstable Internet connection or Google server error | Switch to mobile data or another Wi-Fi network. Check Google's services. |
| The device is already linked to another account. | FRP-Blocking or incompletely removing an old profile | Do a reset (see the FRP section) or use the Mi Unlock Tool. |
| Google Play will not open after changing your account | Cash or markets data damaged | Clear the cache and storage for Google Play Store and Google Play Services. |
| โConfirm identityโ when deleting your account | Two-step authentication enabled | Enter the code from SMS or Google Authenticator, and if you donโt have access, restore your account through accounts.google.com. |
| After reset, the phone asks for a Mi Account, not Google | Device on MIUI China ROM with reference to Mi Account | You need to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool or the firmware of the global version of MIUI. |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- ๐ก Firmware region: On Chinese versions MIUI (Like Redmi. K50 For the domestic market, there may be restrictions on changing Google accounts.
- ๐ Google Play Services Version: Outdated software may conflict with a new account. Update services through Settings โ Annexes โ Google Play Services โ Update.
๐ก
If the phone is bought from hand and locked FRP, a you can not contact the previous owner, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the device. IMEI.