Modern ecosystems require a device to be linked to a personal profile to synchronize data, find a gadget when lost and access cloud services. However, life circumstances often dictate their terms: selling a phone, transferring a device to relatives or simply wanting to use a separate profile for work requires understanding how to change an account to Xiaomi. The procedure seems trivial, but there are important nuances in the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS, ignoring which can lead to a complete lock of the gadget.
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO often face confusion between a Google account and a Mi Account. If the former is responsible for the app store and contacts, the latter is deeply integrated into the Find Device security system. That is why simply logging out without prior preparation can cause problems with the next login. In this article, we will discuss all the steps of securely replacing an account.
Incorrectly performing the user change procedure can activate theft protection, turning the device into a “brick” for the new owner. To avoid ID locks and problems with access restoration, you must strictly follow the sequence of actions. Below is a detailed algorithm that will help you manage the accounts on your device correctly.
Differences between Google Account and Mi Account
Before any manipulations are initiated, it is critical to understand the architectural differences between the two main types of Android profiles that Xiaomi uses. Many users mistakenly believe that leaving one profile will automatically untie the device from the other, which is a fatal mistake. Mi Account is the company’s proprietary service responsible for the Mi Cloud cloud, the theme of registration, device search and system backups.
Google Account, in turn, is the standard for the Android platform, providing Play Market, Gmail, YouTube and synchronization contacts. When changing the owner of the smartphone or reinstalling the system, you need to disable both types of profiles. If you plan to just switch to another work profile, you still have to go through the exit procedure.
⚠️ Warning: If you sell a phone, be sure to remove the device from the trusted list in the web version of Mi Account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone after resetting.
The MIUI security system tightly links the device serial number (IMEI) to a specific user ID, designed to protect against theft, but makes it difficult to legally transfer a gadget, and understanding this connection is the first step to successfully changing an account without unnecessary stress.
Preparing the device for a change in profile
The process of changing your account requires preparation so you don’t lose important data or encounter unexpected password requests. Before you move on to settings, make sure you have access to the phone number or email that your current profile is registered to, which is necessary to confirm security operations.
☑️ Preparing for account change
Check the sync status in advance, go to the cloud settings and make sure that all important data, such as notes, voice recordings and photos, are successfully uploaded to the server, otherwise, local copies can be deleted when you log out of your account depending on the cleaning settings you choose.
Also, pay attention to active subscriptions and payment methods, if your Mi Account is tied to a bank card for purchases in the Mi Store or subscription services, it is better to untie them in advance, this will prevent accidental charges and simplify the process of transferring the device.
Step-by-step: exit from Mi Account
The most important step is to exit your current Mi profile correctly. To do this, take your smartphone and go to the main settings menu. Find the section that usually sits at the top of the list and contains your name or avatar. The path may differ slightly from one firmware version to another, but the logic remains the same.
Click on Mi Account (or Mi Account) and you will be taken to the profile management menu, which displays the free space in the cloud and the list of associated devices. At the bottom of the screen or in the menu (three dots in the corner), you will need to find the exit or Log out button.
The system will require a password confirmation from the account to authorize the action, a security mechanism that prevents unauthorized exit by attackers, and once the correct data is entered, the sync will be disabled, and the device will be removed from the list of trusted in the cloud.
What to do if you forget your password?
After the successful release, the interface of the smartphone will change: Mi Cloud widgets will disappear, and in the settings you will be prompted to enter a new profile or use the device without it. Now your Xiaomi is ready to link a new account.
Registration and login to a new account
Once the old profile is deleted, you can start setting up a new one. If you already have a second Mi Account, just enter your username and password in the appropriate fields. If you create a profile from scratch, the system will prompt you to register using your phone number or email address.
The sign-up process is standard across all Redmi and POCO devices. You'll need to come up with a strong password that combines letters and numbers. Don't use simple combinations, because that account will be the key to your device. Once you enter the data, the confirmation code will come back.
- 📱 Enter the phone number and click "Get the code».
- 🔢 Bring in the visitor. SMS-combination.
- 📝 Create a unique password and save it in a safe place.
- ✅ Accept the User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
Once you have successfully logged in, the system will suggest you configure your sync settings, and you should immediately back up your contacts and messages so you don't lose any important data in the future. The new Mi Account is now fully active and ready to use.
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When creating a new account, add a backup email immediately, which will allow you to restore access if the SIM card is lost or blocked by the operator.
Replacing Google Account on Smartphone
Beyond the Xiaomi ecosystem, it is critical to properly manage your Google profile. Changing your Google account is often required when transferring your phone or separating personal and workspace. To start, open Settings and find the Accounts and Syncs (or simply “Accounts”) section.
In the list, you will see all the profiles you have added. Select the one you want to get rid of and click Delete Account. The system will warn that all data associated with that profile (emails, contacts, calendars) will be deleted from the device. Make sure that important information is stored in the Google cloud.
To add a new profile, click Add Account and select the Google logo. Enter the new Gmail. Once you log in, Android will sync and the phone will have apps, purchases and settings from the new Play store.
| Parameter | Mi Account | Google Account |
|---|---|---|
| Substantive function | Device search, Mi cloud | Play Market, Gmail, Contacts |
| Deletion of data | Clears local topics and notes | Clears mail and calendar from your phone |
| Lockdown | Blocking activation (Find Device) | Blocking Entry After Reset (FRP) |
| Necessity | Optionally (but preferably) | Definitely working Android |
If you plan to do a full reset, delete your Google profile first, otherwise activation will require you to enter a password from your old email.
Solution: Problems with changing your account
Users often experience a situation where the system requires a password from an old account even after trying to log out, which can occur if the Find Device function is enabled, in which case you must first turn off the search for the device in the security settings, and only then exit.
Another common problem is network error when trying to log in to a new profile. Check if the date and time on the device are set correctly. Time out-of-synchronization often causes security certificates to fail, and Xiaomi servers refuse authorization.
If the smartphone was bought with hands and it is someone else’s account, the only legal way to change it is to contact the previous owner for remote detachment through the site i.mi.com. Bypassing locks by third-party methods can lead to unstable operation of the system.
⚠️ Warning: Buying Xiaomi smartphones from hand without checking the Mi Account waiver is risky.The seller can remotely lock the device at any time if he does not complete the full exit procedure.
Data security and protection after a change
After a successful account change, it is recommended to conduct a security review, go to the Device Security section and check which apps have access to your data, and remove unknown or suspicious programs that may have been left over from the previous user.
Be sure to set up two-factor authentication for the new Mi Account.This will make life much harder for scammers, even if they somehow recognize your password.
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A full account change includes logging out of Mi Account, deleting Google profiles, and cleaning up local data through the recovery menu.
Remember to check the list of devices authorized in your account periodically. If you see an unfamiliar phone or computer, immediately change your password and end all sessions. This rule applies to Xiaomi and any other digital services.