How to change your account on Xiaomi phone

MIUI is deeply integrated with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, which allows data synchronization but sometimes requires account changes. Users often have to switch profiles when buying a used device, selling a gadget, or simply wanting to share personal and work data, a process that is not always intuitive due to the company’s strict security policies.

Unlike many other vendors, Xiaomi requires authorization to access most system functions. Easy logging out of one profile and logging into another can be difficult to lock if you don’t follow the right procedures. It’s important to understand the difference between locally deleting data and completely untieing the device from the server.

In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the procedure so that you do not encounter a Mi Account Lock. We will look at the regular methods of changing users, the features of working in developer mode and actions in emergency situations.

Preparing for account change and checking status

Before you start active, you need to make sure you have access to your current account. If you plan to just add a second profile to sync contacts or photos, the procedure is simple. However, if the goal is a complete replacement of the owner, you will need to clean up the data, which is impossible without first logging out.

Check which services are tied to your current Mi Account.This can be cloud storage, device search, themes, and even health data from your fitness bracelet. Make sure you have passwords from all the mailboxes you use and the phone number that was listed when you signed up.

⚠️ Note: If you don't know the password from your current account, a standard change is not possible. Attempts to bypass the lock through a Hard Reset will lead to the activation of Mi Cloud Lock, which can only be unlocked by submitting a check for the purchase of the device to the service center.

It is recommended to back up important data to an external media or computer in advance, since the process of changing an account often involves completely clearing the internal memory of the smartphone.

Staff exit from the Mi Account through settings

The safest and most appropriate way to break the connection of a device to a profile is to use the built-in settings menu, which ensures that Xiaomi servers receive a signal to uncoup a particular IMEI or device ID from your account.

To start, open the Security app or go to your smartphone's basic settings. Find the account management section. The path may vary slightly between versions of MIUI, but the logic remains the same.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Accounts and syncs (or simply “Mi Account” in the top menu).
• 🔓 Click on the current user name to open detailed information.
• 🚪 Select the “Log Out” or “Delete Account” option at the bottom of the screen.
• 🔐 Enter a password to confirm the operation.

Once you have the correct password, the system will request the server, and if the Internet connection is stable, the device will be removed from the cloud's trusted list, a key point that is often ignored when you try to just reset the phone with buttons.

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If you have forgotten your password, use the SMS or backup email function on the official mi.com website before you try to exit.

In some cases, the system can request a confirmation code sent to the linked phone number, which is a measure of protection against data theft, without passing this check, you will not be able to log out of the profile.

Features of changing Google account to Xiaomi

Beyond a branded account, a Google profile is critical: FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locks a device after a reset if you don’t log out of your Google account in advance, a process that is closely linked to the overall security system on Xiaomi smartphones.

To change or delete a Google account, go to the settings menu, and it's not just about uninstalling the app, it's about uninstalling the account, otherwise, if you flash or reset, the phone will require you to enter the password from the last Gmail inbox you used.

The removal process is as follows:

• 📧 Open the Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Google.
• 🗑️ Select the desired email address from the list.
• ❌ Click the “More” button (three dots) and select “Delete Account».
• ✅ Confirm the action in the system window that appears.

If you plan to transfer your phone to another person, deleting your Google account is a must, otherwise the new owner will not be able to fully use the smartphone, as it will be blocked by your profile.

It is worth noting that on some global firmware versions, deleting a Google account may require confirmation via biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID) if this feature has been activated previously.

Complete data reset (Hard Reset) after detachment

Once you've successfully logged out of all your accounts, you can start completely cleaning your device, which will bring your smartphone back to factory status by removing all your photos, contacts, apps and settings, and this is the final step in preparing for a change of ownership.

There are two ways to reset: through the Recovery Mode menu or through system settings, the first method is preferable if you want to be absolutely sure of the cleanliness of the system, the second is easier for the average user.

Let’s look at the options through the settings menu, as it’s safer:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Select "Reset settings" or "factory reset".
3. The system will warn you to delete all data. Click "Reset settings".
4. The device will restart and begin the cleaning process, which can take a few minutes.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery level is at least 40-50% Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can damage the file system.

Once the procedure is complete, the phone will turn on as new, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. If you did everything right, it won't ask for old Mi or Google passwords.

Problems with activation and blocking of Mi Account

When a phone requires a password from an account you have deleted (or don’t remember) after a reset, it’s called activation blocking, which happens if the device didn’t send a decoupling signal to the server before reset, or if it was executed by Hard Reset buttons without first exiting.

In this case, the activation screen will have a request for a password, without which you can't use the phone, it's anti-theft protection, and you can't legally circumvent it with software.

The main reasons for the blockage:

• 🚫 Reset made without first leaving the Mi Account.
• 🌐 No Internet connection at the time of exit from the account.
• ⏳ Server delay synchronization of device status.

The only official solution is to restore access through i.mi.com, you'll need the phone number or email to which the account was registered, and if you bought the phone with your hands and it's locked, you'll have to contact the previous owner.

The table below provides comparisons of situations and possible solutions:

Changing the region and creating a new profile

Often users want to change their account to access features that are not available in their region (such as themes or specific services), in which case you can not delete the old account, but simply change the region in the settings or register a new profile.

To change region, go to Settings → Additional Settings → Region. Changing this setting may affect the performance of some system applications and content in the theme store.

If you are creating a new Mi Account:

1. When you first set up your phone, select “Create an account”.
2. Please enter a new phone number (or use an email).
3. Create a password and save it.
4. Go through SMS verification.

Keep in mind that when you change region, some synchronization data may not work properly if it is tied to the old geographic location.

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Changing the region does not require deleting the old account, but a full exit and reset is required to fully transfer ownership of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)