How to change user on Xiaomi phone: all the ways for MIUI 14 and 15

Changing users on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that both beginners and experienced owners face. Unlike Android in its pure form, MIUI firmware has its own nuances: there is no classic multiplayer system on tablets, but there are alternative solutions. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways from switching between MIUI profiles to completely changing your Mi Account, including bypassing typical errors.

It's important to understand that the functionality depends on the firmware version. For example, MIUI 14/15 removed support for multiple users for most models (except for some Xiaomi Pad tablets), but added improved management of guest mode and private folders. We will look at solutions for all scenarios, from family use to the sale of a phone with the complete deletion of the previous owner's data.

If you just need to temporarily restrict access to personal data (for example, give the phone to a child or colleague), just activate Guest Mode. To permanently change the user, you will need to link a new Mi Account — and there are pitfalls with blocking Mi Cloud.

1. Difference between “user”, “profile” and “account” on Xiaomi

Before we proceed to the instructions, let’s understand the terminology to avoid confusion:

• 🔹 Local user is a full-fledged Android account with a separate desktop, apps and settings. MIUI 14/15 Available only on Xiaomi Pad tablets 5/6.
• 🔹 Profile MIUI — simplified option for data separation (e.g. Work and Personal) does not support installation of separate applications.
• 🔹 Mi Account is a Xiaomi cloud account linked to a phone and used to sync, unlock and activate services.
• 🔹 Guest mode - temporary access with limited rights, the guest data is erased after exit.

Most smartphones (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) only have MIUI profiles and guest mode available. Full users are only on tablets and some flagships with MIUI for tablets. If you want complete data isolation (for example, for work and personal use), consider alternatives like Island (an application for creating sandboxes).

2. How to switch between MIUI profiles (for models without multiplayer mode)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support multiple users but you need to share data, use MIUI profiles.This method works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including Redmi 10C, POCO F4 and Xiaomi 12 Lite.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Settings → Special features → User profiles.
2. Click Add Profile and select the type: Work or Personal.
3. Set up profile restrictions (for example, block access to gallery or messages).
4. To switch, swipe down the notification bar and tap the profile icon next to Power Saving Mode.

Limitations of MIUI profiles:

• ❌ It is not possible to install separate applications for each profile.
• ❌ Some system settings (such as Wi-Fi or Sound) remain common.
• ✅ You can hide notifications and block access to individual applications.

Backup of important data

Check the space available (profile takes ~500 MB)

Remember password to switch between profiles

Turn off automatic synchronization in Mi Cloud-->

⚠️ Note: If you use banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.), they may block access when you switch profiles.

3. Guest mode: temporary access without risk to data

Guest mode is the easiest solution for a one-time use of the phone by another person.

• 📱 Only basic applications are available (Phone, Camera, Browser).
• 🔒 Personal data (photos, messages, mail) hidden.
• 🧹 All guest actions (downloads, browser history) are erased after the release.

How to activate:

1. Unlock your phone and swipe down the notification panel.
2. Tap the user icon (near Flight Mode).
3. Select a Guest and confirm the transition.

To exit guest mode, click on the user icon again and select your primary profile. All temporary data will be deleted automatically.

4. Complete change of user: deletion of the old Mi Account and binding of the new

If you're selling a phone or transferring it to another person on a permanent basis, you need to delete your Mi Account and add a new one if you need to, which is different from simply switching profiles and requires resetting.

Important: without detachment Mi Account new owner will not be able to use the phone – at the first setup system will require to enter the username and password of the old account (protection against theft).

Step-by-step:

1. Make a backup of the data through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
3. Click Exit and confirm the account's untied.
4. Return to Settings → Additional → Resetting settings.
5. Choose Delete all data and wait for the process to complete.

Once reset, the phone will reboot to its original setup mode, and the new owner will be able to:

• 🆕 Link your Mi Account.
• 🔄 Recover data from your cloud reserve.
• 📱 Set up your phone as new.

⚠️ Note: If you forgot the password from Mi Account, but the phone is not reset, restore access through the official website account.xiaomi.com. After resetting without detachment of the account, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device - you will need to contact the support team with proof of purchase.

5. Alternative ways of access differentiation

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, consider third-party solutions:

• 🔐 Island (Sandbox) – creates an isolated “sandbox” for applications, suitable for separating work and personal data (for example, a second WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 📂 Private folder - built-in function MIUI To hide files, password or fingerprint access.
• 🤖 The second user through ADB — Technically difficult, but can bypass the limitations MIUI on some models.

To activate the Private folder:

1. Open Files → Settings → Private folder.
2. Set a password (other than unlocking the screen!).
3. Move the files to the folder that you want to hide.

If you need complete isolation (for example, for app testing), use Island:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Follow the setup wizard (administrator rights will be required).
3. Add the necessary applications to the sandbox.

💡

Before using Island, check compatibility with your Xiaomi model on the developer’s website. Some devices (such as the POCO F3) may have conflicts with MIUI Optimization.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you change to Xiaomi, users face typical problems.

• 🚫 "Failed to add a profile – check the free space (needs at least 1 GB) and update MIUI last-minute.
• 🔒 "The phone is locked after reset is activated by Mi Cloud Lock.Solution: enter the old Mi Account details or provide proof of purchase in support of the device.
• 📵 "Guest mode does not turn off" - restart the phone by holding the power button at 10+ seconds.
• ⚠️ "Applications do not work in profile - some programs (for example, banking) block work in non-main profiles.

If you have lost access to Google Play after a user change:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Google Play Store and clear the cache.
3. Restart your phone and try to log in to your Google account again.

💡

Before selling the phone, be sure to untie the Mi Account and make a factory reset. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions