Buying a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, but many users are faced with the question: how to register it correctly? Registering a device in the Mi Account ecosystem not only opens access to all the services of the brand, but also provides data security, the ability to remotely control and restore information. Without an account, you will not be able to use cloud storage, the Mi Themes store, and in some cases even update the firmware.
In this article, we will take a look at the entire process, from first turn on to two-factor authentication setup. You will learn why registration through the official Mi Account app is more reliable than through third-party services, how to avoid locking your device when changing region and what to do if the phone requires confirmation of the previous owner.
Preparation for registration: what to do before the first inclusion
Before you press the power button, make sure you have everything you need on hand, which will save time and eliminate unpleasant surprises like a sudden discharge or lack of Internet.
First, check the completeness of the device. In the box with the new Xiaomi should be:
- 📱 Smartphone itself (with protective film on the screen)
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (post-2020 models) or Micro-USB (older devices)
- 🔋 Charger (power depends on the model, for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ LAUGHTER: 120W)
- 📄 Guarantee card and brief instructions
- 🔑 Paperclip for the tray SIM-cards (sometimes embedded in a tray)
Second, prepare. SIM-Nano-format card (or eSIM for supported models) and make sure it is activated from the operator. SIM-Check if your model supports Xiaomi Dual SIM + MicroSD simultaneously – in some devices, the slot is hybrid (for example, in the case of a microSD). POCO X5 Pro).
⚠️ Note: If you bought your phone from hand or from overseas (e.g. AliExpress), check it for reference to your previous account. For this, skip the sign-in step to Mi Account when you first turn on. If the system requires login / password, the device is locked. In this case, contact the seller for unlocking or use the instructions for removing the binding.
Also prepare in advance:
- 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (recommended speeds of 5 Mbps for fast download updates)
- 🔒 Data for creating a Mi Account (email or phone number)
- 📱 Another smartphone or computer (may be needed to confirm the SMS/email)
- 🔋 Charge at least 50% (first on and setup can take up to 30 minutes)
First inclusion: step-by-step launch of the new Xiaomi
Now, to the process itself, press and hold the power button (usually on the right side) until the logo appears. MI. The first switch on can take up to 1-2 minutes – this is normal, as the system performs the primary initialization.
After downloading, you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language. It is important to specify the region correctly, as the available services depend on this (for example, Google Play in China is blocked by default). If your model is designed for the global market (Global) ROM), Europe option will also be available.
Follow the instructions of the setup wizard:
- Select the interface language (we recommend Russian for convenience).
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network. If the connection does not occur, check the correct password entry or restart the router.
- Accept the User Agreement and Privacy Policy (without this it is impossible to continue).
- At the Data Copy stage, select Do Not Copy if this is your first Xiaomi smartphone. If you are switching from another brand device, you can use the Mi Mover feature to transfer contacts and files.
On the Mi Account Login screen, click Create an Account (if you don’t already have one) or Sign in if you’ve already used Xiaomi services (for example, bought gadgets through the Mi Store). If you choose to skip this step, some features (for example, Find Device for finding your phone) will not be available.
☑️ What to check on the first switch on
Registration of Mi Account: detailed instructions
Mi Account is a single account for all Xiaomi devices and services, without it you will not be able to use cloud storage, the GetApps app store, and you will lose the ability to remotely lock your phone when you steal. Registration takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires attention to detail.
To create an account:
- On the login screen, click Create an account.
- Select the method of registration: 📧 Email (recommended for reliability) 📱 Phone number (convenient but less secure)
- For email: provide a valid address (e.g. example)@gmail.com) and create a password (minimum) 8 symbols, with capital letters and numbers).
- For phone: enter the number in the international format (for example, +79123456789) and wait SMS coded.
- Confirm registration by clicking on the link in the letter or entering the code from SMS.
- Create a nickname (you can change it later in your account settings).
In some cases (especially for devices purchased in China), it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader, which is necessary for the installation of global firmware.
- 🔗 Account-to-device binding (minimum 3 days of use).
- 📱 Unlock requests via Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it on the official website).
- 🔑 Confirmations on SMS email.
- Create a new password and save it in a safe place (such as a password manager).
For models from China ROM (In this case, updating through the standard menu may not work:
- Download the global firmware for your model from the official Miui Download website.
- Move the firmware file (.zip format) to the root folder of internal memory.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
After the update, optimize the system:
- 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Cleanup.
- 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.
- 📱 Set up auto-run applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-Run (turn off auto-Run for unnecessary programs).
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Updating your firmware through the official menu is the safest way to do so, and avoid third-party “custom” firmware if you’re not sure of its origin: it could result in your account being blocked or your warranty lost.
Registration in Xiaomi services: what else you need to configure
In addition to Mi Account, Xiaomi’s ecosystem includes a number of useful services that should be activated after you register your device.
1. Mi Cloud:
Cloud storage for backups, photos and documents.
- Activated in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
- Free 5 GB, additional space can be bought (from 100 GB per ~300 rubles per year).
2. Find Device:
Allows you to find the phone on the map, block or erase data remotely.
- Included in Settings → Xiaomi account → Find Device.
- To work, you need access to geolocation and mobile Internet.
3. Mi Home:
- Application for managing Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, sensors).
- Download from Google Play or GetApps, then add devices via Add Device → Select a category.
4. GetApps:
- Xiaomi's branded app store with exclusive themes and utilities.
- Already preinstalled on the phone, updated through Settings → Annexes → GetApps.
5. Mi Community:
- The official forum of Xiaomi users, where you can ask questions and download firmware.
- Available by reference: https://c.mi.com/.
For convenience, you can sync Mi Account with other services:
- 📱 Google Account: Add to Settings → Accounts. → Add an account → Google to Access Play Market and Gmail.
- 💬 Social Media: Link Facebook, VK Telegram for quick access to applications.
- 🎵 Streaming services: log in to Spotify, YouTube Music or Yandex Music for personal recommendations.
Frequent mistakes and their solution
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, users sometimes encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
1.The phone is not activated, writes "Device locked"
Reason: The previous owner did not untie the account or the device is listed as stolen.
Decision:
Contact the seller with a request to untie the account.
If the connection is lost, provide Xiaomi support check purchase and a photo of the box with the serial number.
2 Doesn't come. SMS or letter to confirm the account
Cause: problems on the operator or mail service side, or number/email misintroduced.
Decision:
- Check the spam folder in the mail.
Try using a different email or number.
- If SMS Not coming, request a call with a confirmation code.
3. Google services do not work after registration
Reason: Chinese firmware is installed on the phone (China) ROM), where Google services are blocked.
Decision:
Install global firmware through Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).
- Or manually download and install the Google Services Framework (APK-file).
4.The system requires a wait of 72 hours to unlock the bootloader
Xiaomi has introduced a delay to protect against theft.
Decision:
Wait 3 days, actively using the phone (call, install apps).
Try repeating the unlock request via the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Cannot log into Mi Account after resetting settings
The reason: the phone is linked to another account.
Decision:
If this is your account, restore access through the recovery page.
If the account of the previous owner, contact the support with proof of purchase.
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If you are buying Xiaomi abroad, check if the model supports the desired frequencies. LTE For your carrier, for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ 5G China may not be able to work with the Russians SIM-full-speed mapping.