Xiaomi Account: What it is, why you need it and how to use it

Every Xiaomi smartphone, fitness bracelet or smart device owner will eventually have to create a Xiaomi account, a single account that connects the entire brand ecosystem. But why do you need one when the phone already works without registration? It turns out that without Mi Account, you lose access to key features, from cloud backup to managing a smart home through Mi Home. Moreover, without an account, some devices (for example, electric scooters or robot vacuum cleaners) may refuse to turn on at all after resets.

In this article, we will go into detail what Xiaomi’s account is, what it offers, how to create, link and restore access, and focus on hidden features that are not written about in official instructions – for example, how you can remotely lock a stolen smartphone or transfer data from an old Redmi to a new one, if you just bought a Xiaomi, Poco or Black Shark device – this information will save you hours to find solutions to problems.

What is a Xiaomi account (Mi Account) and how it differs from other accounts

Xiaomi Account (officially called Mi Account) is a universal account that works across all devices and services in the brand ecosystem. ID For Apple or Google Account for Android, but with a key difference: Mi Account is deeply integrated not only into smartphones, but also into smart appliances – from Yeelight light bulbs to Ninebot electric bikes.

The main features of the Mi Account:

• 🔑 Single Login – one login and password for all Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark devices.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage – 5GB free for backups, photos and documents (with the option of expansion).
• 📱 Remote control – locking, searching or resetting a smartphone through i.mi.com.
• 🏠 Smart Home Center – Manage all Mi Home devices through one app.
• 🔄 Data synchronization – Contacts, notes, and call history are automatically transferred to the new device.

It is important to understand that Mi Account is not the same as:

• 📌 Local user profile on your smartphone (it is created automatically when you first turn on, but not tied to the cloud).
• 📌 Google Account – You need it to access Play Market and Gmail, but does not manage Xiaomi features.
• 📌 Mi Community account – a user forum where devices are discussed, but it does not give access to the cloud or settings.

Without Mi Account, you can use your smartphone as a normal Android device, but you will lose access to Xiaomi’s branded chips: for example, you will not be able to use Dual Applications (cloning messengers), Mode for children or Mi Share File Transfer.

Why you need a Xiaomi account: 7 key features

Many users mistakenly believe that Mi Account is only for downloading themes from the Mi Theme Store, but it actually performs much more important tasks. Here are 7 reasons why you should sign up even if you don’t use a smart home:

1. Backup and restore data. Without an account, when you reset your settings, you will lose all contacts, SMS With Mi Account, you just need to log into a new smartphone and all the information will be automatically pulled up.
2. Search and lock stolen devices: i.mi.com allows you to see the latest location of your smartphone, lock it, or erase data remotely.
3. Unlock bootloader: Without a tied Mi Account, you can’t officially unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware.
4. Air firmware updates (OTA). Some updates MIUI Only available for devices with a linked account.
5. Without the Mi Account, you won’t be able to add devices to the Mi Home or set up automation (like turning on the light bulb when you open the door).
6. Notes and reminders synchronized: Mi Notes and Calendar stores data in the cloud, not just on the device.
7. Access to exclusive features, such as Game Turbo on Black Shark or Super Wallpapers in the U.S. MIUI 12+ require authorization.

There are less obvious advantages, for example, through Mi Account you can:

• 🔧 Remotely install the app on your smartphone from your computer via i.mi.com.
• 📊 View device usage statistics (screen time, battery charge).
• 🔄 Transfer data between devices without cable via Mi Mover.

💡

If you are selling a Xiaomi smartphone, be sure to untie it from the Mi Account in the settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device after the reset!

How to create a Xiaomi account: step-by-step instructions

There are three ways to register Mi Account: via smartphone, website or Mi Home app.

Method 1: Registration via smartphone (the easiest)

1. Open the Settings. → Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account).
2. Click Create an Account.
3. Choose a country (importantly, some features depend on the region).
4. Enter your phone number or email (both are better for reliability).
5. Create a password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
6. Confirm registration by SMS or letter.
7. Fill out the profile (name, date of birth – not necessary, but will help with the recovery).

Method 2: Registration via account.xiaomi.com

This is good if you don’t have a Xiaomi smartphone, but you’re planning to buy it:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Select Sign Up (Sign Up).
3. Please indicate the country (e.g. Russia or Global).
4. Enter your email or phone number.
5. Fill out the capcha and confirm the registration.

Method 3: Through the Mi Home app

It is important for smart home users:

1. Download Mi Home from the Play Market or App Store.
2. When you first start, select Register.
3. Follow the instructions (similar to method 1).

Added backup email|Phone number connected|Two-factor confirmation enabled|Data synchronization enabled|The device is tied to the account-->

After registration, it is mandatory to:

• 🔐 Set up two-factor authentication (in account settings).
• 📧 Add a backup email to restore.
• 📱 Tie the main device (smartphone or tablet).

How to link your device to your Xiaomi account

Simply registering an account is not enough, you need to link a device to it, it protects your data and allows you to use all the features of the Mi Account.

Tethering a smartphone or tablet

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable Data Sync and Find the Device.
3. In the Devices section, check that your smartphone is displayed as Primary.

Linking a smart device (lamps, robot vacuum cleaner, etc.)

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Press + → Add the device.
3. Select a category (e.g. Lighting for a light bulb).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually connect the device to Wi-Fi).
5. Once added, the device will automatically be linked to your Mi Account.

If the device is not tethered:

• 🔌 Check that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi as the smartphone.
• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 📱 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.

💡

If you sell or give a Xiaomi device, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account in the settings, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use fully (for example, a robot vacuum cleaner will require your password to set up).

How to Restore Your Xiaomi Account If You Forgot Your Password

Forgetting your Mi Account password is a common problem, especially if you've been in the past, and fortunately, you can re-establish it in a number of ways, and the key is not to try to re-set your password, otherwise your account will be locked for 24 hours.

Method 1: Recovery via email

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Press Forgot Your Password?
3. Choose Restore via email.
4. Enter the address associated with the account.
5. Check your email – a letter should come with a link to reset your password.

Method 2: Recovery through phone number

1. On the recovery page, select Restore via SMS.
2. Enter the number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm receipt of SMS with code.
4. Come up with a new password.

Method 3: If you do not have access to email and phone

In this case, you will need to contact Xiaomi in support:

1. Go to feedback.mi.com.
2. Choose Mi Account. → Restoration of access.
3. Fill out the form by specifying: Name and surname from the profile; Approximate registration date; Device models associated with the account; Last 4 digits of the associated bank card (if any).

Attach screenshots or checks confirming possession of the devices.

Wait for the support response (usually 1-3 days).

⚠️ Attention! Never buy Mi Account unlock from third parties. Fraudsters often ask for payment for alleged official recovery, but in fact they just steal your data.

Hidden features of Xiaomi account, which few people know

Most users use Mi Account only to back up or search for their phone, but it has hidden features that can make life a lot easier.

1. Remote control of the smartphone via i.mi.com

On i.mi.com (the web version of Mi Cloud) you can:

• 📍 View the location of the device on the map.
• 🔒 Lock the phone with a new password set.
• 🗑️ Washing all data (useful for theft).
• 🔊 Turn on the beep (if the phone is lost at home).
• 📱 Install applications remotely.

2. Data transfer between devices without cable

Mi Mover (available in Settings) → Further) allows:

• 📲 Transfer contacts, photos, videos and applications from the old smartphone to the new.
• 🔄 Transfer Wi-Fi settings and accounts.
• 🎮 Copy game data (e.g., progress in Genshin Impact).

It works even between different brands (for example, Samsung on Xiaomi).

3. backup to the cloud without a PC connection

B Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup copying is possible:

• ☁️ Save. SMS, Call history, notes.
• 📁 Archive photos and videos in original quality.
• 🎵 Reserve music and documents.

Free 5 GB, but you can buy space (for example, 200 GB for a room). ~1000 rubles per year).

4 Remote management of a smart home

With Mi Home or Xiaomi Home, you can:

• 🏠 Turn on/off light bulbs or sockets from anywhere in the world.
• 🤖 Start cleaning with a robot vacuum cleaner on schedule.
• 🌡️ View data from temperature or humidity sensors.
• 🚪 Receive notifications when opening a door or window (if there are sensors).

5. Hidden regime for children with parental control

B Settings → Special facilities → Regime for children is possible:

• 👶 Limit the time of using the smartphone.
• 🎮 Block games or individual applications.
• 👀 View the child’s history of actions.

Activation requires a binding to the Mi Account.

💡

If you’re using a Xiaomi smart home, set up two-factor authentication for Mi Account.This will protect your devices from being hacked – for example, attackers won’t be able to turn on your camera or open a smart lock even if they learn the password.

Frequent Xiaomi account issues and how to fix them

Even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with Mi Accounts. TOP-5 problems and solutions:

⚠️ If you bought a used Xiaomi smartphone and it requires the data input of the previous Mi Account after reset, do not try to bypass the lock through bypassing. FRP". This can result in a complete lock of the device (brick). contact the seller for account details or return the phone.

If none of the solutions worked, contact support with a detailed description of the problem.

• Screenshot of the error;
• Model of the device;
• The MIUI version (in Settings → About the phone).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Account