Xiaomi Account: Everything you need to know in 2026

If you own a smartphone, a fitness bracelet or another Xiaomi device, you will eventually have to create a Xiaomi account (aka Mi Account), a service that has become an integral part of the brand ecosystem — without it, you can’t use many functions, from cloud backup to smart home management. But what exactly does this account give, how to set it up correctly, and what pitfalls can a user expect?

In this article, we will cover all aspects of Mi Account, from registration and authorization to restoration of access and solving typical problems. We will focus on the innovations of 2026, including changes in privacy policy and new synchronization capabilities between devices. If you have just purchased a Xiaomi gadget or have been using it for a long time, but still haven’t figured out your account, this guide is for you.

What is a Xiaomi account and why is it necessary?

Mi Account is a single account that links all Xiaomi devices and services into one ecosystem. ID For Apple or Google Account for Android, but with unique brand features, without that account, you're not able to access the service:

• 📱 Cloud storage Mi Cloud – backup of contacts, photos, notes and application data.
• 🔄 Synchronizations between devices – for example, transferring files from a smartphone to a Xiaomi laptop or managing a smart home through the Mi Home app.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader – without a tied account, it is impossible to officially unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones.
• 🛡️ Security features – search for lost device, remote lock or clean up data.
• 🎁 Exclusive offers – discounts in the brand store, early access to beta versions of firmware.

Moreover, since 2023, Xiaomi has been actively integrating artificial intelligence into its services, such as the Mi Cloud, which introduced the feature of automatic sorting of photos by person and place, and the Mi Home – voice control of smart devices via XiaoAI (Chinese equivalent of Alice or Siri), without an account, these features will not be available.

Important: from January 1, 2026, Xiaomi obliged users to link an account to the device within 7 days after the first activation, otherwise some functions (for example, updating firmware over the air) will be blocked.

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

You can create a Mi Account in a number of ways: through your smartphone, website or Mi Home app, and we’ll look at the most universal method, which is registration through the official website, as it works even if you don’t already have a Xiaomi device.

Step 1. Go to account.xiaomi.com (opens in a new tab). Select your country of residence, which is important for the correct operation of services. For Russia and CIS countries, it is recommended to specify Russia or Global (not China, otherwise you may have problems accessing some functions).

Step 2. Enter a valid email or phone number. Please note:

• 📧 Any address (Gmail, Yandex, Mail.ru, etc.) will be suitable for email, but it must be active – a confirmation letter will come to it.
• 📱 If you use a phone number, make sure it is not tied to another Xiaomi account.Also check if your country is supported - some CIS carriers may not pass through SMS-verification.

Step 3: Create a strong password. Requirements for it:

• 🔐 Minimum length: 8 characters.
• 🔢 Must contain at least one capital letter, number and special character (!, @, #, etc.).
• 🚫 You can not use simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.

Indicate the real country of residence

Use the current email/phone

Create a complex password

Save data for recovery-->

Step 4: Confirm registration via email or SMS. If the email doesn't arrive, check the Spam folder or request a resubmission. Once confirmed, it will redirect you to your personal account - registration is complete!

⚠️ Warning: Never use a temporary email or number to register for a Mi Account. In case of loss of access, it will be impossible to restore an account, and devices associated with it may be blocked.

How to link Xiaomi account to your device

Creating an account is only half the battle, and to use all the features, you need to tie it to your smartphone, tablet, or other Xiaomi gadget. MIUI (relevant to versions 12–14).

Method 1: First-induction binding

If you have just bought a new device, the system will prompt you to log in at the initial setup stage.

1. Select Log in to Mi Account.
2. Enter your email/phone and password.
3. Confirm the login via SMS or email (if required).
4. Allow data synchronization (it is recommended to include all items).

Method 2: Linking through settings (if the account has not been added earlier)

Go to Settings. → Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account in older versions) MIUI). Click Login and enter your details. If you have forgotten your password, use the recovery function (more on this in the Problem Solving section).

After successful anchoring, your avatar will appear at the top of the screen and email/phone, now you can:

• 🔄 Sync contacts, notes and photos with Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Remotely manage your device via the web version of i.mi.com.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (if necessary to install custom firmware).

💡

If you have multiple Xiaomi devices (such as a smartphone and a fitness bracelet), link them to one account, making it easier to manage and sync data between gadgets.

Xiaomi Account Opportunities: What to Do with Mi Account

Mi Account is not just a way to log in, but a full-fledged management center for the Xiaomi ecosystem. Let’s look at the key features that open up after registration and binding of the device.

1.Mi Cloud Cloud Storage

Each user is provided with 5 GB of free cloud (previously 10 GB, but from 2023 the limit has been reduced), which can store:

• 📸 Photos and videos (with automatic backup).
• 📞 Contacts and call logs.
• 📝 Notes from the Mi Notes app.
• 📁 Backup copies of system settings and application data.

To enable automatic synchronization, go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and activate the right items. Note: photos in original quality take up a lot of space. If 5 GB is not enough, you can buy additional space (prices start from 100 rubles per month for 50 GB).

Remote control of the device

If you lost your smartphone or it was stolen, you can use the Mi Cloud web panel to:

• 📍 Determine its location on the map (if enabled) GPS).
• 🔊 Turn on the loud signal (useful if the phone is lost at home).
• 🔒 Lock the device with a new password set.
• 🗑️ Delete all data (full reset to factory settings).

⚠️ Note: Remote management only works if the device is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi, and the option to Find the device in the account settings is activated.

3. Synchronization between devices

One of the most useful features of the Mi Account is the ability to instantly transfer files between Xiaomi gadgets.

• 📲 Send a photo from your smartphone to your Xiaomi laptop via Mi Share (similar to AirDrop).
• 🎵 Continue to listen to music on another device (if you use Mi Music).
• 📋 Synchronize the clipboard between the phone and tablet.

To do this, both devices must be linked to the same account and connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or mobile Internet). MIUI 12 and newer.

4.Managing a smart home

If you have smart light bulbs, sockets, robot vacuum cleaner or other Xiaomi gadgets, they can be combined into one system through the Mi Home app. Mi Account here acts as a central hub:

• 🏠 Manage devices from anywhere in the world (if connected to Wi-Fi).
• 🤖 Set up automation (for example, if the motion sensor is triggered, turn on the lights").
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Provide access to management for other family members.

Without an account, Mi Home will only work locally (i.e., devices can only be managed from the home network).

5. Access to beta versions of firmware

Xiaomi is regularly testing new versions MIUI And it's a smart device firmware. To be a beta tester, you need to be a beta tester:

1. Link the device to the Mi Account.
2. Go to the c.mi.com forum and submit an application in the relevant section.
3. Wait for approval (usually takes 1-3 days).

Participation in beta gives you early access to new features, but it can be bug-related. Be careful!

Xiaomi Account Security: How to Protect Your Data

Because Mi Account stores access to personal data, photos, and even smart home management, its security is critical. Xiaomi regularly updates security systems, but the user should also follow (basic rules).

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

It's the main way to protect against hacking. 2FA:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Choose a two-step check.
3. Link your phone number or install an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy).

After that, at each entrance from the new device, you will need to enter not only a password, but also a one-time code.

2. Check out active sessions

If you notice suspicious activity (such as logins from unknown devices), check the active session list:

1. Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Device management.
2. Remove all unfamiliar devices.
3. Change your password (just in case).

3. Set up backup recovery methods

If you lose access to the main email/It's going to be hard to get your account back on the phone:

• 📧 Add a backup email in your account settings.
• 🔐 Save backup codes for 2FA (They can be generated in the security settings).
• 📄 Take a screenshot or print the data for recovery (but keep it in a safe place!).

⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer a Xiaomi device to another person, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account. → The phone. → Reset settings) and select the option to Delete account.

Typical Xiaomi account problems and their solution

Even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with Mi Account, and let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

1 Doesn't come. SMS letter

If you do not receive a confirmation code when registering or restoring access:

• 📵 Check if your number is blocked by the operator for international SMS (Sometimes the codes come from short Xiaomi numbers from China).
• 📧 For email, check the Spam or Promotion folder.
• ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes codes come with a delay.
• 🔄 Try to request the code again (but not more than 3 times in a row, otherwise the account may be temporarily blocked).

If nothing helps, try registering with another email or number.

2.The account is blocked

Xiaomi may block an account for several reasons:

• 🔓 Suspicious activity (repeated attempts to enter from different locations) IP).
• 📵 Violation of the rules of use (for example, mass spam through Mi Cloud).
• 🕵️ Suspicion of fraud (if the account was used to sell devices with a blocked bootloader).

To unlock the account:

1. Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/retrieve.
2. Select an Account blocked and follow the instructions.
3. Prepare to provide scans of documents (passport, check for the purchase of the device) - this may be required for verification.

The unlocking process can take from a few hours to 7 days.

3. Cannot log in to your account after resetting your phone

If you reset your device but you don't untie it from your Mi Account, the next time you turn on, the system may require you to enter your previous owner's data, which is anti-theft protection, but sometimes it works after a legal reset.

Decisions:

• 🔑 If you are the owner, enter your data from Mi Account and the lock will be removed.
• 📄 If you have a handheld device, ask the seller to untie it from your account remotely (via i.mi.com).
• 📞 If the seller is not available – contact Xiaomi with a check to buy.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a Xiaomi device with your hands, always check if it is untied from the previous owner's Mi Account. Otherwise, you risk getting a brick after resetting!

4. Error "The device is already linked to another account"

This problem often occurs when buying used phones or after an incorrect reset.

• 🔄 Try logging into the previous owner’s account and untie the device manually.
• 📧 If it is not possible to contact the seller, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, contract).
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, you can try to unlock the bootloader through Fastboot, but this requires technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty.

💡

If you buy a Xiaomi device with your hands, be sure to check its status through the service of originality verification.

How to Delete Xiaomi Account Permanently

If you have decided to part with the Xiaomi ecosystem or simply no longer use the brand’s devices, you can completely delete the Mi Account.

• 🗑️ All data from Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, notes) will be permanently deleted.
• 📱 Devices will no longer sync with the cloud.
• 🔓 You will lose access to Mi Store purchases and subscriptions.

If you are ready for this, follow the instructions:

1. Go to account deletion page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/del.
2. Sign in to your account (if not authorized).
3. Confirm the deletion via email or SMS.
4. Enter the reason for deleting (optional) and click Confirm.

The deletion process takes up to 30 days, during which time you can cancel the action by logging in to your account, and after the expiration of the deadline, all data will be erased without the possibility of recovery.

Important: Before deleting your account, untie all devices and save important data (photos, contacts) elsewhere.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi account