How to change your Google account settings on Xiaomi Android smartphones: a complete guide

A Google account on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to log in to services, but also a central control center for data synchronization, security and device personalization, but many users have difficulty trying to change the settings of this account: Somewhere the settings are hidden in the depths MIUI, Some of the options require additional authentication, and some are blocked by the manufacturer. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to edit the settings of the Google account on Xiaomi, including hidden shell functions. MIUI circumvention.

Feature of Xiaomi smartphones - their firmware MIUI, It's a system that puts its own restrictions on standard Android settings, like some versions. MIUI There is no direct access to Google Sync management through system settings, and security sections can be duplicated in different menus, we will show you how to find these options even if they are hidden, and explain what changes may require a password reset or confirmation by the user. SMS.

Why is it difficult to change your Google account settings on Xiaomi?

Firmware MIUI It's known for its aggressive approach to optimizing and customizing Android, and it's also about working with Google accounts:

  • πŸ”’ Dual authorization: MIUI Not only can you confirm your Google password, but you can also PIN-Code/fingerprint of the device when changing critical parameters.
  • πŸ“± Hidden menus: Some options (such as managing backups) are hidden in Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Backup, not in the account section.
  • πŸ”„ Synchronization conflict: MIUI It has its own cloud backup system (Mi Cloud) that can block changes to Google’s settings.
  • πŸ“Ά Regional restrictions: On devices for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM) Some Google services are disabled by default.

In addition, after the updates MIUI The location of menu items may change. MIUI Section 14 "Accounts and Synchronization" moved from Settings β†’ Memory in Settings β†’ Google, which baffles users accustomed to the old structure.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI You're using it?
MIUI 12 or older
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
MIUI 15 (Android 14)
I don't know.

How to access Google account settings on Xiaomi

There are three main ways to change your Google account settings on Xiaomi:

  1. Through system settings MIUI β€” standard method, but with nuances of location of points.
  2. Through the application "Google" - an alternative way if the system settings are blocked.
  3. Through the web interface myaccount.google.com – a universal method that works even when crashes MIUI.

Let’s consider each of them in detail, taking into account the features of different versions of the firmware.

Method 1: Through MIUI settings

This is the most logical way, but its implementation depends on the version. MIUI:

  • πŸ“Œ MIUI 12/13: Go to Settings. β†’ Memory. β†’ Backup β†’ Google accounts.
  • πŸ“Œ MIUI 14+: Open the Settings. β†’ Google β†’ Managing a Google Account.
  • πŸ“Œ For Chinese firmware: Use the settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Language and input β†’ Install Google Services (requires manual installation of Google Play Services).

If the β€œGoogle” section is not in the settings, it can mean:

  • 🚫 The device is not certified by Google (check Settings). β†’ The phone. β†’ Status of certification).
  • πŸ”„ Google Services disabled in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Google Play Services.
  • πŸ“± Installed modified firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU), where the partition moved.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About the phone

Update Google Play Services to Play Market

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (some changes require internet connection)

Battery charge > 20% (to avoid resetting when authenticating)-->

Method 2: Through the Google app

If the system settings do not give access, use the official application:

  1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter "G" on a colored background).
  2. Slip on the account avatar in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Manage Google Account.
  4. Go to Security, Privacy or Data and Personalization depending on the purpose.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices, the Google app may be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Google and click Enable.

Method 3: Through the web version of myaccount.google.com

A universal method that works even when failures MIUI:

  1. Open a browser (such as Google Chrome or Mi Browser).
  2. Go to myaccount.google.com.
  3. Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
  4. Change the necessary settings (password, two-factor authentication, activity history, etc.).

This method is particularly useful if:

  • πŸ” MIUI Blocks system-level changes (e.g. when you try to delete an account).
  • πŸ“΅ No mobile internet access, but there is Wi-Fi on another device.
  • πŸ”„ Requires a massive change in parameters (e.g., clearing search history).

πŸ’‘

If you see an error when you log in to myaccount.google.com, "This device is not recognized", confirm the login via the SMS Or backup email. MIUI Sometimes false alarms are triggered by protection against unfamiliar devices.

What Google Account Settings Can You Change to Xiaomi?

Here are the main parameters that are available for editing:

CategoryWhat can be changedMIUI restrictions
SecurityPassword, two-factor authentication, devices with accessWhen changing the password, you may need to re-enter data in the Mi Account
SynchronizationContacts, calendar, Gmail, photos (Google Photos)MIUI can block background synchronization if the power saving mode is enabled
ConfidentialitySearch history, location history, personalized advertisingChinese firmware may not have location history
PaymentsPayment methods on Google Play, subscriptionsWhen changing payment data, confirmation is required SMS
Backup copiesAutomatically save application data in Google DriveMIUI Creates backups in Mi Cloud, which can cause conflicts

Particular attention should be paid to synchronization: MIUI It often turns off automatically to save battery power. To avoid this, go to Settings. β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Select Battery Mode and Set Without Limits for Google Play Services.

How to turn on or off Google sync on Xiaomi?

Synchronizing data between your device and your Google account is one of the most popular features, but it works with nuances on Xiaomi. Here's how to manage it:

Synchronization activation

  1. Open Settings β†’ Google β†’ Manage your Google account.
  2. Go to the Data and Personalization tab.
  3. Press Data Sync.
  4. Activate the switches next to the services you need (Contacts, Calendar, Chrome, etc.).

If the item "Data Synchronization" is not:

  • πŸ”„ Restart the device – sometimes MIUI hides the option due to cache failure.
  • πŸ“₯ Update Google Play Services to Play Market.
  • πŸ”§ Set manual synchronization mode in Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google β†’ Account settings β†’ Synchronize now.

Shutting down synchronization

To disable synchronization for individual services:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Google.
  2. Select your account.
  3. Click Account Sync.
  4. Turn off unnecessary switches (such as Contacts or Google Photos).

⚠️ Note: If you disable Contact Sync, all phone numbers saved in Google will disappear from the Xiaomi phone book, but remain in the Gmail web version. To return them, turn on the sync back and wait for the update (it can take up to 10 minutes).

What to do if the synchronization is not working?
If the data is not updated after synchronization is enabled: 1. Check the Internet connection (synchronization works only with an active connection). 2. Make sure that in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Play Services has no restrictions on background activity. 3. Clear the cache of the Google Play Services app (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Google Play Services β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache). 4. Restart the device - sometimes MIUI Blocks synchronization after a long period of operation.

Change password and restore access to Google account

If you forgot your password or want to update it, you can do it in several ways on Xiaomi – but with the specifics in mind. MIUI.

Changing password through phone settings

  1. Open Settings β†’ Google β†’ Manage your Google account.
  2. Go to the Security tab.
  3. Press the password and follow the instructions on the screen.

After the password change MIUI may require:

  • πŸ” Re-entry PIN-Fingerprint or code to verify identity.
  • πŸ“± Reboot your device (if your account is linked to your Mi Account).
  • πŸ”„ Re-authorization in Google services (Play Market, Gmail, etc.).

Restoration of access when password is lost

If you don't remember the password:

  1. On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (if the device is locked).
  2. Or go to Google’s recovery page from another device.
  3. Confirm your identity via backup email or phone.
  4. Create a new password.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with Device Protection enabled (in Settings) β†’ Google β†’ Security: After changing your password, you may need a 72-hour lock to unlock your phone, which is a security measure against theft, and cannot be undo.

πŸ’‘

If you often forget passwords, set up a backup email and phone in your Google account beforehand. On Xiaomi, you can do this in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Account management β†’ Personal data.

Deleting Google account with Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Deleting a Google account from a Xiaomi device is a precautionary procedure, unlike other manufacturers, MIUI Can block deletion if the account is:

  • πŸ”’ It is the main one (linked to the Mi Account).
  • πŸ“± Used to activate the device (on some models).
  • πŸ”„ Has active subscriptions in the Play Market.

To delete the account:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Google.
  2. Select the account you want to delete.
  3. Click Delete Account (in some versions) MIUI This item is called Disable).
  4. Confirm the action by entering PIN-device-code.

If the Delete Account button is inactive:

  • πŸ“Œ Make sure there are no active administrator devices on the device (check Settings). β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Device administrators).
  • πŸ”§ Turn off Device Protection in Google Settings (if enabled).
  • πŸ”„ Reset your settings to factory settings (this will delete ALL accounts, including Mi Account!).

- Contacts: Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Exports

Photo: Use Google Photos to backup

- Notes: sync with Google Keep-->

Solving common problems with Google account on Xiaomi

Xiaomi users often encounter common mistakes when working with a Google account.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Cannot add a Google accountNo Google Play Services or no certified deviceInstall Google Installer from the Mi App Store or check for certification in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Certification
Constantly asking for a passwordMi Account conflict or synchronization failureDelete your account and add it again or reset your Google Play Services settings
Contacts are not synchronizedRestriction of background activity in MIUITurn off power saving for Contacts and Google Play Services
Error "Device is not compatible"Unofficial firmware installedPlease Sign Up for Official Global ROM Or get root rights to bypass the restriction

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
  2. Confirm the action (this will remove stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections).
  3. Restart your device and try adding your account again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a Google account on Xiaomi

Can I use a Google account without a Mi Account on Xiaomi?
On most Xiaomi devices (except the Chinese versions), Mi Account is not required for Google services, but without it you will lose access to branded features. MIUI, These are Mi Cloud, Theme Store and some system updates. To only use Google Account: When you first set up your phone, skip creating Mi Account (click Skip or Later). Add your Google account to Settings β†’ Accounts. Disable unnecessary services MIUI In Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management. Important: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Without Mi Account, many functions will be blocked.
Why did Google change its password and stop using push notifications?
It's a typical problem. MIUI, This is because the system links notifications to the security tokens of the account, and when you change the password, those tokens are reset. β†’ Annexes β†’ App management. Find Google Play Services and click Clear Cache. Restart your device. Run any Google app (like Gmail) and wait for the reauthorization. If notifications don't recover, check the battery settings: in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Selecting a Battery Mode for Google Play Services must be set to No Limits.
How to transfer data from one Google account to another to Xiaomi?
MIUI There is no built-in tool for transferring data between Google accounts, but you can do it manually: Contacts: Export them to a file VCF via Contact β†’ Settings β†’ Export, then import to a new account.Photo: Use Google Photos to back up to your old account, then manually upload them to your new one.Photos: On Google Keep, open a note β†’ Copy to another account. Other data: For calendars, mail and documents, export through the web version of the services (calendar.google.com, mail.google.com, etc.). ⚠️ Note: When transferring data between accounts, some tags and categories (such as contact groups) may not be saved.
Can I disable the mandatory binding to the Google account when resetting Xiaomi?
On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, after resetting to factory settings, the system may require the data of the last used Google account (this is called the "Google Account") to be entered. FRP-It is not legally possible to circumvent this requirement, but you can: πŸ”‘ Enter the same account that was linked before the reset. πŸ“± If you forget your data, restore access through Google’s recovery page. πŸ”§ If your device is not restored, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase to unlock. FRP-locking using informal methods (for example, firmware) can lead to loss of warranty and inoperability of the device.
Why Xiaomi does not work on authorization in Google services through the browser?
This is a problem that is common in Chinese firmware (China). ROM) or devices without Google certification. To fix: Check the device certification in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Certification: If not certified, install Google Installer from the Mi App Store. Update Google Play Services and Google Chrome to the latest version. Clear your browser cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ browser β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear cache. Try logging in incognito (this bypasses some restrictions) MIUI). If nothing works, it may have a modified firmware installed on the device, in which case it requires the firmware of the official Global. ROM.