Owning a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is inextricably linked to using the manufacturer’s cloud ecosystem. Many users face the need to change their account: when buying a used gadget, after changing the region of residence or in the case of a password compromise. The process of changing a profile requires care, since Mi Account is the key to the security of your data and the functionality of the device.
Incorrect replacement can lead to locking the device or loss of important photos and contacts. In this article, we will discuss how to properly untie the old profile, register a new one and safely transfer all information, avoiding typical synchronization errors.
Before you start active actions, you need to clearly understand the difference between simply logging out and completely deleting your account. Simply switching a user to the Settings → Mi Account menu is often not enough to completely clear the traces of the previous owner if the Find Device feature is enabled.
Deleting an old account is a critical step that frees the smartphone from being tied to security servers. If you skip this step, the new owner or user will not be able to fully use the device, and when you reset the settings, the device can request a password from the previous owner.
- 🔒 Completely cleansing binding to the Mi Cloud cloud storage.
- 📱 Removing activation block after flashing or resetting.
- 🔄 Ability to link the device to a new email or phone number.
It is worth noting that the deletion procedure may vary depending on the version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. In some cases, the system may require a password to confirm the operation, which is a standard measure of protection against theft.
The process of registering a new profile requires an up-to-date phone number or email address. It is important that the data is available to you at the time of registration, as it will be accompanied by a confirmation code. You can create a new Mi Account directly on your smartphone or through the web interface.
When you create a profile on your device, the system will automatically prompt you to enter your phone number, if you are not in the country of registration. SIM-If you're going to change the country code in the drop-down list, it's a common error that causes the confirmation code to simply not come in.
☑️ Preparation for registration
After entering the number and receiving SMS-You will be asked to create a password, and the password should contain letters and numbers to improve security, and do not use simple combinations, as this account will be linked to payment data and personal photos.
The final step is to adopt a user agreement, read the data collection clauses carefully if privacy is your priority, and once you sign up, you will have access to the theme store, the cloud, and other ecosystem services.
The most difficult step is to transfer data correctly from your old account to a new one or clean it up. If you have access to your old profile, it is best to use the built-in Mi Migration app or cloud sync before logging out.
If the old account is owned by the previous owner and is not accessible, the situation becomes more complicated: you will need physical access to the device and possibly contact customer support with a purchase check to confirm ownership.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy Xiaomi smartphones with your hands if the seller can't untie the device from your Mi Account.The risk of getting a "brick" after resetting is 99%.
The easiest way to move contacts and calendars is to sync with your old Google account, then log in to your new Mi profile and enable Google sync again, a universal method that works regardless of the MIUI version.
Media files like photos and videos take up the most space, and it is best to copy them to a computer or external drive before cleaning, since when you delete an old account, cloud data may not be available.
What to do if your old account is blocked?
Once the old account is deleted and the new one is created, check the security status of the device. Go to the Security section and make sure that there are no extra gadgets in the list of trusted devices.
It is recommended to set up two-factor authentication for the new profile immediately, which will add an additional layer of protection: even if an attacker learns your password, he will not be able to log in without the code from an SMS or an authenticator application.
| Parameter | Old account. | New account | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone tethering | It takes a junction. | Required. | Use the current number |
| Cloud storage | Clear the data | Enable synchronization | 5GB free of charge |
| Find the device. | Turn it off. | Turn on | Critical for safety |
| Payment data | Delete the map | Add again | Only after checking. |
It is also worth checking subscriptions if they were issued through Mi Credit. Unsubscribing from unnecessary services will prevent debiting funds from the associated card in the future.
Users often encounter errors when trying to delete an account, the most common being a message that the device is linked to another account, which means that Find the Device is active.
To solve the problem, you need to enter the Mi Account settings, find the "Find device" item and switch the switch to the "Off" position. The system will request a password from the current account for confirmation.
💡
If the smartphone is not connected to the Internet, it will not be able to check the status of the account on the server.
Another common problem is IP blocking or login attempts, which may be worth waiting 24 hours or trying to do something from another network connection, such as using mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi.
If nothing works, you may need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. However, this is an extreme measure that requires an unlocked bootloader, which in itself can be difficult without access to an old account.
💡
The main security rule: always untie your old account through the settings menu before selling or transferring your phone to another person.
After a successful account change, you need to update all system applications. Go to Apps → App Updates and run a check, which ensures that the services of the new account will work correctly.
Don't forget to check the cloud gallery. If you've enabled sync, your new photos will start uploading to the new profile cloud, and make sure you choose the quality compression or original, depending on the amount of free space.
⚠️ Note: When you delete an old account, all data stored exclusively in the Mi Cloud (notes, voice recorder, old photos) will be irretrievably lost if you do not back up them in advance.
Now your smartphone is fully ready to use with a new owner or a new profile, change passwords regularly and keep an eye out for login notifications.