Forgot the Mi Account password, but remember Xiaomi’s account ID (MIUI ID)? This situation is familiar to many users of Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones, especially after resetting or buying a used device. Without access to your account, you will not be able to use branded services - from Mi Cloud cloud storage to unlocking the bootloader. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for password recovery through the ID, including official methods and workarounds for complex cases.
It's important to understand that your account ID (e.g., 1234567890@xiaomi.com or numerical UID) is your unique key in the Xiaomi ecosystem. But it doesn't automatically access it. The system requires proof of ownership, and that's where the complications begin. We analyzed the 2026 recovery algorithms, given the changes in Xiaomi's security policy since the introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA).
What is Xiaomi Account ID and Where to Find It
Mi Account Identifier is a unique number or email attached to your profile in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
- 📧 Email (example: user123@xiaomi.com or yourmail@gmail.com, if you used third-party mail)
- 🔢 Numerical UID (Example: 1234567890123456789 - 18-digit code)
- 📱 Phone number (if you used it during registration) SMS-confirmation)
Where to find your ID:
- On the working device: Settings → About the phone → All settings → Mi Account status.
- In the web version of Mi Account (section "Profile").
- On the device box (if the account was tied at the first setting).
- In a letter from Xiaomi with confirmation of registration (see the “Welcome to Mi Account” topic in the mail).
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If you don’t have access to the device but have a smartphone box, check the S/N sticker, which sometimes includes your email account, especially on the Redmi Note 10 and later.
If you buy a device with your hands, check your tied account before you pay — after you reset your phone may require you to enter your previous owner’s data, called Mi Cloud Lock, and it’s almost impossible to get around it without the original data.
Official method: password recovery via email or SMS
The most reliable and legal method is to use the standard recovery procedure on Xiaomi’s website, which works if:
- ✅ You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
- ✅ Account not blocked for suspicious activity.
- ✅ You have not changed your country of registration (for example, from China to Russia).
Step-by-step:
- Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
- Enter your ID (email, UID or phone).
- Select the confirmation method: 📧 Email - the code will come to the mail. 📱 SMS — code will come to the tied number.
Enter the received code and set a new password.
Check the Spam folder in the mail | Make sure the phone number is up to date |Try to request the code again in 5 minutes |Disable VPN (Xiaomi servers can block suspicious IP)
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If you see an error "This account does not exist", check if you have entered the ID correctly. A common mistake is to confuse the UID (number) with the IMEI (15 digits on the box). Also note that accounts registered in China (@xiaomi.cn) are restored through a separate portal: account.xiaomi.cn.
Official via email| Through SMS| Contacted in support |Tryed workarounds |Not yet restored-->
Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work
If you don't have access to your email/phone or your account is blocked, you'll have to use workarounds. Importantly, these methods may violate Xiaomi's user agreement, so use them at your own risk. We describe them for informational purposes only.
1. Recovery through the tethered device
If you have another Xiaomi smartphone or tablet that is authorized in the same account:
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
- Slip on the profile avatar → Account management.
- Choose Security → Change of password.
- Confirm the action through a fingerprint or PIN-lock-screen.
This method works even if you don't remember the old password, but it requires physical access to an authorized device. POCO F3 and newer may require input PIN from SIM-maps for additional verification.
2. Use of backup email
When registering for Mi Account, the system asks for a backup email, if you specified it:
- On the password recovery page, select “Forgot your email?”.
- Enter a backup address - it will come with a link for reset.
Instructions (simplified):
- Download the firmware for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (usually close the test points on the board).
- Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware.
This method is only suitable for advanced users. On new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) Xiaomi has added firmware protection via EDL without authorization.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you restore access to Mi Account, users face typical problems, and we've collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "This account does not exist" | Incorrectly entered email/UID or account deleted. | Check the letter register in your email. Try restoring it to @xiaomi.cn for Chinese accounts. |
| "Too many attempts. Try again later" | Too many attempts to enter a password. | Wait 24 hours or change your IP (for example, via VPN). |
| "Device is locked by Mi Cloud" | The device is tied to another account after the reset. | Data from the previous owner is required, and there are no alternatives (except for illegal methods). |
| "SMS verification failed" | The phone number no longer exists or is locked. | Try to recover via email or contact support with proof of ownership. |
| "Country/region mismatch" | The account is registered in another country (for example, China). | Use a VPN to connect to the servers of the right country or contact local support. |
If you see an error called "Account locked for security reasons," it means that the system suspected a breach.
- Wait 72 hours – sometimes the lock is automatically removed.
- Write in support with an explanation of the situation (for example, "buyed a used phone, the previous owner did not untie the account").
- Attach a photo of the box, check and serial number.
How to Protect Your Mi Account from Hacking
To avoid losing your account in the future, follow these guidelines:
- 🔐 Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
- 📱 Link phone number and backup email.
- 🔑 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) account settings.
- 📝 Save it. UID and data to restore in a safe location (for example, in the Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
- 🚫 Do not use the same password for Mi Account and other services.
Also check your account activity regularly:
- Go to Mi Account → Security → Activity log.
- Remove suspicious devices and sessions.
- Update your password if you notice unauthorized access.
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If you are selling a Xiaomi device, be sure to untie it from Mi Account: Settings → Mi Account → Sign out → Delete the account. This will save the new owner from problems with the Mi Cloud Lock.
Conclusion: What to do if nothing helps
If you have tried all the ways, but you failed to restore access to Mi Account, you have three options:
- Buy a new device – if the phone is locked by Mi Cloud Lock and the previous owner is not responding, it is legally impossible to unlock it.
- Use your device without an account – some features (such as Mi Cloud or Find Device) will not be available, but the basic features of the phone will remain.
- Contacting a service center — in rare cases, they can help if you have a check and a passport. However, the chances are slim — Xiaomi strictly monitors the security of accounts.
Remember, Xiaomi is getting stronger every year. If you could bypass a lock through Fastboot or EDL in 2018-2020, now it's almost impossible without the risk of losing your device forever. The best protection is prevention: save your account data and regularly update information for recovery.