How to completely clean your Xiaomi account: all the ways and nuances

Why cleaning up Xiaomi account can be a problem

Linking Xiaomi devices to your Mi Account is both an advantage and a potential headache. On the one hand, data synchronization, cloud backup, and remote device management make life easier; on the other hand, selling, transferring, or even simply dropping your phone to factory settings can result in lockdown if your account is not deleted correctly, and this is especially true for MIUI 12+ devices where theft protection (Find Device) has become more aggressive.

Many users face a situation where, after a reset, the phone requires you to enter a username and password from the previous account - even if the device was bought from the hands of a clean user. This is not a bug, but a feature: Xiaomi links the hardware identifier (IMEI) with the owner's account. Without the right "decoupling", the system perceives the device as stolen. In this article, we will analyze all the legal ways to clean the account, including nuances for different versions of MIUI and device types (smartphones, tablets, smart watches, routers).

It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on whether you have access to your account (you know your login/password) or not, and the status of the device: new, used, blocked after a reset, plays a role, and we’ll look at all scenarios from standard deletion through settings to bypassing the lock using official Xiaomi services.

Preparing for Cleanup: What to Do Before Deleting Your Account

Before you start deleting your Mi Account, follow the mandatory steps, and ignoring them may result in data loss or the inability to unlock your device in the future.

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, especially important to keep:
• 🔄 Untie the device from services:
• 📋 Write down your account details, even if you plan to delete it, save your login (email/phone number, password and associated number in case of recovery.
• 🔧 Check the status of the device. Go to the settings. → The phone. → Device status: If it says "Device locked," clearing your account may require additional action.

Create a backup copy of the data|Turn off Find Device|Remove the device from Xiaomi Cloud|Record the account login/password|Check the status of the lock-->

If you are selling a device, make sure to reset completely (Settings → Additional → Reset) after deleting your account, otherwise the new owner may face lockdown the first time you try to activate it.

⚠️ Note: Deleting the account does not reset the data about the device’s association with the IMEI If you sell a phone, the new owner will have to prove ownership through the official Mi Unlock service.

Method 1: Standard account deletion via settings (if you know the password)

The easiest and safest method is to remove directly from the device menu.It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO smartphones with MIUI 8 and later, as well as on tablets (Mi Pad) and some smart devices (for example, Mi Band with firmware 1.4.0+).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Accounts (or Accounts) → Xiaomi on new versions MIUI).
2. Click on the account avatar at the top of the screen.
3. Select Account Management (or Account Settings).
4. Scroll down and click Delete Account.
5. Enter the password for confirmation.
6. Confirm the removal in the pop-up window.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13) after deleting your account, the system may request a re-authorization via SMS or email.

After successful deletion, the device will automatically log off, but your account information will remain in the system until completely reset. To avoid problems with the sale, perform a reset immediately after deletion.

Method 2: Delete your account via the Mi Cloud website (if your phone is not available)

If your device is locked, lost, or you just want to delete your account remotely, use the official Mi Cloud service, which is suitable for all devices associated with your account, including smartwatches (Mi Band, Amazfit) and routers (Mi Router).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the menu, select Devices.
3. Find the right device in the list and click on three dots (⋮) near.
4. Select Remove Device (Remove Device).
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the device will be uncoupled from the account, but the data on it will remain. To completely clean it, you will need physical access to the gadget and reset via Recovery Mode.

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If the list of devices shows a model you never had, it could be a sign of an account being hacked, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.

For Xiaomi routers (Mi Router 4A, AX3600, etc.) the procedure is similar, but after removal from the Mi Cloud, you need to reset the Reset button on the case (hold 10-15 seconds).

⚠️ Note: Deleting the device via Mi Cloud does not reset the Find Device lock if it has been activated.

Method 3: Clean up your account after a reset (if your phone requires an old Mi Account)

A typical situation is that you bought a used Xiaomi, reset to factory settings, and when you turn on, the phone asks you to enter the username and password of the previous owner, which means that the device is still tied to the Mi Account via IMEI. There are several ways to solve the problem.

Option A: Link to previous owner

The most reliable method is to ask the seller:

1. Delete your device from your account via Mi Cloud (see Method 2).
2. Send you a screenshot of the deletion confirmation.
3. Provide a check or warranty card (may be needed to unlock through support).

Option B: Officially unlocked via Mi Unlock

If you cannot contact the seller, contact Xiaomi Support:

1. Go to en.miui.com/unlock.
2. Select Unlock now and log in (if you have an account) or create a new one.
3. Fill out the form with the device data (IMEI, serial number, model).
4. Attach scans of documents confirming the purchase (check, contract, warranty).
5. Wait for the support response (usually 3-7 days).

The unlock price is free if you can prove the legality of the purchase, otherwise Xiaomi may refuse or offer to pay for the service (from $10 to $50 depending on the model).

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Officially unlocking Mi Unlock is the only legal way to bypass Mi Account binding without access to the previous owner’s data.

Option C: Bypassing the lock through EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

This method requires technical skills and is only suitable for Qualcomm processor-based devices (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 The idea is to run a clean fastboot image through EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Miui Download website.
2. Install Qualcomm drivers and the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL Mode: adb reboot edl Or press the buttons Volume up + Volume down + Power off the device.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and run the image through the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL This method can permanently disable the device (“brick”), and is recommended only for advanced users or service centers.

Method 4: Clearing your account on smart devices (Mi Band, routers, TV)

Xiaomi’s smart gadgets are also tied to the Mi Account, but the cleaning procedure is different from smartphones.

Mi Band / Amazfit (Bracelets and Watches)

To untie the bracelet:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp app.
2. Go to the profile of the device.
3. Press Untie the device (Unpair).
4. Confirm the action.

If the bracelet is locked after reset, reset it to factory settings via the menu on the device itself (usually holding the touch button for 10 seconds).

Mi Router (Xiaomi routers)

For routers, the procedure is as follows:

1. Connect to the router network.
2. Go to the web interface at 192.168.31.1.
3. Sign in (username/password is usually on the sticker below).
4. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
5. Choose Reset and delete your account.

Mi TV / Mi Box (TV and set-top boxes)

On Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1) and consoles (Mi Box S):

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts and security.
2. Choose Mi Account. → Delete the account.
3. Enter your TV password (often 123456 or blank by default).

If the TV is locked after reset, you will need to have a firmware via USB from the official Xiaomi website (the instructions are similar to smartphones, but using the Mi TV Assistant utility).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When cleaning Mi Accounts, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Internet connection stability: Account deletion requires connection to Xiaomi servers.
• 🕒 Time on the device: Incorrect date/time can block access to the account.
• 📱 Version MIUI. On old firmware (MIUI 9 and below may require an update.

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If the device gives a “Couldn’t verify device” error when you try to delete your account, try temporarily disabling your VPN or changing your network (from mobile internet to Wi-Fi or vice versa).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions