How to Disable Device Administrator on Xiaomi: All Ways (including MIUI 14)

You are trying to install a new app, but the system gives an error "Device is managed by an administrator"? Or you want to sell a Xiaomi smartphone, but you can not remove the attached one. MI-The issue of administrator rights is one of the most common among brand users, especially after upgrading to the new account. MIUI 14/15 In this article, we'll look at what a device administrator is, why it can't be easily removed through settings, and how to circumvent restrictions in legal ways, from standard methods to hidden engineering menu features.

It is important to understand that the term “device administrator” on Xiaomi can mean three different entities: 1) MI-account (Xiaomi profile linked to phone), 2) applications with special rights (e.g. antivirus or antivirus software) MDM-Corporate phone solutions), 3) superuser rights after root access. Each case requires a different approach. We will consider all options, including situations where the Remove Administrator button is inactive or not at all.

What is a device administrator on Xiaomi and why you need it?

Device Administrator is a special status that allows applications or system services to control critical smartphone functions.

• 🔒 MI-account – locks the phone after reset (protection against theft), manages data synchronization.
• 🛡️ Antivirus and MDM — Corporate solutions (e.g. Mi Security or Google Apps Device Policy).
• 🔧 Parental Control Apps – Restrict access to content.
• 🤖 Google services – Find My Device for remote management.

Without these rights, many functions will not work, for example, if you turn off the power. MI-Your account as an administrator will lose access to the Mi Cloud cloud storage, and deleting Find My Device will prevent you from finding your phone when you lose it:

• 📱 When selling a phone, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your phone. MI-account.
• 🔄 After resetting the settings – the phone requires the entry of data of the old account.
• 🚫 When installing custom firmware - blocks unlocking the loader.

⚠️ Note: If you bought used Xiaomi and the previous owner did not untidy his MI-account, phone can turn into a brick after reset, in which case you will need official unlock through the service center.

Method 1: Standard removal through settings (for applications)

If the administrator is a third-party application (antivirus, MDM, parental controls), it can be removed through the system menu, which works on all versions of MIUI 10 to 15, but is not suitable for MI-account or embedded services.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Application privileges (on some firmwares, the path may differ: Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Device administrators).
2. In the list, find an application with an active status (check or switch).
3. Slip on it and select Disable or Remove the administrator.
4. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).

If the button is inactive or not:

• 🔹 Try to remove app updates first through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔹 For corporates MDM (For example, MobileIron may need to contact the company administrator.
• 🔹 Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) block removal – first deactivate the protection in their settings.

Method 2: Uncoupling MI-Account (official method)

MI-The account is the most problematic administrator, because it's tightly integrated into Xiaomi's firmware, and you can't just turn it off through settings, but you can unplug it from the device, and you have to do that before you sell your phone or reset it to the factory settings.

Official instructions from Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account).
2. Slip on your profile (the icon with the avatar at the top).
3. Select the exit (Sign Out).
4. Confirm the action by entering a password from MI-account.
5. After exiting, return to Settings → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Application privileges and check if it has disappeared MI-account.

If the exit button is inactive or absent:

• 📶 Check your Internet connection – without a network, Xiaomi will not allow you to untie your account.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🔑 Make sure you enter the correct password (sometimes changing your password through account.xiaomi.com helps).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after detachment of the account may remain a "ghost" in the list of administrators. This is not critical - the main thing is that the phone does not require account data after resetting.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., the phone requires old data) MI-You can try forced reset via Fastboot mode, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO, It requires a computer and installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and type:

fastboot oem clean_all


fastboot reboot

This command completely clears the partition with the account data, and once it's rebooted, the phone will look like new, but:

• 🔴 All data will be deleted (photos, contacts, applications).
• 🔴 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Additional unlocking of the loader may be required.
• 🔴 This method does not work if Google’s Find My Device feature is enabled.

⚠️ Note: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) team clean_all It may lead to a blockage. IMEI. Before using, check the compatibility of your model in the forums. 4PDA or XDA.

💡

If after the command fastboot oem clean_all phone does not turn on, try flashing it through the Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL. You will need an authorized Xiaomi account (you can get it on the phone). en.miui.com/unlock).

Method 4: Using an engineering menu (hidden method)

On some MIUI firmware (especially the Chinese versions), you can turn off the administrator via an engineering menu, which doesn’t work on all models, but it can help if other methods don’t work.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633##.
2. In the engineering menu, go to MTK Settings → Security → Device Admin (the path may vary depending on the firmware version).
3. Find it on the list. MI-account or problem application and uncheck it.
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

If the engineering menu does not open:

• 🔹 Try another combination: ##4636## or #284##.
• 🔹 On some models (Redmi Note 12) the engineering menu is blocked – you will need root access.
• 🔹 For MediaTek processors (Helio, Dimensity) the path may be called MTK Engineer Mode.

💡

The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but it's dangerous. Don't change other settings unless you understand their purpose. For example, the wrong settings in the Radio section can lead to network loss.

Method 5: Unlock the bootloader and custom firmware (extreme case)

If all previous methods have not worked (for example, the phone is locked after being reset due to a reset). MI-The only thing left to do is unlock the bootloader and flash the alternative firmware.

What will be required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔑 Xiaomi account with permission to unlock (received on the en.miui.com/unlock).
• 📦 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (you can download it on the official website).

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on new accounts).
2. Download Fastboot ROM for your model and unpack it.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all option).
4. After the firmware, the phone will be like new, without tied accounts.

Risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the phone is warranty) it is better to contact the service).
• 🔥 Possibility of "bricking" in case of firmware error.
• 📵 Some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) require authorization to unlock.

What to do if nothing helps: contact the service

If you’ve tried all the ways, your phone still requires data. MI-account or does not allow to delete the administrator, there are two options:

1. The official service of Xiaomi - can help if you confirm the ownership (check, box, IMEI).
2. Unofficial services - used by EDL-mode or specialized equipment (e.g. UFi Box) Risk: possible loss IMEI lock-in.

Before contacting the service:

• 📋 Prepare proof of purchase (check, warranty card).
• 🔢 Write it down. IMEI phone number (dial *#06#).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% – some services refuse to work with discharged devices.

Average prices for unlocking (for 2026):

⚠️ Warning: Avoid “masters” who offer TeamViewer or remote access unlocking. This is a scam – once paid, they may disappear or block your Xiaomi account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about administrators on Xiaomi