Disabling a Mi Account from a Xiaomi smartphone is a procedure that users face when selling a device, resetting to a factory setting or switching to another brand. However, many people do not know that simply deleting an account through a menu does not always completely break the connection between the phone and the profile. In some cases, after a reset, the device can request the data of the previous account, blocking access to the system, this is the so-called Mi Cloud binding.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to untie your Xiaomi account in 2026, including standard methods through settings, bypassing lock without a password and nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13, etc.).
Why you can’t just delete your account through settings
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and click “Delete”. However, this method does not always work.
- 🔗 Local Linking – the account is saved in the phone memory and deleted through the menu.
- ☁️ Cloud-based binding – the device is registered in Mi Cloud servers and may require authorization after resetting.
If you sell a phone and the new owner does Wipe Data, the device can request the previous account data even if you delete it, because Xiaomi links the phone’s IMEI to a cloud profile, and you have to take additional steps to detach the phone completely from the Mi Account.
Method 1: Standard Account Deletion through Settings
This method is suitable if you are not planning to reset your phone to factory settings and you just want to turn off sync. MIUI 14 and newer:
- Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
- Choose Mi Account (or your email if it is displayed).
- Click “Delete Account” and confirm the action.
- Enter your account password (if requested).
After that, the phone will be locally unplugged from the profile, but the IMEI will remain tied to the account in the cloud. If you Later perform a reset, the device may require you to enter the data of the old account.
Backup contacts and photos | Disable device search (Find Device) | Remember password from Mi-account | Make sure the phone is not in Anti-Theft-->
Method 2: Completely uncouple through the Mi Cloud website
To completely remove the phone from the list of devices in your Xiaomi account, you need to use the web version of Mi Cloud, which ensures that after the reset, the device will not require data from the previous owner.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, find your phone (by model or IMEI).
- Click on the three dots next to the device and select “Delete”.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
⚠️ Note: If you remove a device from the Mi Cloud before reset, the phone may lose access to some features (like Find Device or cloud backup.
What if your phone is not displayed in the Mi Cloud?
Method 3: Uncoupling through reset to factory settings
If you sell or transfer a phone, the most reliable way is to perform a full login reset, which ensures that the device is not tied to your account after transfer.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select “Erase all data” and confirm.
- The system will ask you to enter a password from the Mi-account - this is normal.
- After the reset, the phone will restart and be ready to be set up by the new owner.
| Action. | The result | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Removal through settings | Local junction | The account remains in the Mi Cloud |
| Deletion via i.mi.com | Completely uncoupled | Requires confirmation by SMS/email |
| Authorization reset | Full uncoupling + clean system | The most reliable way before selling |
| Resetting without authorization | Phone lockdown | You will need to enter the data of the old account |
⚠️ Note: If you reset without entering your Mi Account password (for example, through Recovery Mode), the phone may lock and require data from the previous owner. MIUI 12 and newer.
Method 4: Unlocking without password (if you forgot the data)
If you don’t remember the password from your Mi Account, but your phone is tied to your number or email, you can try to restore access:
- On the lock screen, click “Forgot your password?”
- Choose recovery via SMS or email.
- Follow the instructions for resetting your password.
- Once you have access restored, follow Method 1 or 2.
If recovery is not possible (for example, the phone is bought from hand and tied to someone else’s account), you will need an official unlock through the Xiaomi service center. EDL-Regime, but it requires special equipment and may violate warranty.
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If you buy a Xiaomi phone with your hands, always check if it is untied from your Mi Account. ask the seller to reset with you and make sure the device does not require input of other people's data after the reboot.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make critical errors when untiing their account, which leads to a lock on their phone, and the most common are:
- 🚫 Recovery reset without deleting your account – the phone will require old profile data.
- 🚫 Delete your account without disabling Find Device – your device will stay in the cloud.
- 🚫 Using informal unlocking methods can lead to a “brick” (breaking the firmware).
To avoid problems:
- ✅ Always remove your phone from the Mi Cloud before selling.
- ✅ Reset only through settings, not through Fastboot or Recovery.
- ✅ Check that Find Device is disabled (in Settings) → Security).
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If the phone is locked after reset, DO NOT try to enter random passwords – after 5 failed attempts, the device may lock for 24 hours.