Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the brandβs most popular budget smartphones, but its owners often face the problem of a tied Mi Account.This account not only syncs data, but can also lock the device after resetting to factory settings if you forget the password. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where the deletion procedure is simplified, the Redmi 8 (released in 2019) has nuances related to the MIUI version and hardware restrictions.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable Mi Account on Redmi 8 β from standard deletion through settings to bypass locking after a hard reset. Particular attention will be paid to the problems that arise when trying to delete an account without a password, as well as legal methods of unlocking through official Xiaomi services. If you plan to sell the phone or transfer it to another user, this guide will help avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of a locked device.
Why you canβt just delete your Mi Account on Redmi 8
On Xiaomi Redmi 8 (as on other smartphones of the brand until 2021), the Mi Account is strictly tied to the hardware identifier of the device, which means that even after resetting the settings, the system will require the username and password from the last associated account, called FRP (Factory Reset Protection) and is designed to combat theft.
The main reasons why a standard account deletion may not work:
- π Activated protection FRP β After resetting, your phone requires your account information, even if you deleted it before.
- π± An outdated version MIUI β on the Redmi 8 out-of-box MIUI 10/11, where deleting your account through settings didnβt always work correctly.
- π Cloud Sync β If your account was linked to Xiaomi Cloud services, your tracks may remain in the system even after you delete it.
- π οΈ Modified software β if the phone was flashed by custom firmware, standard removal methods may not work.
Newer Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3) allow you to delete your account without consequences, but on Redmi 8, this often results in a device being locked after flashing or resetting.
β οΈ Note: If you delete your Mi Account but do not untie your device from it in the Xiaomi Cloud settings, after resetting, your phone may require you to enter your old account details.
Method 1: Delete Mi Account through phone settings
The easiest and most legal way is to delete your account directly from the settings menu, which is suitable if:
- π± You have access to your phone and remember your account password.
- π The device is not locked after resetting.
- π² There is an official firmware on the phone. MIUI (non-custom).
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings β Accounts β Mi Account.
- Click on your profile icon at the top of the screen.
- Select Account Management β Exit (if required, enter a password).
- After leaving your account, go back to Settings β Accounts and click on Mi Account again.
- Select Delete Account and confirm the action.
If you are planning to reset your phone after that, be sure to take one more step:
Turn off sync in Settings β Synchronization
Remove all data from Settings β Additional β Privacy β Resetting
Check what in Settings β About Phone β Mi Account Status is displayed βNot tiedβ
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β οΈ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi 8, the "Delete Account" option may not be available, in which case try updating the firmware to the latest available version or using alternative methods from the following sections.
Method 2: Unleash Mi Account through Xiaomi Website
If you don't have access to your phone, but you remember the Mi Account data, you can untie your device through the official website, and this method is useful if:
- π You forgot your phone password, but remember your account details.
- π± The device is locked after being reset.
- π You have access to a computer or other phone.
Instructions:
- Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
- In the Devices section, find your Redmi 8 (it can be displayed as a model or IMEI).
- Click on the three dots next to the device and select Remove.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on the security settings).
After that, wait 24-48 hours β Xiaomi servers do not update information instantly. If after the detachment you still see a request to enter an account when you turn on your phone, try:
- π Reset the device.
- πΆ Connect to another Wi-Fi or mobile internet network.
- β³ Wait a day β sometimes synchronization is delayed.
| Detachment method | Password required | Implementation time | Works after discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through phone settings | Yes. | 2-5 minutes | Yes (if untied correctly) |
| Through the Mi Account website | Yes. | 1-2 days | Yes (after synchronization) |
| Through Fastboot mode | No. | 10.30 minutes | Yes (but the risk of lockdown) |
| Appeal for Xiaomi support | Yeah (documents) | 3-7 days | Yes. |
Yeah, I had to restore access.|Yeah, but we were able to get around the lockdown.|I always delete my account in advance.|I don't know what that is.-->
Method 3: Delete Mi Account via Fastboot (without password)
If you donβt remember your account password and your phone is locked after being reset, you can try removing the anchor via Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer and special tools, but is suitable for Redmi 8 with official firmware.
Importantly, this method does not guarantee 100% results, as on new versions of MIUI Xiaomi has increased protection, and there is a risk of damaging data or blocking the bootloader if you act carelessly.
What you need:
- π» Windows computer (Windows recommended) 10/11).
- π Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
- π¦ The Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot.
- π§ Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need official permission from Xiaomi).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Turn off Redmi 8 and press the Power button + Volume Down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the phone to your computer and check that it is determined by the command: fastboot devices If the device does not appear, install Qualcomm drivers.
- Download a special script to delete your Mi Account (such as MiAccountRemover) and run it through Fastboot.
- After the script is executed, restart the phone with the command: fastboot reboot
β οΈ Note: Using unofficial scripts can lead to blocking IMEI or interruption of the communication module. Before execution, back up the data via TWRP (if established).
What if the phone doesnβt turn on after Fastboot?
Method 4: Official Unlocking Through Xiaomi Support
If all previous methods have failed, you can only contact official Xiaomi support, which is the most reliable method, but also the longest one, which can take up to 7 days.
- π You have a check or a box from your phone (proof of possession).
- π§ Remember the email linked to your account.
- π Phone locked after reset and other methods didn't help.
How to make a request:
- Go to the support page: Xiaomi Support.
- Select the Mi Account section β Unlock Device.
- Fill out the form by specifying: IMEI of the phone (can be found via *#06# or on the box), Email associated with the account, Photo of the check or box (if required).
Wait for the response from the support (usually 3-5 days).
Follow the instructions in the unlock letter.
Advantages of this method:
- β Guaranteed unlocking without risk to the device.
- β Preservation of the guarantee (if it is still valid).
- β The ability to restore access to cloud data.
Disadvantages:
- β Long wait for a response.
- β You may need to confirm purchase.
- β Not all regions are supported (for example, the procedure may differ for Russia and the CIS).
π‘
If Xiaomi support doesnβt respond for more than a week, try tweeting to the brandβs official Twitter account or to the Mi Community forum, which often responds faster than the standard feedback form.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to delete a Mi Account on Redmi 8, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "This device is locked. Enter your Mi Account details." | FRP-blocking after reset | Use the official unlock or Fastboot method |
| βImpossible to delete accountβ in settings | Outdated version of MIUI or corporate policy | Update the firmware or untie through the site |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | Lack of drivers or damaged cable | Install Qualcomm drivers, try another cable |
| After deleting the account, it appears again. | Synchronization with the cloud is not disabled | Disable synchronization in settings before deletion |
A few more nuances:
- π If you sell a phone, it is not enough to just log out of your account β it must be deleted and untie through the site.
- π± On Redmi 8s MIUI 12+ Additional confirmation may be required when deleting the account (SMS email).
- π If the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him to unlock - otherwise you will have to contact him with proof of purchase in support.
π‘
On Redmi 8 with official firmware, the most reliable way to avoid locking is to untie the device from the Mi Account before resetting. If the phone is already locked, the priority method is official unlocking through Xiaomi support.