Why users want to unplug a Xiaomi account and when it is necessary
Linking your Mi Account to your Xiaomi smartphone is a standard procedure that allows you to access branded services like cloud storage, contact sync, device search, but there are times when you need to remove this link urgently, such as when you sell your phone, transfer it to another user, or if you forget the login details, in the latter case, resetting your settings to the factory can lead to a locking of the device β the so-called βMi Account Lockβ, which requires you to enter your username and password from your previous account.
Another common reason is to buy a used phone with an already-linked account from the previous owner, which would make it impossible for the new user to fully use the device, with features like installing apps, changing security settings, or even accessing the mobile network being limited. Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened security policies, with new models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) making it almost impossible to untigate an account without a password without official confirmation.
Preparation for the unbundling: what to do in advance
Before you start deleting your account, follow a few critical steps to avoid data loss and unforeseen blocking:
- π± Backup. Use the built-in Mi Backup app or third-party services like Google Drive. It's especially important to save contacts, photos and messages.
- π Make sure you remember your password.If you forget your login details, restore them via account.xiaomi.com before the procedure begins.
- πΆ Check your Internet connection. Untieing will require a stable connection β preferably via Wi-Fi, as mobile internet can shut down in the process.
- π Charge your phone at least 50%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to software failures.
If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, be sure to reset to factory settings after you unbundle your account. Otherwise, the new owner may face lockdown. Go to Settings β About Phone β Reset.
Method 1: Standard uncoupling through phone settings
This is the easiest and most secure method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5).
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to Accounts and Synchronization (on some firmware - Mi Account).
- Select your Xiaomi account (usually displayed at the top of the list).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Delete Account.
- Enter the password to confirm and wait for the process to be completed.
After that, the phone will automatically log off and all data (including backups in the cloud) will be deleted from the device.
βοΈ Preparation for standard uncoupling
Method 2: Unlocking through Xiaomi website (if phone is lost or locked)
If you don't have physical access to your phone (for example, it's lost or stolen), you can remove the tether remotely through the official website, which is also suitable if the phone is locked after resetting.
- Go to the device management page: i.mi.com.
- Sign in with the same account that is linked to the phone.
- In the Devices section, find your smartphone and click on it.
- Select the option to Remove the device (or Untie).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
Note that after that, the phone will be removed from the list of trusted devices, but the Mi Account Lock lock (if activated) will remain.
What to do if the site does not show the device?
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method is suitable if the phone is locked because of Mi Account Lock and the standard methods do not work. It requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty. Use it only as a last resort!
First, download:
- π₯οΈ Mi Flash Tool (official firmware utility).
- π¦ Firmware for your model (for example, fastboot rum for Redmi Note 10).
- π§ Drivers. ADB Fastboot (can be installed via Mi) PC Suite).
Follow the instructions:
1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Down + Power buttons to enter Fastboot mode.
3. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
4. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware.
5. Press Refresh, then Flash (select Clean All option).
6. wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).Once flashed, the phone will be completely cleaned, including the Mi Account Lock. However, this method does not work on models with a locked bootloader (for example, the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50 without unlocking).
fastboot oem device-infoIf the answer is Device unlocked: true, you can continue. If false, first unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi service (waiting required). 7-30 days).-->
Method 4: Bypassing the lock through EDL-regime (extreme case)
If the phone is locked and other methods have not helped, you can use it. EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a low-level firmware mode that bypasses standard restrictions (EDL-cable or boxing and is suitable only for experienced users.
Algorithm of action:
- Download the firmware in.tgz format for your model (for example, for POCO X3 Pro).
- Connect your phone to your PC EDL-mode (this may require the closure of contacts on the board or the use of a special cable).
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 20 minutes).
Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will boot up without being linked to the account, but this method has risks:
- β οΈ It hurts. IMEI communications module.
- β οΈ On new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) EDL-The system is blocked without authorization.
- β οΈ Requires soldering or special cable (cost from 500 rubles).
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EDL-The mode is a nuclear unlock method, only use it if other methods have failed and you are prepared for possible loss of warranty or device failure.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When untied, users often face typical problems when untiing a Xiaomi account, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Failure to delete the account" | No Internet connection or Xiaomi server is not available | Check the network, try it later or use another method. |
| "Device not found" at i.mi.com | The phone hasnβt connected to the internet for a long time. | Turn on your phone mobile data or Wi-Fi, wait for synchronization |
| After the reset requires an old account | The account was not untied before the reset. | Use the method via Fastboot or EDL |
| "Authentication Error" in Mi Flash Tool | Inconsistency of the firmware model of the phone | Download the correct firmware version for your device |
Another common mistake is to untie your account through Google Settings, which won't work because Mi Account and Google Account are different systems, and deleting your Google account doesn't affect Xiaomi's blocking.
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If your phone still requires a password after you unplug your account, check if Find Device is enabled. Turn it off in your Xiaomi account settings.
What to do if nothing helps: official support
If all of these methods fail, you should contact Xiaomiβs support team, which is true in the following cases:
- π Phone locked after reset and previous owner unavailable.
- π You have a check or warranty card confirming the purchase.
- π³ The phone is officially purchased (not "gray" imports).
Prepare for the request:
- Serial number of the device (located on the box or under the battery).
- Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- Photo by IMEI (can be seen by typing *#06#).
Support can be contacted through:
- π Official website: mi.com/support
- π§ Email: support@xiaomi.com (for international users).
- π Hotline phone (for Russia: 8 800 700 01 05).
The timeframe for processing the request is 3 to 14 days, and in some cases, payment for unlocking may be required (for example, if the phone was purchased from hands without documents).
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Officially unlocking through support is the most reliable, but also the longest way, and if the phone is important to the job, consider buying a new one or contacting a service center.