How to untie Xiaomi smartphone from Mi Account, if you forgot the password: official and unofficial methods

Mi Cloud Lock protects the device after resetting, requiring username and password from the account. Without that, the phone becomes a “brick” — even after hard reset, it will require authorization. In this article, we’ll look at all the workable ways of unblocking, including official (through support) and informal (through Fastboot, EDL and engineering menus).

It’s important to understand that since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened security policies and most of the holes in Mi Account bypassing are closed.However, there are legal and semi-legal methods that depend on the device model, firmware version and account status (whether a phone number or email is linked to it).We do not recommend using questionable 5-minute unlock services – many of them are fraudulent.

If you are trying to untie your phone before selling, please note: the new owner will not be able to use the device without your Mi Account. It is best to restore access to the account (the instructions are below) or officially remove the link through Xiaomi support. Alternative methods can lead to a loss of warranty or blocking IMEI.

1.Official method: Restore access to Mi Account

The safest and most recommended method is to restore the password from Mi Account. Even if you don't remember the email or phone number associated with the account, there are several ways to reclaim access:

• 📧 Recovery via email: Go to the password recovery page, type in the email and follow the instructions. the email with the reset link will come to the mail (check the Spam folder»).
• 📱 Recovery through SMS: If your phone number is linked to your account, select the option “Restore through” SMS». The code will come to the specified number (even if the SIM card is now in another phone).
• 🔑 Backup email or number: When registering for Mi Account, the system asks for a backup email/Try to remember it, it'll speed up recovery.
• 📄 Device documents: If the phone was purchased officially, the box or check may contain the serial number (S/N) or IMEI. This data sometimes helps to confirm the ownership of a support account.

If you don’t remember the email or number, try:

1. Remember which browser and device was used to register Mi Account – it is possible that the login is saved in autocomplete.
2. Check old emails in the mail (look for the words “Xiaomi”, “Mi Account”, “registration”).
3. Contact friends or relatives – they may know your login or have helped with registration.

⚠️ Note: If the account was registered on a Chinese server (mi.com instead of account.xiaomi.com), recovery may take up to 7 days).

2. Uncoupling through Xiaomi support: step-by-step instructions

If you can't get your password back, the next step is to get a formal support call. Xiaomi can delete the account's link to the device, but it requires proof of ownership. The process can take 3 to 14 days, but it's the only legal way to do so without the risk of being blocked.

What you need:

• 📄 Check or invoice for the purchase of the phone (preferably with the indication) IMEI or serial number).
• 📷 Photo of a box with a serial number (S/N) barcoded.
• 🆔 Scan of the passport of the owner (page with photo and residence permit).
• 📱 IMEI Devices (you can find out via *#06# or on the sticker under the battery).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to the support page: mi.com/support (select your region).
2. In the Contacts section, find an online chat or feedback form (for Russia and the CIS, you may need to write to email support@xiaomi.com).
3. Enter the subject line: “Unlock Mi Account” or “Unlocking the device from the account”.
4. Attach the document scans and the photo box. In the letter, state: IMEI: [your IMEI] Serial number: [S/N from the box] Phone model: [e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro] Reason: Forgot the password from Mi Account, please untie the device.
5. Wait for the answer (usually within 2-3 days) If the documents are in order, support will send the unblocking instructions.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand without a check, support is likely to refuse to unlock.In this case, only informal methods remain (see the following sections), but they carry the risk of blocking. IMEI or loss of functionality (for example, Google services will not work).

3. Fastboot Reset: For Advanced Users

If official methods do not help, you can try to delete Mi Account through Fastboot mode. This method does not work on all models and requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is blocked, you will first have to unlock it (instruction below).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download here).
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or ADB/Fastboot.
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (if not, see Section 4).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the computer and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
3. Download custom recovery (such as TWRP) for your model from twrp.me.
4. Select the recovery team: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
5. V TWRP Go to Advanced. → File Manager and delete files: /data/system/mi_account_db /data/system/miui_activation_record
6. If it goes well, the account will be reset.

Download ADB and Fastboot tools|Install Xiaomi drivers|The loader is unlocked (if necessary)|Download TWRP forecast|Make a data backup-->

This method works on models up to 2020 year of release (for example, Redmi Note) 7/8, Mi 9, Poco F1). On new devices (Redmi Note) 11, Xiaomi 12 and newer) files mi_account_db They can be stored in an encrypted partition and cannot be deleted.

⚠️ Note: After deleting your account files, you may have problems with Google services (for example, the Play Market will not work). TWRP.

4. Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)

If the bootloader is locked, it needs to be unlocked before using Fastboot or TWRP. Xiaomi lets it do it officially, but the process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting. Without unlocking the bootloader, most Mi Account reset methods won't work.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Turn on the developer mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging


Unlocking the OEM

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Fastboot

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can use the methods from Section 3 (reset via Fastboot).

💡

If you create a new Mi Account to unlock the bootloader, use a real phone number – it will come with an SMS with a confirmation code. Virtual numbers (for example, from Telegram) do not fit!

EDL (Emergency Download Mode): The extreme method

EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing locks. It works even on locked bootloaders, but requires special equipment (EDL-Cable or Authorized Account for Mi Flash Tool).

⚠️ Warning: Use of EDL Without permission, it can lead to a blockage. IMEI (This method is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool Pro (not to be confused with the regular version!).
• 🔌 EDL-cable (or adapter for closing contacts on the board).
• 📱 Firmware.tgz for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔑 Authorized account for Mi Flash Tool Pro (you can buy on forums, but risky).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and connect it to your PC via EDL-cable (or close contacts on the board for forced entry into the EDL).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool Pro, select firmware and press Refresh. The device should be defined as COM-port.
3. Select Clean All and Lock mode (this will delete all data, including Mi Account).
4. Press Flash and wait until the process is completed (10-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will be completely clean, without any connection to the account.

• ❌ Maybe a chasm. IMEI (You will need to re-establish through SN Writer).
• ❌ Possible problems with the camera or module NFC (if the firmware is incompatible).
• ❌ The guarantee will be cancelled.

💡

EDL is the most radical and risky method, and only use it if other methods have failed and you are prepared for the possibility of losing the functionality of the phone.

Alternative methods: risks and warnings

There are many alternative ways to unbundle Mi Accounts online, but most of them either don’t work or are dangerous.

If you do decide to use one of these methods, consider:

• 🔍 Before any manipulations, make a backup of important data (contacts, photos).
• 🛡️ Do not use programs from unknown developers – they may contain viruses.
• 📵 If the phone is warranty, it is better to contact the service center.

The safest alternative method is to run the Fastboot firmware and delete your account files (Section 3), all other methods are either outdated or too risky.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Account detachment