Linking a Mi Account to a Xiaomi Redmi 7 smartphone is a standard security measure that protects user data from unauthorized access. However, sometimes this protection turns into a problem: when you sell a device, forget a password or buy a used phone with a tied account, in such cases you need to untie your Mi Account, but the manufacturer does not provide an obvious way to do this without knowing the username / password.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for de-linking a Mi Account to Redmi 7 (codename onc), including official and alternative solutions. It is important to understand that some methods require technical skills or can lead to data loss. We will also explain why a standard factory reset does not always work and what to do if the phone requires data entry from the previous owner.
Why Redmi 7 asks for Mi Account data after reset
Many users are faced with a situation where after performing Hard Reset (reset via Recovery or in settings), Redmi 7 still requests Mi Account data, this is due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature, analogous to Apple ID on Xiaomi devices.
The fact is that since MIUI 8, the company has implemented a theft protection mechanism that links the device's hardware identifier (IMEI) to the account, even after a complete reset, the system checks whether the account was untied correctly, and if not, the phone locks with the message:
โ ๏ธ Warning: The screen may show the words "This device is tied to Mi Account. Enter password to unlock." In this case, standard bypass methods (for example, via Fastboot) will not work without additional manipulation.
The main reasons why Redmi 7 requires account information are:
- ๐ Reset via Recovery without prior detachment of the account in the settings.
- ๐ฑ Buying a used phone where the previous owner did not remove the binding.
- ๐ Forgotten password from Mi Account when trying to reset.
- ๐ ๏ธ Unofficial firmware that did not pass the Xiaomi test.
If you are sure that the phone is not stolen, but simply forgot your account details, you can try to restore access through the official website account.xiaomi.com. If this does not help - read on about the ways of detachment.
Method 1: Unlock Mi Account through settings (if the phone is unlocked)
The easiest and safest method is to untie your account directly in Redmi 7 settings if you have access to your phone and remember your password, which does not require a data reset and works on any version of MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Accounts section โ Mi Account.
- Click on your account (usually an email or phone number is displayed).
- In the upper right corner, tap three points (โฎ) and choose Exit.
- Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.
- After you exit, return to Settings โ Accounts and delete your Mi Account completely.
If after that you plan to sell the phone, it is recommended to perform a reset to factory settings:
- ๐ฑ Go to Settings. โ The phone. โ Resetting settings.
- ๐ Choose to erase all data and confirm.
- โ After the reboot, the phone will be completely clean and will not require the entry of account data.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are selling Redmi 7, be sure to delete your Google account in the same way, otherwise the new owner may face a new threat. FRP-Blocking (protection against reset via Google).
โ๏ธ Preparing for the unbundling of Mi Account
Method 2: Reset by Recovery Mode (if you forget your password)
If you don't remember the Mi Account data, but the phone is unlocked, you can try resetting your settings via Recovery Mode. However, this method doesn't always work on Redmi 7 because of Mi Cloud Activation Lock.
Instructions for entering Recovery:
- Turn off the phone by pressing the power button.
- Hold the Power Button + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons when the Recovery menu appears (in English or Chinese).
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select Wipe Data โ Wipe All Data and confirm.
- After resetting, restart the phone (Reboot).
What to do if after resetting the phone still asks Mi Account:
- ๐ง Try to enter the last used email/The system may accept it without a password.
- ๐ If you remember the password but it doesnโt fit, try resetting it through the recovery page.
- ๐ ๏ธ If nothing helps, go to the following ways (via ADB formal request).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some Redmi 7 firmware (especially Chinese) may have Recovery menus in Chinese, in which case, look for characters (clean up data) and (reboot).
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
Method 3: Delete Mi Accounts via ADB (for Advanced Users)
If standard methods donโt work, you can try to delete your Mi Account via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires an unlocked bootloader and enabled USB debugging. On Redmi 7, unlocking the bootloader takes up to 72 hours of latency (by Xiaomiโs rules).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings โ Additional โ Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
ADB-driver
CMD
platform-tools
adb devicesMake sure the device is identified.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.accountIf there is a mistake, try:
adb shell pm clear com.xiaomi.accountReboot the phone.
If your account is still active after rebooting, try to delete the related services:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.cloudโ ๏ธ Note: Removing system applications through ADB This can cause the phone to work unstable, and after this procedure, it is recommended to reset the settings.
1. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers for your model.
2. Use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).
3. Include in the developer settings the Debugging item USB (security settings) and select Allow always from this computer.-->
Method 4: Officially Requesting Unlocking Through Xiaomi
If you bought a Redmi 7 handheld and canโt contact the previous owner, you can contact Xiaomi to unlink your account, a method that is legal but requires proof of ownership.
What you need to request:
- ๐ Check or document confirming purchase (if the phone is new).
- ๐ For used devices - a purchase agreement with the seller's data.
- ๐ท Photo of the box with serial number (if preserved).
- ๐ข IMEI phone number (you can find out via *#06#).
- ๐ง Email linked to your Mi Account (if any).
How to send a request:
- Go to the support page: mi.com/support.
- Select the Mi Account section โ Unlock Device.
- Fill out the form by attaching scans of documents.
- Expect a response (usually 3-7 days).
Alternatively, you can contact the Xiaomi service center in your city, and you can find the addresses on the official website.
- ๐ฑ The Redmi 7 phone itself.
- ๐ Passport or other identification document.
- ๐ Phone ID (if available).
| Method of treatment | Time limit for consideration | Probability of success | Documents required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online request through the website | 3-7 days | 60โ80% | Check, IMEI, photo of the box |
| Contacting the service center | 1-3 days | 80โ90% | Passport, check, phone |
| Call in support of Xiaomi | 1-2 days | 50โ70% | IMEI, account details |
| Letter to support email | 5-10 days | 40โ60% | Document scans, IMEI |
โ ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if the phone is listed in the database of stolen devices or if the documents cause doubt.
Method 5: Bypassing Mi Accounts via Fastboot (Risky Method)
If all previous methods failed, you can try to bypass the lock via Fastboot mode. This method is informal and can lead to loss of warranty or breakage of the phone. Use it only as a last resort!
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed drivers Xiaomi and Fastboot.
- ๐ Original. USB-cable.
- ๐ฅ Firmware for Redmi 7 (codename onc) can be downloaded at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
- ๐ ๏ธ The Mi Flash Tool.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without spaces (for example, C:\Redmi7_Firmware).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).
- After the reboot, the phone should start without requesting a Mi Account.
If the lock is still locked after the firmware:
- ๐ Try to flash another version. MIUI (For example, the Chinese instead of the Chinese).
- ๐ง Use the XiaomiTool utility V2 Automatically bypass the lock (instructions are available for the XDA Developers).
- ๐ If nothing helps, itโs possible that the phone is tied to Xiaomiโs corporate account (such devices are often sold cheaply, but itโs almost impossible to unlock them).
๐ก
Fastboot removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts, and apps. If there is important information on Redmi 7, try retrieving it first through Recovery or ADB modes.
What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions
If none of the methods worked, consider the following options:
1. to address the previous owner
If you bought a Redmi 7 handheld, try contacting the seller and asking them to:
- ๐ง Unplug your account via account.xiaomi.com.
- ๐ฑ Temporarily return the phone to reset via settings.
- ๐ Provide your account details (if you trust the seller).
2. Use the phone without unlocking
If Redmi 7 is blocked, but you need to use it urgently, you can:
- ๐ Call and receive calls (emergency call function usually works).
- ๐ถ Connect to Wi-Fi via the Quick Settings menu (sometimes available without unlocking).
- ๐ Use your phone as a powerbank or camera (if the camera is running without unlocking).
3. Sell the phone for spare parts
If you canโt unlock it, you can sell Redmi 7:
- ๐ง As a donor for repairing other devices (display, battery, camera).
- ๐ฑ For spare parts through Avito, Yulu or specialized forums.
- ๐ Exchange at the service center for another phone (some workshops accept locked devices at a reduced price).
4. Legal measures
If you bought your phone as a new one but ended up with a linked account, you can:
- ๐ Write a claim to the seller with a demand to return the money or unlock the device.
- ๐๏ธ Contact Rospotrebnadzor or the court if the seller refuses to solve the problem.
1. log out of your account in your presence.
2. perform a reset and make sure the phone turns on without asking for a password.
3. to provide a check or a guarantee card.-->