Uncoupling the phone number from the Xiaomi device is a procedure that users face when selling a gadget, changing it SIM-Although it seems simple, incorrect actions can lead to the device locking or loss of access to cloud data. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to delete a number - from standard settings to forced reset via recovery.
The Xiaomi ecosystem is very much about integrating the phone with the Mi Account, where the number is not only for authorization, but also for two-factor authentication. SIM-The card is not enough: the number remains tied to the profile in the system, and then you will learn how to completely break this connection without risking data.
Why is the phone number tied to Xiaomi and what it means?
The number is automatically linked to the Xiaomi smartphone when you first log in to the Mi Account or activate services like Mi Cloud, Xiaomi Pay or Find Device.
- 🔐 Two-factor authentication – confirming actions through SMS.
- 📱 Access Restoration – Resetting a password or unlocking a device.
- 🔄 Data synchronizations – backups, contacts, notes.
- 🚨 Protection against theft – Find Device requires confirmation SMS.
If you don’t untie the number before selling the phone, the new owner may face problems:
- 🔒 Blocking your account when you try to reset your settings (required) SMS-confirmation from your number).
- 📵 Impossibility to use Xiaomi services (payment, cloud, device search).
- 🔄 Sync conflicts if the new owner links the same number to another account.
⚠️ Note: If you sell your phone and the number remains tied to your Mi Account, the new owner will be able to use the phone to help you. SMS Reset your account password and access your personal data in the cloud. Always untie the number before handing over the device!
Method 1: Untie the number through the Mi Account settings
The easiest and safest method is to delete the number directly from your account settings, which is best if you have access to your phone and remember your Mi Account password.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app on Xiaomi smartphone.
- Go to Accounts and Synchronization → Mi Account.
- Click on your profile (the icon in the top corner) and select Account Management.
- In the Security section, find the phone number and tap it.
- Select the option to Delete the number (you may need to enter a password).
- Confirm the action through SMS-code sent to a linked number.
After that, the number will be detached from the account, but the Mi Account itself will remain active. If you plan to sell the phone, it is also recommended to log out of the account in the settings and perform a factory reset.
☑️ Preparation for untidying the room
Method 2: Delete the number through the web version of Mi Account
If you don’t have access to your phone but you have the details to log in to your Mi Account, you can untie the number through Xiaomi’s official website, which is convenient if the device is lost or you have already transferred it to a new owner.
Step-by-step:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
- Sign in under your login and password.
- In the Profile section, find the phone number block.
- Click Remove next to the tied number.
- Confirm the action through SMS-code or email (depending on security settings).
If the site requests additional verification (such as a passport scan or answer to security questions) and you do not have access to this data, use alternative methods.
Method 3: Forced uncoupling through resetting settings
If you have forgotten your Mi Account password or cannot confirm the action via SMS, the only way out is to completely reset your phone.
- 🔐 Blocking Mi Account – After resetting the phone may require entering the data of the old account.
- 📵 Data loss – all files, applications and settings will be deleted.
- 🔄 Activation problems – the new owner will not be able to use the phone without your help.
To minimize the risks, follow the algorithm:
- Back up your data (if you still have your phone).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose Delete all data and confirm the action.
- After the restart, the phone will prompt you to enter your Mi Account details. If you don't remember your password, use the recovery function via email.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked after a reset and requires the data of the old account, and you can not remember them, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, IMEI). In some cases, the lock can be removed only through the service center.
What to do if your phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset?
Method 4: Unlocking through Recovery Mode (for advanced users)
If the phone is locked and standard methods don’t work, you can try removing the number binding via Recovery mode, which is suitable for Xiaomi models based on MIUI 12/13/14 and requires caution.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume and power buttons).
- After the reset, the phone will restart. At the setup stage, skip the account binding (if possible).
Important: this method does not guarantee that the number is uncoupled from the Mi Account, but only resets the phone settings. If the account was linked to the device through Find Device, the lock can be saved.
💡
Before using Recovery, make sure the bootloader is unlocked on the phone. On locked devices, resetting via Recovery can result in a "brick" (complete inoperability).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When untiing a number, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No SMS with a confirmation code | Blocking by the operator or failure of Xiaomi servers | Check the balance, try asking for the code later or use email to confirm |
| Phone requires password from old Mi Account after reset | Account linked to device via Find Device | Restore your account or contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership |
| It is impossible to delete the number in the settings (button is inactive) | Two-factor authentication enabled, email confirmation required | Check emails linked to Mi Account or turn off 2FA in security settings |
| After the detachment of the numbers stopped working Xiaomi services | The number was used for authorization in Mi Cloud or Xiaomi Pay. | Link a new number or set up authorization via email |
If you're selling a phone, make sure you're really untied.
- Sign in to your Mi Account on another device.
- Check the Security section → Phone number.
- Make sure the number field is empty or displays another number.
💡
Before selling a Xiaomi phone, be sure to follow three steps: 1) untie the number, 2) exit the Mi Account, 3) make a factory reset. This will protect your data and avoid problems with the new owner.
What to do if nothing helps
If standard methods fail and the phone is locked, radical measures remain:
- 🔧 Contact the service center – official partners of Xiaomi can remove the lock on the website IMEI and proof of purchase.
- 📧 Xiaomi support – write in the chat on the website mi.com/support problem-descriptive.
- 🔄 Fastboot Flashing is the last resort for power users (requires unlocking the bootloader).
To reflash through Fastboot you will need:
- A computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.
- The official firmware for your model (download on new.c.mi.com).
- Unlocked bootloader (if not, request unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool).
The command for firmware via Fastboot:
fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip
fastboot reboot⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing without unlocking the bootloader will result in a full lock of the phone (hard brick!