Separating Xiaomiβs smartphone from its associated accounts is a challenge that users face when selling a device, resetting to factory settings, or after buying a used phone. The main problem is that the manufacturer has integrated deep binding to the Mi Account (now Xiaomi Account), which blocks access to the device after a reset without entering a username/password. This security measure, designed to combat theft, often becomes a headache for legitimate owners.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to decouple Xiaomi phone from accounts, from official methods through settings to workarounds for locked devices. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models (including Redmi, POCO and flagship series).
1. Official method: uncoupling through phone settings
If your Xiaomi smartphone is enabled, unlocked and you have access to a linked account, this method is the easiest and most secure.It is suitable for devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and does not require additional tools.
The instructions are relevant for models: Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5, Mi 11 Ultra and other modern devices. On older devices (up to Redmi Note 8), the path in the menu may vary slightly.
- π± Open the Settings app (cog icon)
- π€ Go to Accounts and Synchronization β Mi Account (or Xiaomi Account)
- π Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Exit
- π Enter the password from the account to confirm
- π€ Confirm the output - the device will be untied from the profile
After that, it is recommended to reset to factory settings via Settings β About Phone β Reset. This will delete all data and finally clear the binding to the account.
β οΈ Note: If you are selling a phone, remember to unplug it from your Google Account via Settings. β Accounts. β Google β Delete your account, otherwise the new owner may face a FRP-Factory Reset Protection (Factory Reset Protection).
2. Unbinding via Xiaomi website (if phone is lost or blocked)
If you don't have physical access to the device, but you remember the Mi Account data, you can untie the phone through the official website, which works even for stolen or lost devices, but requires proof of identity.
Important: the method only applies if the phone has been online in the past 30 days, otherwise Xiaomi servers may not display the device in the list of associated.
- π Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- π± In the Devices section, find your phone (may appear as Mi Phone or device model)
- π Click on three dots next to the device and select Remove the device
- π§ Confirm the action via email or SMS (code will come to the tied number)
| Action. | Implementation time | Confirmation required |
|---|---|---|
| Search for a device on the list | 1-2 minutes | No. |
| Sending confirmation code | Instantly. | Yes (SMS/email) |
| Deleting the device from the account | 5 minutes | No. |
| Synchronization of changes on servers | 24 hours | No. |
β οΈ Note: After removing the device through the website, the Mi Account lock is not removed immediately, but within a day. If you plan to sell the device, reset the settings only after confirming the detachment (check through Settings). β Mi Account).
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If the phone does not appear in the list of devices on the site, try to log in through another browser or clear the cache. Sometimes it helps to change the account region in the profile settings (for example, from Russia to Global).
3. Fastboot reset (for locked phones)
If the phone is locked because of a forgotten password from the Mi Account or after a reset requires the previous owner to enter data, you can try unlocking through Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer and special tools, but is suitable for most Xiaomi models on Qualcomm chips.
Warning: Incorrect actions in the Fastboot can lead to a breeze (complete failure) of the device. Use this method only if other options are exhausted.
Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official website | Download the Fastboot firmware for your model |Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 | Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol-) |Unplug the antivirus (it can block tools)
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Step-by-step:
- Download the official Fastboot firmware for your model (select the Global or EEA version for European devices).
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
- Download the phone to Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press the Power + Vol- until the hare logo appears in the hat.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start MiFlash.exe (from the firmware folder).
- In the program, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean all at the bottom and click Flash.
It takes 5-10 minutes. After a successful firmware, the phone will restart in a clean state without being tied to accounts. If an anti-rollback error occurs, your model will have a rollback protection against the MIUI version, in which case you will need to firmware the same or a newer version.
What if MiFlash can't see the phone?
4. bypassing Mi Account through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a βemergencyβ firmware mode that allows you to reflash the phone even if it is locked or not booting. Unlike Fastboot, it works at the processor level and bypasses most software locks. However, activating EDL on modern Xiaomi requires an authorized developer account or a special box (for example, UFi Box, EasyJTAG).
Without official access, you can only turn on EDL through hardware manipulations (closing contacts on the board), which requires disassembly of the phone and soldering skills, and we do not recommend this method for beginners - it is better to contact the service center.
- βοΈ Required: soldering iron, test cable, MiFlashPro or QFil
- π§ Risks: loss of warranty, damage to fees, full breech
- β³ Time: 1-3 hourly (depending on the model)
- π° Cost: 1000-3000 β½ service-centre
Algorithm for experienced users:
- Disassemble the phone and find EDL points on the motherboard (usually signed or listed in the diagram for your model).
- Close the contacts with a test cable or tweezers while connecting the USB to the PC.
- Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Start MiFlashPro, select firmware and run firmware in Firehose mode.
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Firmware via EDL deletes all data, including Mi Account lock, but requires a precise match between the firmware version and the phone model. Mistaking the firmware file can make the phone inoperable.
5. Google Account Unblocking (FRP-blocking)
If, after resetting, a Xiaomi phone requires input from a Google Account that was previously tied, it's called FRP-blocking. It appears on all Android devices from version 5.1 and up, and you can get around it in several ways:
Method 1: Emergency call (operates on MIUI 12-13):
- On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
- Enter #4636## and the test menu will open.
- Go to Wi-Fi Settings and connect to the network.
- Go back and select your browser settings, then open YouTube.
- In YouTube search, type βSettingsβ, open system settings and reset.
Method 2: Through OTG-cable and file system (required) OTG-adapter):
- π Download the USB flash drive archive with utility FRP Bypass (e.g. D&G Unlock Tool).
- π Connect the flash drive to the phone through OTG-adapter on the welcome screen.
- π Open the File Manager and install it. APK-file.
- π Launch the utility and follow the instructions for resetting FRP.
β οΈ Attention: Bypassing techniques FRP Often closed in new versions MIUI. If your phone has upgraded to the latest firmware, these methods may not work, in which case only the firmware through Fastboot or the Fastboot will help. EDL.
6. Checking your phone before buying (how to avoid problems)
If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check it for account binding. Here is a checklist to help avoid buying a locked device:
Ask the seller to exit Mi Account in your presence | Make sure Settings β Mi Account displays "Login" (not "Your Account") | Check FRP status: reset to factory (if the seller refuses - it's suspicious) | Request a check or box (on some models, the serial number on the box and in Settings β Phone must match) | Check IMEI via command *#06# (should match the battery number)
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Pay particular attention to Xiaomi models purchased in China (CN versions).
- π« No Google services (no Play Market, YouTube, etc.)
- π Linked to Chinese Mi Account, which is difficult to untie
- π΅ Problems with work 4G/LTE In Russia (there are no frequencies available)
If the seller claims that the phone is βcleanβ but refuses to show logout, the device is likely locked, in which case it is better to abandon the purchase or reduce the price, taking into account future unlock costs.