The situation when, after a full reset (Hard Reset), the smartphone requests a password from the Mi Account, is a standard security procedure, not a break in the device. The security mechanism is activated automatically if the user did not log out of his MIUI profile before cleaning the memory. This is done so that in the event of a stolen gadget, the attacker could not use it even after flashing it.
However, for the legitimate owner, such a lock becomes a serious obstacle, especially if access to the account is lost or the password is forgotten. Access restoration requires understanding how the hardware’s system works to link to the manufacturer’s cloud services. Most of the time, the problem is solved by standard methods of restoration of credentials, but sometimes more complex manipulation of the activation servers is required.
In this article, we will discuss all legal binding methods, explain the nature of the password request, and provide working algorithms for actions. Ignoring security rules can lead to a complete locking of the device, so it is important to act consistently and carefully check each step before it is performed.
The nature of activation blocking and the operation of the Mi Cloud
The protection system, known as Mi Account Activation Lock, is operational from the moment of first logging into the smartphone menu. When you turn on the Find Device feature, the phone sends a unique hardware identifier to Xiaomi servers, creating an unbreakable link between the hardware and the owner's digital profile. Even a complete cleanup of internal memory does not break this link, since the information is stored remotely.
When you reset to factory settings through Recovery Mode, the operating system returns to its original state, but when it first starts (the Initial Setup step), it accesses the verification server. IMEI-The device code is listed on a specific Mi Account, and it requires proof of ownership, which protects the user's data from third-party access.
⚠️ Warning: Attempts to bypass the lock by flashing the global version into Chinese (or vice versa) without first unlocking the bootloader often result in a “Mi Account Locked” error or a region-wide lock.
It is important to understand the difference between a regular login screen and an activation screen. During the activation phase, many of the standard features of the MIUI or HyperOS shell are not available because the system is in confirmation standby mode.
Preparation for the detachment procedure: necessary data
Before you start taking active action to restore access, you need to collect key information. Lack of accurate data can lead to a delay or become impossible, first of all, you need access to the phone number or email address that was specified when registering a profile.
It's also critical to have a box of your device or a purchase check on hand. IMEI-code that may be required to identify the device in support or when using specialized lock status check services. If the device was purchased from hand, contact the previous owner.
To successfully perform the procedure, make sure that:
- 📱 The device has a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet (at least 2 Mbit / s).
- 🔋 Battery charge is at least 50% to avoid sudden shutdown during synchronization.
- 📝 You remember your login (email or phone) even if your password is lost.
- 💳 A backup email or phone number linked to your account for recovery is available.
☑️ Readiness for recovery
The absence of one of these components may interrupt the authorization process. SIM-The card is not recognized, you will not be able to receive SMS With a confirmation code, which will make it impossible to log in through the phone number, in such cases, the only option is to use a backup email.
Method 1: Restoring access through i.mi.com
The most reliable and secure way to link is to remotely control the device via an official web interface, which works even if the phone is already reset and on the welcome screen, provided it is connected to the Internet, you will need a computer or other smartphone with access to the network.
Go to the official cloud.xiaomi.com or i.mi.com portal. Enter your credentials. If your password is forgotten, use the link "Forgot your password?" and follow the recovery instructions via SMS or email. Once you have successfully logged in, find the "Find Device" section.
From your list of gadgets, select a locked phone. You will see a control menu where you can select the option "Remove device" or "Erase data" and then remove from the list. It is the deletion command that breaks the link between the IMEI and the profile on the server.
| Action on the site | The result on the phone. | Conditions required |
|---|---|---|
| Locking the device | The phone is locked, a message appears. | Internet on the phone |
| Sound signal | Reproduction of sound at max. volume | Internet on the phone |
| Remove the device | Breaking the connection with the Mi Account | Internet on the phone |
| Disappearance regime | Blocking with a message on the screen | Internet on the phone |
Once you have completed the deletion command, you need to restart your smartphone. When you re-enable and connect to the network, the password request should disappear, since the Xiaomi server will no longer see the binding of this IMEI to your account, this is a standard procedure provided by the developers.
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If the device is displayed as "Offline", the deletion command will be executed automatically as soon as the phone is online.
Method 2: Reset password through the recovery form
If you can’t log in because you don’t remember your password and standard SMS recovery doesn’t work (for example, a SIM card is lost), you’ll need to use an advanced recovery form, a process that takes time and provides proof of account ownership.
Go to account.xiaomi.com/pass/serviceLogin and click "Forgot password." Select the recovery option via email or alternative methods. The system can request code from a picture, old password or answers to secret questions if they have been set.
If the automatic methods fail, the system will prompt you to fill out a security questionnaire.
- 📧 Specify the email that was used for registration.
- 📅 Name the approximate date of creation of the account.
- 📱 Provide IMEI Devices that need to be untie (can be found on the box).
- 🧾 Attach a photo of the check for the purchase of the device (to confirm ownership).
⚠️ Attention: The manual document check process by support can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days. Don't try to send multiple requests at the same time - this will slow down the processing of documents.
After successful access recovery, immediately change your password to a new one that you will definitely remember, and be sure to add a backup email. It is also recommended to turn off the Find Device function before the next settings reset to avoid a repetition of the situation.
What should I do if my check is lost?
Specificity of unlocking used devices
The situation with handheld phones is very different, because if the previous owner didn't untie the device from his account before selling it, you'll face someone else's activation lock, and in this case, password recovery methods won't work because you don't have access to the seller's phone number and email.
The only legal solution is to contact the seller, so they need to log into their Mi Account through a browser, find the device in the list and delete it. The seller does not need to be remotely present, it is enough to act from any other device.
If the seller does not get in touch or claims that he “did everything”, and the phone is still blocked, then:
- It hasn't removed the device from the cloud's trusted list.
- The phone was stolen and blocked by the rightful owner.
- The seller is trying to hide the fact of the theft.
Buying a locked phone from your hands is a high risk. Xiaomi's official support won't unblock without access to the original account, even if you provide a check (since the check is most likely not in your name or not).
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Never buy Xiaomi with your hands until the seller has completed a full reset and activated the device again by logging into and out of your account.