Why users want to unbundle Xiaomi from Mi Account and when it is necessary
Linking a Xiaomi smartphone to a Mi Account is a standard brand practice that provides data synchronization, protection from theft and access to branded services. However, there are situations when this binding becomes a problem, such as when you buy a used phone with an already linked account of the previous owner, when you lose access to the mail or phone number associated with the Mi Account, or if the device is blocked after resetting.
In such cases, users are looking for ways to untie Xiaomi from Mi Account from their computer β this is often the only way out if it is impossible to unlock on the phone itself.It is important to understand that official methods (via account.xiaomi.com) require access to tied mail or to the phone. SMS, A. Alternative solutions such as Mi Unlock Tool, ADB-commands or Fastboot traversing β may require technical skills and carry risks.
This article will help you understand all the current ways of unbundling, their pros and cons, and also warn against common errors that can turn a phone into a βbrickβ. Particular attention is paid to the Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F3/F4/F5 models, as their firmware has unique nuances of protection.
Official method: unbundling through the Mi Account website
If you have access to a mail or phone number tied to a Mi Account, the safest method is to use a web interface, which doesn't require a computer, but we've included it for the full picture, as it's often the first step before moving to more sophisticated methods.
Instructions:
- π Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- π In the Devices section, find your phone and click Delete (or UntieΒ»).
- π§ Confirm the action through a code sent to the mail or SMS.
- π Reboot the phone - the tether will be removed.
If this method doesn't work (for example, the device doesn't show up in the list or requires confirmation on a locked phone), you'll have to move on to alternative solutions, and that's where you'll need a computer.
Preparing a computer: what you need to unblock Xiaomi
Before you start to undo it through the Mi Unlock Tool or ADB, make sure your PC is ready for the procedure. Without proper preparation, you risk getting errors like "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not connected."
Checklist of mandatory actions:
βοΈ Preparing a PC to unlock Xiaomi
Details on each item:
- π₯οΈ Drivers: Download the Mi Flash Tool, the required drivers are included. Install them manually through Device Manager if Windows does not recognize the phone.
- π Mi Unlock Tool: The official utility from Xiaomi, but it must be downloaded from proven sources (for example, en.miui.com/unlock). Older versions 2023 The year may not work with new models.
- π± Phone Settings: Enable Debugging by USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Tap 7 times, then return to the additional settings β For developers, also activate Unblocking. OEM.
β οΈ Note: If the phone is locked and you canβt turn on debugging USB, The only way out is to use Fastboot mode, but this increases the risk of unblocking errors.
Method 1: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (for unlocked bootloader)
This is a good way to do it if the bootloader on your Xiaomi is already unlocked. If not, you will have to unlock it first (more on this below). The Mi Unlock Tool is the official tool, but it has limitations: for example, after unlocking, you will have to wait 72β168 hours (3β7 days) before the binding is completely removed.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account that your phone is attached to.
- The utility will automatically detect the device. Press Unlock.
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).
After unlocking:
- π Make a reset of settings (Settings) β Additionally. β Recovery and discharge).
- π± When you first set up, skip the sign-in step to Mi Account.
| Xiaomi model | Does it support Mi Unlock Tool? | Waiting (hours) required | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Yes. | 168 | Medium. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes. | 72 | Low. |
| POCO F5 | Yes. | 72 | Low. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite | Yes. | 72 | High (risk of error 86012) |
β οΈ Note: If the phone requires re-entry into Mi Account after unlocking, then the binding has not been completely removed. ADB (described below).
π‘
If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't verify device" error, try using a different version of the utility (e.g. 5.5.224.24 for new models) or change your account region to "China" in your phone settings.
Method 2: Delete Mi Account via ADB (without unlocking the bootloader)
If the bootloader is locked and the official methods donβt work, you can try removing the anchor via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for phones where there is still access to the system (for example, if the phone is not locked after reset).
Important: The method requires USB debugging enabled and may not work on newer MIUI 14+ models due to enhanced protection.
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.account- Reboot the phone.
If the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell
content delete --uri content://com.xiaomi.account.provider.account/accountOnce completed, check if the Mi Account login request disappeared during the reboot. If so, the link is deleted. If not, you'll have to use Fastboot methods.
What if ADB issues a "device unauthorized" error?
Method 3: Bypass Mi Account via Fastboot (for locked phones)
The most radical way is to use Fastboot commands to reset protection, which is suitable if the phone is locked after reset, and other methods have not worked.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
- π± Phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down) + Power with the device switched off).
- π§ Firmware file (fastboot) ROM) For your model (download from the official website).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder on the PC.
- Open the command line in this folder and type:
fastboot devices(Make sure the phone is identified.)
fastboot flash allIf the team is not working, try:
fastboot flash all_except_storageThis command will scroll through the phone, but save user data (although the Mi Account binding should reset).
β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T, Redmi K50 And newer use of fastboot flash all can lead to hardware locking (hard brick). For them, it is recommended to use the Mi Flash Tool in clean all and lock mode, but this will delete all data.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you unbundle Xiaomi from Mi Account, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock (86012) | Account or region mismatch | Use the Mi Account tied to your phone or change region to China |
| Device not connected | Problems with drivers or USB-cable | Try another cable/port, reinstall the drivers |
| Phone asks for password after firmware | Incomplete data resetting | Run fastboot erase userdata before flashing. |
| Mi Unlock Tool is 99% Freezing | Xiaomi servers are overloaded | Try again in 1-2 hours or use a VPN (China region) |
Additional advice:
- π If the phone requires Mi Account again after unlocking, perform a full reset via Recovery (Loudness up). + Nutrition).
- π‘ For models with MIUI 14+ You may need to roll back to an older version of the firmware before unlocking.
- π§ If nothing helps, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase β they can remove the binding on the site. IMEI.
π‘
On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon processor (for example, POCO F4, Redmi K60), unlocking through the Fastboot is easier than on devices with MediaTek (Redmi Note 11, POCO M5).