How to completely untie Xiaomi from Mi Account before sale: safe reset without risks

Selling a Xiaomi smartphone requires a mandatory detachment from the Mi Account - without this, the new owner will not be able to use the device. Even after resetting to factory settings, the phone can remain tied to your profile, which will lead to blocking through the Find Device function. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to correctly delete an account, including hidden nuances for models with a MIUI 14/15 old versions.

Particular attention will be paid to the problems that users face when trying to untie the device: server errors, password requirement from the old account, inability to confirm via the device. SMS. Also consider what to do if the phone is already sold but you forgot to remove the peg β€” and how to fix it remotely.

Why you should stop Xiaomi from selling your Mi Account before selling it

Mi Cloud doesn't just sync data, it links your device to your profile at the hardware identifier level, which means that even after a complete reset:

  • πŸ”’ The new owner will not be able to activate the phone without entering your data from the Mi Account.
  • πŸ“± The device will remain visible in your list of tethered gadgets on account.xiaomi.com.
  • 🚨 With Find Device, you can block or erase data from your phone remotely, even if someone else already has it.
  • πŸ“΅ On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) may trigger Factory Reset Protection (FRP), Requiring the original account confirmation.

Moreover, if the buyer tries to bypass the lock through informal methods (such as firmware), it can result in a lock. IMEI β€” And the phone will become a brick, so untidying an account is not just a courtesy, it's a legal liability to the customer.

πŸ“Š You are selling Xiaomi for the first time?
Yeah, first time.
I've sold it before.
I'm buying a used Xiaomi
Just wondering.

Preparation for the release: what to do before the reset

Before you delete your account, follow these steps to avoid data loss and authorization issues:

  1. Save backup. Use the settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (root rights required: πŸ“ Contacts and messages (export to.vcf and.xml). πŸ–ΌοΈ Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures). πŸ”‘ Wi-Fi passwords (use the WiFi Key Recovery app).

Turn off all syncs.

Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Mi Account. β†’ Synchronization

Remove the device from trusted

Mi Account.

Device management

Check the status of the account

Make a backup copy|Disable synchronization of Mi Cloud|Remove the device from the list on account.xiaomi.com|Check the status of the account (no blockings)|Leave your account in the applications (Mi Home, Mi Fit, etc.)

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Important: If the phone is enabled with the function "Dump protection" (FRP), It needs to be disabled in the security settings on some models (e.g. Xiaomi). 12T) This is done through settings. β†’ Password and security β†’ Protection against discharge.

Ways to unbundle Mi Account: step-by-step instructions

There are three official methods of removing the tether, and choose the right one depending on the condition of the phone:

Method 1: Through phone settings (most reliable)

Suitable, if the phone is turned on, you remember the password from the Mi Account and have access to the Internet.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Mi Account.
  2. Slip your profile at the top of the screen.
  3. Select β€œExit” (or β€œDelete Account” on older versions) MIUI).
  4. Confirm the action with a password from the account.
  5. After the exit, perform a reset to the factory settings: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings.

Method 2: Through the Mi Account Website (if the phone is not available)

If the phone is already sold or lost, but you remember the login details:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
  2. In the β€œDevice Management” section, find the right phone.
  3. Click β€œDelete Device” and confirm the action.
  4. If the phone is connected to the Internet, the binding will be removed automatically.
What to do if the Delete Device button is inactive?
This means that the phone is offline for more than 30 days or has Anti-Theft enabled, in which case you will have to use Method 1 (if the phone is on hand) or contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership (check, box with a mobile phone). IMEI).

Method 3: Through Recovery Mode (for power users)

If your phone is locked but you remember the password from your Mi Account, you can try resetting via Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
  3. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (Change Volume Buttons).
  4. After resetting at the first turn on, the system will prompt you to enter data from the Mi Account - use them to unlock.
  5. Then re-exact from the account through the settings (see Method 1).

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ Recovery reset may not remove the account binding, in which case you will need official unlocking through support.

MethodWhen to usePassword requiredRisks.
Through phone settingsPhone's on, access is available.Yes.Minimum
Through the Mi Account websitePhone sold/lostYes.The device must be online
Through Recovery ModePhone's locked.Yeah (after reset)There may be incomplete release on new versions. MIUI
Appeal of supportForgotten password or device stolenNo (requires paperwork)Long wait (up to 7 days)

What to do if you forget your Mi Account password

If you don’t remember the login details, you can restore access in several ways – but they all require proof of identity.

Recovery via email or phone

  1. On the Mi Account login page, click β€œForgot your password?”
  2. Choose recovery via email or SMS.
  3. Follow the instructions to create a new password.
  4. If the linked number or mail is not available, use a backup email (as indicated at registration).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support may refuse to unlock if the device was purchased from unofficial sellers (for example, with AliExpress without warranty).

πŸ’‘

If you buy used Xiaomi, always ask the seller to provide a video with the process of unbundling the account.

How to check that Xiaomi has successfully detached from the account

Even after resetting, the tether may remain, and here's how to make sure the device is completely "clean":

Phone check.

  1. After reset, turn on your phone and reach the welcome screen.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  3. If the system does not require data entry from the Mi Account, the binding is removed.
  4. Go to Settings. β†’ Accounts – Your profile should not be there.

Checking through the Mi Account website

  1. Log in to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Go to Device Management.
  3. Make sure that the phone you sell is not on the list.

Check through IMEI

For further assurance:

  1. Find out. IMEI phone (printed on the box or available via *#06#).
  2. Check the status on imei.info – there should be no blocking notes.

πŸ’‘

If you still see the phone in your account after the sale, it doesn't always mean it's locked, it may be that the new owner didn't do the initial setup, but it's better to be safe and repeat the unblocking procedure.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems when uncoupling Xiaomi from an account. Consider typical situations and solutions:

Error: "Can't delete your account. Try again later."

Causes and solutions:

  • 🌐 No internet – connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile data.
  • ⏳ Xiaomi server is overloaded – try it in 10-15 minutes.
  • πŸ”„ Synchronization conflict – disable synchronization in account settings and try again.
  • πŸ”’ Account blocked – check email for emails from Xiaomi about suspicious activity.

Error: β€œThe device is linked to another account” (after purchasing a used account)

If you have purchased a phone and it requires the data of the old owner:

  1. Contact the seller and ask them to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com.
  2. If the seller is not available, contact Xiaomi with the check and seller’s details (if any).
  3. In the models with MIUI 12+ You can try to bypass the lock via Fastboot, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to a loss of warranty.

Error: β€œIdentity failed” when password was restored

Decisions:

  • πŸ“Ž Link backup email to your account (if you have access to the main one).
  • πŸ“± Use the attached phone number to receive SMS-code.
  • πŸ“„ If nothing helps, ask for support with a picture of the box and IMEI.
Can I sell Xiaomi without detaching my account?
Technically, yes, but it is fraud: the new owner will not be able to use the phone, and you will remain responsible for the device (for example, if it is used for illegal activities), in some countries (including Russia), this can be qualified as a fraud of the buyer, which entails administrative liability.

Additional security measures for sale

Untiring the account is only part of the process, so that you and the customer are completely safe.

  • πŸ“± Delete everything. SIM-cards and memory cards before resetting.
  • πŸ” Disable biometric authorization (fingerprint, Face) ID) safety-setting.
  • 🌍 Log out of all accounts (Google, Facebook, Viber, etc.).
  • πŸ”„ Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ Connections β†’ Resetting the network).
  • πŸ“¦ Check the complete set: box, cable, power supply and documents must match the original.

It is also recommended that:

  • πŸ“ Prepare a receipt of sale with an indication IMEI buyer's data.
  • πŸ“Έ Taking a photo/video of the reset process will protect against claims of a broken device.
  • πŸ” Check the phone on imei.info for locking IMEI.

πŸ’‘

If you sell Xiaomi with unofficial firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), return the stockware MIUI This will save the buyer from problems with updates and warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unplug Xiaomi from my account without a password?
Officially, no. If you forget your password, the only legal way to do this is to restore it through the password. email/SMS or requesting support for proof of purchase, informal methods (e.g. via Fastboot or EDL-mode) requires technical skills and may result in device locking.
What happens if you don’t untie your account before selling?
The new owner will not be able to activate the phone, the first time you turn on, the system will require you to enter your Mi Account data, and you will be able to remotely block or erase data on the device, which can lead to conflicts with the buyer, in extreme cases, this is considered fraud.
How to unplug Xiaomi if your phone is stolen?
If the device is stolen, lock it first through Find Device, then contact Xiaomi with a statement of theft, attach a copy of the police report (if any), the company can remove the device from your account, but there are no guarantees - it depends on the policy of the regional office.
I dropped my phone, but he still asks for an old account.
This means that the reset was incorrectly performed or Factory Reset Protection is enabled on the device (FRP). Try: Enter the original account (if you remember), contact the previous owner (if the phone is used), use the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires unlocking the bootloader). MIUI 14+ You may need to wait 72 hours after resetting before re-assigning a new account.
Can I untie my account through a computer without a phone?
Yes, if your phone is connected to the Internet. To do this, log in to account.xiaomi.com. Go to Device Management. Find the right phone and click Delete. If the device is offline for more than 30 days, this method won't work, you'll need physical access to the phone.