An authorized Xiaomi account is not just another registration in the brand ecosystem, but a key to the advanced capabilities of your device. Without it, you will not be able to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware, use warranty repairs in official service centers or access private beta versions of the software.
In this article, we will discuss all the legal ways to get an authorized account, explain why it can not be bought or transferred to another person, and warn against fraudulent schemes. POCO require mandatory authorization to unlock the bootloader, and what to do if your account suddenly lost status.
We warn you that the process is not fast, depending on the region and device model, verification can take anywhere from a few days to a month, but the result is worth it: an authorized account opens the door to a world of official updates, service capabilities and secure firmware experiments.
What is an authorized Xiaomi account and why you need it?
An authorized Mi Account is a Xiaomi-confirmed profile that is linked to a specific device and user, and unlike a regular Mi Account that can be created in 2 minutes, authorization requires verification of personal data and coordination with the company’s servers.
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🛠️ Warranty service in official service centers - without authorization may refuse repairs.
- 📱 Access to beta versions MIUI and closed functions (for example, Fastboot mode for developers).
- 🔄 Recovery of data after reset via Mi Cloud with proof of ownership.
Without an authorized account, you can’t even start unlocking the bootloader – the system will give an error “This device is locked” or “Account not authorized”, while a regular Mi Account is only suitable for syncing contacts, backups and purchases in the Mi Store.
It's important to understand that authorization is both device- and account-based, and if you're selling a phone, the new owner has to go through the process again, and you can't pass authorization, which violates Xiaomi's policy and can result in account lockdown.
What Xiaomi devices require authorization
Not all Xiaomi gadgets need an authorized account, mainly smartphones and tablets based on the same name. MIUI, The following table shows the models for which the procedure is mandatory:
| Brand | Models (examples) | Authorization is required for |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Mi 11/12/13, Mi Mix 4, Civi 1/2, Pad 5/6 | Unlocking the loader, warranty repair |
| Redmi | Note 10/11/12, K40/K50, Redmi 10/12 | Unlock the bootloader, restore via Mi Cloud |
| POCO | F3/F4/F5, X3/X4/X5, M4/M5 | Unlocking the bootloader (except global firmware) |
| Black Shark | 4/5/6 series | Access to service functions and firmware |
Devices older than 2018 (e.g. Mi 8, Redmi Note 5) may not require authorization, but warranty repairs will still be required, and some regions (e.g. China) have stricter regulations, requiring authorization for basic activities such as resetting.
To check if your device needs authorization, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI And you can tap 7 times on the line with the version, and if you have the Additional Settings menu with the "Unlock Status" option, you have to do it.
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If you buy a used Xiaomi smartphone, be sure to check if an authorized account is attached to it. Ask the seller to show the status in the Settings menu → Mi Account → If it says "Authorized," you'll have to reset the procedure after the reset.
Official methods of obtaining an authorized account
There are three legal ways to get authorization, and all of them are free. Fraudsters often offer to "buy" an authorized account - this is a scam, since the device binding is checked by Xiaomi servers, and someone else's authorization will not work.
Methods (select the appropriate):
- 📱 Through the Mi Unlock app, the standard method for unlocking the bootloader.
- 📧 Through a support call for Xiaomi – if Mi Unlock doesn’t work (for example, for Chinese firmware).
- 🏬 In the official service center - if you need to confirm ownership for warranty repair.
Let us examine each method in detail.
Method 1: Authorization via Mi Unlock (to unlock the bootloader)
This is the most common method. You'll need:
- Smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO version MIUI lower 10.0.
- Windows computer (7/10/11) original USB-cable.
- Installed application Mi Unlock Tool (download only from the official website!).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 taps according to the version) MIUI customized).
- Activate Debugging on USB and Unlocking OEM developer-menu.
- Attach Mi Account to your device in Settings → Mi Account.
- Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account.
- If you see a message saying "Wait 168 hours", you have to wait 7 days (this is fraud protection).
Disable Find My Device in Google Settings
Make sure your phone has more than 60% charge
Use the original USB-cable (not hub!)
Don't plug others in. USB-Devices to PCs during the process-->
After successful login, the Mi Unlock Tool will be “Unlocked successfully” and you can unlock the bootloader or confirm ownership at the service center.
Method 2: Appealing for Xiaomi
If Mi Unlock does not work (for example, for devices with Chinese firmware or older models), you can write in official support.
- Go to the Xiaomi support website.
- Select the "Account & Security" section.
- Describe the problem: Specify the device model, IMEI (Find *#06# and the reason why you need to log in.
- Attach screenshots of errors (if any) and a purchase check (if the device is warranty).
The answer comes within 3-10 days, and sometimes support is asked to provide additional data, such as a photo of a box with a serial number or a check from an official store.
What to do if support is not responding?
Method 3: Authorization in the service center
If you need authorization for warranty repairs, the easiest way to contact the official service center Xiaomi.
The service worker will link your Mi Account to the device on the spot, which takes 10 to 30 minutes, and it's free, but if the warranty is over, they can charge you for the diagnostics (~500–1000 rubles).
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Authorization at a service center is the most reliable way, but only for warranty devices. If the phone is bought with hands, you should use Mi Unlock.
How long does it take to get authorization and why can they refuse?
The timeframe depends on the chosen method:
- 🔓 Mi Unlock: From 72 hourly 30 days (if waiting is required) 168/360/720 hours).
- 📧 Xiaomi support: 3-14 days (sometimes longer with high load).
- 🏬 Service center: 10–30 minutes (if all documents are in order).
The main reasons for refusal:
- 🚫 The device is not original (clone or fake).
- 🚫 Account blocked for breach of rules (for example, attempt to sell authorization).
- 🚫 The device is stolen or blacklisted IMEI.
- 🚫 Data mismatch (e.g., data mismatch, IMEI Doesn't match the check).
If you are denied, check:
- Have you been blocked from your Mi Account before?
1. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC.
2. Use another USB-port (preferably 2.0).
3. disable the antivirus - it can block the connection.-->
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users have problems logging in because they don't know the nuances, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Wait 168 hours" | Protection from fraudsters – you need to wait 7 days after the account is linked. | Wait for the specified time, do not try to reset the timer. |
| "Account not authorized" | The account is not tied to the device or blocked. | Re-authorize or call for support. |
| "Couldn’t verify device" | Problems with drivers, cable or firmware. | Reinstall drivers, use the original cable, update MIUI. |
| "Device is locked" | The bootloader is not unlocked, although authorization is passed. | Repeat the unlocking process through Mi Unlock. |
Another common problem is resetting the waiting timer, and many users think that if you reset the phone to factory settings, the 168-hour timer will reset. It doesn't! Resetting will only increase the latency to 360 or 720 hours, and the only way to avoid waiting is to not untie the account from the device until authorization is complete.
Also be careful with Chinese firmware, which often doesn’t work with global authorization, and you have to use a Chinese Mi Account with a local phone number.
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If you buy Xiaomi in China (for example, through Taobao), immediately create a Chinese Mi Account with a number. +86.This will eliminate the problems of authorization in the future.
Can I buy an authorized Xiaomi account?
No, you can't buy an authorized account.
- 🔒 Authorization is tied to IMEI The device and the owner's data.
- 🚨 Xiaomi tracks suspicious activity and blocks accounts involved in the sale.
- 💰 Fraudsters sell “authorized accounts” for 500-2000 rubles, but in fact it is either a scam or stolen data.
If you do decide to take a risk, remember:
⚠️ Warning: When you buy someone else's account, you risk: Lose access to your device after you block your account; lose warranty; service centers check authorization history; encounter bugs when you update your firmware.
The only safe way is to log in on your own. It's free and doesn't violate Xiaomi's rules.
What to do if the authorization suddenly disappears
Sometimes users experience a situation where an authorized account suddenly loses status, and the reasons may be different:
- 🔄 Resetting the phone to factory settings without detachment of the account.
- 🔒 Blocking an account for suspicious activity (for example, attempting to unlock on another device).
- 📱 Update the firmware with the transition to another version MIUI (For example, from Chinese to global).
To restore authorization:
- Check if your Mi Account is blocked (check out account.xiaomi.com).
- If your account is active, repeat the authorization procedure through Mi Unlock.
- If it doesn’t help, ask for help with the instructions. IMEI history of problems.
If you sold the phone and the new owner can not pass authorization, he will have to contact the service center with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).
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Always untie your Mi Account from your device before selling! → Mi Account → Delete the account.