Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to completely delete data or transfer the device to a new owner. In the case of the Redmi 8, the Mi Account detachment process becomes a critical step, ignoring which can lead to a complete lock of the gadget. Security system MIUI rigidly binds the device to the account, creating a barrier to unauthorized access after resetting settings.
There are several scenarios that require interference with the cloud service, such as a forgotten password, buying a used phone with a "link" or simply wanting to change the region of use, and understanding the mechanisms of Find Device will help avoid unpleasant situations with a brick instead of a smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the legal and technical ways to solve the problem, you will learn how to properly prepare the Redmi 8 for sale and what to do if access to the phone number or mail is lost forever.
The official method of detachment through smartphone settings
The most reliable and secure way to remove the binding is to use the regular MIUI tools. If you have physical access to the unlocked device and remember the password, this method ensures that there are no problems in the future.
To start, you need to log into the settings menu. Find the Mi Account section at the top of the list or go through the Settings path → Advanced Settings → Privacy. This shows the current sync status and associated services.
- 📱 Click on the avatar or username to enter the profile.
- 🔻 Scroll down to the bottom of the page before the red button appears.
- 🗑️ Select the option "Delete account" and confirm the action with the code from SMS.
- ✅ Wait for the report of the successful completion of the operation.
Once you do this, the phone will disconnect from Xiaomi's servers, and it's important to understand that just logging out isn't enough -- you need to remove the device from the trusted list, otherwise, when you reset to factory settings, the system will again request authorization.
⚠️ Note: If you do not delete your account through the settings before selling your phone, the new owner will not be able to use it after the first activation.
☑️ Redmi 8 Preparation for Reset
Reset password via i.mi.com web interface
If access to your phone is lost or you cannot log out of your profile on the device itself, the only solution is remote management via your browser. i.mi.com provides a complete toolkit to regain control of your account.
Go to the official website and enter the phone number or email used for registration, and the system will offer several options for verifying your identity, and the fastest way is to receive the code via SMS to the attached number.
In a situation where the SIM card is lost, alternative methods such as answering a secret question or sending a backup email will have to be used, and the process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours depending on the verification method chosen.
https://i.mi.com/After a successful password change, it is recommended to immediately go to the security settings and check the list of trusted devices.
What to do if your phone number is lost?
Use the Find Device function to remove
Find Device is designed to find lost smartphones, but it also allows you to remotely manage the binding, which is especially useful if the phone is far away but connected to the network, and you can initiate the removal of the device from the trusted list through a web interface.
Go to your profile on the site and select the Devices tab, which will show a list of all gadgets ever authorized under your login, find your Redmi 8 on the list and click on the corresponding icon.
Delete from List will remove the activation lock, but if the phone has search enabled, it may go into loss mode, which will limit its use before entering the password, so be sure to turn off the search function in the phone settings before selling.
| Action. | Internet is required | Saves the data. | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit through settings | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
| Deletion through the site | Yes. | Yes. | Low. |
| Hard Reset | No. | No. | High-pitched |
| Change of password | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
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Deleting the device via the web interface is only effective if the phone itself has access to the internet to receive commands from the server.
Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
Many users mistakenly believe that a simple reset via Recovery Mode will solve the account problem. In fact, on modern versions of MIUI, this will lead to the opposite effect - it will turn on the protection against theft.
If you do decide to do Hard Reset, make sure you remember the login details. To enter Restore mode on Redmi 8, you need to turn off your phone and press the Volume Up + Power button combination.
From the Recovery menu, select the language (English), then go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Confirm the action. After the reboot, the cleaning process will begin, which will take a few minutes.
⚠️ Note: Performing a full reset without prior detachment of the account will lead to the blocking of the device (Activation Lock), which cannot be removed without the original credentials.
This method is only suitable for cases where you remember the username and password exactly, or when the phone is completely cleared for personal use after the sale (provided you untied it through the site in advance).
Bypassing the activation lock (Activation Lock)
It is common for the previous owner to untie the device, in which case Redmi 8 becomes a brick after being reset, and it is not possible to officially unlock someone else's account, which is a violation of security policy.
There are technical methods of bypassing, which involve flashing or using special utilities to change device identifiers, but they require deep knowledge and are often paid.
The only legal way is to contact the seller and ask them to delete the device from their account through i.mi.com. To do this, they only need an IMEI number, which can be found on the box or under the battery (if it is removable, although in Redmi 8 it is non-removable, IMEI is on the box and in the check).
If you can’t contact the seller and there are no checks, the device will likely remain locked. Buying used Xiaomi equipment without checking the account detachment carries high risks.
Prevention and safety advice
To avoid problems in the future, always monitor the list of trusted devices. Regularly checking active sessions allows you to notice suspicious activity in time and turn off unknown gadgets.
Use two-factor authentication to protect your Mi Account.This will add an additional layer of security even if the password is compromised. Link backup email and current phone number.
- 🔒 Never transfer your account data to third parties for “unblocking” purposes".
- 📄 Keep your receipts for the purchase of the device - this is the only document confirming your ownership.
- 🔄 Regularly update your password, especially after selling your old devices.
Remember that Xiaomi’s security system is designed to protect your data, and getting around it is often more difficult than setting it right from the start.
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Save a screenshot of the About Phone menu with IMEI-code before sale – this will help prove the belonging of the device in case of disputed situations with the account.