The Mi Account binding on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is both a protection against theft and a headache for users who have forgotten login details or bought a used device with someone else's ID. The system blocks access to basic functions after resetting, requiring you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account. But what if you do not remember this data or the previous owner did not provide it?
In this article, weβll look at 5 proven ways to reset or bypass Mi Accounts on Redmi, from official methods to technical bypasses, and itβs important to understand that some require special knowledge or tools, and the wrong actions can turn a phone into a brick. We will also reveal which Redmi models (starting in 2020) have enhanced Mi Account reset protection through the IRS. EDL-The mode, and why the standard instructions from the Internet stopped working on new firmware MIUI 14+.
Why Mi Account locks phone after reset
Factory Reset Protection (FRP) in Xiaomi works similarly to protection on Android devices of other brands, but with one key difference: it is not tied to a Google account, but to Mi Account. This means that even if you reset your phone through Recovery or Fastboot, the system will require you to enter data from the Xiaomi account that was tied to the device before the reset.
The main reasons for blocking:
- π Resetting settings via phone menu or Recovery without detachment Mi Account.
- π± Buying a used phone with a linked account (the previous owner did not delete it).
- π Loss of login data (login, password, tied) email/phone).
- π οΈ Failed firmware update, after which the phone requires authorization.
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi tightened security policy: now unlocking may require not only a password, but also confirmation through the Internet SMS Or email, on the Redmi Note. 10/11/12 And now there is also protection against the crossover. EDL-mode (emergency firmware), which makes the process of resetting Mi Account more difficult.
β οΈ Warning: If the phone was stolen, an attempt to reset Mi Account could result in a complete lock IMEI In this case, it will be impossible to restore the device to work.
Method 1: Officially delete Mi Account through Settings (if the phone is unlocked)
If you have access to your phone and remember the Mi Account password, the easiest way to untie your account is through the settings menu, which works on all Redmi models, including the latest versions of MIUI 14/15.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings β Accounts and Sync β Mi Account.
- Click on your profile and select Account Management.
- Scroll down and click Out (or Delete Account on older versions of MIUI).
- Confirm the action with a password from Mi Account.
- Reboot your phone and reset through Settings β About Phone β Reset settings.
After that, the device will be completely cleaned, and the next time you turn on, you will not need to enter Mi Account data.
βοΈ What to check before deleting your Mi Account
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note 11 Pro)+) After leaving the account, confirmation may be required SMS If you do not have access to the linked number, use the password recovery method at account.xiaomi.com.
Method 2: Reset Mi Account via Recovery Mode (without password)
If the phone is locked but you can get into Recovery Mode, thereβs a chance to reset the Mi Account through the regular recovery menu.This method doesnβt work on all models, but itβs worth a try, as it doesnβt require any special hardware.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (if there is one).
- Go to Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (or Clear All Data on newer versions).
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to be completed.
- Select Reboot to reboot.
If you still need Mi Account data after you restart, it doesn't work on your model, so you'll have to use more sophisticated methods.
Why Recovery Resets Don't Always Work?
Method 3: Bypass Mi Account via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If Recovery Mode didnβt work, the next step is to use Fastboot mode, a method that requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and basic command-line knowledge, and is suitable for most Redmi models, except those with a locked bootloader (e.g., the Redmi Note 10S with MIUI Global firmware).
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows or Linux.
- π Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- π¦ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (can be downloaded from Android Developers website).
- π File. unlock_tool.zip (available on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your computer and check that the drivers are installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue. If not, check the driver or cable.
- Download and unpack. unlock_tool.zip, then run the file mi_unlock.exe.
- Follow the instructions of the bootloader unlocker program (Migret authorization may be required via Mi Account, but sometimes bypass is possible through exploit).
- After unlocking, swipe through custom Recovery (such as TWRP) and reset through it.
This is a time-consuming process that may not work on newer models with enhanced protection, and if the phone still requires Mi Account after unlocking the bootloader, try the following method.
Method 4: Use EDL-The mode (for technically savvy)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash your phone at a low level, bypassing locks. It works even on locked devices, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable and knowledge in firmware.
Warning: The wrong actions in EDL can permanently shut down your phone, a method only recommended for experienced users or service center professionals.
How it works:
- Connect your phone to your computer through EDL-cable (or lock the test points on the board if you know where they are).
- Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for Snapdragon processors) or MediaTek Preloader (for Helio/Dimensity chips).
- Download the firmware for your Redmi model in.mbn or.bin format (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).
- Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil utility to flash your phone in EDL-mode.
- After the firmware, the phone will restart without being tied to the Mi Account.
Important: On Redmi models with Snapdragon processors 8xx (Like Redmi. K60) Xiaomi is blocking EDL-It's a server-based mode, and you can only get around this with paid tools like UFi Box or Octoplus.
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If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact a service center.The cost of resetting Mi Account through EDL on average is 1000-2500 rubles, which is cheaper than the risk of turning the phone into a brick.
Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (Official Method)
If all previous methods have failed or you are afraid to take risks, the most reliable option is to contact official Xiaomi support.The company can help reset the Mi Account if you provide proof of ownership of the device.
What will be required:
- π Check or warranty card for the purchase of the phone (with indication) IMEI).
- π Passport or other identity document.
- π§ Email linked to Mi Account (if you remember).
- π IMEI phone (can be found via *#06# or on the device box).
How to apply:
- Go to the Xiaomi support website.
- Select the Account Issues section β Mi Account Unlock.
- Fill out the form with IMEI, serial number and purchase details.
- Attach scans of documents and submit the application.
- Wait for a response (usually 3-7 days) If the data is correct, support will send instructions to unlock.
The downside of this method is that you have to wait a long time and confirm your purchase, and if you bought your phone with your hands, you have a very low chance of success.
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Official reset via Xiaomi support is the only legal way that does not violate the warranty and does not risk the deviceβs performance.
Comparison of Mi Account Reset Methods on Redmi
To choose the best way, compare them by key parameters:
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | It works on new models. | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings | β | β No. | β Yes. | β No. |
| Recovery Mode | ββ | β No. | β No, nah. MIUI 14+) | β No. |
| Fastboot | βββ | β Yes. | β οΈ Partially. | β οΈ Medium. |
| EDL-regime | ββββ | β Yes. | β Yes (with limitations) | β High-pitched |
| Xiaomi support | ββ | β No. | β Yes. | β No. |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to reset Mi Account, users often make critical errors that lead to a complete lockdown of the phone.
- π Using unoriginal cable β may cause communication to break during firmware through Fastboot or EDL.
- π₯ Downloading firmware from unreliable sources - the risk of getting a "curved" firmware that will block the phone.
- π§ Attempting to unlock bootloader without authorization β on new models, this leads to a lock for 72 hours.
- π‘ Firmware through EDL without knowledge of test points - you can damage the fee.
- π Reset via Recovery without detachment of Google account β after reset, you may need both Mi Account and Google FRP.
To minimize the risks:
- Always check firmware compatibility with your Redmi model (for example, the Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11 Pro have different firmware!).
- Use only original cables and a charged battery (at least 50%).
- Before you run your firmware through Fastboot or EDL, make a data backup (if the phone is unlocked).
β οΈ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C, Redmi A1) firmware EDL may result in loss IMEI. Recovering it later will be difficult!