Associating Xiaomi devices with Mi Accounts is a standard practice for the company to sync data, access cloud services and additional features like finding a lost phone. However, there are situations where you need to completely remove the link: when you sell a gadget, transfer it to another user or if you forget your username / password from your old account. Unlike resetting your settings through Recovery, deleting Mi Account requires separate actions, otherwise the device will remain locked.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to reset your Mi Account in 2026, including official methods through phone settings, bypass locks after a hard reset, and alternative solutions for devices with an unlocked bootloader. We will separately focus on the nuances for Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models, where the procedure may be different. If you plan to sell a phone or are faced with the message “This device is tied to a Mi Account” – here you will find working instructions based on the latest MIUI updates.
Why you can’t just reset your settings through Recovery
Many users mistakenly believe that hard reset via Recovery Mode will remove Mi Account. In practice, this works differently: after reset, the device will require you to enter the username and password from the last associated account - this is part of Xiaomi's Factory Reset Protection (FRP). Without correctly deleting the account, the phone turns into a "brick" with limited functionality.
Here’s what happens when you reset your Mi Account without first untidying it:
- 📱 The phone is turned on, but at the configuration stage a window appears with a requirement to enter account data.
- 🔒 Access to basic functions (calls, SMS, Wi-Fi is blocked before authorization.
- 🔄 Fastboot flashing or EDL It can help, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
- ⚠️ On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The lock is activated even after the flashing.
The only legal way to avoid blocking is to untie your account before resetting. If you've already done a hard reset and your phone is locked, read the FRP bypass section.
Method 1: Delete Mi Account through phone settings (official method)
This is the easiest and most secure way to do this, and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI 12-14.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Accounts and Sync (or Mi Account depending on the version of MIUI).
- Tap your Mi Account profile (usually an email or phone number is displayed).
- Scroll down and select Delete Account (or Sign Out if the Deletion option is not available).
- Confirm the action with a password from the account.
- Reset the device.
After that, you can safely reset via Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset or Recovery. The phone will not require data entry when you first set up.
☑️ Preparing for deletion of Mi Account
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) after deleting the account, a "ghost" link may remain. To avoid problems, additionally reset via Recovery before selling.
Method 2: Bypassing Mi Account lock after reset (FRP Bypass)
If you have already reset your phone through Recovery and see the message “This device is tied to a Mi Account,” you will need to bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP). The methods differ depending on the version MIUI And the models of the device. Below are the current methods for 2026.
Important: These methods may violate Xiaomi’s terms of use. Use them only to unlock your own devices!
Method A: Through Fastboot Mode (for devices with unlocked bootloader)
Suitable for models with Fastboot support and unlocked bootloader. ADB/Fastboot.
fastboot oem clean_frpIf the team doesn’t work, try:
fastboot erase frp
fastboot rebootMethod B: Through the emergency call menu (for MIUI 12-14)
This method works on many Redmi and POCO devices:
- On the lock screen, tap the emergency call.
- Enter #4636## (test menu opens).
- Go to Settings → About Device → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
- Return to the main settings, turn on debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Account Unlock Tool (such as MiFlash or XiaomiTool V2).
List of compatible models for method B
Warning: Using unofficial tools like the Mi Account Unlock Tool is risky; poor software can contain malware or damage firmware; we recommend downloading utilities only from trusted forums (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA).
Method 3: Delete Mi Account via Xiaomi website (if phone is lost)
If you don't have access to the device, but you remember the Mi Account data, you can try untie it through the official website.
- 📱 Your phone is stolen or lost (but you want to untie it from your account).
- 🔄 You sold your device but forgot to delete your account.
- 🔒 The phone has the function “Find the device” enabled».
Instructions:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, find the desired gadget and click Delete.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
- If the device is online, the binding will be removed immediately, if offline, after the next Internet connection.
⚠️ Note: This method does not guarantee 100% binding removal on some devices (especially with MIUI 14) additional reset via Recovery may be required after unbundling through the site.
Method 4: Resetting your Mi Account through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a flashing mode that allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader.It is suitable for deep unlocking if other methods have not worked, but requires special equipment (EDL cable or Deep Flash Cable) and knowledge of working with MiFlash.
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version).
- Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (for most Xiaomi devices, the Qualcomm chipset is used).
- Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (this may require circuiting the contacts on the board or using Deep Flash Cable).
- Start MiFlash, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
- After the firmware, the device will boot without being tied to the Mi Account.
| Model of the device | Type of chipset | Supports EDL? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Qualcomm Snapdragon | Yes. | Requires unlocking the bootloader for firmware through Fastboot |
| POCO X3/X4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon | Yes. | POCO X4 GT (Dimensity 8100) does not support EDL |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 | Yes. | Flagships may require an authorized account for firmware |
| Redmi K50/K60 | Qualcomm/Mediatek | Partially. | On Mediatek (e.g. K60E), EDL does not work. |
Important: Firmware through EDL resets all data and can lead to loss of IMEI or other problems if the wrong version of the software is selected.
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Before you run through EDL, check your device’s motherboard model (for example, the Redmi Note 11 may have vili or fleur variants). Wrong firmware will turn the phone into a “brick.”
Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (Legal but Long)
If you bought a used phone with a Mi Account tied and can’t contact the previous owner, the official way to unlock is to contact Xiaomi Support, a method that takes 3 to 30 days, but guarantees legal removal of the peg.
What will be required:
- 📄 Check or document confirming purchase (if the phone is new).
- 📱 IMEI Devices (you can find out via *#06# or on the box).
- 📧 Email to which the account is linked (if accessed).
- 📞 Phone number for communication with support.
How to make a request:
- Go to the support page: mi.com/support.
- Select the Mi Account section → Unlock Device.
- Fill out the form, specifying the IMEI and the reason for unlocking (for example, “buyed a used phone with a binding”).
- Attach scans of documents (check, contract of sale).
- Wait for a response (usually arrives on email within 3-5 days).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support can request video of the device, where it is visible that it is turned on and displays the lock screen).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to reset Mi Account, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| “Failure to delete account” in settings | Two-factor authentication or MIUI limitations | Turn off 2FA in your account settings or use the method via Fastboot |
| After reset, the phone asks for an old account | FRP-The lock was not removed before the reset. | Use FRP bypass methods (Section 2) |
| fastboot oem clean_frp doesn't work | Blocked bootloader or new version of MIUI | Try fastboot erase frp or run through EDL |
| Xiaomi support refuses to unlock | There are no documents on the device | Try using another channel (Twitter, MIUI forum) |
Another common problem is losing access to the email/SMS linked to Mi Account, if you forget your password and can't restore your account:
- 🔹 Try to restore access through the recovery page.
- 🔹 If your email or phone number is no longer valid, contact support with proof of possession of the device.
- 🔹 In some forums (e.g, 4PDA) Restore old accounts, but it’s risky.
💡
If you are selling a Xiaomi phone, be sure to delete the Mi Account before resetting, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device without your login details.