How to change your account on Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways for Android

Changing an account on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that every user faces when buying a used device, transferring the phone to relatives or after losing access to the main account. Unlike “clean” Android, MIUI firmware links many functions to Mi Account, so improper actions can lead to locking the device or loss of data. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the account, from standard deletion through settings to bypassing protection after a reset.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi uses two-factor account-to-device binding, which means that even after deleting a profile through the menu, some services (like Find Device or cloud backup) can remain active. We’ll look at not only the basic methods, but also the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), as well as ways to solve common errors like “This device is locked” or “Couldn’t remove account.”

Why You Might Need to Change Your Account to Xiaomi

There are several reasons to replace your account with Xiaomi, and each requires a different approach:

• 📱 Buying a used phone – the previous owner did not delete his Mi Account, and the device requires authorization when first turned on.
• 🔄 Transferring the phone to another user – for example, parents give the smartphone to the child, but want to untie their data.
• 🔐 Loss of access – Forgot the password from Mi Account, and recovery through email/SMS It is not possible (for example, when changing the number).
• 🛡️ Security – suspected account hacking or needing to create a new profile from scratch.
• 📉 Synchronization errors – the account is “hung” in the system, and it cannot be updated or deleted by standard methods.

The most critical situation is locking the device after resetting to factory settings, if the Mi Account was not untied, in which case the phone turns into a “brick” requiring the username / password of the previous owner. You can solve the problem, but additional tools will be required (for example, Mi Unlock Tool or appealing for Xiaomi support).

⚠️ Warning: If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check if the Mi Account is untied before payment. ask the seller to perform a reset via Settings → The phone. → Reset settings and make sure that after rebooting the phone does not require authorization.

Method 1: Standard Account Deletion through Settings

The easiest and safest method is to remove the profile directly from the MIUI menu, which works if:

• 🔓 You have access to your current account (you know your password).
• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (required for synchronization).
• 🔄 The device is not locked after resetting.

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions):

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Accounts and Sync (or Mi Accounts in older versions).
3. Tap an active account (usually an email or phone number is displayed).
4. At the bottom of the screen, select Delete Account.
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.
6. Wait until the synchronization is completed (it can take up to 1-2 minutes).

After deleting, the system will suggest you create a new account or log in to an existing one. If you plan to sell your phone, you should immediately reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after deleting the account, you may be left with a link to Find Device. To completely unplug the device, go to Settings → Mi Cloud → Find Device and deactivate the function before deleting the profile.

Method 2: Reset to factory settings followed by linking a new account

If standard deletion is not available (for example, forgotten password), you can perform a complete reset of the phone. However, this method only works if the device is not locked Mi Account after reset. Otherwise, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (more about this below).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase All Data (on some models – Delete Everything and Reset Settings).
3. Enter. PIN-phone code or pattern lock (if installed).
4. Confirm the reset. The phone will restart and start the cleaning process (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After the reboot:

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. At the stage of logging in, click Skip (if available) or create a new Mi Account.

If after resetting the phone requires entering the username / password of the previous account, then the device is blocked. In this case, proceed to Method 4 (unlock through Mi Unlock Tool).

Method 3: Delete your account via Recovery (for advanced users)

If your phone is locked but you have access to Recovery mode, you can try resetting through it.This method doesn't guarantee Mi Account detachment, but it sometimes helps bypass screen locking.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Power + Volume down.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If the phone needs the old account again after the reboot, then the Mi Account Protection is active, in which case only official unlocking will help.

💡

If the phone doesn't respond to the button combination, try plugging it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes. A discharged battery can block the entrance to Recovery.

Method 4: Unlock via Mi Unlock Tool (if the phone is locked)

If the phone requires you to enter your old Mi Account data after reset, the only official way to unlock it is to use Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool utility, which takes 7 to 15 days and requires:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 📱 USB-cable (original or quality).
• 🔑 The Mi Account to which the phone is linked (even if you don’t remember it, you can try to restore it).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock.
2. Install the utility on your PC and run it on behalf of the administrator.
3. Log in to the same Mi Account that the locked phone is linked to.
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Power + Volume buttons down for 10 seconds.
5. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
6. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and follow the instructions.

The system will request confirmation via SMS or email, and then start counting down (usually 72-360 hours), and after the wait, repeat the procedure - the phone will unlock.

⚠️ Note: On Chinese versions of firmware (China) ROM) Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool may not work, in which case you will need firmware global version MIUI Fastboot (a risky method that requires skills).

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If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner cannot provide the data from the Mi Account, the only legal way to unlock it is to contact the Xiaomi service center with the purchase documents.

Method 5: Bypassing the lock through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

If Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t help or the waiting time is too long, you can try unlocking your phone through the phone. EDL-This is an Emergency Download Mode:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume up. + Loudness down + Power and plug in. USB-cable.

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware through EDL This method is recommended only if you are confident in your actions or follow proven instructions for a particular model.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When changing your account to Xiaomi, users face typical problems.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Are you using the original? USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).
• 🔄 Is firmware updated? MIUI Up to the latest version (older versions have bugs with accounts).
• 📡 Is the Internet connection stable (for synchronization with Xiaomi servers).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions