How to change your account on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 proven ways

Why changing your account to Redmi 8 could cause problems

Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphones, which run on the MIUI branded shell, are closely integrated with the Mi Account ecosystem, which provides data synchronization, access to cloud services and additional security features, but also creates difficulties when trying to change an account. Unlike devices on pure Android, where you can delete your Google account in two clicks, here the process requires a few nuances.

The main problem is that on Redmi 8 with MIUI 12 and later, binding to Mi Account blocks access to some features after deleting the profile, including the ability to activate the device after reset. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy to combat device theft. If you bought the phone from your hands or just want to switch to another account, it is important to understand that improper actions can lead to the locking of the device requiring the data input of the previous owner.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change your account, from standard deletion through settings to bypassing blocking in emergency cases, especially the Redmi 8 (codenamed olive), Redmi 8A (olivelite) and Redmi 8A Dual, because their firmware has specific features.

Method 1: Standardly delete Mi Account through settings

The safest method is to delete your account directly from the phone menu, which is suitable if you have access to your current profile and password.

1. Open Settings and go to Accounts and Sync (or Mi Account depending on the MIUI version).
2. Select your current Mi Account profile.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Delete Account.
4. Enter the password from the account for confirmation.
5. Confirm the deletion - the phone will restart.

Once you reboot, you can add a new account or use your device without being tied.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 firmware may lose access to Google Play Services after deleting the Mi Account. To restore Google services, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services and Clear Cache.

Backup your data in Mi Cloud

Remember the password from your current Mi Account

Untie the phone from the devices in the account settings on the Xiaomi website

Check if there is an internet connection-->

Method 2: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If you don't remember the password from your Mi Account or the phone is hand-held, the only option is a full reset, but there are pitfalls: on a Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+, you can request a previous account entry (Mi Account Lock) after a reset, which is anti-theft protection, and you can only legally circumvent it if:

• 🔄 You have a login/password from your old account;
• 📄 There is a check or warranty card confirming the purchase;
• 🤝 Previous owner removed the binding through the official website Xiaomi.

If these conditions are not met, the reset will lead to a lockdown. To minimize the risks, follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. Once reset, the phone will restart. If you have a request to enter Mi Account data, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or use it. SIM-map.

Method 3: Delete your account via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if the standard methods don't work, but you have access to Fastboot mode. It requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and bootloader unlocked.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install the tools on the PC:


ADB and Fastboot (download from Android Developers)




Drivers for Xiaomi Redmi 8 (e.g. Mi Flash Tool)





2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode:




- Turn off the device.




- Press the volume down + Nutrition before the appearance of the hare in the hat-eared





3. In the command line (on behalf of the administrator) perform:




fastboot oem clean_all




fastboot reboot





4.After the reboot, the phone will be untethered to the Mi Account.

This method deletes all data, including internal memory, but bypasses the Mi Account lock, but with new firmware (MIUI 14+), Xiaomi can restore binding after connecting to the Internet.

• 📵 Do not connect to Wi-Fi or mobile immediately after a reset;
• 🔧 First, create a new Mi Account in offline mode;
• 🔒 Turn off automatic synchronization in the settings.

💡

If after the command fastboot oem clean_all bug FAILED (remote: 'Command not allowed', which means the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool (waiting required) 72–168 hours).

Method 4: Bypassing the Mi Account lock EDL-mode (emergency method)

If after the reset Redmi 8 requires the data of the old account, and it is impossible to contact the previous owner, it remains only to be reset. EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method requires special equipment (EDL-cable or testpoints) and firmware via the Mi Flash Tool, which is only suitable for advanced users, as:

• ⚠️ Breaks the guarantee;
• ⚠️ It can lead to complete data loss;
• ⚠️ Requires knowledge of working with firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 8 (for example, olive_global_images_...) From the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Unpack the archive and install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: Turn off the device; Close the testpoints (for Redmi 8 – contacts near the charging connector) or use EDL-cable; Connect to PC – Qualcomm should appear in Device Manager HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

When completed (100%), disconnect your phone – it will reboot without being linked to your account.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-The same with Anti-Rollback (MIUI 12+) This can lead to a lock on the bootloader. Before you run the firmware, check the Anti version in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → If the value is higher than 3, firmware of the old version is prohibited!

Method 5: Officially Unlocking with Xiaomi Support

If all previous methods have failed or you are afraid to take risks, contact Xiaomi Support.This is the longest, but the safest way.

• 📄 Check or document confirming purchase;
• 📦 Phone box with a phone IMEI;
• 📧 Email address associated with the device (if known).

Procedure:

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Select the Unlock Mi Account section.
3. Fill out the form by specifying: IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06#); Serial number (on the box or under the battery); Purchase data (date, store).

Attach the scans of the documents.

Expect a response (usually 3-7 days).

If the request is approved, you will receive an unlock instruction or a binding reset code, which works even for Mi Account Lock devices, but does not guarantee 100% results – it all depends on Xiaomi’s policy in your region.

💡

Officially unlocking through support is the only legal way to bypass Mi Account Lock without risking damage to your phone, but the process can take up to a week and in some cases (such as buying from undocumented hands) unlocking will be denied.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing to Redmi 8, users often experience typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔌 "The phone doesn't turn on after the reset, probably interrupted the firmware update process. Try going to Recovery and repeat the reset.
• 🔒 "After deleting the account, contacts were lost — the data was synced with Mi Cloud. Restore them through Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization.
• 📵 "Mobile network does not work after firmware" - reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔄 "Cyclical reboot after Fastboot means the firmware is not suitable for your model. Download the correct version for olive (Redmi 8) or olivelite (Redmi) 8A).

Another common problem is the error "This device is locked" when trying to unlock the bootloader.

1. You are trying to unlock a bootloader on an account that is not tied to the phone.
2. Less than 72 hours have passed since the last unlock.
3. The device is tied to another Mi Account.

Solution: Use the same account that was linked to the phone initially, or wait until the waiting time expires.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions