Why Deleting a Mi Account with Redmi is Not Always Easy
Linking your Mi Account to Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a standard procedure that opens up access to branded services such as cloud storage, contact sync, brand themes and updates. However, many users face the need to delete your Mi Account when selling a phone, resetting to a factory setting or switching to another brand. This is where the complexity begins: Xiaomi system actively resists user βlossβ, and improper actions can lead to the locking of the device (the so-called Mi Cloud Lock).
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to delete Mi Account from Redmi phones (including Note 12 Pro, Redmi 10, Redmi models). A2 And others, given the changes in Xiaomiβs policy of 2023-2026, we will pay special attention to the risks of blocking. IMEI Incorrectly deleted β this information is not in the official instructions, but it is critical for the security of your device.
Important: if you plan to sell a phone, just logging out is not enough β you need to completely unplug it from the device, otherwise the new owner may face a request for a login / password on the first turn on.
Official method: deletion through phone settings
The safest method is to use built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable if:
- π± You have access to the phone and password from your Mi Account;
- π Device not locked (no request to enter account data when enabled);
- π There is a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
Instructions:
- Open Settings β Accounts and Sync β Mi Account.
- Click on your profile at the top of the screen.
- Select Account Management β Security.
- Scroll down and click Delete Account.
- Confirm the action with a password from the Mi Account (not to be confused with the PIN-phone-code!).
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 5 minutes).
Backup data (photos, contacts, notes) | Disable two-factor authentication (if enabled) | Remember login/password in case of error | Make sure the phone is at least 50%-charged-->
β οΈ Note: After deleting your account, all data synced to Mi Cloud (photos, notes, call history) will be lost without recovery. If you need this data, first export it manually through Settings β Mi Account. β Cloud.
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If the Delete Account button is inactive, try temporarily disabling two-factor authentication in the Mi Account security settings.
Delete your Mi Account via Xiaomiβs website (if your phone is lost or blocked)
If you don't have access to your phone, but you remember the Mi Account, you can try untie the device through the official website, and this method only works if:
- π You are logged in to account.xiaomi.com;
- π± The phone is connected to the Internet (even if it is blocked);
- β³ Since the last time, no more has happened. 30 Days (otherwise, confirmation will be required through the SMS/email).
Step-by-step:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, find your Redmi (it can be displayed by model, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).
- Click on the three dots next to the device and select Remove.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (if the system requests it).
- Wait 24 to 48 hours, the device should disappear from the list.
β οΈ Warning: This method does not guarantee 100% binding removal in 30% of cases (according to forum users) 4PDA and Mi Community, the phone still requires you to enter your account information after the reset, and if that happens, you will have to use alternative methods (see next section).
Yeah, after the phone drop.|Yes, when you buy a used device|No, but I'm afraid to face it.|I don't know what it is.-->
Alternative methods: if the standard methods do not work
If the phone is locked by a Mi Account request after a reset, and official methods have not worked, there are still more radical (and risky) options left to use, and their use can lead to a loss of warranty or IMEI blocking, so only use them as a last resort.
Method 1: Fastboot Mode (for advanced users)
This method requires an unlocked bootloader and a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed. Suitable for Redmi models on Qualcomm chipsets (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi K50).
fastboot oem clean_frpIf the team doesn't work, try:
fastboot erase frp
fastboot erase configβ οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A With MediaTek processor, these commands can cause total loss. IMEI. Check compatibility on profile forums before using (for example, 4PDA).
Method 2: Service codes (for older models)
On Xiaomi devices until 2020 release (for example, Redmi 5, Redmi Note 7) sometimes triggered service code:
##3646633##Once you type in, go to Connectivity β CDMA β FRP Lock and reset the settings. However, on newer models, this method does not work and can cause a system failure.
What if your phone needs an old Mi Account after resetting?
Table: Comparison of Mi Account Deletion Methods
| Method | Conditions required | Risks. | Implementation time | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through phone settings | Phone access, password from Mi Account | Minimum (Data loss of the cloud) | 5-10 minutes | All models. |
| Through the Xiaomi website | Access to the account, the phone is connected to the Internet | Medium (may not work) | 24-48 hours | All models. |
| Fastboot (clean_frp) | Unlocked bootloader, PC, cable | High (IMEI blocking) | 15-30 minutes | Models on Qualcomm |
| Xiaomi Service Center | Check for purchase, passport | Financial (payment for services) | 3-7 days | All models. |
What happens if you delete your Mi Account incorrectly?
Many users are frivolous about deleting Mi accounts without realizing the consequences, and here are the real risks (based on Xiaomi Service Center data and user reports):
- π Locking Mi Cloud Lock: The phone turns into a βbrickβ and requires the entry of old account data every time it is turned on).
- π‘ Loss of loss IMEI: On some models (especially with MediaTek chipsets), incorrect deletion via Fastboot erases the device. IMEI, making the phone unusable for calls.
- π Cyclical reboot: If you interrupt the deletion process (for example, pulling out the battery), the phone may get stuck in bootloop mode.
- π« Loss of warranty: Any manipulation of bootloader or service codes will automatically void Xiaomi warranty.
The most dangerous scenario is IMEI locking in Xiaomiβs database, which would make it impossible to activate even after flashing, and according to Mi Community, there were more than 12,000 cases in 2023, mostly among users who tried to bypass Mi accounts through unofficial firmware.
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Never buy used Xiaomi phones without checking your Mi Account anchor! ask the seller to make a factory reset with you and make sure the device doesn't require login/password input when you first turn on.
How to avoid problems selling Xiaomi Redmi phone
If you plan to sell your Redmi, it's not enough to just log out of your Mi Account or make a reset. Here's a mandatory checklist for secure transfer of the device:
- Delete your Mi Account through settings (see Section 2).
- Untie all trusted devices in your account security settings.
- Turn off Find the device in Settings β Mi Account β Find the device.
- Make a reset to factory settings through Settings β About Phone β Reset settings.
- After the reset, turn on the phone and make sure it doesnβt require you to enter your account details.
- If the buyer agrees, hand over the phone with the new Mi Account tied (create a temporary account and link the device to it).
β οΈ Note: If you sell a phone with an undeleted Mi Account, the new owner may face activation problems, in which case he has the right to claim a refund or compensation through Xiaomi support by providing a check of purchase.
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Before selling, take a picture of the phoneβs IMEI (on the box or in Settings β About Phone β General Information) to help prove that the device was not stolen if the new owner goes to the police because of the lock.