Linking the device to a Mi Account is a standard security measure from Xiaomi, which protects user data from unauthorized access. However, sometimes owners of Redmi Note 8 need to untie this link: when selling a phone, resetting to factory settings, or if the device was bought from hand with an already tied account of the previous owner. The latter case is especially problematic β without a username and password from the Mi Account, the phone turns into a βbrickβ with limited functionality.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to delete a Mi Account from Redmi Note 8, including official methods through the Xiaomi website, bypass locking through Fastboot, as well as alternative solutions for cases when standard options do not work. We will pay special attention to the risks and consequences of each method - from loss of warranty to possible blocking. IMEI Xiaomi servers in case of incorrect actions.
Important: the procedure is different for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader. If you are not sure about the status of your Redmi Note 8, check this through the command fastboot oem device-info (more in the relevant section).
1. Officially delete Mi Account via Xiaomi website
The safest and most recommended way is to use Xiaomi tools to remotely untie your device, which is suitable if you have access to your account logins and passwords, or if your phone was purchased new and linked to your profile.
Step-by-step:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in to the account that Redmi Note 8 is attached to.
- In the Devices section, find your smartphone (it can be displayed as Redmi Note 8 or Ginkgo model).
- Click on three dots next to the device and select Remove the device.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on your account security settings).
After that, the binding will be removed, and the phone can be freely reset to factory settings via Settings β About Phone β Reset. If the device has already been reset, but requires Mi Account data to be entered at the first setting, reconnect to the Internet - the lock should disappear within 5-10 minutes.
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If your Redmi Note 8 isnβt displayed on the Xiaomi list of devices, try updating the page or logging in via another browser, sometimes by clearing the cache or using incognito mode.
β οΈ Warning: If you sell a phone, delete the device from your Mi Account before resetting, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone without your data.
2. Delete Mi Account through phone settings (if the login / password is known)
If the phone is not locked and you remember the data from the Mi Account, you can untie it directly in the device menu, which takes less time than working through a website and does not require a connection to a PC.
Instructions:
- Open Settings on Redmi Note 8.
- Go to the Accounts section β Mi Account.
- Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner and select Exit.
- Confirm the exit and, if necessary, enter the password from the account.
- Return to Settings β About Phone β Reset settings and perform a full reset.
After the reboot, the phone will offer to go through the initial setup, but a request to enter Mi Account data will not appear.
βοΈ Preparation for resetting settings
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)
If you don't remember the Mi Account data, but you have a bootloader unlocked, you can try removing the anchor via Fastboot mode, which requires connecting the phone to your computer and using the Mi Flash Tool or ADB.
Tools required:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer (recommended) 7/10/11)
- π± USB-cable (original or high quality)
- π§ The Mi Flash Tool
- π Firmware for Redmi Note 8 (Fastboot version)
Step-by-step action:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\ginkgo).
- Turn off the Redmi Note 8 and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool. The utility should define the device as COM-port.
- In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Press Refresh, then select Clean All mode (this will delete all data, including Mi Account).
- Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).
β οΈ Warning: Using Clean All completely erases internal memory, including photos, messages and installed apps. If the phone had important data, it will be impossible to restore it after this procedure.
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
4. bypassing the blocking of Mi Account through EDL-regime (risky method)
If the bootloader is blocked, and the official methods do not help, some users resort to the use of the software. EDL-This method allows you to flash your phone at a low level, bypassing the check of the Mi Account, but has serious risks:
- π¨ Permanent blocking is possible IMEI Xiaomi servers (the phone will become a βbrickβ without communication).
- π Warranty is cancelled without possibility of restoration.
- β‘ Special needs are required EDL-cable or short circuit of test contacts on the board.
A brief guide (for experienced users only!):
- Download the firmware in.mbn format for Redmi Note 8 (model ginkgo).
- Install the Qualcomm 9008 driver and the QFil or Mi Flash Pro program.
- Transfer the phone to EDL-mode (usually requires disassembly and closure of contacts or use of Deep Flash Cable).
- Sweep the device by selecting a file prog_emmc_firehose.mbn.
Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will boot up without being tied to a Mi Account, but you may have problems with the network, camera, or other modules. The probability of the device building up with this method is about 30%, so use it only as a last resort.
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EDL-The mode is a nuclear unlocking method, and if you're not sure about your soldering skills or your firmware skills, you'd better go to a service center. The cost of recovering from a failed firmware may exceed the cost of the phone itself.
5. Alternative methods: service centers and paid services
If you don't succeed, you can go to an official or informal service center, and each option has its pros and cons:
| Type of service | Cost (β) | Timeline | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi service | 1 500β3 000 β½ | 3-7 days | Requires proof of purchase (check, box) may be refused. |
| Unofficial service (with guarantee) | 800β2 000 β½ | 1-3 hours | The risk of blocking IMEI if you use illegitimate methods. |
| Private Masters (without warranty) | 500β1 500 β½ | 30-60 minutes | High risk of fraud or damage to the phone. |
What to ask the master before repair:
- π§ What method will be unlocked (Fastboot, EDL, circumvention)?
- π± Will the data be stored on the phone?
- π Is there a job guarantee (and what it covers)?
- π¨ Is there a risk of blocking? IMEI?
Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Before visiting, check by phone if they are unlocking Mi Account β not all centers provide this service.
6 How to avoid Mi Account problems in the future
To avoid getting blocked by Redmi Note 8 due to Mi Account, follow the following simple rules:
For sellers:
- π± Always untie the device from your account before resetting settings.
- π Make sure that the phone does not require data entry after reset (go through the initial setup yourself).
- π Keep a check or a warranty card β this will help the new owner in case of problems.
For customers of used phones:
- π Before buying, ask the seller to show that the phone is not tied to the Mi Account (by resetting the settings in front of your eyes).
- π Request a check or document confirming the purchase (this can help with the official service).
- π³ Avoid buying at too low a price β often lock-in phones.
If you often sell or buy Xiaomi, register a separate Mi Account specifically for this purpose, which will simplify the management of devices and reduce the risk of losing access to the main profile.