Deleting a Google account with Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is a challenge that users face when selling a device, changing a profile or fixing sync errors. Unlike the new Redmi models, where the process is simplified thanks to the updated MIUI 14 interface, the Note 5 (released in 2018) can experience nuances due to the outdated version of the firmware and the features of FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
In this article, you will find three proven ways to delete your account: through standard settings, reset to factory settings, and bypass FRP lock (if the device is locked after reset), we will also analyze what data will be lost with each method, and how to avoid common mistakes, such as losing access to purchases on Google Play or deleting backup photos. If you plan to sell or transfer your smartphone, be sure to read the section on preparing the device, this will save time and nerves.
Why can’t you just delete your account through Settings?
On Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred), deleting Google account through the settings menu doesn't always work correctly.
- 🔄 Data Sync: Even after deleting an account, some services (such as Google Contacts or Calendar) may continue to work in the background if you do not manually disable sync.
- 🔒 Protection FRP: if the smartphone was reset to factory settings without first deleting the account, the next turn on will require entering a login and password from the previous profile.
- 📱 Limitations MIUI: firmware MIUI 12 no option “Delete account” in the section Google Accounts — instead, it offers only “Delete application data».
Moreover, on Android 8.1 Oreo devices (which is originally installed on Redmi Note 5), deleting the main Google account can cause disruptions to services such as YouTube, Gmail or Google Maps.
Method 1: Delete your account through MIUI settings (no reset)
This method is suitable if:
- ✅ You have access to the settings menu.
- ✅ Phone not locked after reset (no request to enter old account).
- ✅ You want to save data on your device.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Accounts (or Accounts and Sync depending on the version of MIUI).
- Select Google → tap on the account that you want to delete.
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) → Delete the account.
- Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock from the device.
☑️ Preparing for account deletion
If there is no Delete Account, try an alternative route:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Google Play Services → Storage → Space Management → Delete all data.
- Go back to the Accounts section and try again.
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If Google services (such as Play Market) stop working after deleting your account, reboot your phone and add your account again, which will restore access without losing data.
Method 2: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
This method is used if:
- 🔄 You need to clean the device completely before selling it.
- 🔒 Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your Google account password.
- ⚙️ Previous method failed due to system errors.
Warning: All data on the phone will be erased, including photos, messages and installed apps, and if you don't back up, it won't be possible to recover the information.
What is FRP and why does it block your phone?
Resetting instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu (manage volume and power buttons), select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action, wait for the process to complete and restart the device.
⚠️ If the phone requests an old Google account after reset, then, FRP In this case, go to Method 3.
| Action. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Reset without deleting your account | Activation of FRP-blocking | Enter old account details or bypass FRP |
| Deleting your account through settings | Failures in the work of Google services | Reboot or reauthorization |
| Reset with the internet down | FRP may not work. | Risky: System errors are possible |
Method 3: FRP bypass on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (if the phone is locked)
If the device requires data input from an old Google account after reset, and you do not remember them, you will need to bypass FRP. On Redmi Note 5, this can be done in several ways, but the most reliable is through Mi Account Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi) or third-party utilities like FRP Bypass APK.
Importantly, bypassing FRP may violate Google’s terms of use, so use this method only on your device. For phones with MIUI 12 and later, bypassing is complicated due to updated security protocols.
Step-by-step (the method with FRP Bypass APK):
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi on the FRP lock screen.
- Go back a step and tap the text input field to make the keyboard appear.
- Hold the @ character on the keyboard to open the Gboard settings.
- From the keyboard menu, select Three Dots → Help and Reviews → Find a YouTube link and open it.
- In YouTube search, type “FRP Bypass APK”, download and install the utility.
- Follow the instructions in the FRP reset application.
⚠️ Attention: Some ways to get around FRP Require PC connection and use ADB If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center - the wrong actions can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device.
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Bypassing FRP is a temporary solution. After successfully removing the lock, it is recommended to immediately add a new Google account to avoid re-activating the protection.
What to do after deleting your account?
After successfully deleting your Google account, follow the following steps:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest security patches.
- 📱 Add a new account (if you plan to use Google services) or set up Mi Account to back up.
- 🔒 Set up the screen lock: set up PIN-code or pattern lock to protect data.
- ☁️ Restore the backup (if you did it before resetting) via Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
If you are selling a phone, don’t forget:
- ✅ Untie the device from Mi Account (in the settings of the Xiaomi account).
- ✅ Delete everything SIM-memory-cards.
- ✅ Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you delete your Google account on Redmi Note 5, users often face the following problems:
- Reason: the account is the owner of the device (for example, if the phone was purchased with a linked profile). Solution: try resetting the settings or contact the previous owner for account details.
- FRP locks your phone after a reset Reason: Google account wasn't deleted before reset Solution: Use Method 3 to bypass lockdown.
- Loss of access to purchases in the Play Market Reason: when you delete your account, licenses for purchased applications are reset. Solution: Before removing, export the list of installed applications through Google Play (Bibliography section).
Another common mistake is trying to delete an account through Settings → Apps → Google by selecting the Remove Updates option. This will not delete the account itself, but only reset Google apps to the factory version, which can lead to crashes.