Why Deleting a Google Account on Redmi 9 is Not Always an Obvious Thing
Deleting a Google account with Xiaomi Redmi 9 may seem like a simple procedure, but in practice users face a number of nuances: the fact that MIUI integrates Google services at the system level, not as normal applications, so standard deletion through Settings → Accounts does not always lead to complete erasure of data, for example, after such deletion, cached files, synchronized contacts or even device binding in Find My Device services.
Feature of Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2004C3LGG) The manufacturer imposes additional restrictions on the management of accounts through the MIUI. This is done to protect against unauthorized access, but often makes life difficult for legitimate owners. For example, if you try to delete an account before selling a phone, the system may require a password from the previous owner - even if the device has already been reset to factory settings.
In this article, we will discuss three proven methods of deleting a Google account, taking into account the specifics of Redmi 9: 1) through standard settings MIUI, 2) by resetting to factory settings, 3) through recovery mode (Recovery Mode).
Each method has its pros and cons – from the speed of execution to the risk of data loss.
Method 1: Delete Google Accounts through MIUI Settings
The safest and most recommended way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable if you have access to your phone and remember your account password.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Accounts and Sync (in some versions of MIUI – Passwords and Security → Accounts).
- Select Google from the list of connected accounts.
- Click on the basket icon (🗑️) or items Delete the account → Confirm.
The system then prompts you to enter a password from your Google account to confirm it, and if you don't remember it, use the password recovery function on accounts.google.com.
Save important data from Google Drive
Export contacts to the VCF file
Untie your phone from Google Pay
Make sure there are no active subscriptions to the service-->
⚠️ Note: Factory Reset Protection is enabled on your phone (FRP), After deleting the account through the settings on the next device reset, the system may require the username and password from the previous account. FRP In Settings → Google → Security → Find the device.
This method does not remove all traces of the account from the device, for example, some data may remain in the cache of applications or in system logs. For complete cleaning, it is recommended to combine it with a reset to factory settings (method 2).
Method 2: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
If you plan to sell or transfer Redmi 9 to another user, a full reset is a must-do step, which deletes all data, including linked accounts, but requires caution:
- 🔄 Save backups of photos, contacts and files to an external drive or to the cloud.
- 🔒 Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account (if it is tied), otherwise the phone may be blocked after resetting.
- 📱 Charge your phone at least 50% to avoid interruption.
Resetting instructions:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Erase All Data (may be called Delete All Data and Reset Settings).
- Enter. PIN-phone code or pattern lock to confirm.
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).
| Action. | What's going on? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via settings | All user data, including Google and Mi accounts, is deleted | If FRP is enabled, you will need to enter the old account data after the reset. |
| Reset via Recovery | Deeper cleaning, including system cache | It can lead to errors if the process is interrupted. |
| Deleting the account without resetting | Account is untied, but the data remains | Not suitable for transferring the phone to another user |
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 12.5+ After the reset, you may receive a request to confirm your Xiaomi account, even if you only deleted Google, this is due to the manufacturer's security policy. To avoid blocking, unplug the device from your Mi Account in Settings before resetting. → Xiaomi account → Device management.
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If you reset your phone and you don't remember your old Google account, try connecting to the same Wi-Fi network you used when you last logged in. FRP.
Method 3: Delete your account via Recovery Mode (for power users)
This method is suitable if the phone is locked or does not respond to commands in the MIUI interface. It requires care, since improper actions in Recovery Mode can lead to the "bricking" of the device.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off Redmi 9.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
- Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
This method deletes all data without recovery, including Google accounts, Mi accounts, installed apps and media files. Use it only as a last resort!
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
What to do if your Google account remains linked after deleting
Sometimes, even after a reset, Redmi 9 continues to "see" an old Google account.
- 🔄 cached data in system applications (e.g. Google Play Services).
- 📱 Residual files in the folder /data/system/users/0 (Root rights are required for cleaning).
- 🔒 Active synchronization through Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Cloud).
Decisions:
- Reset: Perform Hard Reset again, but before doing so, disable all syncs in Settings → Accounts.
- Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Apps → App Management, find Google Play Services and click Clear Cache + Clear Data.
- Use ADB (for advanced): Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms This will reset Google Play Services settings.
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If the phone still requires an old Google account after all the manipulations, FRP protection is most likely activated. The only legal way to get around it is to enter the correct data or contact Google for proof of ownership.
How to Avoid Account Problems When Selling Redmi 9
Before handing over the phone to the new owner, complete the following preparations:
- Untie all accounts: 📧 Google (via Settings) → Accounts). 📱 Xiaomi (in Settings) → Mi Account → Get out). 💳 Payment systems (Google Pay, Mi Pay).
Reset the settings (as described in Method 2).
Check FRP: After reset, try adding a new Google account, and if the system doesn't require your old account, it's okay.
If you are buying Redmi 9 with your hands, you should:
- 🔍 Ask the seller to do the reset with you.
- 📱 Check that after turning on the phone does not require login / password from the previous owner.
- 🛡️ Make sure that in the settings → The phone. → Device status Google Services Framework – “Operating normally".
Frequent mistakes and how to fix them
When you delete your Google account on Redmi 9, users often face typical problems:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| “It is impossible to delete the administrator account” | The account has the rights of the device administrator | Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Device Administrators and uncheck the Google box |
| "A previous account is required after resetting" | FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is activated. | Enter your old account details or wait 72 hours for an automatic lock reset (sometimes helps) |
| “I can’t sign in to a new Google account.” | Residual data of the old account in the cache | Clear the data of Google Play Services and Google Account Manager |
If none of the methods worked, it is possible that the phone has a custom firmware installed or the /data system folder is damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or contacting the service center will help.
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Before selling Redmi 9, take a screenshot of the Settings → About Phone → Device Status and save it.This will help prove that the phone was reset correctly if the buyer has a claim.