Many users of the Xiaomi ecosystem confuse Apple and Android services, wondering how to remove iCloud on Xiaomi. This is because the Chinese manufacturer’s cloud storage is called Mi Cloud, but in the mind it is often associated with Apple products. In fact, Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI or HyperOS do not have an built-in iCloud feature, since it is a proprietary service from Apple.
However, if your device is locked with Xiaomi account (Mi Account) or you want to completely clear the phone of cloud data before selling, you will need to perform a number of specific actions.The process of deletion of the account is critical, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the gadget. Below we will discuss in detail how to properly untie the device from the cloud and avoid lock problems.
It’s important to understand that the term “delete iCloud” in the Xiaomi context means decoupling from Mi Account. This action unlocks the device’s search and remote management functions. If you simply reset the settings without prior decoupling, the smartphone can request a password the next time it activates, which is a standard security measure.
The difference between iCloud and Mi Cloud
The first thing to realize is the fundamental difference between ecosystems. iCloud runs exclusively on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), while Xiaomi uses its own Mi Cloud infrastructure, based on Kingsoft and Alibaba servers in different regions.
Users often face confusion when buying used devices. If the previous owner did not log out of their account, the phone will be locked. In the Android world, this is called FRP lock or Mi Account lock. Deleting this anchor requires either a password from the account or contacting official support with checks.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party software to "hack" or bypass Mi Account locks may cause the motherboard to be completely inoperable.Official methods require proof of ownership of the device.
The functionality of cloud services also varies. If iCloud syncs access and purchase keys in the App Store, Mi Cloud is focused on backing up contacts, SMS, voice recorder and finding lost device via GPS. Removing the binding to Mi Cloud disables all these functions, making the phone "clean" from the server's point of view.
Preparing for account untiing
Before you start delinking your cloud account, you need to back up your important data. Once unbundled and reset, all the information stored only on the device will be lost. Make sure you have access to the Internet, as Xiaomi servers should receive a signal to change the status of the device.
Check which account is active on the system. Go to Settings → Mi Account. This shows the email address or phone number to which the device is linked. If you plan to sell the phone, you must log out.
☑️ Preparation for cloud dumping
It's also worth checking the status of Find Device. If it's active, the system will require a password every time it resets, and turning it off is a key step in preparation. Without this step, a standard factory reset won't help get rid of the activation lock.
How to delete your Mi Cloud account through settings
The safest and most appropriate way to remove cloud binding is to use the smartphone’s regular menu.This method ensures that Xiaomi servers receive an unbundling notification and the device is not marked as stolen or locked.
Find the Mi Account section, which is usually located at the top of the menu or under Passwords and Security. Click on it to log into profile management. Here you will see all the information about the current session, including cloud storage and associated devices.
At the bottom of the screen or in the profile menu (three dots or gears), find the exit button. The system will warn you that the data will be deleted from the device but will remain in the cloud. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account. If the password is forgotten, use the recovery link on i.mi.com.
⚠️ Note: After logging out, the sync data (contacts, notes) will no longer be updated. Make sure you save it elsewhere or export it to a.vcf file.
Once you've successfully logged in, your email will no longer be displayed in the settings menu, which means that the binding has been removed, and you can now safely reset your data without fear of blocking the activation.
Delete the device via the web interface
If the phone is lost, broken or not turned on, you can remove the anchor through the browser on your computer or other smartphone. This method is effective, since the command is sent directly to Xiaomi servers, bypassing the device itself. Go to the official website i.mi.com.
Sign in using the same Mi Account you want to delete. After logging in, go to Find Device. From your gadget list, select the Xiaomi you want to unplug. From the device management menu, select "Delete from the list" or "Erase data."
| Action. | The result | Password required |
|---|---|---|
| Get off the device. | Unlocking functions | Yes. |
| Remove from the site | Full ID uncoupling | Yes. |
| Erase the data | Resetting phone memory | Yes. |
| Disappearance regime | Screen locking | Yes. |
Once confirmed, the device will disappear from the trusted list, a critical step before selling, as it removes all restrictions, and the new owner will be able to register the phone to his account without hindrance.
What to do if the site does not see the device?
Resetting and Factory Reset
Once the account is untied, it is recommended to perform a full reset to delete all personal files. Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset. Select the option to Erase all data. The system can warn you several times that the action is irreversible.
In the process of resetting, the phone will reboot and begin to clear the memory partitions, which can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the storage capacity. If you have done the previous steps correctly, after turning on, the phone will greet you as a new device without requiring a password from the old account.
⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requests a password from Mi Account that you have already deleted, it may be that the servers have not yet updated status. 15-30 minutes with Wi-Fi connected.
In some cases, especially older versions of MIUI, you may need to re-sign in immediately after the reset to confirm the owner. This is normal security procedure. Just enter the account details you just untied to complete the process.
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Before selling your phone, take screenshots of the About Phone menu with IMEI-This will help the buyer to verify the device and you to prove its legal origin in case of a dispute.
Problems with activation blocking (FRP Lock)
Factory Reset Protection is a mechanism that is activated if the reset was made without first logging out of your Google or Mi Account, in which case the phone becomes a brick for the average user, and it is almost impossible to remove this lock without a password by legal means.
If you bought a phone with your hands and it is locked, the only solution is to contact the seller.He must remotely remove the device from his list of trusted on i.mi.com. Any tips on "flashing" or using engineering cables often lead to a breakage of the bootloader.
Official unlocking is possible only if there is a check for the purchase and a box with the matching IMEI-These documents can be contacted by an authorized service center Xiaomi, specialists will remove the lock after checking the documents for ownership of the device.
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The only guaranteed way to avoid blocking activation is to log out of your Mi and Google account BEFORE you reset to factory settings.