How to completely delete your Mi Account Xiaomi Redmi 5: 5 working methods

Why Deleting a Mi Account on Redmi 5 Could Be a Problem

Deleting a Mi Account with Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a challenge that users face when selling a phone, resetting to a factory setting or switching to another brand. The main difficulty lies in linking the account to the hardware of the device: even after leaving the profile through the settings, the account data remains in the system and can block access after a reset. This is Xiaomi’s protective mechanism against theft, but it often interferes with legitimate owners.

Redmi 5 (released in 2017) is complicated by an outdated version of MIUI — many of Xiaomi’s current deletion methods may not work. For example, the Delete Device feature in the site’s personal account often ignores older models, and if the phone was bought by hand, the previous owner may not have untied the account, which will lead to activation blocking (the so-called “Mi Cloud Lock”).

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to delete a Mi Account, taking into account the features of Redmi 5, including bypassing the lock without losing functionality, and pay special attention to methods that work on MIUI 9/10, the most common firmware versions for this model.

Method 1: Delete Mi Accounts through Phone Settings

The easiest way is to untie your account directly from the device menu, which is suitable if:

• 🔹 Remember the username and password from the Mi Account.
• 🔹 Phone not locked after reset.
• 🔹 You have access to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Exit (do not delete your account!).
4. Confirm the action with a password.
5. Return to Settings → Additional → Privacy → Resetting.
6. Complete reset (delete all data, but unlock the account binding).

Make a backup copy of the data|Remember the username/password from the Mi Account|Connect the phone to charging|Disable two-factor authentication (if enabled)-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone requests a re-authorization in the Mi Account after the reset, the link has not been completely deleted.

Method 2: Delete the device through the official Xiaomi website

If your phone is locked or you have already reset but have encountered Mi Cloud Lock, try unplug Redmi 5 via a web interface.

• 🌐 You have access to your Mi Account Account.
• 🔑 You can remember your password or you can restore access.
• 📱 The phone was previously connected to the Internet (for data synchronization).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the menu, select Devices.
3. Find the Xiaomi Redmi 5 (can be displayed as santoni, the model’s code name).
4. Click on three dots next to the device and select Remove.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If the device is blocked on the phone after removing the device through the site, then Xiaomi did not synchronize the changes. EDL-regime.

Through phone settings|Through the Xiaomi website|Reset to factory settings|I went to the service center.|I've tried nothing.-->

Method 3: Reset via Recovery Mode (for unlocked bootloader)

If Redmi 5 is not locked at Mi level, but you want to clear the device completely, use Recovery Mode.This method is suitable for phones with an unlocked bootloader.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. If there is an inscription Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Recovery (volume up + power combination).
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
3. Confirm the action (the phone will restart).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Redmi 5 reset via Recovery could lead to loss IMEI. Write down before the procedure IMEI (type *#06# or backup through MTK Droid Tools.

Method 4: EDL-mode Mi Account bypass (for experienced users)

If the phone is locked after reset and requires authorization in the Mi Account, and previous methods did not work, the user remains. EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a low-level firmware mode that allows you to overwrite the partition with your account data. It requires a PC, a special cable, and knowledge of fastboot commands.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Programs: Mi Flash Tool, Qualcomm Drivers, firmware for Redmi 5 (Santoni).
• 🔧 Knowledge of working with ADB and Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the firmware for Redmi 5 (for example, santoni_global_images_....tgz).
3. Turn off the phone and transfer to EDL-Mode: adb reboot edl If the team is not working, short the test points on the board (requires disassembly).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The Device Manager should have Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the firmware and press Flash.
6. After completion (10-15 minutes), the phone will restart without being linked to the account.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a Hello Packet error, try using an older version of the program (e.g. MiFlash2018) or firmware marked "EDL".

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL If you're not sure what you're doing, you can go to the service center. EDL in services: 1,500–3,000 rubles.

Method 5: Official removal through Xiaomi support

If all the independent methods are exhausted, you have to contact official support Xiaomi, which is the longest, but the safest way.

• 📧 Email linked to Mi Account.

How to make a request:

1. Go to the support page.
2. Choose Mi Account. → Unlock Device.
3. Fill out the form by attaching scans of documents.
4. Expect a response (from 3 to 14 days).

If you have a handheld phone, ask the previous owner to provide:

• 🔑 Login and password from Mi Account.

💡

Officially unlocking through Xiaomi support is the only legal way to delete a Mi Account without risking damage to the phone, but the process can take up to 2 weeks, and in 30% of cases Xiaomi refuses without explanation (according to users of the 4PDA forum).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete your Mi Account on Redmi 5, users often face typical problems:

⚠️ Note: If you buy Redmi 5 handheld, always check your Mi Account status before payment. → Mi Account and ask the seller to log out of your profile, and if he refuses, that's a reason to doubt the legality of the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions