How to completely delete Mi Account with Xiaomi Redmi 5: 5 proven ways

Deleting a Mi Account with Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a challenge that users face when selling a device, resetting settings or forgetting a password. Despite the fact that Redmi 5 was released in 2017, its relevance is preserved due to stable operation and availability. However, the system of binding to a Xiaomi account often creates problems: the phone can lock after a reset, requiring the username and password of the previous owner. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of deleting the Mi Account from standard to technically complex, including bypassing the lock via Fastboot and unlocking the bootloader.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi is actively fighting unauthorized deletion of accounts, so some methods may require proof of ownership (checks, box) or waiting for unlock through official channels. If you buy Redmi 5 from your hands, check the detachment of the device from the previous account before payment - otherwise you risk getting a "brick" after reset.

Why you can’t just delete your Mi Account through your settings

At first glance, deleting your account through Settings → Accounts → Mi accounts seems like the obvious solution, but on Redmi 5 (as with other Xiaomi devices), this only works if:

• 🔹 You remember your account password and have access to the linked number./email.
• 🔹 The device is not in an activation lock state (for example, after resetting via Recovery).
• 🔹 There is an official firmware on the phone. MIUI (Custom assemblies can block this function).

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the system will issue an error such as "Can not delete the account" or "Confirmation is required", in which case you will have to use alternative methods.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting Mi accounts via Recovery Wipe Data won’t work — after you reboot, the phone will require you to enter your previous account data. FRP (Factory Reset Protection and built into Xiaomi firmware.

Method 1: Standard Deletion through Settings (if you know the password)

If you have access to your account, the process takes less than a minute:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Click on your profile (the icon at the top of the screen).
3. Select Delete Account (the option may be called Exit or Untie Device depending on the MIUI version).
4. Confirm the action with a password from the account.

After that, the device will be untied from the Mi Account, and you can link a new one or sell the phone without the risk of locking.

• 🔒 You have forgotten your password or do not have access to email/phone.
• 📱 The phone was bought from hands and is already tied to someone else’s account.
• 🔧 The device is in Fastboot mode or EDL.

Method 2: Uninstall via Fastboot (without password but unlocking the bootloader)

This method is suitable if you don't remember the password, but are ready to unlock the bootloader. It requires a computer, USB Type-C cable and installed Xiaomi drivers. Warning: unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone!

Steps:

1. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Turn off Redmi 5 and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account (yes, you need access to your account, but not necessarily to what is linked to your phone!).
5. Follow the program’s instructions. The unlocking process will take up to 72 hours (Xiaomi imposes a restriction on new accounts).

After unlocking the loader:

fastboot oem clean_frp

This command will delete the Mi Account attachment. If the command doesn't work, try:

fastboot erase frp

⚠️ Note: Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 5 may result in a loss of warranty (if it is still valid) and increase the risk of installing unofficial software.

Method 3: FRP bypass through Recovery (for MIUI firmware 9–11)

If the phone is locked after a reset and requires Mi Account data to be entered, you can try bypassing FRP (Factory Reset Protection) through Recovery.This method does not work on all versions of MIUI, but for Redmi 5 the odds are high.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select the language (if the menu is in Chinese, look for the Wipe Data icon button).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
5. After reset, don't restart your phone!
6. Go back to the main Recovery menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.
7. At the setup stage, skip the binding to the Mi Account (you may need to connect to Wi-Fi).

If you still need an account after this, try:

• 📌 Install MIUI older version, for example, MIUI (9) via Fastboot, in them FRP lesser-than-strict.
• 📌 Use it. EDL-mode (emergency firmware), but this requires an authorized Xiaomi account or firmware box.

Method 4: Remove via EDL (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash your phone even without an unlocked bootloader. However, for Redmi 5, this method has nuances:

• 🔧 You need an authorized Xiaomi account to download firmware EDL.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the EDL firmware for Redmi 5 (for example, from the 4PDA forum or XDA Developers).
2. Install Qualcomm drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
3. Turn off the phone and press the volume up. + Loudness down + USB-gateway EDL (screen will be black).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. After firmware, the phone will restart without being tied to the Mi Account.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Redmi 5 with a blocked bootloader can lead to permanent locking IMEI. This method is recommended only if other methods have not worked and the phone is not the main device.

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If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you an error called “SLA Auth,” try using the 2017-2018 version of the program, which requires authorization.

Method 5: Official removal through Xiaomi support

If none of these methods work, you have to get official Xiaomi support, which is the longest, but the safest way.

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 📱 Phone box (it is indicated on it) IMEI and serial number).
• 🔑 Account information to which the phone is linked (if you are the owner).

Process:

1. Fill out the form on Xiaomi’s support website.
2. Attach scans of documents and a picture of the box with IMEI.
3. Describe the problem: for example, "Buyed the phone from hand, the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account."
4. Expect a response (from 3 days to 2 weeks).

If the documents are in order, Xiaomi will send you an unlock manual or reset the binding remotely, and the downside is the long wait and the need for proof of ownership.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If all of the above methods have not worked, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Flashing to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will delete the Mi Account, but will require an unlocked bootloader and may deprive you of features like IR-blaster NFC (if they were).
• 🛠️ Contact the service center. Many workshops offer the service of deleting Mi Account for 500-1500 rubles (depending on the region.
• 📱 Using your phone without linking to your account. Some firmware (e.g, MIUI EU) allow you to skip the binding at the first turn on, if you turn off the Internet during settings.

If you decide to sell Redmi 5 with a linked account, honestly warn the buyer about the problem, otherwise it can be regarded as fraud (under Art. 159.6 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - "Fraud in the field of computer information").

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On Redmi 5 with MIUI 12+ firmware, FRP bypassing through Recovery only works 30% of the time, and the most reliable method is unlocking the bootloader + fastboot erase frp command.

FAQ: Frequent questions about deleting Mi Account with Xiaomi Redmi 5