Deleting MIUI from Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco or Black Shark devices often becomes a headache for users. Even after resetting, the system can require old profile data, blocking access to the smartphone. The problem is compounded by the fact that the manufacturer does not provide an obvious βDelete Accountβ button in the interface β it simply does not exist in most versions of MIUI 12/13/14.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to delete a linked account, from standard methods through settings to advanced ADB solutions and official support requests. We will focus on the nuances for devices with a blocked bootloader and models released after 2021, where Xiaomi has tightened security policies. If you sell a phone or just want to get rid of your old profile, here you will find working instructions with the latest MIUI updates.
Why canβt you just delete your MIUI account through your settings?
Unlike a Google account, which is deleted in two clicks, a MIUI account is integrated into the system at the firmware level, and this is done to protect against theft: even after being reset before factory settings, the phone may require data from the previous owner (Mi Cloud Lock).
- π Hardware binding ID. The account is associated with a unique device identifier (IMEI/S/N), Which makes it harder to remove without confirmation.
- π± Xiaomi policy: Since 2019, the company has been blocking account deletion through the settings menu on most models (with the exception of some regions, such as India).
- π Reset protection: After a hard reset (Wipe Data), the phone can request the old account information if the correct unsetting was not performed.
- π‘οΈ Bootloader and anti-rollback. on devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi) 12T Any manipulation of the account via fastboot can lead to a brick (breakdown).
πΉ If you bought a used phone with a linked account, standard deletion methods may not work, in which case you will need a formal appeal in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
Method 1: Delete MIUI account through settings (not working on all models)
This method is suitable for devices where the removal function is not yet blocked by the manufacturer, most often it works on older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1, Mi 8) or on MIUI Global firmware for certain regions.
- Open Settings β Accounts and Sync β Mi Account.
- Slip the profile icon in the upper right corner.
- Select Account Management β Security β Delete Account.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email linked to the profile.
β οΈ If there is no Delete Account, do not try to reset your phone through Settings. β Additionally. β Recovery and reset. This will activate the Mi Cloud Lock, and the device will require the old profile data after the reboot.
βοΈ Preparing for account deletion
π‘ Tip: Before deleting, disable sync with Mi Cloud in Settings β Accounts. β Mi Account. β Synchronization. It speeds up the process and reduces the risk of error.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (without deleting your account)
If standard deletion is not available, you can try resetting your phone via Recovery Mode. This method does not delete the MIUI account, but resets all other data. This is suitable if you are selling a phone and want to transfer it with a clean system, but are willing to provide the buyer with data from your account (or are sure that it will not be blocked).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
- After the reset, the phone will reboot and require data input from the MIUI account that was linked last.
| Model phone | Probability of blocking after reset | Do you need an original account? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9 Pro | High (90%) | Yes. |
| Xiaomi Mi 10/11 | Medium (70%) | Yes, if Find Device is enabled |
| Poco F3/X3 Pro | Low (30%) | Only when you activate Mi Cloud Lock |
| Black Shark 4/5 | High (95%) | Yeah, even after the dump. |
β οΈ Attention, on devices with MIUI 14 and a new reset via Recovery can lead to a hard brick if the bootloader has previously been unlocked:
fastboot oem device-infoIf the answer is Device unlocked: true, the risk of failure is minimal.
Method 3: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights. It allows you to manually delete account files from system folders. Attention: wrong actions can lead to data loss or phone breakdown!
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional β For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:
adb shell
su
rm -rf /data/system/mi_account*
rm -rf /data/data/com.xiaomi.account/
rebootπΉ What to do if there is no root? Some firmware can do without superuser rights, but you will need access to fastboot:
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase mi_accountβ οΈ Attention, on devices with MIUI 13/14 and the blocked bootloader, these commands can cause an error FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State' In this case, only a formal deletion request remains (see Method) 5).
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 4: Use of informal tools (at your own risk)
You can find utilities like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Xiaomi Tool V2 that promise to delete your account without a password, and we don't recommend using them for the following reasons:
- π‘οΈ Virus risk. Most hacked tools contain malware or spyware.
- π§ Phone breakdown: Misuse can lead to brick (especially on newer models with anti-rollbacks).
- π΅ Lockdown IMEI. Xiaomi may lock the device for trying to bypass protection.
- π° Fraud: Many βservicesβ demand payment for supposedly guaranteed deletion but fail to deliver on promises.
πΉ Alternative: If you really need to delete your account without access to the original data, contact Xiaomi official support with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement). MIUI 12+.
π‘
Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check the status of your Mi Account! ask the seller to temporarily untie the device from your profile or make a reset in your presence. If he refuses, this is a reason to be wary.
Method 5: Officially requesting the deletion of MIUI account
If none of these methods work, the last option is to turn to Xiaomi, which is the only legal way for devices with MIUI 13/14 and locked bootloader, which can take 3 to 14 days, but is guaranteed to work if you have documents.
What will be required:
- π Proof of purchase (check, invoice, contract).
- π± IMEI Devices (you can find out by command *#06#).
- π Old account information (if available).
- π§ Email for communication (preferably the same as in the Mi Account).
π Step-by-step instruction:
- Go to the support page: account.xiaomi.com.
- Select Unlock Mi Account (the section may be called differently depending on the region).
- Fill out the form by attaching scans of documents and a photo of the box/phone with IMEI.
- Wait for a response (usually arrives on email within 3-5 days).
- Follow the instructions from the unlock letter.
β οΈ Xiaomi may refuse to delete your account if you:
- π The phone was purchased less than 30 days ago (anti-resale policy).
- π Documents appear to be fake or unreadable.
- π The device is listed in the database of stolen (checked by the IMEI).
π‘
Official querying is the only 100% working method for new Xiaomi models (2022 and later) and all other methods can result in the device being locked.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to delete a MIUI account, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't remove Mi Account (in ADB) | No root or bootloader permissions | Use an official request or unlock bootloader |
| Phone asks for old account after reset | Mi Cloud Lock activated | Enter the original account details or contact for support |
| fastboot: command not found | Not installed ADB/drivers | Download Platform Tools from Google |
| Xiaomi support is not responding | Incorrectly filled out the form or the wrong documents | Make sure all scans are clear and meet the requirements. |
π‘ Advice for used phone buyers: Before buying, check your account status through Mi Verify. IMEI Devices, the system will show you if your account is linked to it. If so, ask the seller to unbundle you before you transfer your money!