Why Deleting a Xiaomi Account Is Not As Easy as It Seems
Deleting a Xiaomi account (or Mi Account) is a procedure that at first glance seems elementary: I went into settings, clicked โdeleteโ and finished. In practice, it is more complicated: the manufacturer connects the account not only with MIUI services, but also with the operation of smart devices, cloud storage, security system, and even after deleting some functions of the phone may stop working correctly, such as unlocking the bootloader or synchronizing data between devices.
In this article, we will discuss all the official ways to delete an account (via phone, website, support), as well as the consequences that are not found in standard instructions. You will learn how to avoid common errors (such as โI failed to delete an account due to active device linkingโ), what to do if you forgot your password, and how to check if your account is deactivated. Separately, we will dwell on the nuances for devices with HyperOS - a new firmware that replaced the MIUI model.
We warn you right away: if your goal is to sell or transfer your phone, deleting your account is not always enough, and in some cases you will need a full factory reset (with the mandatory disablement of Find Device protection), about this in the relevant section.
Method 1: Delete Xiaomi account through phone settings
The most obvious method is to delete the account directly from the device menu, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 12-14 or HyperOS.
- ๐ฑ It only works if the phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- ๐ You need to know the password of your Mi Account, and you can't delete it without it.
- โ ๏ธ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) After deleting the account, you may need to re-activate the device.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings โ Accounts and Synchronization โ Mi-account.
- Slip on your profile (avatar icon or email).
- Scroll down and select Delete Account.
- Enter the password from the account and confirm the action.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, notes)
Turn off sync with Mi Cloud
Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged.
Remember or save the password from the account-->
If the Delete Account button is inactive or absent, check:
- ๐ Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in HyperOS, the path to settings may differ).
- ๐ต Are there any active restrictions (e.g. parental controls or corporate policies).
- ๐ Is the account linked to other devices (smart watch, router, Mi TV) TV).
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If you delete your account, use the same Mi Account or create a new one, otherwise the device may be locked for 72 hours.
Method 2: Remove from Xiaomi website (if you donโt have access to your phone)
If you lost your phone or it broke but you need to delete your account (for example, to link to a new device), you can do so through the official website, which is also suitable if you want to completely erase your account from all Xiaomi services, including Mi Cloud, Mi Home and Mi Fit.
Important: Once deleted through the website, all data (photos, notes, call history) will be permanently lost in 30 days, which is how long it takes to restore an account, and access to Mi Store purchases and subscriptions will be disabled.
Instructions:
- Go to the account management page: account.xiaomi.com.
- Sign in under your login and password.
- In the menu, select Security. โ Delete the account.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on the associated verification methods).
- Enter the reason for deleting (for example, โDo not useโ) and click Confirm.
| Action. | Effects of consequences | Can I cancel? |
|---|---|---|
| Deletion via phone | The account is detached from the device, but is saved in the system. | Yeah, we can come in again. |
| Deletion through the site | Complete data erasure after 30 days | Yes, within 30 days. |
| Resetting your phone without detachment of your account | Device is locked (old account required) | No, just through support. |
Selling a phone.
I'm switching brands.
I do not use Xiaomi services.
I forgot my password and want to create a new one.
Other-->
Method 3: Remove via Xiaomi support (if nothing works)
If standard methods donโt work (for example, the delete button is inactive or you forgot your password), you just need to contact customer support. This is the longest way to go โ the answer can come in 3-7 days, but it often helps in desperate situations.
What will be required for the application:
- ๐ Documents for the phone (checks, warranty card, box with IMEI).
- ๐ง Email or phone number associated with your account.
- ๐ฑ IMEI Devices (can be found via *#06# or on the sticker under the battery).
Step-by-step:
- Go to the support page: mi.com/support.
- Select the Mi Account section โ Deletion of account.
- Fill out the form by specifying: Device model (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro). IMEI (required!) Reason for deletion (details).
Attach scans of documents (if required).
Send a request and wait for a response to the email.
What to do if support is denied?
โ ๏ธ Note: If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didnโt delete your account, support will likely refuse to help, in which case the only way out is to flash the device through Fastboot (but this will void the warranty).
What happens after deleting the account: hidden consequences
Many users delete their Mi Account without knowing the side effects, and this is what happens to your device and your data.
- ๐ฑ Phone: Contact, note, calendar sync will be disabled. Some features (e.g. Mi Share for file transfer) will stop working. HyperOS models may reset the theme of the design.
- โ๏ธ Mi Cloud: All data (photos, backups) will be deleted in 30 days.
- ๐ Smart devices: Xiaomi Mi Router routers will stop updating automatically. Yeelight smart bulbs or Mi Robot vacuum cleaners will unplug the Mi Home app.
The most unpleasant consequence is blocking the bootloader unlock. If you planned to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), after deleting your account, it will be impossible to do this without re-associating with a new Mi Account and waiting 7-15 days (according to Xiaomi rules).
Also consider:
- ๐ณ If you have a bank card attached to your account (for example, for purchases in the Mi Store), delete it in advance.
- ๐ฎ Subscriptions to services (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) are not automatically cancelled โ do it manually.
- ๐ On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6) after deleting the account, the screen settings (color profile, refresh rate) are reset).
๐ก
Deleting your account doesnโt equal resetting your phone. If youโre selling a device, make sure to reset your account completely to Settings โ About Phone โ Reset.
How to delete your account if you forget your password
Forgotten passwords are one of the most common problems, and unfortunately, Xiaomi doesnโt provide standard Mi Account password reset tools (unlike Google or Apple), and there are only two official ways to do this:
- Recovery via email/SMS: On the account login page (account.xiaomi.com) click Forgot your password?. Select the recovery method (email or phone). Follow the instructions in the letter or SMS.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you don't have an email or phone number attached to your account, you can't restore access, and you just have to go to the device to support your documents.
Resetting through support
- As described in Method 3, seek support for proof of ownership of the device.
- Indicate that you forgot your password and ask to reset it or delete your account.
Informal methods (such as using ADB or Fastboot firmware) are not recommended, as they can lead to a complete lock on the device (especially on models with HyperOS). If the phone does not contain important data, it is easier to reset to factory settings and create a new account.
For devices with MIUI 14+ or HyperOS, there is another caveat: if you previously enabled two-factor authentication, you will need access to a backup email or phone to recover your password, and without that, support will fail 90% of the time.
Deleting your account before selling your phone: checklist
If you sell or transfer a Xiaomi phone, simply deleting your account is not enough, so that the new owner does not run into problems, follow all the steps from this checklist:
Delete your Mi Account (via settings or website)
Turn off the Find Device function (Settings) โ PapaSSWORD & SECURITY โ Find Device)
Make a backup copy of important data
Perform a reset to factory settings (Settings โ About Phone โ Resetting)
Extract. SIM-memory-card
Make sure your phone is not tied to other devices (such as a smartwatch)-->
Pay special attention to the item about Find Device (analogue of Find My iPhone). If you do not turn this feature off before reset, the new owner will not be able to activate the phone โ the system will require you to enter the data of the old account. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this can lead to a complete lock of the device.
After discharge:
- ๐ The phone will reboot and offer to configure it as new.
- ๐ฑ Make sure there is no request for a password from your old account on the welcome screen.
- ๐ง If the phone requires activation, you missed a step (for example, you didnโt turn off Find Device).
For HyperOS devices, the process is slightly different:
- Go to Settings โ About Phone โ Resetting โ Erase all data.
- Enter your account password (if requested).
- Confirm the reset and wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).
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If you are selling a phone through Avito or another service, take a screenshot of the Settings menu โ About the phone โ A condition where you can see that the device is not tied to the account.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you delete a Mi Account, users often encounter common mistakes, and we've collected the most common ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| I couldn't delete the account. Try it later. | Xiaomi servers are overloaded or Internet problems | Try again in 1-2 hours or connect to another network. |
| Account is linked to another device | The account is used on a tablet, smartwatch or router | Untie all devices in Account Settings โ Devices or delete your account through the site |
| SMS confirmation is required, but the number is lost. | An old phone number is linked to the account. | Contact us for support with documents on the device |
| After removal, the phone requires activation. | Find Device is not disabled or the reset is incorrect | Log in to your old account and disable Find Device, then reset. |
Another common problem is that the device locks after reset, and this happens if:
- ๐ You did not delete your account before resetting.
- ๐ต The phone was stolen and blocked by the previous owner.
- ๐ง On the device was a beta version of the firmware.
In the first two cases, only a support call with proof of purchase will help: If the phone is blocked due to beta firmware, try flashing it through Fastboot (but it is risky and requires skill).
A new bug appeared on HyperOS models: โAccount is blocked due to suspicious activity,โ which occurs when you try to delete an account immediately after you change your password or add a new device, in which case wait 24 hours and try again.