On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI firmware, the multi-user feature allows you to differentiate between data, apps and settings. However, over time, a second profile may become unnecessary — for example, if the device is no longer shared or the account was created accidentally. Deleting the extra user frees up memory, removes interface confusion and eliminates the risk of accessing your data through someone else's profile.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove a second user on Xiaomi, including standard settings, reset via Fastboot, and what to do if the uninstall option is inactive. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13/14.
Why can’t you just delete the user through the settings?
Unlike guest mode, a full-fledged second user in MIUI is tied to the system at the kernel level, which means that it cannot be deleted as easily as an in-app account. Here are the key reasons:
- 🔒 Data protection: MIUI Blocks the removal of active users to prevent the accidental erasure of important files.
- 📱 Hardware limitations: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 Redmi Note 10 Pro – Removal option hidden due to firmware features.
- 🔄 Sync with Mi Account: If the second user is linked to a Xiaomi account, the system requires confirmation via email or email. SMS.
Moreover, in the versions of MIUI 13+, developers have tightened security policies: now, to remove a user may require a password from Mi Account or even unlock the bootloader, this is done to protect against unauthorized access, but complicates the process for legitimate owners.
⚠️ Note: If the second user was created through the Privat mode function (available on the site) MIUI 12.5+), Deleting it will automatically reset all the hidden data, and it will be impossible to recover it!
Method 1: Remove from standard settings (for MIUI 12–14)
This is the easiest method, but it only works if:
- 📌 You are the owner of the device (first user).
- 🔓 You have access to the system settings.
- 🚫 The second user is not an administrator (for example, has not configured rights through the ADB).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → System → Additional → Multiplayer mode.
- Select the profile you want to delete and tap the Recycle Bin icon (or Delete User).
- Confirm the action by entering the password/pattern lock of the main user.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).
If the Remove button is inactive, try:
Log out of the second user’s profile (return to the main account)
Reboot your smartphone
Check if the developer mode is turned on (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times)
Disable sync with Mi Cloud for this user-->
On some models (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the path to settings may be different:
| MIUI version | The Way to Multiplayer Mode |
|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | Settings → System and device → Additional → Users |
| MIUI 13 | Settings → Memory and device → Users |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Users |
Redmi (Note/Pro series)
POCO (F/XT/M)
Xiaomi (digital series 11/12/13/14)
Black Shark
Other-->
Method 2: Uninstall via Fastboot (if the standard method doesn't work)
This is a method that is suitable for power users and requires an unlocked bootloader, which can be useful if:
- 🔧 No removal button in the settings.
- 🔒 The second user blocked access to the settings.
- 📱 The device emits an error "Can't delete the user".
You'll need:
- 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
- 📥 Archive with utilities platform-tools (download from the official Android website).
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB Debugging in Developer Settings (if not already enabled).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
- Switch to Fastboot: Adb Reboot Bootloader
- Remove the second user by command: fastboot erase userdata_second Note: This command completely clears the second profile data!
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of Fastboot can result in a complete reset of the device or damage to the userdata partition.If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.
What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
Method 3: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)
If the previous methods didn't work, there's a hard reset, which will delete all the data on the device, including both users, and only use it if:
- 🔄 You do not need to save your main profile data.
- 🔒 The device is blocked by the second user.
- 📱 You are ready to set up your smartphone from scratch.
How to reset:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
Once reset, the device will boot as new.
- 📱 Complete the initial setup.
- 🔓 Sign in to your Mi Account (if you have been tied).
- 📲 Restore data from a backup (if it was created).
💡
Remove before resetting SIM-card and memory card – this will speed up the process and eliminate the risk of file damage to the SD.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you delete a second user, many people have typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Failure to delete the user" | The profile is blocked by the administrator or Mi Account | Untie your account in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account |
| Remove button is inactive | You are logged in under the second user. | Return to the main profile through the notification panel |
| After the deletion, the files remained. | Data is stored in /sdcard/SecondUser/ | Remove the folder manually through the file manager |
Another common problem is that a second user appears after the MIUI update, which is due to a sync failure with the Mi Cloud, to fix:
- Turn off sync users in Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Sync.
- Remove the second user again.
- Update your firmware to the latest version (via Settings → System Update).
How do you check if the second user is completely removed?
To make sure that the profile is removed without a trace, follow the following steps:
- Check the list of users in Settings → Multiplayer mode – there should be only your profile.
- Open the file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) and make sure /sdcard/SecondUser/ is missing.
- Run Task Manager (hold the Home button) – there should be no processes from the second user.
- Check the free space in memory: after deletion, it should be freed from 500 MB to 2-3 GB (depending on the amount of profile data).
If you find traces of a second user (such as remaining files or app cache), use the SD Maid utility (available on Google Play) to deep clean the system. In the utility settings, select the option "Find leftover users".
💡
Even after the second user is deleted, their data may remain in the cache of some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).To completely erase them, manually clear the cache of these apps through Settings → Apps.