How to Restore Xiaomi Mi Account If You Don’t Have Access to a Phone Number: A Complete Guide to 2026

Losing access to Xiaomi’s Mi Account is one of the most frustrating situations for a Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphone owner. If you can’t confirm your sign-in via SMS because the phone number is no longer available (lost, blocked or owned by another person), standard recovery methods won’t work, but that doesn’t mean your account is lost forever.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to regain control of an account without a tied number, from restoring it via a backup email to seeking proof of ownership. Importantly, some methods require preparation (such as knowing an IMEI or serial number), so carefully study each section.

If you tried to restore your account through the official account.xiaomi.com website and received an error called “Incorrect phone number” or “Code not sent”, do not panic.

1. Recovery via backup email (if it was linked)

The easiest way to get back access is to use a backup email if you specified it when you sign up, and even if your phone number is lost, the email often remains active.

Instructions:

  • 📧 Go to the recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/resetPassword.
  • 🔄 Select the “Email” tab (if available).
  • ✉️ Enter the address associated with the account and follow the instructions in the letter.
  • 🔐 Create a new password (we recommend using a combination of 12).+ symbols with numbers and special signs).

If you don’t remember which mail was listed, try to remember:

  • 📩 The main email you used in the 2018–2023 years, for example, @gmail.com, @mail.ru).
  • 💼 Workmail (if registered through it).
  • 📱 Email linked to other Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Cloud or Mi Home).

⚠️ Note: If you try to recover via email, the system requires you to enter a code from SMS — So the mail is not confirmed as a backup, so move on to the next method.

📊 What Mi Account Recovery Method Have You Tried Before?
Through SMS
Through email.
Called for support
No, this is my first case.
Another way.

2. Use of IMEI or serial number of the device

If you don't have a backup email or it doesn't work, you can try to restore your account using IMEI or the serial number of your smartphone, which works because Xiaomi links your account to a particular device.

How to find IMEI:

  • 📦 On the device box (usually on a barcode sticker).
  • 📱 In the phone settings: Settings → The phone. → General information → IMEI (if the phone is unlocked).
  • 🔧 Using the engineering menu: type *#06# on the call keyboard.
  • 💻 In a check or warranty card (if retained).

Next:

  1. Go to Xiaomi support page: mi.com/global/support.
  2. Select the “Mi Account” section → “Restore Account”.
  3. Please specify IMEI or serial number, as well as other data (device model, date of purchase).
  4. Attach a photo of the check or box (if any).
  5. Expect a response from support (usually 3-7 days).
Data for recoveryWhere to find it.How important is it?
IMEIBox, phone settings, checks⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (necessarily)
Serial number.Box, Settings → About the phone⭐⭐⭐⭐ (preferably)
Date of purchaseCheck, warranty card, email with confirmation⭐⭐⭐ (helps speed up the process)
Photo with the deviceMake a new one or find it in the gallery⭐⭐ (request for support)

⚠️ Note: If you bought your phone with your hands, IMEI This method may have been changed (for example, after the motherboard was repaired), and then it won't work, so please contact the previous owner for the original account details.

Find IMEI (on the box or via *#06#)

Take a picture of the serial number on the device

Prepare a check or a warranty card (if any)

Record the model and date of purchase of the phone

Check if your account has been blocked before-->

3. Call for Official Support for Xiaomi

If independent methods do not help, you can contact Xiaomi support, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way – the answer can come in 1-2 weeks.

How to make a request correctly:

  1. Go to support.xiaomi.com (select Global or Russia region).
  2. In the subject line, “Restore Mi-account without access to phone number”.
  3. Write it in the description: 📱 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G). 🔢 IMEI and serial number. 📅 Date of purchase and place (shop, marketplace). 📧 Alternative email for communication. 📸 Photo of a check, box or screenshot from Mi Cloud (if any).

Attach scans or photo documents.

Examples of successful requests:

  • "Good afternoon! I lost access to the Mi Account, as the phone number +7 XXX XXX XX XX XX XX is no longer mine. Please help restore access. I enclose a photo of the box POCO X5 Pro with IMEI: 123456789012345, as well as a check from 15.05.2023 from the Svyaznoy store."
  • "Hello. I bought a Redmi 10C in 2022, but I forgot the Mi Account. Phone number is lost. I'm ready to provide any proof of ownership. Serial number: ABC12345DEF."

The support response may include:

  • 🔑 Reset password link (if the data is confirmed).
  • 📄 Requesting additional documents (e.g. video with device).
  • ❌ Refusal to explain the reason (for example, account blocked for violations).

💡

If support is too long (over 10 days), write a second request with a link to the previous ticket.

4. Recovery via Mi Cloud (if the device is unlocked)

If your smartphone is not locked (meaning you can log in), try to restore access through Mi Cloud.This method works even if the phone number is not tied.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Go to the Accounts → Mi-account.
  3. Click on the avatar or email at the top of the screen.
  4. Select “Account Management» → «Security».
  5. Slip "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions.

If the system offers to restore via email:

  • ✅ Please provide a backup email (if you remember).
  • ❌ If no email, select “Other Way” and try answering the check questions (if they were asked when registering).

Important: If the phone is locked (for example, after resetting), this method will not work, in which case move to the method with IMEI or support.

What to do if Mi Cloud requires an old password?
If the system asks you to enter an old password but you don’t remember it, try: 1. Enter the last known combination (perhaps it is saved in the browser). 2. Press “Forgot the password?” and select recovery via email. 3. If nothing helps, contact the support with proof of ownership of the device.

5. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If the standard methods don't work, you can try informal methods, they require technical skills and are not suitable for all models.

Method 1: Fastboot Reset (only for unlocked downloaders)

If your Xiaomi bootloader is unlocked, you can reset your account via Fastboot:

fastboot oem clean_all


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Risk: This method will delete all data from the phone and can block it if the bootloader is not unlocked!

Method 2: Use of the EDL-The system (for qualified users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash your device without being linked to your account.

  • 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm drivers installed.
  • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
  • 📁 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
  • 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power to Enter EDL.
  3. Connect to the PC and run the stock firmware.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL This method can turn a phone into a brick, and it is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers.

6. How to avoid loss of access in the future

To avoid having to deal with the problem of blocking your Mi Account, follow these tips:

  • 📌 Link backup email (even if you use a phone number).
  • 🔐 Enable two-factor authentication in your account settings.
  • 📱 Export data from Mi Cloud regularly (photos, contacts, notes).
  • 📝 Write it down. IMEI and a serial number to a secure location (e.g., an encrypted file).
  • 🔄 Update your contact information when changing number or email.

We also recommend:

  • 📋 Save a screenshot of the account page with data (without password!) in cloud storage.
  • 📅 Set up a reminder to check backup entry methods (every 6 months).
  • 🛡️ Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to store data from your Mi Account.

💡

Even if you have regained access, immediately link a new phone number and email to protect your account from being lost again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your Mi Account

Can I restore my account if my phone is stolen?
If the device is stolen, it will be extremely difficult to restore an account. Xiaomi requires proof of ownership (check, box, IMEI photo). If you have this data, contact support. If not, chances are minimal. Importantly, if a thief resets the phone, your account can be deleted from the system (by Xiaomi rules, inactive accounts are cleared after 6 months).
How long does it take to recover through support?
Time depends on the workload of the service: 🇷🇺 For Russia/CIS: 3-10 days. 🇪🇺 For Europe: 5–14 days. 🌍 Global support: 7-21 days, and you can speed up the process by providing the most complete data from the first time (IMEI, check, photo of the device).
What if support is denied recovery?
If you're rejected, ask why: 🚫 Account blocked for violation of rules (for example, spam). ❌ Lack of evidence of ownership. 🔄 Data data (IMEI, The serial number does not match the Xiaomi base: 📄 Provide additional documents (e.g. video with device). 🔍 Check if you are wrong in IMEI model. 📧 Write a second request with clarification that you are ready to provide more information.
Can I restore my account through Xiaomi Service Center?
Yes, but only if you have one: 📱 The phone itself (not locked). 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card). 🆔 Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS often help with recovery, but can charge a fee for the service (from 500 to 2000 rubles).
Will the phone be reset after the account is restored?
No, account recovery does not result in a data reset on your phone. However: If you used a Fastboot or EDL, the data will be deleted. If the phone was locked after a reset (Mi Cloud Lock), unlocking may require a reset. We recommend backing up important data (photos, contacts) through Mi PC Suite or Google Account in advance.