Why canβt you just leave your Mi Account without data?
Xiaomiβs account system is designed to lock out the Mi Account without entering a password or login by default, a security measure designed to protect the device from unauthorized access after theft or loss, but users often face a situation where they need to reset their account but the data is lost, such as after buying a used phone with a tied profile or a forgotten password.
Unlike a Google account, where you can exit through a setting reset, a Mi Account is integrated into the firmware at the bootloader level, and its removal requires bypassing the security. The manufacturer deliberately complicates the process to prevent theft and resale of stolen devices. But there are legal ways to get around this lock, from official (through support) to technical (through ADB or Mi Unlock Tool).
It is important to understand that all methods except for appealing for Xiaomi are risky, and that doing the wrong thing can lead to IMEI blocking, a device building or loss of warranty, so be sure to assess the consequences and reserve important data before you start.
Method 1: Official removal through Xiaomi support
The safest, but also the longest, method is to contact Xiaomi support with proof of ownership of the device, suitable for cases where the phone is bought new but the password is lost, or if you purchased a used device with a tied account of the previous owner (if you have a check or a purchase agreement).
What will be required:
- π Documents for the device: check, warranty card, purchase agreement (if b/w).
- π± IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06# or on the box).
- π§ Email linked to the account (if available).
- πΈ Photo of the box with the serial number and the device (with visible IMEI).
Process:
- Go to the official Mi Account website and select "Help Needs".
- Fill out the form indicating the problem ("Forgot the password" or "Device with someone else's account").
- Attach document scans and IMEI photos. Support checks data for 3-4 days.
- After confirmation of ownership, you will be sent instructions for resetting the account.
β οΈ Note: If the device was stolen, support Xiaomi will not help β lock Mi-account in this case is not removed, and will refuse if the documents on the phone are missing or do not match the account data.
Method 2: Reset via Mi Unlock Tool (for unlocked bootloader)
If the bootloader has been previously unlocked on the device, you can use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but requires preparation:
Conditions:
- π The bootloader must be unlocked (checked through fastboot oem device-info - unlocked status: true).
- π± The device must not be in a hard-brick state (completely inoperable).
- π₯οΈ The Mi Unlock Tool must be installed on the PC (version no lower than 5.5.224.24).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool on a Windows PC (the.NET Framework 4.5+ is required).
- Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot mode.
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Launch Mi Unlock Tool, log in to any Mi Account (even someone elseβs β it doesnβt matter).
- The utility will determine the device. Press Unlock and wait for the process to complete (usually 10β30 seconds).
- Once you unlock the bootloader, do a hard reset via Recovery (Power + Volume Up).
Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Unlock. OEM-unlocking|Connect the original USB-cable|Charge your phone at least to 60%-->
If the bootloader is blocked, the utility will give an error Couldn't unlock, in which case you will first need to unlock it through the official process (link to the account for 720 hours), which is impossible without access to the original Mi-account.
β οΈ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including photos and apps, will be deleted from the device, and some features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.
Method 3: Bypass ADB (for Android 7-10 devices)
The method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Suitable for Xiaomi smartphones on firmware MIUI 8-12 (Android 7-10) It is based on a vulnerability in the authentication system that allowed you to reset your Mi Account without a password. MIUI 13+ This method may not work.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
- π± Included debugging by USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (7 times) β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π Original. USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
Instructions:
1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the commands in turn:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/miui/device_id.xml
rm /data/system/miui/device_id
reboot
4.After the reboot, the Mi Account will be deactivated.If the su command doesn't work, then there are no root rights on the device, in which case, try an alternative method:
adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.account/.ui.activitiy.LoginActivity
adb shell input text "your new password"
adb shell input keyevent 66Why? ADB-The method has stopped working on new versions. MIUI?
If the Mi Account remains after completing the commands, try to delete the files further:
rm /data/system/users/0/accounts.db
rm /data/system/users/0/accounts.db-journalβ οΈ Attention: Use ADB To delete system files can cause a cyclical restart of the device or loss of functionality of some services (for example, Xiaomi Cloud.
Method 4: Recovery Reset (for devices without FRP lock)
If FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is disabled on your device, you can try resetting your Mi Account through the standard Recovery menu, which works on older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 4, Mi 5, etc.) where FRP is not activated by default.
How to check FRP:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume Up to enter Recovery.
- If the menu is in Chinese, select the language (usually the second item).
- Try Wipe Data β Wipe All Data. If the system does not require a password from the Mi Account after reset, FRP is disabled.
If FRP active, after reset, you will be asked to enter a username / password from the Mi Account, in which case you will have to use other methods (for example, Mi Unlock Tool or Mi Unlock Tool). EDL-regime).
Reset algorithm:
- Enter Recovery (Power + Volume Up)
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (on some models, the item may be called Clear All Data).
- Confirm the action (usually with the Power button).
- After reset, select Reboot β Reboot to System.
| Model of the device | Probability of success | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4/4A/4X | High (80-90%) | Data loss, possible error when downloading |
| Redmi Note 3/4 | Medium (50-70%) | FRP shutdown is required before resetting |
| Mi 5/5s/5X | Low (30β40%) | Possible IMEI blocking |
| POCO F1 | Very low (10-20%) | High risk of brick. |
π‘
If the phone requires a Mi Account password after resetting via Recovery, try connecting to Wi-Fi and entering any email/password 5-7 times in a row. Sometimes the system resets the lock after several failed attempts (it does not work on all models).
Method 5: Firmware through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash the device even with a locked bootloader (EDL-cable or test-point) and knowledge of working with flashers like MiFlash or QFil.
β οΈ This is the most risky way, because:
- π§ Device disassembly is required (to connect to test-point).
- π High risk of turning a phone into a brick".
- π« The guarantee is violated (if it is still valid).
- π Could be blocked. IMEI.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ PCs with Qualcomm drivers installed (for Snapdragon processors) or MediaTek (for Snapdragon processors) Helio/Dimensity).
- π₯ Firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- π EDL-cable or test-point access (contacts on the motherboard).
- π οΈ MiFlash (for Snapdragon) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
A brief guide for Snapdragon:
- Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
- Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (via test-point or special cable).
- Start MiFlash, select the folder with firmware.
- Press Refresh β the device should be defined as COM-port.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- After firmware (5-10 minutes), the device will restart without a Mi Account.
π‘
Firmware via EDL deletes all data, including the Mi Account, but requires a precise match between the firmware version and the device model, and an error in choosing a firmware file will cause the phone to fail.
For MediaTek processors, the process is similar, but the SP Flash Tool and the scatter.txt file are used. Important: on new devices (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 and later), Xiaomi blocks firmware through EDL without authorization, so the method may not work.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If all of these methods fail, there are three options:
- The official Xiaomi SC can help if you have documents for the device, the cost of the service is from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model.
- Buy unlock from third-party services. There are paid services on the Internet to delete the Mi Account (price - 500-3000 rubles), the risk: fraud or blocking IMEI. Before paying, check the reviews!
- Use your phone without logging out. If the device works but only asks for a password when you reset, you can simply not do Wipe Data.
If you decide to turn to third-party services, avoid offerings with:
- π° Paying in advance without guarantees.
- π§ Requests for shipment IMEI without explanation.
- π Links to suspicious sites (such as.xyz or.top domains).
Before contacting the service, ask for:
- π Contract or check.
- π₯ Video of the Unlocking Process (for Remote Services).
- π Money back guarantee in case of failure.