Why canโt you just log out of your Mi Account like you do from Google?
Xiaomi smartphone owners sooner or later face the need to change or delete Mi Account - proprietary account of the MiUI ecosystem. Unlike Google, where logging out takes 2 clicks, the process is complicated by security policy, the fact that the Mi Account is strictly tied to the hardware identifier of the device (IMEI) and is used to block theft, synchronize data and even activate some functions (for example, Find Device).
If youโre trying to sell a phone, transfer it to another user, or just want to change your account, the standard โexitโ through settings is often not available. The system may require a password even if you forgot it, or even hide the option to log out. In this article, weโll discuss 5 working ways to log out of your Mi Account on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones โ from official to radical (including Hard Reset).
It is important to understand that some methods will lead to data loss, so we recommend backing up before you start. Also note that on devices with MIUI 14/15, the algorithm may differ from older versions (for example, MIUI 12).
Selling a phone.|Transmit it to another user.|Forgot my password.|I want to change my account.|Another reason.-->
Method 1: Standard exit through settings (if you know the password)
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in deloginization function, which is suitable if you remember the password from the Mi Account and the phone is not locked. MIUI 12โ15:
- Open "Settings" (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Accounts and Sync (on some models โ Mi Account).
- Slip on your Mi profile at the top of the screen.
- Scroll down and select Sign Out (or Delete Account on New Versions).
- Enter the password from the account and confirm the action.
If the exit option is missing or inactive, it may mean:
- ๐ Reset protection is enabled on the phone (you need to turn off the Settings) โ Special facilities โ Protection against discharge).
- ๐ฑ The device is linked to the corporate account (you need to contact the administrator).
- ๐ The phone is in Find Device mode (turn it off in your account settings).
Make a backup copy of the data|Remember/Save password from your account|Disable Find Device in the settings|Check the availability of the Internet (Wi-Fi/mobile)-->
Note that on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) after the release, the system may request a re-entering of the password the next time you log in to your Mi Account.
Method 2: Delete your account through Find Device (if you forgot your password)
If you don't remember your password, but you have access to another device (PC, tablet, second phone), you can delete your Mi Account remotely via Find Device.
- ๐ The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- ๐ฑ Find Device has been activated previously.
- ๐ You have access to the email linked to your account.
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com from any browser.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
- In the Devices section, select your Xiaomi/Redmi smartphone.
- Click Delete Device (or Leave your account).
- Confirm the action by email or SMS.
After that, the phone will automatically log off from the Mi Account within 5-10 minutes, and if the device was offline, the output will occur the next time you connect to the network.
What if the Device canโt see the phone?
Method 3: Recovery Mode (without password but with data loss)
If the standard methods didn't work, and the phone isn't locked at the Mi Account level (i.e. you can log in), you can do a soft reset via Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data, but unlock the device. MIUI 11โ15.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time (on some models - Power + Volume up + Volume down).
- Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons โ you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select Wipe Data โ Wipe All Data (in Chinese firmware may be called ).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Restart the phone (Reboot).
After the reset, the phone will start as new and you can log in to another Mi Account or skip this step.Warning: this method does not work if the phone activates the Mi Account lock after the reset (you will be asked to enter the old password).
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If the phone requires an old Mi Account password after reset, try entering a combination of 8 zeros (00000000) โ sometimes this works on older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1).
Method 4: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If the phone is locked at the Mi Account level (requires a password after reset) and previous methods have not worked, you can try unlocking via Fastboot, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for most models except new flagships (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 HyperOS-protected).
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Linux.
- ๐ Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- ๐ ๏ธ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
- ๐ Unlock file for your model (see forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the phone is not identified, install Xiaomi drivers.
- Download the unlock file (usually with the.bat or.sh extension) for your model.
- Launch the file on behalf of the administrator and follow the instructions on the screen.
It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, and once you've successfully unlocked, the phone will reboot and you can set it up as new.
- โ ๏ธ Possible brick (breakdown) of the device with incorrect actions.
- โ ๏ธ New models (MIUI 14+) This method may not work due to increased protection.
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Unlocking through Fastboot is the only way to get around locking Mi accounts on phones with on-set protection after a reset, but requires technical skills.
Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (Official Method)
If all previous methods have failed, the last option is to contact official Xiaomi support.
- ๐ You have forgotten your password and cannot restore access.
- ๐ฑ The phone is locked after reset (This device is locked).
- ๐ก๏ธ The device is linked to a corporate account.
How to apply:
- Go to the Xiaomi support website.
- Select the Account & Security section.
- Fill out the form with: IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06#), Serial number (on the box or under the battery), Check or proof of purchase (required!).
Forgot the password from the Mi Account, the phone is blocked after reset
Send a request and wait for a response (usually 3-7 days).
Cupport may request additional data, such as:
| Requirement | How to execute |
|---|---|
| Photo box with IMEI | Take a picture of the barcode and the IMEI sticker on the box. |
| Check or bank statement | Provide a screenshot of the payment or a photo of the check. |
| Photo of a serial numbered phone | Remove the back cover (if removable) or find the number in the settings (About the phone). |
| Video with the phone on | Record a video where you can see the IMEI on the screen (via *#06#). |
If all the documents are in order, support will send you an unlock instruction or reset the account to the device.
- โณ Long wait for a response (up to a week).
- ๐ Proof of purchase required (without a check may be refused).
- ๐ On some regional sites (e.g. Xiaomi Russia) support may ignore requests.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to log out of a Mi Account, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them:
1. "This device is locked" error after reset
โ ๏ธ Note: This error appears if Factory Reset Protection has been activated on the phone. The only working ways to bypass: Enter the original password from the Mi Account. Use Fastboot unlock (mode 4). Contact support with proof of purchase. Attempts to enter random passwords will lead to a temporary lock of the device for 24-72 hours.
2. Inactive "Exit" button in the settings
If the exit option is shaded, check:
- ๐ Is the firmware updated to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
- ๐ถ Is the phone connected to the Internet (without a network, some functions are blocked).
- ๐ Is Find Device disabled in your account settings.
3.The phone is not identified in Fastboot
If the fastboot device command returns an empty list when connecting to a PC:
- ๐ Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Install Xiaomi drivers manually (you can download on the official website).
- ๐ Restart your PC and phone, then reconnect.
4. Xiaomi support ignores request
If you do not receive more than 7 days:
- ๐ง Write a second letter marked URGENT topically.
- ๐ฑ Try contacting your Twitter account @MiSupport (Sometimes they react faster).
- ๐ Provide additional proof of purchase (e.g. screenshot of a transaction from a bank).