Locking Mi accounts on Xiaomi devices is one of the most common problems that users face after buying used smartphones, tablets or even smart watches of the brand. The Mi Cloud Lock protection system works when resetting settings if the device was tied to the account of the previous owner. Unlike FRP-blocking on Android, it is almost impossible to circumvent it with “handicraft” methods – this is fraught with a complete loss of warranty and the risk of “bricking” the device.
In this article, we will only discuss official unlocking methods that do not violate Xiaomi’s policy and keep the device working, how to verify ownership, what documents will be required, how long the process will take, and what to do if support fails. We will also discuss the nuances for devices purchased abroad and the new rules of 2026 that have tightened verification requirements.
Why Mi Accounts are Blocking Your Device and How It Works
Mi Cloud Lock was introduced by Xiaomi in 2016 in response to a wave of smartphone thefts in China, which differs from standard Google FRP by being tied not to a Google account but to the proprietary Mi Account ecosystem, meaning that even after being reset via Fastboot or flashed, the lock will remain active unless the link is removed through official channels.
The blockage works in three cases:
- 🔄 Resetting settings via menu or Recovery on a device with active binding to a Mi Account.
- 📱 Purchase of a used device where the previous owner did not untidy the account.
- 🔧 Unauthorized firmware (for example, trying to install custom software without unlocking the bootloader).
It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not provide “universal” unlock codes or tools for bypassing, all offers “unblock in 5 minutes” on third-party sites are fraud that can lead to the loss of IMEI or blocking by serial number (the so-called “blacklist”).
Official ways to unlock: what Xiaomi offers
Xiaomi provides two legal ways to remove the lock:
- Xiaomi support (to confirm ownership).
- The previous owner (if there is contact with him).
Let us consider both options in detail.
1 Unlocking through Xiaomi Support
This is the only way you can't contact the previous owner.
- 📄 Documents for the device: check, invoice, contract of sale with indication IMEI.
- 📱 Serial number and IMEI You can find them on the box or through Fastboot by the command fastboot getvar all).
- 🔗 Photo of the visible device IMEI (For example, a sticker under the battery or on SIM-tray).
The procedure takes from 3 to 14 working days and includes the following steps:
Register a new Mi Account (if not)|Gather all the documents on the device |Photograph IMEI and serial number |Pulse the form on the Xiaomi website (section "Unlock Mi Account")|Pending a response from the moderator (usually 2-3 days)|Follow the support instructions for proof of ownership-->
Since 2026, Xiaomi has tightened the requirements: devices purchased outside China may now require video with a device that shows an IMEI and serial number, due to the increasing number of fraudulent requests.
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If you don't have a check, but the device is purchased on the official market (for example, in the Svyaznoy or M. Video), request a copy of the check from the seller by order number. Many networks store sales data for up to 3 years.
2 Unlocking through the previous owner
If you can contact a previous owner, the process is simplified.
- Log in to your Mi Account on any device.
- Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device.
- Select the locked device and press Remove the device.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
After that, the lock will be removed within 24 hours, and if the previous owner does not remember the login details, he will have to restore access to the account through the official website.
What happens if the previous owner does not respond?
Document requirements for unlocking in 2026
The list of documents that Xiaomi accepts depends on the region of purchase and the type of device. Below is the current table of requirements for 2026:
| Type of device | Documents for Russia/CIS | Documents for Europe/Asia | Time limit for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi) | Check/invoice + photo IMEI + passport | Invoice + photo box with IMEI + ID card | 3-7 days |
| Tablets (Pad 6, Pad 5) | Sales contract + serial number | Receipt + video with the device | 5-10 days |
| Smart watches (Mi Band, Watch) | Check. + photo MAC-address (on the back side) | Proof of purchase + photo box | 2-5 days |
| Laptops (Mi Notebook) | Warranty pass + serial number | Invoice + photos of SN stickers | 7-14 days |
Please note:
- 📌 Documents must be readable in the language of the country of purchase (or with a notarized translation).
- 📌 Devices purchased in China may require a Chinese passport from the previous owner.
- 📌 If the device was given, a gift with an indication is needed. IMEI.
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The most common reason for refusal is a mismatch in the IMEI documents and on the device. Always check them before sending a request!
Frequent Unlocking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with all the documents, users often get rejected, and here are the typical mistakes:
⚠️ If you have sent a request to an infidel IMEI (For example, if you copy it from a box and you have another one on your device, support will automatically reject the application. IMEI via *#06# or Fastboot.
Top.-5 reason:
- Photos of documents of poor quality (blurred, cropped).
- The IMEI in the photo does not match the one indicated in the application.
- There is no check (even if the device is bought with hands, you need at least a screenshot of the transfer of money).
- The device is listed on the blacklist (stolen or blocked at the request of the owner).
- The request was sent from the wrong account to which the device is linked.
If you are rejected, the support letter will state the reason, correct the error and resend the request, which usually takes 1-2 days to review.
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Before sending documents, open them in the graphics editor and increase contrast – this will help moderators process them faster.
Unlocking for devices purchased abroad
If your Xiaomi is bought in China, Europe or the United States, the unlocking process is complicated.
- 🌍 For global versions (with Global firmware) you can contact in support of any region.
- 🇨🇳 For Chinese versions (China firmware) you need to write in Xiaomi China and they require Chinese documents.
- 📦 If the gray import device (brought unofficially), the chances of unlocking are lower - support can request proof of legal importation.
Chinese devices often require:
- 📄 Chinese ID previous owner.
- 📱 Photo of a box with a hologram (on the Chinese versions it is mandatory).
- 🔗 Screenshot from Mi Cloud confirming device's link to account.
If you don’t speak Chinese, use Google Translate to fill out the form or consult forums (such as 4PDA or XDA-Developers) where there are volunteers to help with the translation.
What to do if official unblocking is not possible
In some cases, the legal unlocking path is closed:
- 🚫 Device blacklisted (stolen or blocked in court).
- 🚫 No documents and the previous owner does not respond.
- 🚫 Xiaomi support ignores requests (occasionally with devices from unofficial channels).
In such situations, there are two options:
- Sell the device for spare parts (for example, a display, battery or motherboard is often bought by service centers).
- Use as a “brick” for repair training (if the lock is not removed even through EDL).
⚠️ Warning: Any attempts to bypass Mi Cloud Lock through unofficial services (for example, paid "unlockers" for 500-2000 rubles) lead to: Loss of warranty, risk of locking by serial number (the device will become unfit for official unlock). Possible data theft (many “services” ask for access to your Mi Account).
If the device is expensive (like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Mi Mix Fold 3), it makes sense to go to the legal service to challenge the lock through the court — especially if you have proof of purchase.