This device is associated with an existing Mi Account: How to unlock a Xiaomi phone in 2026

The message “This device is associated with an existing Mi Account” on the Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO screen means that the device is tied to the previous owner’s account, which is activated after resetting if the phone was not untied from the Mi Account through official channels. In 2026, the problem remains relevant for used devices purchased from hand, as well as for phones lost and found with active protection.

Unblocking is possible, but the methods are very dependent on the situation: whether there is access to the original account, whether the purchase was confirmed by checks, or the device was stolen. Xiaomi has tightened security policies, so “circumvent” methods (such as deleting an account via fastboot) do not work on all models. In this article, official and alternative solutions, the risks of each method, as well as instructions for popular lines: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Mi 11/12 and others.

⚠️ Warning: Before unlocking, check if the device is listed in the database of stolen items. IMEI. The use of methods to bypass the lock on a stolen phone is punishable by law (Article 159.6 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Why Mi Account is blocked and how to avoid it

The locking "This device is associated with an existing Mi Account" is part of Apple's Find Device system, which works in three ways:

• 🔄 Reset settings without first exiting Mi Account in settings.
• 📱 Buying a used phone that was not untied by the previous owner.
• 🚨 Activate protection through Settings → Mi Account → Find Device (even if the phone is not stolen).

On Xiaomi 2020-2026 models (with MIUI 12-14 firmware), the lock may appear even after the software update if the company detects the discrepancy of account data, for example, if the phone was linked to an account in China and the new owner tries to log in through the European region.

✅ How to avoid blocking when buying a used phone:

1. Ask the seller to log out of Mi Account in your presence: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.
2. Check the lock status through the official Mi Account website (Devices section).
3. Save a check or a sales contract – it will be required for official unlocking.

Official way: unlocking through Xiaomi support

The only legal method is to contact Xiaomi’s support team with proof of purchase, suitable for phones purchased from official retailers or by hand (if you have a check).

Documents required:

• 📄 Check/check with IMEI telephone (required!).
• 📋 Contract of sale (if purchased from hand).
• 📷 Photo of the box and phone (with serial number).
• 🔐 IMEI Devices (you can find out via *#06#).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to the support page of Xiaomi.
2. Select the Unlock Device section (or Unlock Device for a Russian-language website).
3. Fill out the form, attach scans of documents and send a request.
4. Expect a response from 3 to 14 days (depending on the service load).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is purchased abroad (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G Support may refuse to unlock for the Russian region, in which case you will need to contact the local service center Xiaomi.

Check from IMEI| Photo of the box and phone |IMEI device (code *#06#)| Owner's passport (for identification) | Contract of sale (if used)

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Unofficial Unlocking Methods (at Your Own Risk and Peril)

If the official method is not available, users resort to alternative methods. Importantly, all of them violate the Xiaomi user agreement and can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the phone (brick). MIUI 14.

1.Traffic bypass EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

The method works on phones with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, POCO X4 Pro).

• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in mode. EDL: 1. Press the Volume Up buttons + Loud down and plug in. USB-2 Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm port arrives. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager.
2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
3. Wait until it's finished (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot without locking.

⚠️ Note: New models (Redmi Note 13 Pro)+, Xiaomi 14) EDL Trying to sew your phone through this mode can lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage).

2. Delete Mi Account via ADB (for MIUI 12–14)

Suitable for phones where the lock appears after logging in (for example, after an update).

• 🔌 Included debugging by USB (if it has been activated previously).
• 🖥️ PC fitted ADB and drivers.

Commands to delete the account:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.account




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice




reboot

❌ Restrictions: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 This method only works if the phone is not locked at the bootloader level. If the lock remains after the restart, try the combination with deleting files through the bootloader. TWRP.

Unblocking through service centers: cost and risks

If independent methods did not help, you can contact informal service centers that offer Mi Account unlocking services. The cost varies from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model and complexity.

⚠️ Risks of using informal services:

• 🔓 Loss of warranty (if the phone is still guaranteed).
• 📱 Installation of unofficial software (may contain malicious code).
• 💸 Additional costs if unblocking fails.

💡

Before contacting the service, check reviews on independent sites (for example, 2GIS or Yandex Maps). Avoid workshops without a license to repair electronics.

What to do if your phone is stolen or lost

If you find a phone with a Mi Account lock, or your device has been stolen, bypass unlocking is illegal.

For the owner (if the phone is stolen):

1. Lock your device through Find Device (if your account has been linked).
2. Report theft to the police (specify IMEI).
3. Provide account and IMEI data to support Xiaomi to lock the device on servers.

For the phone guy:

• 📞 Try contacting the owner via emergency call (dial 112 and pass the details to the police).
• 📌 Hand over the phone to the nearest police station or in the communication salon (for example, the Messenger or MTS).

⚠️ Warning: Using or selling a found phone with an active Mi Account lock is equivalent to misappropriating someone else's property (Article 160 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

How to protect your Xiaomi from being blocked

To avoid the problem “This device is associated with an existing Mi Account”, follow the following simple rules:

For current owners:

• 🔄 Regularly update the software (in new versions) MIUI Fixed vulnerabilities that can bypass the lock).
• 🔐 Turn off Find Device if you are selling your phone: Settings → Mi Account → Find Device → Shut down.
• 📝 Save your account data (logins, passwords, backup emails) in a safe place.

For customers of used phones:

• 🛒 Buy only from trusted sellers (for example, on Avito with a guarantee or in a Connected).
• 🔍 Check the lock status through your Mi Account before you buy.
• 📱 Demand a full reset in your presence (with logging out of your account).

💡

Even if the seller assures you that the phone is "clean," always check it through Xiaomi's official website.The lock can appear days after the purchase if the previous owner restores access to the account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Mi Account