How to completely delete Xiaomi account with Redmi Note 5: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users are faced with the problem of a tied Mi Account. Whether you sell the device, transfer it to another person or just want to change your profile, deleting your account can turn into a headache. Unlike modern models, where the procedure is simplified, Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred) has nuances, from the mandatory binding to the phone number to the risk of locking after reset.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to delete an account, from standard untie through settings to radical methods like Hard Reset and bypass locking through Fastboot. Special attention will be paid to the problem of the “forgotten password” that blocks access to the device after a reset, and legal methods that can lead to a “brick” (breakdown) of the phone. If you plan to sell or give a smartphone, this guide will help avoid typical errors and save data.

Why can’t you just delete your Xiaomi account through your settings?

On the Redmi Note 5 (as well as other Xiaomi MIUI-based devices), the Mi Account is integrated into the system at the firmware level.

• 🔗 Account is linked to hardware device identifier (IMEI), It's not just about software.
• 🔒 Removal through Settings → Accounts often require a password, even if you are logged in.
• 📱 After resetting to factory settings (Hard Reset), the phone can request the data of the old account to unlock.

The root of the problem lies in Xiaomi’s security policy, which is that it is fighting device theft by linking it to accounts, but it is challenging for legitimate owners, such as if you bought a used smartphone with a previous owner’s account tied, unlocking it without a password is extremely difficult.

⚠️ Note: If you delete your account before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account manually (Settings) → Mi Account → Simply resetting through Recovery is not enough - the new owner may face a request for old profile data!

Method 1: Standard Deletion through Settings (if you know the password)

The safest method is to untie your account directly in the MIUI interface, which is suitable if:

• 📱 You have access to your phone (not blocked).
• 🔑 You remember the password from the Mi Account.
• 📶 The device is connected to the Internet (required for synchronization).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Accounts section → Mi Account.
3. Click on your profile (at the top of the screen) and select Account Management.
4. Scroll down and tap Delete your account.
5. Enter the password to confirm and wait for the process to be completed.

Once deleted, the phone will automatically log out of all Xiaomi services (cloud, sync, payments), but the data on the device will be stored – it must be deleted separately through a reset.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages) |

Remember or reset your Mi Account password (if you forgot)|

Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile internet |

Charge the battery at least 50 times%|-->

Method 2: Delete your account through a Hard Reset

If you don't remember the password or the phone is locked, you can try Hard Reset, a factory reset. This method doesn't always work on the Redmi Note 5, because once you reboot, the device can request the old account information (FRP-However, in some cases (for example, if the account was previously untied), the reset helps to save the user.

Instructions for Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
5. Reboot the device (Reboot).

If after reset the phone requested the data of the account that was on it earlier, then FRP protection is turned on. In this case, additional manipulations will be required (see the section on FRP bypass).

Method 3: Bypassing Mi Account locking via Fastboot (for advanced ones)

If standard methods don't work, you can try to delete your account through Fastboot mode, USB-The risk of the device being "brique" is high - use only if other options are exhausted!

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not damage the port!).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (official) or Fastboot commands.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader – if not, you’ll need to unlock through Xiaomi (can take up to 72 hours).

Step-by-step action:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.


2. Connect the device to the PC and check for detection via the command:




fastboot devices




3. Use the command to delete your account (requires an unlocked bootloader!):




fastboot erase frp




fastboot erase config




4.Reset the phone:




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands remove critical partitions. If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the logo after the reboot, you'll need to run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with a Clean All option, which will result in complete data loss!

💡

Before working with Fastboot, back up the persist section with fastboot backup persist.img. This will help restore the IMEI and serial number if they reset.

Method 4: Delete your account through Xiaomi Service Center

If all the independent attempts fail, the official way is to contact the Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 📄 Check or document confirming the purchase (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🆔 Passport of the holder (to confirm the identity).
• 📞 Phone number linked to Mi Account (if accessed).

Procedure in the service:

1. The specialist checks the documents and the ownership.
2. The device is sent for diagnosis (can take 1-3 days).
3. The account is deleted through Xiaomi service utilities.
4. The phone is stitched with a clean version of MIUI (possible data loss).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region and the status of the warranty, the main plus is a 100% unlock guarantee without the risk of damaging the device.

Yeah, through the settings.|Yes, but it didn’t work out – asks for a password|No, I'm afraid to block the phone.|I tried Fastboot, but there were some mistakes.|-->

What to do if your phone asks for an old account (FRP) after a reset

Situation: You reset Redmi Note 5 via Recovery, but after you turn it on, the phone requires you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was on it before. FRP-blocking and can be bypassed in several ways:

The most common way to do this is bypassing TalkBack:

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter #4636## and select Usage statistics.
3. Press the Home button to activate TalkBack.
4. Go to Settings → Reset and run Wipe Data through the voice menu.

On the Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 10/11, this method works 60-70% of the time; on the newer versions, Xiaomi has closed the vulnerability.

💡

If the phone, after bypassing FRP, again requested an account, then locking at the level of hardware identifier, in this case, only firmware through EDL or contacting the service will help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When deleting an account on Redmi Note 5, users often make critical errors that lead to data loss or device failure.

• 🔄 Reset without logging out: Many simply perform Hard Reset without untieing the profile — FRP-lockdown.
• 🔌 Firmware Interrupt: if during Fastboot or EDL Turn off the cable, the phone can turn into a brick".
• 📱 Use of left-handed firmware: downloading MIUI Unverified sources are likely to cause viruses or incompatibility.
• 🔑 Forgotten password: If you don’t remember Mi Account data, you can only recover it via an email or phone number.

How to minimize the risks:

• 📝 Save your account data (login, password, email) in a safe place before manipulation begins.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 70% – reset and firmware drain the battery.
• 🖥️ Use the original utilities (Mi Flash Tool, Xiaomi) ADB/Fastboot Tools).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions