Searching for a device on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide to setup and use

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to loss or theft. The device’s search function helps to return the gadget or at least protect personal data. In this article, we will analyze how search works on Redmi 9, what tools are provided for this (Mi Account, Google Find My Device, IMEI), and what to do if the smartphone is missing.

Many users mistakenly think that the search for the device is activated automatically, but in fact it requires a pre-setting – otherwise, after losing the phone, it will be impossible to track, we will explain in detail how to turn on all the necessary options before trouble occurs, and also consider the nuances of working with MIUI 12/13 and newer versions of the firmware.

What is a device search and why is it needed?

The search function of the device is a set of tools that allow:

• 📍 Determine the location of the smartphone on the map (if it is turned on and connected to the Internet).
• 🔊 Turn on the sound signal even in silent mode.
• 🔒 Lock the device remotely so that attackers do not gain access to data.
• 🧹 Delete all data from your phone if it is not possible to return it.

On Xiaomi Redmi 9, search works through two main services:

1. Mi Account (Find Device) is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, integrated into MIUI.
2. Google Find My Device is a universal tool for all Android devices.

It's important to understand that none of these services can show location if the smartphone is off, in airplane mode, or offline, but even then, locking and resetting data will work the next time it's turned on.

How to enable a search for a Redmi 9 device using Mi Account

To use Xiaomi’s branded Find Device service, you need to:

1. Have a registered and confirmed Mi Account (linked to the phone).
2. Activate the search function in the smartphone settings.
3. Allow access to geodata for com.miui.finddevice.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Sign in to your account (unless you are automatically logged in).
3. Go to Find Device (or “Search for Device” in Russian firmware).
4. Activate the "Search for Device" switch.
5. Turn on the “Last geolocation” option to see the last known location even if the phone is turned off.

Once activated, you can control the device via the i.mi.com web version (the “Find Device” section), which displays all the connected gadgets, their status (online/offline) and available activities.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset Redmi 9 to factory settings without detaching your Mi Account, your phone will require you to enter your login and password when you first turn on, which is anti-theft protection, but it can also block access if you forget your account details.

Google Find My Device on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Google Find My Device is an alternative tracking method that works independently of the Mi Account, and its advantage is that the service is available even if you haven’t tied up a Xiaomi account or dropped your phone.

To activate the function:

1. Open Settings → Google → Security.
2. Select “Find My Device” (or “Search for Device”).
3. Turn on the switches: 📱 «Search for this device" - allows tracking. 🔍 «Allow lock and reset" - allows you to remotely block or erase data.

Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata

Google Play Services

always

Once set up, you can control the device via google.com/android/find. The same options available in Mi Account are audible, lock, erase. The main difference is that Google Find My Device only shows location when the phone is online, while Mi Account can save the last known geo-position.

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If you often lose your phone at home, turn on the “Send Last Location” option in the Find My Device settings, which will help you find your phone even with a dead battery (if it can send coordinates before turning it off).

Mi Account and Google Find My Device: Which is Better

Both services are doing the same thing, but they have key differences.

The critical difference is that Mi Account can lock the phone even after resetting (via account binding), whereas Google Find My Device will lose access after hard reset.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer Redmi 9 to another person, be sure to untie both accounts (Mi and Google) and reset to factory settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the phone without your login details.

How to find the lost Xiaomi Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions

If your phone is missing, follow the algorithm:

1. Check the obvious locations (pockets, bag, desktop) and call the device from another number. It may just be silent.
2. Use Mi Account: Go to i.mi.com and log in. Select the missing device in the list. Click Find the device — if the phone is online, the map will show its location. If necessary, use the options "Sound signal", "Block" or "Erase data".
3. Check Google Find My Device: Open google.com/android/find. Select Redmi 9 from the device list. If your phone is connected to the network, you'll see its location and you can manage it.

Call the police.

• 📄 IMEI (It is indicated on the box or in the settings About the phone → General information).
• 📍 The last known coordinates (from Mi Account or Google).
• 📋 Check or document confirming purchase.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes the search for the device is not working properly, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

1.The phone is not displayed in the Mi Account

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Device turned off or discharged → Wait until it charges and connects to the network.
• 🌍 No Internet connection. → Check if mobile internet or Wi-Fi is enabled.
• 🔄 Search function disabled → On another device with the same Mi Account, enable Find Device remotely (if available).
• 📱 Phone reset to factory settings → Access can only be restored through the linked Mi Account when enabled.

2.Google Find My Device shows wrong location

This may be due to:

• 📡 Inaccurate data GPS → Try updating your location or using mobile network data.
• 🕒 Delays in updating → Wait 5-10 minutes and check again.
• 🔄 Conflict with Mi Account → Turn off Find Device in Mi settings if you only use Google.

3. Failure to block or erase data

If the lock and reset options are inactive:

• 🔒 The device is not connected to the account → Check that the appropriate permissions are included in the Google or Mi settings.
• 📵 Airplane-mode phone → Wait for the network connection.
• 🔄 There's been a reset. → For Mi Account, you will need to enter a login / password at the next turn on.

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If you can’t find a phone through Mi Account or Google, try using mobile carrier services (such as MTS’s Locator or Beeline’s Phone Search) that run through cellular network data and can show approximate location even without the internet.

Additional protection measures: IMEI, passwords, backups

Finding a device isn't the only way to protect your data, but we also recommend:

1. Record your phone's IMEI: Type *#06# on the keyboard to display the IMEI. Save it in a safe place (e.g., Google account notes) If you steal, the IMEI will help police identify the device.
2. Set a strong password: Use it PIN-Avoid simple combinations (such as 1234 or date of birth).
3. Set up backup: Enable automatic copying in Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud Account or Settings → Google → Backup. Regularly save photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

Activate change notifications SIM-map

• Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM-map → Notice of change SIM.
• Turn on the option – when you replace the SIM with the phone of the associated account, an SMS with a new number will come.

If you forget the password, you can reset the binding only through Xiaomi support (you will need documents for the phone).