How to activate the device search function on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Losing a smartphone or stealing a gadget is a stressful situation that millions of digital wearers face every year. Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices have powerful built-in tools to protect data, but by default many security features can be disabled to save charge or privacy. Activating a tracking system allows you not only to see the location of the device on the map in real time, but also remotely lock it or erase confidential information.

Modern Android operating systems and MIUI or HyperOS shells require the right initial setup to properly operate geolocation. If you just bought a phone or never thought about security, you need to check the activation status of Mi Cloud services right now, which will give you peace of mind and confidence that even with physical access to the screen, your data will remain protected.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at each stage of setting up, from creating an account to the intricacies of working. GPS-You'll learn how to properly configure the accesses of the applications so that the system doesn't kill the search process to save energy. SIM-The remote search function will not work even if the map and mobile Internet are enabled GPS active.

Pre-preparation of the Mi Account and login

At the heart of Xiaomi’s security ecosystem is the Mi Account, which is a personal account, and without authorization, using cloud services, including device search, is technically impossible, and you need to create an account if it doesn’t already exist, and link a valid mobile number and email address to it to restore access.

The sign-up process usually happens automatically when you first start a smartphone, but users often skip this step or log in as a "guest." To fix the situation, go to Settings, find Mi Account at the top of the list and log in. Make sure you remember the password, as it will be required to log in to third-party devices or websites.

Synchronization of data is an important aspect. Once you log in, the system will suggest you to enable synchronization of contacts, messages, notes and galleries. It is recommended to activate all points, since if you lose your phone, you can recover all information on a new device in minutes just by logging into your profile.

📊 Do you have an active Mi Account?
Yeah, I use it all the time.
Yeah, but I rarely do.
No, we have to create.
I only use a Google account.

It is worth noting that a single Mi Account can be used on multiple devices, but for the search function, each must be logged in under the same profile, which is especially convenient for parents who want to track the location of their children's phones, or for corporate fleet control.

Activation of the Find Device service in security settings

Once you have successfully logged in, you need to go to the direct activation of the feature you want. In MIUI and HyperOS shells, this option is deep in the security menu, not in the basic settings of the phone. Open the Security app (green icon with shield), which is system-based and preinstalled on all devices of the brand.

Inside the app, find Find Device or Find Device. When you first start up, the system will ask for permission to use geodata and access the network. You will be prompted to log in to your Mi Account if you haven't done so before. Confirm the login and agree to the user agreement.

☑️ Verification of search activation

Done: 0 / 1

The key here is a switch that turns the function into "On" state. Once activated, the system will require you to enter the unlock password or the pattern lock, so that an attacker cannot turn off the search simply by accessing the settings menu.

⚠️ Warning: Once you turn this feature on, you can't turn it off without entering the screen unlock password or Mi Account password. This is a theft protection that can't be circumvented by simply resetting your settings.

This menu also shows the status of the device, and if the phone is online, you'll see a green label, it allows you to remotely play audio, lock the device, or erase data, and make sure all three of these work correctly by testing them through the web interface.

Geolocation and accuracy of location

To work properly, it is not enough to simply turn on the switchboard in the security application. The GPS module itself must have the appropriate permissions and modes of operation. In modern versions of Android, access to the geoposition is divided into “When using” and “Always.” For the search function, it is critical to choose the “Always” option.

Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find the Google Play Services list or the system service responsible for geolocation (often called Google Geolocation Services or Location) in the Permissions section, make sure that you are allowed to access your location permanently.

In addition, to improve accuracy in urban or indoor environments, Wi-Fi and mobile networking are used. Even if Wi-Fi is off, the module scans the surrounding networks for triangulation. Enable the option to Improve accuracy in geolocation settings so that the system uses all available data sources.

ParameterRecommended valueImpact of search
GPS-satelliteIncluded.High accuracy in open areas
Wi-Fi scanningIncluded.Precision inside buildings and shopping centres
Mobile networksIncluded.Determination of coordinates in the absence of GPS
History of placesIncluded.Allows you to see the route of travel

Remember that you are constantly working. GPS-But in a security context, it's a necessary sacrifice, and if the phone is dead, it can't transmit its coordinates, so the search function is useless.

Working with permissions and application background activity

One of the most common reasons why device searches fail or show outdated data is aggressive battery optimization. MIUI is known for its tight control of background processes, which it can kill to save power, and the system services responsible for transmitting coordinates.

You need to find the battery and the Energy section in the settings, and you need to look for services that are connected to Mi Cloud, Find Device, and Google Play Services, and set a "No Limits" mode for them, which will prevent the system from turning these processes off even if the screen is off for a long time.

Why does the system limit background work?
Xiaomi’s developers are committed to maximizing battery life, and have implemented strict sleep algorithms, but these algorithms may conflict with security features that require a constant connection to the server.> Also check autorun. In the Security app, go to the Permissions section. → Autorun. Make sure that the services you need have permission to start with the operating system. Without that, after you reboot your phone (which you often do when you freeze), the search may stop before you manually activate. Another important aspect is accessing data in the background. SIM-If you have access to maps and mobile traffic, find a list of applications and check if system services have permission to transfer data when the screen is off. If that access is blocked, the phone will not be able to send a signal about its location to the server. After all the settings on the phone are done, you need to make sure that you know how to use the search tool. You do not need to have another smartphone with an application on hand. Any device with Internet access is enough: a computer, tablet or a friend's phone. Go to the official i.mi.com website. This is a global portal for managing the cloud. Enter your username and password from Mi Account. If you have two-factor authorization, you will need a code from an SMS or an authenticator application. On the main panel, select the Find Device icon. In front of you will see the official i.Mi.line card, the last time you will see the device's update from the phone, when the device's card from the last time you will be connected to the phone. ⚠️ Attention: Accuracy of location depends on signal quality. In dense urban areas, the error can be as high as 50-100 In rural areas, up to a few kilometers, three basic commands are available from the web interface: “Sound” (the phone will play at maximum volume, even if there is a silent mode), “Block” (the screen is blocked by a password that you set remotely) and “Erase” (full reset to factory settings). Use erasure only as a last resort, as after that, it will be impossible to track the phone.In addition to the advanced features of Google Find My Device, in addition to Xiaomi's branded tools, every smartphone with a certified Android has a service from Google. It can be a great backup search channel, especially if the Mi Account is not synced for some reason. To activate, go to Settings → Google → Find your device. Make sure the switch is active. Also check that the Google account settings have enabled Location History. This will not only allow you to see the current point, but also view the path of the past days. Control is done through android.com/find or through the Find Device app on another Android smartphone. Google's interface often updates coordinates faster, but the functionality of remote management (for example, locking) can differ from Mi Cloud. Using two systems simultaneously - Mi Cloud and Google's Device My Finder strategy - if the second system is a lost or a system will significantly increase the chance of a lost one of a workout. 💡Duplication of search engines via Mi Account and Google Account creates a reliable insurance, increasing the likelihood of successful detection of a device in a critical situation (FAQ) Will search work if the phone is not on? SIM-The search function requires data to be transmitted to the server. SIM-If you have a Wi-Fi connection, the location will be transmitted. SIM-The map, the Wi-Fi, the phone can't send coordinates, and you'll only see the last known dot on the map: Can you track the phone if it's turned off? Standard mode, no. If the phone is turned off, the communication modules don't work. However, new versions of Android and iOS implement the function of searching through the Bluetooth network of surrounding devices, but for Xiaomi this is still unstable and requires the presence of other Xiaomi devices nearby. In most cases, you will only see the time and place of the last turn on. What if the site shows "Device not found"? This means that the phone is either off, has no Internet access, or has a geolocation turned off. Also, the reason may be the exit from the Mi Account. Check the status of the last session. If a long time has passed, the hope of searching through GPS is not enough, there is no hope for IMEI and the police. Will the phone reset if I turn on lock mode? No, lock mode only sets a new password on the screen and blocks access to the interface. Your data (photo, contacts) If you forget the phone, I can't find the password from the place, I forget it, I forget it. Restore access through the password reset procedure on account.xiaomi.com using a linked phone number or email. Without access to your account, you cannot manage security features.