How to remotely lock your Xiaomi phone: the full guide 2026

Why Xiaomi Remote Locking Is the First Thing to Do When You Lose Your Phone

Losing or stealing a smartphone is stressful, but remote locking will help minimize damage. Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi models) support several ways to remotely lock through official services. The key is to act quickly: the sooner you lock your phone, the lower the risk of personal data leakage or unauthorized purchases.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current locking methods, from Google’s standard Find My Device to the branded Mi Account tools. We’ll focus on the nuances of what to do when your phone is turned off, how to lock your device without backup email, and why it sometimes doesn’t work, and how to get around the limitations of two-factor authentication (2FA) if you don’t have access to SMS or backup code.

Important: If your Xiaomi was stolen, contact the police immediately. IMEI-The blocking of your device (can be found in a box or check) does not replace an official statement, but it will make it much harder for attackers to access your data.

Method 1: Locking with Mi Account (Official Xiaomi Method)

The most reliable way is to use the Mi Cloud service, which works even if the phone is disconnected (locking is activated the next time you connect to the network).

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in to your Mi Account (the same one that is linked to your phone).
2. From the menu, select Find Device (or Find Device in the Russian version).
3. The map will show the last known location of the phone, and on the right will be a panel with options.
4. Press Lock Device and set a new password (at least 6 characters).

⚠️ Note: Factory Reset Protection is enabled on your phone (FRP), Once you reset, an attacker won't be able to activate a device without your Mi Account, which is an extra layer of protection, but it only works on phones with a mobile phone. MIUI 12 and newer.

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If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, try to restore it through your email or phone number. In extreme cases, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box with IMEI).

Once locked, your message will appear on the phone screen (e.g., “Get your phone back to address...”). The attacker will not be able to unlock the device without entering a new password. If the phone has been stolen, don’t include personal information in the message, limit yourself to neutral text such as “This device is locked.”

Method 2: Google Find My Device

If you don’t have a Mi Account attached or you don’t remember your login details, use Google Find My Device, which works on all Android devices, including Xiaomi, provided:

• 🔹 The phone is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔹 In the settings activated the option Find the device (usually enabled by default).
• 🔹 You are logged into the same Google account as you are on your phone.

Instructions:

1. Open google.com/android/find in your browser.
2. Select the lost device from the list (if there are several).
3. Click Lock the device and follow the prompts.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has an internet connection, the lock will only work after you connect to the network. Unlike Mi Cloud, Google cannot block the device offline.

Method 3: Blocking through SMS-Teams (for advanced users)

Few people know, but some Xiaomi models (mostly on the market) MIUI 10-12) support remote control through SMS. This method works even without the Internet, but requires pre-configuration. SMS-commands in security settings, you can send a special message to the phone.

Team format:

#lock# [new password] [message]

Example:

#lock# 123456 Return the phone to 10 Lenina Street

⚠️ Note: This method only works if:

• 🔹 The phone has an option on. SMS-Teams (path: Settings) → Memory and backup copies → Features → SMS-team).
• 🔹 SIM-card not removed from the device.
• 🔹 You have access to the number tied to the phone.

Method 4: Blocking through the operator (by IMEI)

If the phone is stolen and the software methods don't work, you can lock the device over IMEI through a carrier, and it won't get your phone back, but it will make it useless for attackers, because the device won't be able to connect to mobile networks.

How it works:

1. Find the phone’s IMEI (on the box, in the check, or through the Mi Account under Devices).
2. Contact the communication salon of your operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) with a passport and documents on the phone.
3. Please submit a request for blocking by IMEI.

⚠️ Attention: Blocking by IMEI It can also be removed by flashing the device (but it requires special skills), so this method is better combined with software locking via Mi Account.

Method 5: Remote data erasure (last resort)

If the phone has critical data (banking apps, photos, work correspondence) and there is no chance of returning the device, you can delete all data remotely, which will lead to a complete reset of the phone to factory settings.

How to do this:

• 🔹 From the Find Device menu, select Erase Device (Erase Data»).
• 🔹 Google Find My Device: Delete Data is now available after blocking.

⚠️ Attention: After erasing, data recovery will not be possible, and this method does not work if the phone is turned off or disconnected from the Internet. If the device is later found, you will have to configure it from scratch.

Try all the ways to block|Save. IMEI and serial number|Make sure there are no important unsynchronized data on your phone|Contact the operator to block SIM-map-->

What to do if the phone is already dropped or overshooted

If an attacker has reset the phone, the chances of blocking are reduced, but not zero.

1. Check it out. FRP-Lockdown: On phones with MIUI 12+ When you reset, you need to enter the Mi Account data, which is tied to the device, and without it, the phone becomes a brick».
2. Contact Xiaomi Support: Provide proof of purchase (check, warranty card) and IMEI. The company can lock the device at the server level.
3. Report to the police: With IMEI and phone IDs, it increases the chances of finding the device if it's connected to the network.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, it is almost impossible to unlock it without the help of the previous owner.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to lock their phone, and here are the most common:

• 🚫 Using unofficial services (such as “find by phone”). This is a scam – such sites do not have access to your device, but can steal your data.
• 🚫 Sending personal information in a lock message (passport details, address) is dangerous if the phone has fallen into the hands of intruders.
• 🚫 Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). If you're not in the mood. 2FA In Mi Account, an attacker can reset the password and unlock the phone.

To avoid problems:

1. Always link a backup email and phone number to your Mi Account.
2. Enable Find My Device in Google settings (Settings → Google → Security → Find Your Device).
3. Keep your important data in sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

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Even if the phone is turned off, locking through Mi Account will work on the first Internet connection, which is the main advantage of Xiaomi’s branded service before Google Find My Device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions