Xiaomi theft: how to find a smartphone if it was stolen

Losing a smartphone is always stressful, but when it comes to stealing, things get complicated. - Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi sub-brands, POCO, Black Shark has built-in security tools, but their effectiveness depends on your initial actions. If you read this article after a theft, time works against you: the faster you act, the better the chances of returning the device or at least blocking access to personal data.

It's important to understand that there's no one-size-fits-all way to find a stolen phone, and success depends on a combination of factors: Whether the Find the device feature was enabled, whether the smartphone is connected to the Internet, whether the thief turned off the device, and even from the model (for example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with an ultrasonic sensor can be tracked more accurately than the budget Redmi). 10A). In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from basic steps to emergency measures that will increase your chances.

1. First actions immediately after theft

If you realize your phone has been stolen, the first 30 minutes are critical.

• 📱 Try calling a stolen phone from another number. Sometimes thieves don't turn off the phone immediately, or even respond to blackmail the owner. Don't threaten, just find out where the device is.
• 🔒 Block it. SIM-card through the operator's personal account (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2). SMS (including codes from banks) and calls.
• 🌐 Check geolocation through Find the device (if the function has been activated.
• 📋 Make a list of important accounts linked to your phone: banks, social networks, mail, cloud storage.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to find a thief or organize a raid on your own, 90% of the time it leads to conflict or even criminal liability for arbitrariness, pass the location of the phone to the police, they have legal leverage.

If the theft occurred in a public place (cafe, transportation, shopping mall), immediately contact the administration, they may have surveillance cameras that recorded the moment of the theft, ask for a tape to the police, this will speed up the investigation.

2. Tracking through "Find the device" (Mi Cloud)

The most reliable way to find Xiaomi is through the built-in Find Device, which works through your Mi Account, but it only works if you meet three conditions:

1. The function was pre-included in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).
2. The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
3. The device is not switched off or discharged.

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as the stolen device.
3. In the menu, select Find Device (Find Device).
4. The map will show the last known location of the phone (accuracy – from 10 to 500 meters depending on the signal). GPS).
5. Use the options: 🔔 Play the sound – the phone will emit a loud signal (works even in silent mode). 🔒 Lock the device – set the password on the lock screen. 🗑️ Erase data – complete reset to factory settings (irreversible!).

⚠️ Warning: If the thief switched off the phone or pulled it SIM-map, geolocation will stop updating.However, even when switched off, Xiaomi can transmit the last location when connecting to Wi-Fi or charging (offline Finding function works on models with a high-speed connection). MIUI 12.5+).

3. Alternative methods of tracking

If Find the device is not working (for example, the function has been disabled), try these methods:

3.1 Google "Find my device"

If you have a Google account added to Xiaomi, use Find My Device:

1. Sign in with the same Google Account as on your phone.
2. The last location will appear on the map (if the phone is connected to the Internet).
3. Available options: 🔔 Play the sound (5 minutes). 🔒 Lock the device with a message on the screen. 🗑️ Delete data (works even without the Internet on the next connection).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI Google may conflict with Find a Device. If both services are active, Mi Cloud is prioritized.

3.2 Tracking by IMEI

IMEI — A unique phone ID that you can use to lock your device through a carrier or police force. IMEI post-theft:

• 📄 Look at the phone box — IMEI marked.
• 📧 Check the email from Mi Account with device information (comes at first binding).
• 💳 If the phone is purchased on credit or by card, IMEI may be in a check or contract.

With the result IMEI:

1. Contact the police – they can request location from telecom operators (a theft report is required).
2. Block it. IMEI through the operator (MTS, Beeline, etc.) - this will make the phone useless for the thief (can not call / go online).
3. Add in. IMEI The database of stolen devices (for example, on the GSMA).

3.3 Social networks and messengers

If the phone was installed messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) or social networks (Vkontakte, Instagram), try:

• 📱 Track activity: some services show recent online or IP-address (for example, Telegram in the web version).
• 🔍 View the login history: on VKontakte or Facebook you can see from which device and where the login was made.
• 🚨 Send a message asking for your phone back (sometimes thieves agree to a reward).

💡 Useful advice: If the phone was enabled Developer Mode and Debugging USB, In theory, you can try to connect to the device through ADB (If it's connected to a charger and it's on the same Wi-Fi network, it requires technical skills and rarely works.

4. Data blocking and protection

Even if you can't find the phone, the key is to protect your personal data.

Remote locking

If your phone is connected to the Internet, block it through:

• 🌐 Mi Cloud (i.mi.com → Find the device. → Block it).
• 🤖 Google Find My Device (google.com/android/find → Lock down).

Set a complex password (at least 8 characters) and add a message to the lock screen with your contact number (e.g., "Phone Stolen! Return reward: +7XXX. Police know.").

Account untied

Immediately untie the stolen phone from:

• 🏦 Banking applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB, etc. (use web versions or call in support).
• 💳 Payment systems: Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay.
• 📧 Mail and social networks: Gmail, Yandex.Mail, Vkontakte, Instagram.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex.Disk.

💡 If you have saved passwords from other services on your phone (such as Xiaomi Password Manager), change them all. Use a password generator (such as KeePass or Bitwarden) to create strong combinations.

Reset to factory settings

The last resort is deletion of all data – only apply if:

• Confidential information was stored on the phone (photos, documents, correspondence).
• You are sure that the device will not be returned.
• The phone is connected to the Internet (otherwise the reset command will not be executed).

For discharge:

1. In Mi Cloud: Find the device → Erase the data.
2. Google Find My Device: Destroy the device.

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, it will be impossible to track the phone! Nor does it guarantee complete deletion of data - experienced thieves can recover some of the information using specialized software.

💡

If the phone has enabled the Encryption function (in the security settings), the chances of recovery of information by a thief are minimal. MIUI 13+ encryption activated by default.

5. Appeal to the police: what and how to say

Without a police report, the chances of getting your phone back are as low as zero.

Drafting of the statement

A theft claim can be filed:

• 📝 Directly at the nearest police station.
• 🌐 Online through the portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia or the application of State Services.

In the statement, state:

• The phone is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G etc.).
• IMEI (necessarily!).
• Serial number (if any).
• Approximate time and location of the theft.
• Any evidence (geolocation screenshots, correspondence with the thief, testimony of witnesses).

5.2 What to do after the application is submitted

Police don’t always actively investigate phone thefts, but you can:

• 📞 Call the officer on your case regularly (the number will be given when applying for it).
• 📄 Require a copy of the decision on initiation / refusal to initiate a criminal case.
• 🔍 Independently monitor the sites of ads (Avito, Yula, Drom) IMEI or serial number.

💡 Useful advice: If the phone was insured (for example, through Sberbank Insurance or Alpha Insurance), provide a copy of the statement to the police of the insurance company.

5.3 If the phone is found but not returned

If the police find the phone, but the thief refuses to give it up (or demands a ransom), your actions:

1. Ask the police to report the device seizure.
2. If the phone is submitted for examination, specify the terms (usually up to 30 days).
3. If the thief agrees to return the phone for a reward, don’t hand over the money directly – do so through the police (to avoid being charged with aiding).

6 How to Prevent Theft in the Future

The best protection is prevention. Here's what to do right now, even if your Xiaomi is safe:

• 🔐 Enable "Find the device": Go to Settings → Mi Account → Find the device. Activate the switch and allow access to geodata.

Set up the lock. SIM-map

• Set the PIN code on SIM (customized SIM-map).
• Activate the lock when extracted SIM Mi Cloud.

Synchronize the data

• Enable autosynchronization of contacts, photos and notes with Mi Cloud or Google.
• Use Xiaomi Cloud Backup to back up your settings.

Install anti-thieving software

• Cerberus (paid, but most reliable)
• Prey Anti Theft (Free Features Limited)

💡 Useful advice: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ Protection against theft (Settings) → Password and security → It locks the phone when you replace it. SIM-Cards or resets without entering a password from Mi Account.

Also worth it:

• 📸 Take a picture IMEI Serial phone number (store in the cloud).
• 📌 Attach to the check a photo of the box with stickers (proof of purchase).
• 🔖 Separately SIM-Two-factor authentication card (do not store the main card) SIM phone-on).

7. Frequent Mistakes: What NOT to Do

Panic makes people do things that make things worse.

• 🚫 Ignore the police – without an official statement, the phone will not be searched, and the insurance will not pay compensation.
• 💰 Paying the ransom - even if the thief promises to return the phone, after payment, it can disappear").
• 🔧 Trying to hack your phone yourself can result in a loss of warranty or a final lock on your device.
• 📢 Disseminating personal information (IMEI, Photos of the phone in social networks – it can be used by fraudsters.
• 🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings if it’s connected to the internet and has a chance to track it.