How to find a lost Xiaomi phone IMEI: All working methods in 2026

Loss or theft of a smartphone is a stressful situation, especially if the device stores important data, photos or access to accounts. - Xiaomi owners (including Redmi models, POCO Black Shark has a unique ability to track the phone. IMEI — This 15-digit code is linked to the hardware of the device and does not change even after resetting.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of searching for IMEI: From official Xiaomi services and telecom operators to interaction with law enforcement, it is important to understand that the effectiveness of methods depends on the circumstances, for example, if the phone is turned off or if the phone is not used. SIM-map extracted, geolocation through IMEI But even in these cases, there's a chance that the device will be blocked or that the data will be recovered.

What is IMEI and where to find it on Xiaomi

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique number that is assigned to each mobile device, which consists of 15 digits and is used to identify the phone in the operator's network) IMEI You can find it in several ways:

• 📱 On the device box - usually indicated on the sticker along with the serial number.
• 🔧 In the phone settings: go to Settings → The phone. → General information → Status (or All parameters) → IMEI on MIUI 14+).
• 📞 Through USSD-code: type on the keyboard *#06# - the number will appear on the screen.
• 📄 In a check or warranty card - if the purchase documents are saved.

If your phone is already lost but you have access to your Mi Account, try finding it. IMEI In your account at account.xiaomi.com (Devices section), the number may also be backed up if you have used Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

Important: on devices with two SIM-The dual-SIM card will be two IMEI — One for each slot, both numbers are useful for search.

The official ways to search Xiaomi by IMEI

Xiaomi provides two basic tools for finding lost phone: Find Device (built-in feature) MIUI) Mi Cloud, both require pre-association of the device to the Mi Account.

1. Find Device (search through the MIUI)

This feature works similarly to Apple's Find iPhone.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Select the lost device from the list (if there are several).
3. The map will show the last known location of the phone (if it is connected to the Internet).
4. Available options: 📍 Call – the phone will start ringing at maximum volume (even in silent mode). 🔒 Block – set the password on the lock screen. 🧹 Erase data – complete reset to factory settings (irreversible!).

Limitations:

• The phone must be on and connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
• Find Device must be activated in advance in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• If an attacker reset the phone to factory settings, access to the feature will be lost.

Make sure your phone is linked to Mi Account|

Check if Find Device is enabled in the settings|

Confirm that the phone has access to the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi)|

Prepare a spare phone or PC to control-->

2. Mi Cloud (Cloud Search)

Mi Cloud not only tracks location, but also locks the device remotely.

1. Sign in to cloud.mi.com.
2. Go to Find Device (or Find Device)
3. Select the lost smartphone from the list.
4. Use the call, lock or erase options.

If the phone is turned off, the service will show the last known location (if it is saved) and once the device is connected to the network again, the data will be updated.

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If you don’t remember if the phone is tied to Mi Account, try to restore access via email or phone number specified at registration. SMS backup.

Search through the operator IMEI

Russian and foreign operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) They can help you find your phone by IMEI, But they're limited by the law:

1. Lockdown. IMEI operator-network

If your phone is stolen, you can block it. IMEI It makes the device useless to the attacker, because it can't connect to any mobile network:

• 📞 Call the support service of your operator (numbers: MTS - 0890, Beeline - 0611, MegaFon - 0500, Tele2 — 611).
• 📝 Let me know. IMEI and data of the owner (passport, service contract).
• ⏳ Blocking usually takes from a few hours to 3 days.

Important: lockdown IMEI It will not help to return the phone, but will prevent its use on the network.In some countries (for example, in India), operators are required to provide location data of the device at the request of the police, but in Russia this practice is not common.

2. request data from the operator (by court decision)

If you have filed a report to the police about theft, the investigator may send a formal request to the operator to obtain information about the latest phone connections to the network.

1. Write a report to the police (sample below).
2. Indicate. IMEI, telephone number and circumstances of the disappearance.
3. If the case is opened, the investigator will request the data from the operator.

The operator will provide:

• 📍 Last base stations to which the phone was connected (approximate location).
• ⏰ Time and date of connections.
• 🔄 The shift SIM-Cards (if the attacker inserts a new one).

Searching through police and stolen phone databases

If a phone is stolen, it's almost impossible to get it back without the involvement of law enforcement.

1. Filing a police report

Immediately after the device is lost, contact the nearest police station or file an application online through the portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.

• 📄 IMEI and serial number.
• 📱 Model (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12).
• 💳 Check or warranty card (if any).
• 🔗 Linked Mi Account (email or phone).

Once you register, you will be given a notification card, which will be useful for tracking the case. In some regions, the police actively cooperate with operators and can quickly block the application. IMEI.

2.A check of the databases of stolen phones

There are international databases of stolen devices where you can add your own IMEI:

Addendum IMEI In such databases, it increases the chances that when you try to sell or repair the phone will be identified as stolen. IMEI before repair and may block the device.

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Addendum IMEI international bases (e.g. international bases, GSMA) It makes the phone useless for resale abroad, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent it from being used.

Alternative search methods

If the official methods don't work, you can try alternatives, they're less effective, but in some cases they work.

1. Search through Google Account.

If you have a Google Account login, use Find My Device:

1. Sign in with the same Google account as you do on your phone.
2. The service will show the last location (if the phone is connected to the Internet).
3. Available options: 🔔 Play the sound (5 minutes at maximum volume). 🔒 Lock the device with a message on the screen. 🗑️ Erase data (full reset).

Limitation: If an attacker resets the phone to factory settings, access to Find My Device will be lost.

2. Tracking through social networks and messengers

If the phone has installed messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), try:

• 💬 Log into the web version of the messenger from another device – sometimes the latest activity is displayed (for example, WhatsApp can see the time of the last online service).
• 📍 In Telegram (if geolocation is enabled) you can see the last location in chat rooms.
• 📎 V VK Check your login history – sometimes the city or IP-address.

These methods do not give precise coordinates, but can help narrow the search.

3. Verification in the secondary device markets

Attackers often try to sell stolen phones on sites like Avito, Yula or Facebook Marketplace to track down their Xiaomi:

1. Use filters by model and price (usually stolen phones sell for less than market value).
2. Check the photo for scratches, covers, or other distinctive features of your device.
3. If you find a suspicious ad, do not try to contact the seller yourself - pass the information to the police.

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Create a notification on Avito or Yula with a filter on your phone model, so you will receive an alert if someone puts it up for sale.

What to do if the phone is found

If you can track the device, act carefully:

⚠️ Warning: Never try to take the phone from an intruder yourself. This is dangerous and can be regarded as arbitrariness (Article 330 of the Criminal Code.

If the phone is found by good citizens:

• 📞 Ask to call your emergency number (if it is listed on the lock screen).
• 🔑 Arrange for a meeting in a crowded place (for example, in a police station).
• 📄 Bring with you documents confirming possession (check, box with the box). IMEI).

After the phone is returned:

Check the integrity of data and files|

Change passwords from Mi Account, Google and banking apps|

Update your firmware to the latest version (maybe the attacker installed malware)|

Make a backup copy of important data-->

How to protect your Xiaomi phone from future theft

To minimize the risks, set your phone up in advance:

• 🔐 Activate Find Device: Settings → Mi Account → Find Device.
• 🔑 Set a complex password (at least 6 characters, with numbers and letters).
• 📱 Turn on the lock. SIM-map PIN-code (protection against substitution) SIM).
• ☁️ Set up automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 📍 Turn off the notifications on the lock screen (so that the attacker does not see the codes from the lock screen). SMS).

It is also worth installing third-party antiviruses with anti-theft function, for example:

If the phone is already stolen, installing the antivirus remotely is impossible – these measures work only with pre-configuring.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)