Xiaomi Redmi: How to find a phone by IMEI, Mi Account or Google – full instructions 2026

Losing a smartphone is stressful, especially if it stores important data such as photos, correspondence, banking applications or work documents. Xiaomi Redmi owners have the advantage of offering several built-in tools to find the device, from the standard features of Mi Account to the hidden capabilities of MIUI firmware. However, the effectiveness of the search depends on whether the desired settings were enabled in advance.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to find a lost Redmi, from official services to little-known life hacks that work even when your phone is turned off, how to act in the first hours after a loss, what data you’ll need to contact the police or a carrier, and what to do if your phone is stolen. Importantly, some methods only work when conditions are met (internet on, charged battery), so start searching immediately.

1. Search through Mi Account (official method from Xiaomi)

The most reliable method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if you have:

• 🔹 The function Find the device (Settings) is enabled → Mi Account → Find the device)
• 🔹 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔹 The device is not switched off or discharged.

To begin the search:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select the lost Redmi.
3. Click Find the device – the system will show the last known location on the map.
4. You can also lock your phone or delete data remotely.

Make sure your phone is linked to your Xiaomi | account

Check if geolocation is enabled on the device |

Use your browser in incognito mode to avoid data caching |

Prepare. IMEI telephone (on a box or check) for support-->

Method limitations: If the phone is turned off, the service will show the last known point before turning off. SIM-The map has been removed, the geolocation will not work, and in this case, you just have to wait for the device to connect to the network again.

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If you don't remember the Mi Account password, restore it through the attached email or phone number. To do this, click on the login page Forgot the password? and follow the instructions.

2.IMEI Tracking: When It Works and How to Apply

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique phone identifier that can be used to lock a device through a carrier or police force.

• 📌 IMEI It does not give precise geolocation – operators can only block access to the network.
• 📌 In Russia since 2021, the register has been in force IMEI, Searches are only available to law enforcement agencies.
• 📌 If the phone is stolen, IMEI This will help you prove that your device is yours.

Where to get IMEI:

• 📦 On the phone box (barcode sticker).
• 📄 On a check or a security card.
• 🖥️ In the personal account Mi Account (Devices section).
• 📱 On another Xiaomi device, if a backup was previously made.

How to apply for the operator:

1. Write a statement in the communication salon (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) indicating the IMEI and the circumstances of the loss.
2. Operator will block SIM-map and possibly access to the network for this purpose IMEI (discretionary).

⚠️ Attention: Blocking by IMEI Does not guarantee a phone return – scammers can reflash the device or use it without it SIM-This method is more suitable for preventing unauthorized use of the card.

3. Search through Google "Find Device" (if sync is enabled)

If Redmi has been logged in to a Google account, you can use Find My Device, which works independently of Mi Account and can show location even if Find Device is disabled in MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Go to Find My Device and log in with the same account as you do on your phone.
2. Select the lost device from the list (if there are several).
3. The service will show the last location on the map, the battery level and the status of the connection to the network.
4. In addition, it is possible to:

Google often updates location more often than Mi Account and can show your travel history (if Location Timeline is enabled).

Disadvantages: if the phone is turned off or discharged, the service is useless, and scammers can reset the device to factory settings, which will untie it from your Google account.

Yeah, but I found it myself.|Yeah, but I didn't.|No, never.|I remember.-->

Alternative methods: from SIM-maps to social media

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

The critical caveat is that if you suspect theft, don't try to contact the thief yourself, but pass the information to the police, it's safer and increases the chances of getting your phone back within the law.

⚠️ Note: Some “search services by” IMEI» They're asking for payment for supposedly accurate geolocation, but they don't really have access to that data. Use only official sources: Mi Account, Google or carriers.

5 What to do if the phone is turned off or discharged

If the battery is dead or the device is off, standard search methods will not work.

• 🔋 Wait 1-2 days – it is possible that the phone will be turned on for checking or charging.
• 📡 Check your services (Mi Account, Google) every few hours – when you connect to the network, they will update the location.
• 📞 Change passwords from important accounts (banks, social networks, email) linked to the phone.
• 🛡️ Delete data remotely if there is critical information on your phone (via Mi Account or Google).

If the phone is stolen, the scammers can:

• 🔄 Reset your settings to factory (this will untie it from your accounts).
• 📱 Refresh the device by changing IMEI (illegally, but perhaps).
• 💳 Use stored payment data (unless two-factor authentication is enabled).

Tip: If you lose things often, install apps like Cerberus or Prey Anti Theft on Redmi beforehand, which are secretive and can send location data even after resetting.

6. How to protect data on a lost phone

Even if you can't get your phone back, it's important to minimize the damage from a data breach.

Change passwords from email, social networks and banking applications |

Revoke access to accounts from your lost device (in security settings)|

Remove your phone from trusted devices in Google, Apple ID, Mi Account|

Contact the bank to block payment cards tied to the phone |

Check your account activity for suspicious logins-->

If there were:

• 💳 Banking apps – block cards via an online bank or call in support.
• 📸 Personal photos/videos – remotely delete them via Mi Cloud or Google Photos (if sync is enabled).
• 🔑 Passwords from other services – Use a password manager (like Bitwarden) to change them all at once.

Important: If the phone has enabled Smart Lock, fraudsters can easily access the data, and disable this feature on other devices via Mi Account.

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Wipe Data is a last resort, and it will be impossible to recover information from it even if you find a phone, only use it if you have really valuable data on your device (such as work documents or access to cryptocurrency wallets).

7.Prevention: How to Prepare Xiaomi Redmi for Possible Loss

The best protection is preparation.Tune your Redmi in advance to maximize your chances of a return if you lose:

1. Link Mi Account and Google: Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Make sure the phone is linked to Xiaomi and Google accounts. Enable Find the device in both accounts.
2. Write down IMEI: Take a picture of a phone box or save the IMEI to the cloud. Check the IMEI with *#06# and save the screenshot.
3. Set up screen lock: Use the PIN-code or pattern lock (print and face) ID You can be fooled. Disable Smart Lock in Settings → Lockdown and protection.
4. Enable Backup: Activate Mi Cloud and Google Drive Backup to automatically save contacts, photos and settings.

Additional measures:

• 📲 Install the Cerberus or Prey app – they work secretly and can send photos from the front camera if you enter your password incorrectly.
• 🔐 Set up two-factor authentication for all important accounts.
• 📍 Turn on Google Location History (helps track your phone’s route).

If you’re in crowded places, consider buying AirTags (for iPhones) or similar Android trackers (like Tile Mate) that can be attached to your phone case, which will increase your chances of searching through a network of other devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about finding the lost Xiaomi Redmi