How to disable device search on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Owners of the popular budget smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face the need to limit the transfer of geolocation data. the function "Find device" is a powerful tool for protection against theft, but for some users it becomes a source of concern due to the constant collection of coordinates.

The process of deactivating geolocation services and Mi Cloud services requires careful attention, as it affects the system security of the gadget. If you lose your phone after disabling these functions, it will be almost impossible to restore access to data or lock the device, so before making changes to the settings, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of such a decision.

In this guide, we will discuss in detail all available ways to cancel trackers on the MIUI shell. You will learn how to manage access to GPS, disable synchronization with the manufacturer's servers and which system services are responsible for transmitting coordinates.

Risks and consequences of disabling the search function

Before you start technical actions, you need to clearly understand what changes will happen in the operation of the operating system. The search function of the device is tied to deep system processes that provide not only location tracking, but also remote control of the device. Disabling the service deprives the owner of the ability to remotely erase data or lock the screen in the event of loss.

In addition, some applications may not work properly without access to system coordinates. Maps, navigators, and even some banking services require location confirmation to work. If you decide to completely ban the transfer of geolocation data, the functionality of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 will be limited to only basic calls and instant messengers.

⚠️ Note: After disabling search services, recovering deleted photos or contacts through the cloud will become impossible without physical access to the device.

It is also worth considering that aggressively disabling system processes can lead to unstable operation of some components of MIUI. The operating system may periodically try to resume the work of stopped services, which sometimes causes error notifications.

Managing Mi Cloud Services and Account

At the center of Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the Mi Cloud, which activates the search function by default. To completely disable tracking, you need to log into your account settings and change your sync settings, which will break the connection between your phone and the company’s servers, stopping transmitting coordinates.

Go to Settings → Mi Account → Find your device. Here you will see a switch that activates or deactivates the service. When you try to turn off, the system will require you to enter an account password for security purposes. This is the standard procedure for protecting against unauthorized access by attackers.

Once you have entered your password and confirmed the action, the geolocation will no longer be updated in the user's personal account. GPS-the module is complete, but prevents applications and systems from using it to determine the location within the Mi services.

If you plan to sell a device or transfer it to another person, it is recommended not just to disable the feature, but to completely log out of your account.This ensures that the new owner will not be able to see your travel history, and you will have full control over your data.

Configuring GPS and geolocation permissions

In addition to Xiaomi’s system services, location control is done through standard Android settings. Redmi 9 has GPS access control in a separate menu where you can flexibly configure the rights for each application, which allows you to leave the navigation working, but deny access to coordinates for social networks.

Open the Settings menu → Privacy → Permissions management → Geolocation. Here is a complete list of all installed programs that have access to GPS. You can choose “Only in use” mode, which is the optimal balance between functionality and energy saving.

For maximum privacy, you can turn off the navigation module completely. In the top notification curtain or in the quick settings, find the location icon and deactivate it. However, remember that in this case, the maps and taxis will not work. The system will ask for permission to turn on each time you try to run the navigation software.

Disabling Google System Services and Analytics

Google's ecosystem is also actively collecting location data through Location History and Google Geolocation. Even if you've disabled Xiaomi services, the phone can continue to transmit coordinates through your Google account.

Go to Google Settings through Settings menu → Google → Settings for Google apps → Location. You should turn off Location History and Geolocation here. This will prevent you from saving your routes in your account and using data for targeted advertising, and privacy will increase significantly.

Also worth paying attention to is system analytics, in Settings → Advanced Settings → Privacy → MIUI Improvement Program, you need to uncheck the points where you send usage data and diagnostic data, and this will stop telemetry from being transferred to developers' servers.

⚠️ Note: Disabling Google services could cause maps to malfunction in taxi apps and food delivery, as they rely on the service to be used. API Google Location Services.

Special features and precise location

Modern versions of the MIUI shell that Redmi 9 gets have the "Precise Location" feature, which allows applications to request coordinates with high accuracy or be content with approximate data, and manages this feature gives an additional level of control over what installed programs see.

When you request access to geodata, the system will suggest you select a level of accuracy, and if you select "Approximate Location," the app will get coordinates with a margin of error of several kilometers, ideal for news applications or weather widgets that don't need to know your exact street.

For mission-critical applications, such as navigators, you can leave high accuracy but limit access time. From the permissions menu, select the option "Allow only during use." This ensures that in the background when the screen is off, GPS-Tracking will not be conducted, which will save battery power.

💡

Use Approximate Location mode for all applications except maps and navigators, which will significantly reduce the detail of the user profile you collect.

Additional measures to protect privacy

Beyond software settings, there are hardware and behavioral protections, and periodic reboots clear temporary files and reset some cached location data, a useful habit that helps keep the system clean.

Flight mode is a radical but effective way to fully connect your phone to the outside world, and in this state, neither GPS, cell towers, nor Wi-Fi work, and if you want complete anonymity for a certain period, turning on air mode is the only guaranteed solution.

It is also recommended to check the list of devices that have access to your account regularly, in the Mi Account security settings you can see which gadgets you have logged in from, if you notice an unfamiliar device, immediately change your password and end all sessions.

💡

A comprehensive approach, including disabling Mi Cloud, setting up Google permissions and limiting background activity, provides maximum surveillance protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)