How to permanently disable “Find a device” on Xiaomi: 5 working methods

Xiaomi’s Find a Device service is a useful tool for finding a lost smartphone, but it sometimes becomes a source of problems: users face automatic locking of the phone after resetting, the inability to sell the device or constant location notifications. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable the feature, from standard settings to bypassing the binding to the Mi Account.

It is important to understand that the manufacturer deliberately complicates the deactivation process for security reasons. However, there are legal methods that do not violate the terms of use, but require careful follow-up. We have tested all of the methods described below on devices with MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and guarantee their performance at the time of 2026.

Why can’t you just turn off “Find the device” in the settings?

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to move the slider to the “off” position in the security menu, which in practice only works until the first reboot or reset settings, the fact that the service is tied to two key components:

• 🔗 Mi Account – without deleting it, the function will remain active at the system level.
• 📱 Hardware identifier – a unique device code that is checked each time it is turned on.
• 🔄 Xiaomi servers – even after local shutdown, data can sync when connected to the Internet.

Moreover, devices with MIUI 13+ have added “unauthorized disconnection” protection: the system can request a password from the Mi Account when trying to deactivate, which complicates the process, but does not make it impossible.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Find Device completely removes theft protection. If the phone is stolen, you will not be able to track or block it remotely.

Method 1: Standard Disconnection through Settings (for device owners)

If you're the legal owner of a smartphone and you remember the data from Mi Account, start with this method. It's the safest and requires no additional manipulation.

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Go to Mi Cloud (or “Cloud”).
3. Select the item Find the device.
4. Turn off the slider and confirm the action with a password from the Mi Account.
5. Return to Settings → Memory → Backup and turn off Automatic Backup.

After these steps are done, the service will be deactivated, but the link to the account will remain, which means that when you reset the settings, you may need to enter Mi Account data.

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the password from Mi Account|Connect the device to Wi-Fi|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Method 2: Delete your Mi Account (completely disabling)

This is a good way to sell or transfer your phone to another person, and it removes the device’s connection to your account completely, but requires access to the Internet and password.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account.
2. Enter the password from Mi Account and confirm the deletion.
3. The system will prompt you to create a backup copy - skip this step.
4. After deleting your account, all related services will automatically be disabled, including Find a Device**.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming) after deleting the account, there may be a hidden link to the previous owner. To check this, go to Settings → The phone. → Status SIM-Make sure that the “Mi Account” field is empty.

Phone sales |Transfers to a relative |Elimination of synchronization errors |Other reasons-->

Method 3: Bypassing locks via Fastboot (for power users)

If you forget your Mi Account password or purchase a Hands device, this method will help you reset the binding without the previous owner’s data.Warning: the procedure requires an unlocked bootloader and may result in a loss of warranty.

Tools required:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (original)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Unlock Tool Programming (official)
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official website)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press the Volume Down button + Power to log in to Fastboot.


2 Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Unlock Tool.




3. log in to your Mi Account (if the bootloader is not unlocked).




4. Follow the program instructions for unlocking.




5. Once unlocked, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

This method completely removes all data, including the “Find Device” link, but newer models (such as the Xiaomi 14) may require a 7-15-day wait to unlock the bootloader.

Method 4: Use ADB-commands (without data resetting)

For users who want to disable Find Device without deleting their account and losing data, ADB is the method. It works on devices with USB debugging enabled.

Algorithm of action:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.finddevice

These commands will remove the system applications responsible for the Find Device operation. Note that once the devices are restarted, the applications may recover. For permanent effect, you need to repeat commands or lock through Magisk (for rooted devices).

💡

If the service continues to work after completing commands, check for updates for com.miui.cloudservice apps in Google Play. Sometimes they are automatically restored through the store.

Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (Official Way)

If all previous methods have failed or you are afraid of damaging your device, you can use the official procedure to unblock, which is suitable for devices purchased from hand when the previous owner did not unblock the account.

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or document confirming purchase (if any).
• 📧 Email linked to the device (if known).
• 📞 IMEI phone number (you can find by command *#06#).

Instructions:

1. Go to the support page: account.xiaomi.com.
2. Select Can't log in to your account → Device is locked.
3. Fill out the form, specifying the IMEI and the reason for unlocking.
4. Attach scans of documents (if required).
5. Expect a response from support (usually 3-7 days).

Xiaomi’s support team can request additional data, such as a photo of a box with a serial number or a check from a service center, and 80% of the time, the lock is removed if you prove legal ownership.

💡

Official support is the only legal way to unlock a device from someone else’s Mi Account. All other methods can be considered a violation of the user agreement.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you turn off Find Device, users often face typical problems, and we'll look at some of the most common ones.

If the phone continues to lock when it is reset after the service is turned off, check the status of the device through the official verification tool. It may be that additional protection against theft is activated on the device (available on Xiaomi flagships since 2023).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions