How to track the location of Xiaomi devices: official and hidden methods

Lost your Xiaomi smartphone or want to track your child's location through the Mi Band? The brand's device tracking system is integrated into both MIUI's firmware and Google's ecosystem. But what you don't know is that even when you turn off your phone or reset your settings, there are ways to determine its coordinates -- the key is to act quickly and use the right tools.

In this article, we will examine all the current methods of searching for Xiaomi devices, from standard features like Find Device to little-known tricks with IMEI and operator services, and also tell you how to protect your gadgets from unauthorized tracking and what to do if your phone is stolen.

⚠️ Attention: Tracking other people's devices without the consent of the owner violates the law of the Russian Federation (Article 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Illegal trafficking of special technical means"). All methods in the article are given solely to find your own gadgets or devices that you are allowed access to (for example, the phones of children with parental control).

1.Official method: Find Device service from Xiaomi

The most reliable and legal method is the use of the built-in Find Device service (formerly Mi Cloud), which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO with a Mi Account, even if SIM-card replaced or phone turned off (last coordinates are fixed at the last turn on).

To use the service:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
• 📍 In the Find Device section, select the missing device from the list (if there are several of them).
• 🔍 The map will display the last known coordinates with an accuracy of 10–50 meters.
• 🛎️ Additional options:

⚠️ Warning: If an attacker resets the phone to factory settings in the first 24 hours, the chances of tracking drop dramatically.Find Device is tied to a Mi Account, and after a hard reset, the connection breaks. IMEI.

2. Alternative: Google "Find the Device"

If Mi Account is not tied or Find Device is not working, use Google’s Find Device tool, which works on all Android smartphones, including Xiaomi, provided:

• 📱 The device is on and connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 In the settings activated the function Location and Find the device (path: Settings) → Google → Security → Find my device).
• 👤 You are logged in to the same Google account as on your lost phone.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔍 More accurate coordinates thanks to Google Maps integration.
• 📡 It works even if the Mi Account is not tied.
• 🔄 You can see the history of movements in the last 24 hours (if the location chronology is enabled).

How to use:

1. Open the service page and select the desired device.
2. The map will show the current (or last) coordinates.
3. Use the options: 🔔 "Play the sound" (5 minutes at maximum volume). 🔒 "Lock the device" (set password and message). 🧹 "Delete data” (full reset).

The “Find Device” function is activated in Google settings

The phone is connected to a Google account

Geolocation access enabled

Battery charge greater than 10% (for long-term tracking)

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3. Tracking through IMEI: Does it work in 2026?

IMEI — The only way to find a phone is if it is turned off, reset or SIM-But in Russia, from 2021, direct binding is done. IMEI location through mobile operators is prohibited (FZ) № 248 "On the State Monitoring Information System:

Official methods (limited effectiveness):

• 📞 Report theft/loss to the police if available. IMEI Law enforcement agencies may request data from operators as part of an investigation.
• 📡 Use services like IMEI.info to show device model and status (lost/stolen), but not coordinates.

Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

• 🔍 Specialized trackers like IMEI Tracker Pro (working through data leaks from operators in some countries, blocked in Russia).
• 🤝 Find My Phone services from chip makers (like Qualcomm or Mediatek) but they require root access.

⚠️ Note: Purchase or use of gray" IMEI-Trackers can lead to the blocking of your number by the operator for suspicious activity. In 2023, MTS, Beeline and MegaFon began to actively fight against such services.

4. Hidden MIUI features: how to track a device without the Internet

Few people know, but MIUI 12-14 has a hidden feature called Offline Finding, which works via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and nearby Xiaomi devices. If your phone is lost in a crowded place (metro, shopping center, office), other Xiaomi smartphones can anonymously transfer its coordinates to the Mi Cloud.

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Find Device → Search settings.
2. Turn on the option of Search offline.
3. Activate Xiaomi Device Network (Geo data permission required).

Limitations:

• 📵 It only works if the phone is on (even without it). SIM-maps or wifi).
• 👥 Requires high density of Xiaomi devices nearby (in small towns inefficient).
• ⏳ Coordinates are updated every 15-30 minutes.

5. Tracking Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets

The Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch and Amazfit devices are tracked differently than smartphones, and there are two main methods for them:

Method 1: Mi Fitness Appendix/Zepp

• 📲 Install the official app (iOS/Android).
• 🔗 Link your wristband/watch to your Mi Account or Zepp account.
• 📍 In the Devices section, select the gadget and the last synchronized coordinates will be displayed (if enabled). GPS).

Method 2: Device Search Mode (for Mi Band 6/7 and later):

1. Open the Mi Fitness app.
2. Choose your bracelet. → Find the device.
3. The bracelet will vibrate and blink if it is within a Bluetooth radius (up to 10 meters).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smart watches do not have their own GPS-Module (except for Xiaomi Watch models) S1 Pro and Amazfit GTR They use for accurate tracking GPS If the phone is turned off, the coordinates of the clock will be approximate (from the last synchronization).

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If you lose the Mi Band bracelet at home, use the Find Device feature in the app – it will begin to vibrate at full power, even if it is under the pillow or in the pocket of the jacket.

6 What to do if your phone is stolen: emergency measures

If you are sure that Xiaomi device is stolen, follow the algorithm:

1. Lock it down immediately. SIM-map: 📞 Call the operator (numbers: MTS - 0890, Beeline - 0611, MegaFon - 0500, Tele2 - 611). 🔒 Ask to block the card and reissue it with a new number.
2. Lock your phone through Find Device or Google: 🔐 Set the password on the lock screen. 📝 Write a message asking for the device to be returned (specify an alternative phone to contact).
3. Call the police: 📄 Take with you: Phone box (it is indicated there) IMEI). Check or warranty card. Screenshots with coordinates from Find Device/Google. 📌 The application is written in accordance with the. 158 RF Criminal Code ("Theft") or Art. 160 ("Appropriation").
4. Check the resale markets: 🛒 Monitor Avito, Yulu and local groups on social media IMEI (use services like IMEI24). 🚨 If you find your device, don't try to return it yourself (it's dangerous.

⚠️ Warning: If an attacker reset the phone to factory settings, do not re-activate it through your Mi Account! this may result in an account being blocked for suspected fraud (the system will think you are trying to unlock someone else's device).

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The most important thing in the first 3 hours after the theft is to block the SIM-Find Device card and phone, and the longer the device stays on, the better the chance of finding it.

7 How to Protect Your Xiaomi Device from Loss or Theft

Preventing a problem is easier than solving it. Here are 5 steps to protect yourself:

• 🔐 Set a complex password: Use a combination of letters, numbers, and characters (for example, k7@P9#m2!). Turn off unlocking on Face ID or fingerprint in public places.
• 📱 Link Mi Account to Google: Without a linked account, you can't track your phone. Enable two-factor authentication (path: Settings) → Mi Account → Security).
• 📍 Activate all geolocation features: Enable High Accuracy in Location Settings. Allow Find Device and Google Play Services to use geodata in the background.
• 🔄 Regularly update the software: in new versions MIUI Vulnerabilities that thieves can exploit to bypass the lock are closed.
• 📝 Save it. IMEI In a safe place: Dial on the phone *#06# - will appear on the screen IMEI. Take a picture of the box and check.

Additional measures for paranoids (but effective):

• 🔗 Use antivior applications like Cerberus or Prey (they are installed in the system partition and work even after a reset).
• 📎 Stick AirTag or another Bluetooth tracker on your phone (will help you find the device even if it’s turned off).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi tracking