Losing or stealing a smartphone is stressful, especially if the device stores important data, photos or access to accounts. Xiaomi owners have several tools to find the phone, but their effectiveness depends on the preliminary settings and circumstances of the loss. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of tracking, from standard Mi Account features to little-known methods using IMEI.
It's important to understand that no method is 100% guaranteed. If the phone is turned off, in flight mode, or has resets, the chances of successful tracking drop dramatically. However, even in such cases, there are ways to lock the device or at least save data. Next, detailed instructions given the latest updates to Xiaomi and Google services.
1. Tracking through Mi Account (official method)
The most reliable method is to use Xiaomiβs built-in Find Device feature, which only works if you meet three conditions:
- πΉ The phone has Mi Account enabled (you have logged in at least once).
- πΉ In the settings activated option Find the device (Settings) β Mi Account β Find the device).
- πΉ The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
If the conditions are met, go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account as your lost phone, and in the Devices section, you will see the latest known location, battery level, and options:
Enable the beep (if the phone is nearby)| Lock the device |Delete all data | View the history of movements-->
β οΈ Warning: Delete data will only work when the phone is next connected to the Internet. If the attacker resets the settings before that point, the data will remain on the device.
If the phone is turned off, the service will show its last known location, and the data update only occurs when the device is turned on and connected to the network. Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) have a βLost Modeβ feature that automatically locks the phone when it is removed. SIM-map.
2. Search through Google "Find the Device"
If you have added a Google account to Xiaomi, you can use Find My Device, which works even if the Mi Account feature is disabled, but requires:
- π± Log in to Google account on your phone.
- π Included geolocation services.
- π Internet connection (unlike Mi Account, there is no history of travel).
Algorithm of action:
- Go to Find My Device and select the lost device.
- The service will show the current location (if the phone is online) or the last known point.
- The options available are: "Play sound" (5 minutes), "Block" (with the ability to specify a message on the screen) or "Erase data".
β οΈ If a password is set on the phone, blocking through Google will not work β an attacker will not be able to unlock the device without your help. PIN-However, after resetting the settings, the lock is removed.
Mi Account|Google Find My Device|IMEI via operator |Other methods |Never lost a phone-->
Important: Google doesn't show your travel history, unlike Mi Account. If the phone has moved, you'll only see the last dot.
3. IMEI Tracking: Myths and Reality
Many users believe that the IMEI number can accurately determine the location of the phone, but in practice it works differently:
| Method | How it works | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI through the operator | The operator can lock the phone in its network at the request of the police. | It does not show location, the lock is only valid on the network of this operator. |
| IMEI through databases | Services like IMEI.info show the model of the phone, but not its location. | Fraudulent sites often ask for payment for a search. |
| IMEI's in the police | When filing a theft claim, police can request data from operators. | The process is long, the result is not guaranteed. |
To find out your Xiaomi IMEI (if you havenβt recorded it before), check out:
- π Phone box (on the back sticker).
- π± Settings: Settings β The phone. β General information β IMEI.
- π³ Check of purchase (if purchased in the official store).
β οΈ Note: There are many websites on the Internet that offer to "track by" IMEI All of them are either fraudulent or show generic model information (like IMEI.info). IMEI.
Can I track my phone without the internet?
Alternative methods: SIM-map and third-party applications
If the standard methods do not help, you can try:
Telephone number tracking
If yours is on the phone. SIM-The card, the operator can provide data on the last towers to which the device was connected:
- Contact the communication salon with a passport.
- Write a report of missing phone.
- The operator will issue a certificate with an approximate location (accuracy - to the area of the city).
β οΈ Warning: Operators don't give out exact coordinates, only data about base stations. SIM-The map is removed, the method will not work.
Third-party annexes (before going missing)
If you have pre-installed apps like Cerberus, Prey, or Where's My Droid, the chances of finding a phone are higher, even if the main services are disabled, but require:
- π§ Device administrator settings.
- π Access to geolocation.
- πΆ Internet connection (at least periodic).
Example of Cerberus:
1. Send an SMS with the text "cerberus locate" to the lost phone.
2. the application will send a response with coordinates (if the phone is on the network).
3. You can also lock the phone with the "cerberus lock" command.π‘
If you lose things a lot, install the Mi Band app on Xiaomi (even without a bracelet) that lets you search for your phone by sound through any device tied to the same Mi Account.
5 What to do if your phone is stolen
If you are sure that your phone was stolen, follow the algorithm:
- Block it. SIM-card via operator (call from another number).
- Change passwords from important accounts (mail, social networks, banks).
- Write a police report with IMEI and serial number.
- Check for suspicious activity in your Mi Account and Google.
β οΈ Warning: Don't try to find a thief yourself - it's dangerous and can lead to legal problems.
If the phone was tied to banking applications (like SberBank Online or Tinkoff), immediately block cards through the web versions of banks. Some Xiaomi models (like POCO F5) support hardware encryption, which makes it difficult to access data after a reset.
6 How to protect Xiaomi from loss in advance
To increase the chances of your phone returning, set it up to go missing:
Enable Find the device in Mi Account|Add a backup Google account|Write it down. IMEI safe-house|Install a tracking application (Cerberus)|Lock in. SIM-map PIN-code-->
Additional security measures:
- π Use a pattern lock + PIN It is a fingerprint (it is easier to fool).
- π‘ Turn off the automatic connection to public Wi-Fi (Settings) β Wi-Fi β Additionally. β Auto-connection to open networks).
- π± Enable Reset Protection in Mi Account (requests password when trying to reset settings).
On models with MIUI 14+, the βPrivate Modeβ feature appeared, which hides personal data when the screen is locked. Activated in Settings β Privacy β Private Mode.
π‘
Even if you donβt plan on losing your phone, set up Mi Account and Google Find My Device beforehand.