How to remotely lock your Xiaomi phone: the full guide 2026

Losing or stealing a smartphone is stressful, especially if the device stores personal data, photos or access to banking applications. Xiaomi phone owners (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) have several ways to remotely lock the device to prevent unauthorized access. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from standard Mi Account tools to alternative solutions through Google and mobile operators.

It is important to understand that the effectiveness of locking depends on the phone’s preset settings. If you have not linked the device to your Mi or Google account in advance, some methods will not be available. Also note that once blocked, data recovery without a backup will become impossible. So first of all, check whether your Xiaomi features are enabled Find Device and Remote Lock in the security settings.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14, including the flagship Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5. If your model is older than 2018 (for example, Redmi 5 or Mi A1), some features may be missing – we will warn about this separately.

1. Blocking through Mi Cloud (official method)

The most reliable method is to use the Mi Cloud service, which is integrated into the MIUI firmware.

• 🔗 Linked to your Mi Account (check Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 📶 Connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 On (a discharged battery may prevent blocking).
• 📍 Find the device activated (Settings) → Memory. → Mi Cloud → Find the device).

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the menu, select Find Device (Find Device).
3. The map will show the last known location of the phone. On the right, click on the Lock icon.
4. Set a new PIN (minimum 4 digits) and confirm the action.
5. Optionally, add a contact message to the lock screen (e.g., “Return for a fee: +7xxx”).

After that, the phone will be locked even if the attacker tries to reset it through Recovery, but keep in mind that if the device is disabled or turned off, the lock will only work after connecting to the network.

2.Remote blocking via Google Find My Device

If you didn’t tie Xiaomi to a Mi Account, but you used a Google account, you can lock your phone through Find My Device.This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Google Mobile Services (GMS), including models for the global market (Global) ROM). For Chinese firmware (China) ROM) without GMS way.

Instructions:

1. Open the Find My Device website and log in to your Google account linked to your phone.
2. In the list of devices, select the lost Xiaomi.
3. Press Device Security (Secure Device).
4. Enter the new PIN code and message for the lock screen (optional).
5. Confirm the action with the Block button.

The advantage of this method is to work even on the phone turned off (on the next turn on).

• ⚠️ If Xiaomi is installed on China ROM without GMS, Find My Device will not work.
• ⚠️ After reset via Fastboot, the lock is removed (unlike the Mi Cloud).

Blocking through the operator (by IMEI)

If the phone is stolen and remote locking is impossible (for example, the device is turned off or reset), you can contact the mobile operator to lock on IMEI. This method does not protect the data on the phone, but makes it useless for an attacker - the device will not be able to connect to the networks of any operator in Russia and most countries.

What needs to be done:

1. Find your Xiaomi IMEI (can be viewed on the box, in the check or through your Mi Cloud account in the Devices section).
2. Contact the communication salon of your operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) with a passport and documents on the phone.
3. Write a request for blocking by IMEI. The procedure takes from a few hours to 3 days.

Important: IMEI lock is valid only in the country where the application is filed, if the phone is taken abroad, it can continue to work, and some operators charge for this service (for example, MegaFon - up to 300 rubles).

4. Alternative methods: SMS-teams and third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work, you can try less reliable, but sometimes effective options:

SMS-blocking (only for older models)

Some Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 8-10 (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi 5) supported the function of remote lock via SMS.

1. From another phone, send an SMS to a lost device with the text: #lock# [new PIN] [message] Example: #lock# 1234 Get your phone back!
2. The phone must be on and active. SIM-map.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 11 this feature is disabled for security reasons. Don't waste time on old instructions from the Internet - they don't work on modern firmware.

Third-party applications (Cerberus, Prey)

If you have installed an antivirus or protection service (e.g., Cerberus, Prey Anti Theft), you can lock your phone through their web dashboard.

• 📸 Hidden photo from the front camera.
• 🎤 Recording sound around the device.
• 📍 Tracking location even after resetting.

The downside is that you need to pre-install and set up, and if the app wasn't installed before you lost your phone, it's useless.

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If you lose things often, install the Tile or SmartTag app on Xiaomi, which will help you find your phone even when it’s off via Bluetooth tags.

5.What to do if the phone has already been dropped?

If an attacker has made a Hard Reset, the chances of a remote lock are drastically reduced, but there are a few steps to take:

1. Check Mi Cloud: If your phone connects to the Internet after a reset, it may show up again in your account.
2. Call the police: Give me the IMEI and serial number (can be found in a box or check) and this will increase the chances of the phone returning.
3. Change passwords: Change passwords from Mi Account, Google, banking apps and social media immediately.

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 12+, Factory Reset Protection (FRP) can work after a reset. If it was turned on, the phone will require data input from a previous Google or Mi Account when it is first turned on.

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Even if the phone is dropped, do not lose hope: modern Xiaomi MIUI 12+ You can request your old account data when you first set up after resetting (FRP-defence).

6.How to protect your Xiaomi phone from theft in advance?

The best protection is prevention.Tune your Xiaomi so that if it is stolen, it can be quickly blocked and data saved:

Additional security measures:

• 🔐 Install a complex pattern lock or PIN (at least 6 characters).
• 👆 Turn on the lock. SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-map → Lockdown SIM).
• 📱 Turn off notifications on the locked screen (Settings) → Lock screen → Notifications).
• 🔄 Regularly back up your files via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

If you’re in crowded places (metros, concerts, airports) often, consider buying a Xiaomi Smart Band or Mi Tag, which will help you quickly find your phone using Bluetooth if it’s stuck in your bag or falling next to you.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi blocking