How to enable the “Find your phone” function on Xiaomi: full instructions with pictures and tips

Losing a smartphone is a stressful situation, but owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO They can minimize risks by using the built-in “Mi Cloud Find Device” feature. This option allows you not only to track the location of the gadget in real time, but also to block it remotely, erase data or make the phone make a loud sound — even if it is in silent mode. function is either disabled by default or is not working properly due to incorrect settings.

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to activate the “Find your phone” function on different versions. MIUI (12 to 14), including nuances for old and new models, you will learn how to link a device to a Mi Account, check the service’s health and what to do if the phone is not identified on the card. And why enabling geolocation through security settings is not enough to make the function work (this is a common mistake!).

1. Preparation: What to do before the inclusion of the function

Before activating Find the Device, make sure that the mandatory conditions are met:

• 📱 Mi Account is created and confirmed (without it, the function will not work).
• 🔗 The device is linked to this account (check Settings). → Mi Account → Devices).
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 15% (at low charge geolocation can be turned off automatically).

If you have never registered a Mi Account, do so in advance.

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Log in/register.
2. Select the method of registration (by phone number or email).
3. Confirm your account via SMS or email.
4. Enter the password and link the device to the account.

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If you bought a used smartphone, be sure to check if it is not tied to someone else's Mi Account. → Mi Account → Devices and remove all unknown gadgets, otherwise the previous owner will be able to track your location!

Also note the region of your account if your Mi Account is registered in China (e.g. via a number). +86), the Find Device function may not work smoothly or may not be available at all:

• Create a new account with the region “Russia” or “Global”.
• Move the data through backup (if possible).
• Link the device to a new account.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to turn "Find the phone" into MIUI

The process of activating the function depends on the firmware version. Below is a universal algorithm that is suitable for the use of the software. MIUI 12/13/14 (including the shells POCO redmi).

Method 1: Through Security Settings

This is the main method that works on most devices:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Mi Account (or Xiaomi Account in the newer versions).
3. Select Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud).
4. Find the device (Find Device)
5. Activate the Find the device slider and confirm the action with a password from Mi Account.

Slider "Find the device" is included»|The device appears in the list of tied gadgets in the Mi Cloud|Geolocation enabled in phone settings|In your browser on your PC, the function displays your current location (check at i.mi.com)-->

If Find Device is not in the Mi Cloud menu, try an alternative route:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords & Security (Passwords and Security).
2. Select Privacy Protection (Privacy Protection).
3. Slip on Special App Access (Special App Access).
4. Find Device Admin Apps and activate Find Device.

Method 2: Using the Mi Cloud Web Version

If the phone does not have access to settings (for example, after reset), you can turn on the function remotely:

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with your Mi Account.
3. In the Devices section, select your smartphone.
4. Click Find the device and follow the instructions.

Note that this method only works if the feature has been turned on at least once before, and if it doesn't, you'll have to manually configure it on the phone itself.

3. Why a function may not work: Common errors

Even after activation, Find Device sometimes refuses to locate the phone, and here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:

Pay special attention to the energy saving settings. In some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO F3) MIUI It aggressively optimizes the background of the services, which causes Find Device to stop updating the location:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Select the Applications Selection.
3. Find Find Device (or Mi Cloud) and set up a No Limits mode for it.

4. How to check that the function is working correctly

Once you activate Find the Device, you need to test it, and do it in advance so that at a critical moment, something doesn't go wrong.

Test 1: Checking through the web interface

1. Open i.mi.com on your computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with your Mi Account.
3. In the Devices section, select your smartphone.
4. Press Find the device.

If you are right, you will see:

• 📍 Current location of the phone on the map (with an accuracy of 10–50 meters).
• 🔋 Battery level of charge.
• 📶 Network connection status (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet).

Test 2: Checking through SMS-team

The “Find Device” function supports remote control. SMS (It works without the Internet! To test it:

1. Send it from the other phone. SMS on a lost smartphone with text: #MILOST# (without quotes, register is not important).
2. After 1-2 minutes, you will receive a response message with the coordinates of the phone (if it is turned on and there is a connection).

If the answer doesn't come:

• Check if the Remote Control function is enabled SMS in the Mi Cloud settings → Find the device.
• Make sure that the phone is installed SIM-card.
• Try sending a command from another number (sometimes operators block the command). SMS from unknown senders).

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SMS-team #MILOST# It only works if the phone has a mobile network and the function "Remote control over the phone". SMS» In the Mi Cloud settings, otherwise, the coordinates won't come, even if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

5. Set up additional security options

The Find Device function becomes much more effective if you additionally activate the auxiliary options:

1. Data blocking and erasure remotely

These functions allow:

• 🔒 Lock your phone with a new password set (even if the attacker resets the settings, the device will remain tied to your Mi Account).
• 🗑️ Delete all data (useful if your phone has photos, passwords or banking apps).

To include:

1. Go to i.mi.com.
2. Select the device → Find the device.
3. Activate the options to Lock the device and erase data.

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Before erasing data remotely make sure that you have a backup of important files. After cleaning, it will be impossible to restore the information!

Activation of the audible signal

If you lose your phone at home or in your office, you can make it squeak loudly, even if it's silent.

1. At i.mi.com, select the device.
2. Press Play the sound.
3. The phone will start to emit a loud signal (duration - 5 minutes).

Note: The sound will be played even if:

• 🔕 Phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode».
• 🎵 Volume level set to minimum.
• 📵 SIM-Card is not available (but there is a Wi-Fi connection).

3. Set up change notifications SIM-map

If the thief gets yours. SIM-And you'll get an email notification that's linked to your Mi Account, and you'll put yours in:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device.
2. Activate the slider Notify about the change SIM-map.
3. Please specify the email for alerts (should match the mail in Mi Account).

6. Features for different Xiaomi models

The “Find the Device” function works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO, But there are nuances for different lines:

For older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1, Mi 8 may be required:

• Update MIUI Up to the latest version available (even if it is not the newest version).
• Install Find Device from the Mi App Store (if it is not in the firmware).
• Reset the settings to factory (if the function is not enabled).

If your model does not support Find Device via Mi Cloud (such as some Chinese versions for the domestic market), use alternatives:

• 📍 Google Find My Device (requires a Google account and geolocation enabled).
• 🔍 Third-party applications (such as Cerberus or Prey Anti Theft).

7 What to do if your phone is lost or stolen

If you lose your smartphone, act as quickly as possible:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stolen, don't try to get it back from the thief yourself - it's dangerous! IMEI police-station.

Step 1: Locking the device

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost phone and click Lock the device.
3. Set a new password (if the phone has been unlocked).
4. Add a contact message to the lock screen (for example, “Please call the number for the Finder”); +7...»).

Step 2: Location tracking

If the phone is on and connected to the Internet, you'll see its location on the map. Update it every 5 to 10 minutes.

• 📍 The accuracy of the definition depends on the available networks (GPS + Wi-Fi + cell-tower).
• 🔄 If the phone is moving, it is most likely to be transported (for example, in transport).
• 🏠 If the location does not change for a long time, the device can be turned off or hidden.

Step 3: Deletion of data (if necessary)

If confidential data is stored on the phone (photos, passwords, banking applications), perform remote erasure:

1. On i.mi.com, select Delete Data.
2. Confirm the action with a password from Mi Account.
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After erasing the data, it will be impossible to track the phone! Use this feature only as a last resort if you are sure that you will not be able to return the device.

Step 4: Calling the police

To file a police report, you will need:

• 📄 IMEI phone (can be found in a box, check or through Mi Account on the website).
• 📍 Latest known coordinates (screenshot from i.mi.com).
• 📋 Purchase data (check, warranty card).

It is also recommended that:

• Call the mobile operator and block SIM-map.
• If the phone was tied to banking applications, block the cards through an online bank.

8.Alternative ways to search for Xiaomi phone

If the standard Find Device function doesn’t work, use alternative methods:

1. Google Find My Device

It works on all Android smartphones, including Xiaomi.

• A Google account linked to a phone.
• Geolocation enabled.
• Internet connection.

How to use:

1. Go to Google Find My Device.
2. Sign up under your Google account.
3. Select the device and use the options to Play Sound, Block or Erase Data.

Third-party annexes

If the built-in tools don’t fit, install one of these apps (before losing your phone!):

• 🛡️ Cerberus – supports hidden mode, photographing a thief, recording sound.
• 🔍 Prey Anti Theft is a free option with basic tracking features.
• 📍 Lost Android – lets you control your phone through SMS-team.

When choosing a third-party application, pay attention to:

• 🔐 Presence of removal protection (so that the thief cannot uninstall the program).
• 📱 Support your Xiaomi model (some apps don’t work on custom firmware).
• 💰 Subscription fee (most advanced features paid).

3. Tracking by MAC-address (for technically savvy people)

If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, you can try tracking it. MAC-address via router (if you know which network it is connected to:

1. Go to your Wi-Fi router settings (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find the section DHCP Clients List or Connected Devices.
3. Check if it's showing up there. MAC-Your phone address (can be found in your phone settings or on the box).

This method only works if:

• The phone is connected to your Wi-Fi.
• The router was not rebooted (the list of devices is reset).
• You know. MAC-phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Find a Phone” feature on Xiaomi