How to enable the “Search for Device” function on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Losing a smartphone or Xiaomi smartwatch is stressful, but the manufacturer has provided a tool to protect data and search for gadgets. the Find Device feature** (in some versions of Find Device or Mi Cloud Find Device) allows you not only to determine the location of the device on the map, but also to block it remotely, erase personal data or make you emit an audio signal. However, many users face the problem: the option is either disabled by default or hidden in the depths of settings.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enable device search on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including the 2023-2026 models on MIUI 12-14), as well as on smartwatches and bracelets. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors that may cause the function to fail, and alternative methods of tracking if the standard tool is not available. If you have never set up Mi Account or forgot your password, here too you will find a solution.

What is the “Find Device” function and how does it work

Find My Device is part of Xiaomi's ecosystem, integrated into the Mi Cloud, and works on Google Find My Device, but with enhanced capabilities for the brand's devices. Here's what it does:

• 📍 Map display shows the last known location of a smartphone, watch or bracelet (more precisely if it is turned on) GPS).
• 🔔 Audible signal – causes the device to make a loud sound (even in silent mode) to find it at home or in the office.
• 🔒 Blocking – remotely sets a password on the lock screen if it was not.
• 🗑️ Remote cleaning – erases all data from the device (photos, messages, applications) when stolen.
• 📱 Managing multiple devices – tracks not only the smartphone, but also Mi Band, Mi Watch, headphones Xiaomi.

It is important to understand that the function works only when three conditions are met:

1. The device is linked to the Mi Account (without it, search is impossible).
2. Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi (for coordinate transfer) is enabled.

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the service will not be able to determine the location, for example, if the phone is turned off or is in airplane mode, the last known point on the map will not be updated.

Method 1: Enable via MIUI settings (for smartphones)

The most reliable way to activate the function is through the settings menu, the instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones on MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS).

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select the Mi Account section (or Xiaomi Account).
3. At the top of the screen, click on your profile (if not authorized, log in to your account).
4. Go to Mi Cloud (or the Cloud).
5. Find Find the device (Find Device) and move the slider to the right.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Enable in the pop-up window.

Once activated, the system may request permission to:

• 📍 Access to geodata – necessary for display on the map.
• 📶 Auto-Start – to make the function work in the background.
• 🔋 Battery optimization – eliminates service from energy saving.

If one of the items is not activated, the search for the device may not work correctly, for example, without permission for geodata coordinates will not be updated.

Sign in to Mi Account| Connect to the Internet | Update MIUI to the latest version | Check permissions for Mi Cloud-->

Method 2: Activate via the Mi Cloud website

If you don't have access to your smartphone (for example, it's lost), but you remember the data from Mi Account, you can turn on the device remotely via your browser.

1. Go to the official i.mi.com website from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in under your Xiaomi account (login – email or phone number).
3. In the top menu, select the Find Device tab.
4. If the function is disabled, the system will prompt it to activate. Click Enable and follow the instructions.

Note that remote activation only works if the device is connected to the Internet, if the smartphone is turned off or in airplane mode, the command will reach it only after communication is restored, and some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may require confirmation via SMS.

Method 3: Including on Xiaomi smartwatches and bracelets

Find Device is available not only for smartphones, but also for wearables: Mi Band 6/7/8, Mi Watch, Xiaomi Smart Band Pro, and others.

For the Mi Band (all models):

1. Install the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models) on your smartphone.
2. Connect the bracelet to the application via Bluetooth.
3. Go to the device profile and find the Find the bracelet section.
4. Activate the option – now the gadget will be displayed in the Mi Cloud along with the smartphone.

For the Mi Watch and Xiaomi Watch S3/S2:

• 📱 Open the Xiaomi Wear app (or Mi Watch for older models).
• 🔗 Select your watch in the list of connected devices.
• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Security → Find the watch.
• 🔄 Enable the function and confirm the binding to the Mi Account.

Important: for smartwatches, search only works if they are connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If communication is lost, the last location will be shown with a delay (up to 24 hours), and some models (for example, Mi Band 7 Pro) require separate permission to access geodata in the Android settings.

Why Find the Device may not work

Even after you set it up properly, the search for the device sometimes fails to function, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the Mi Cloud settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Cloud and press Warehouse.
3. Choose Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Restart the device and reset the function.

💡

If you often lose communication with your device, turn on Auto Sync in the Mi Cloud settings, which will help you update your coordinates faster when you connect to the Internet.

Alternative ways to find a Xiaomi device

If the standard Find Device feature doesn’t work or you need additional tools, use alternative methods:

• 🔍 Google Find My Device – works for all Android devices, including Xiaomi. google.com/android/find. Requires a link to a Google account.
• 📱 Xiaomi’s “Where are my devices” service is an alternative app for finding gadgets in the ecosystem.
• 🔊 Voice assistant – if the device is connected to XiaoAI (Chinese models), you can say: Hey XiaoAI, find my phone».
• 📡 IMEI-Trackers – services like IMEI.info or Lost Phone Tracker help track a device using a unique identifier (but require prior registration). IMEI base).

A critical nuance: if the device has custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or HavocOS), the standard Mi Cloud Find Device function will not work, in which case only alternative methods (e.g. Google Find My Device) or custom software applications such as Cerberus remain.

💡

The most reliable way is to combine Xiaomi’s standard feature with Google Find My Device, so you get double protection: if one service fails, the second one will help you find the gadget.

What to do if the device is stolen

If you suspect theft, act quickly:

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to track the thief by coordinates. Pass the location information to the police - this will increase the chances of returning the gadget and help in the investigation.

Steps to protect data:

1. Lock your device through Mi Cloud or Google Find My Device, which will prevent you from accessing your personal information.
2. Delete data remotely if there were important files on the phone (bank applications, photo documents).
3. Change the passwords of all accounts (email, social networks, banks) to which the phone was attached.
4. Tell the operator about theft – he can block SIM-map IMEI.
5. Write a statement to the police, specifying the IMEI device (you can find it on the box or in the check).

If the device has enabled the option of Reset Protection, after the remote data clearing, the thief will not be able to use the phone without your password from Mi Account, which significantly reduces the risk of resale of the gadget.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Find the Device