Search for a device on Xiaomi Redmi 7: how to turn on and configure correctly

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a popular smartphone with extensive data protection capabilities, but many users overlook one of the most useful features: finding the device.This option allows you not only to track the location of the phone in the event of loss, but also to block it remotely, as well as erase personal data if the gadget fell into the wrong hands. However, the setting of search on Redmi 7 has its own nuances due to the features of the MIUI firmware and Android versions.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for activating search through the built-in services of Xiaomi and Google, comparing their capabilities, as well as solving typical problems - from the lack of Internet to the failures in the work of Find My Device. MIUI 10/11, Unavailable in standard Android versions for other brands.

Why it’s important to enable a device search for Redmi 7

According to Kaspersky Lab, one in three users loses a smartphone at least once in their lifetime, and in 15% of cases, the device is not returned. On Redmi 7, the search function solves three key tasks:

• 📍 Geolocation: Determining the exact location of the phone on the map with an error of up to 10 meters (when turned on) GPS).
• 🔒 Remote lock: the ability to lock the screen and set a new password, even if the attacker reset the settings.
• 🗑️ Delete data: Delete information from internal memory (works even without it) SIM-Cards if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi).

On Redmi 7, search runs through two independent channels: Mi Account (Xiaomi service) and Find My Device (Google service), the first one updates location more often and supports Lost Mode, the second one is integrated with the Google ecosystem and works even after resetting to factory settings, and it is recommended to activate both services for maximum reliability.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone has a mobile internet or Wi-Fi connection turned off, the search for the device won't work. Attackers often turn off the network first thing, so it's important to set up an automatic connection to known access points.

Method 1: Enable search through Mi Account (official Xiaomi service)

Mi Account is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that is closely integrated with MIUI firmware, and its main advantage over Google is the ability to activate Missing Mode, which locks the phone and displays a message with the owner’s contact information on the screen.

To enable a search through Mi Account:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account (at the top of the screen).
2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not registered, create one).
3. Go to Find Device (or Search for a device in Russian firmware).
4. Activate the device search slider and confirm location access permissions.

Once activated, you can control your phone via the web version of the service: i.mi.com.

• 📱 Call: The phone will start ringing at maximum volume (useful if the gadget is lost at home).
• 📍 Location: Displaying the last known location on a Baidu map or Google Maps.
• 🔒 Disappearance mode: Locking the phone with the message displayed on the screen (for example, "Reward for the return: +7 XXX").

⚠️ Warning: If you reset the Redmi 7 to factory settings without decoupling from Mi Account, the phone will require login and password input when first turned on.This is anti-theft protection, but can create problems when selling the device.

Method 2: Find My Device from Google

Find My Device is Google’s standard service that works on all Android devices, including Redmi 7. Its key difference from Mi Account is the ability to track the phone even after resetting if it was enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP).

Instructions for activation:

1. Open Settings → Google → Security.
2. Choose Find My Device (or Device Search).
3. Turn on both sliders: Search for this device (Geolocation Permit), Lock and erase data (Remote Control Permit).

Location

Settings → Applications → Permissions → Location

Google Play Services

Always.

You can control the phone via the web version: google.com/android/find. Here are the functions:

💡

If the phone is stolen, try locking it through Find My Device first, and then contact the police with location data.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set up the device correctly, the search for the Redmi 7 may not work properly. Let’s look at the common errors and how to fix them:

1.The phone is not displayed on the map

Causes and solutions:

• 📶 No internet: check your mobile or Wi-Fi connection.Redmi 7 sometimes gets its settings confused APN — Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and select the operator manually.
• 📍 Unplugged. GPS: Include high accuracy in the settings → Location → Regime.
• 🔄 Server error: Reboot your phone and update the Find My Device page (sometimes cleaning your browser cache helps).

2. no notification of blocking is received

If you send a command to lock, but the phone does not respond:

• ⏳ Server Latency: Wait 5-10 minutes – sometimes commands are executed late.
• 📵 Phone is off: the command will be executed the next time you turn on (if there is Internet).
• 🔧 Synchronization failure: go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable device sync.

Error "Device not supported"

This error occurs in Find My Device if:

• 📱 No Google services: on some custom firmware MIUI Removed from Google Play Services. Install them manually from APKMirror.
• 🔄 Older version of the software: update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Additional security measures for the Redmi 7

Finding the device is only part of the protection. To maximize the security of the Redmi 7, follow the following steps:

1. Activate the lockdown. SIM-Maps: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-maps and install PIN-This will prevent you from using your code. SIM-card on another phone.
2. Configure backup: In Settings → Additional → Backup and reset enable automatic data backup to Mi Cloud or Google Drive. This will help restore contacts and photos after reset.
3. Install an antivirus app: Recommend Xiaomi Security (built into MIUI) or Kaspersky Mobile. They block phishing sites and malicious applications that can steal account data.

Preventive advice: once a month, check the search for the device.

1. Go to i.mi.com or google.com/android/find.
2. Send the call - the phone should ring.
3. Check if the location on the map is updated.

💡

On Redmi 7, finding a device through Mi Account is more stable than through Google, but for reliability, you should activate both services. Remember to update MIUI - new versions have fixed vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass the lock.

Mi Account and Find My Device: Which is the Best for Redmi 7?

Both have their pros and cons, and here's a comparison table that will help you choose the best option or use them together.

Conclusion:

• If you want maximum protection from theft, use both services.
• If the phone is often lost at home, Mi Account (quick call at maximum volume) is enough.
• If you plan to sell Redmi 7, unplug your Mi Account in advance, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about finding a device on Redmi 7