How to enable device search on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: full guide

Losing a smartphone is stressful, but Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers built-in tools to help you quickly find your device or at least protect your personal data. The device search function works through the MIUI ecosystem, Google services and Mi Account, but many users do not know how to set it up properly. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate search, the nuances of working on the Redmi Note 10S (including the global and Chinese firmware versions), and what to do if the phone is already lost.

It's important to understand that device search is not just about geolocation, it's a set of measures that includes remote locking, data erasure, even an audible signal to search for a smartphone indoors. On the Redmi Note 10S with MIUI 12.5+, all of these options are available, but you need to set them up beforehand. If you haven't activated the feature, now is the time.

Why Finding a Device Is Important for the Redmi Note 10S

The Redmi Note 10S (model number m1803e7sg) is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G95 chip and supports all modern location technologies: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and A-GPS. This means that if properly set up, it can be tracked to within a few meters. However, without the first activation of search services, even the most powerful hardware will be useless.

Statistics show that more than 60% of Xiaomi users do not turn on the search until the device is lost, which reduces the chances of returning to the gadget to zero, while activation takes less than 5 minutes and requires no special knowledge.

• 🔍 Mi Cloud (Mi Account) is Xiaomi’s official service, and it works even if it’s a big deal. SIM-The card is extracted but requires an internet connection.
• 📍 Google’s “Find Device” is a universal solution for Android, but it can conflict with the Internet MIUI firmware.
• 🛡️ Local functions MIUI — For example, a low-charge beep or a suspicious activity alert.

On the Redmi Note 10S, all of these services can work in parallel, increasing the chances of successful search.

Method 1: Enabling search through Mi Account (official method)

The most reliable way is to link the device to a Mi Account, which works even if the smartphone does not have one. SIM-It requires the phone to be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. 10S activation takes several steps:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account (or Settings → Accounts → Mi Account on global firmware).
2. Sign in to your account. If you don't have one, register a new one (be sure to link your email and phone!).
3. Go to Mi Cloud. → Find the device.
4. Activate the “Find Device” switch and confirm permissions.

After activation, you will be able to:

• 📍 View the last known location on the map (Mi Cloud web version).
• 🔊 Turn on the beep (useful if the phone is lost at home).
• 🔒 Lock the device remotely with a new password set.
• 🗑️ Wash all data (last resort for theft).

⚠️ Note: If you drop the Redmi Note 10S Before the factory settings without detachment Mi Account, the smartphone will require login / password on the first turn on. This is protection against theft, but it can only be circumvented through the official Xiaomi service (you need a check to buy).

Method 2: Google’s “Find the Device” setting

Google offers an alternative service called Find My Device, which works independently of the Mi Cloud, and has the advantage of being cross-platform (can be managed from any browser or other Android device), but the Redmi Note 10S can run into conflicts with MIUI if you don’t configure the permissions correctly.

Instructions for activation:

1. Open Settings → Google → Security → Find the device.
2. Turn on the options: 📱 Remote location (allows Google to track geodata). 🔄 Remote blocking and reset (allows data to be erased).

Settings → Applications → Google Play Services

To check the service:

1. Go to Google Find My Device.
2. Select your Redmi Note 10S from the list of devices.
3. Click on "Check location."

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi Note firmware 10S (Google Find Device may not show current location due to restrictions MIUI. In this case, the Mi Cloud is the priority.

💡

If you lose your phone at home often, turn on the option “Send last location at low charge” in the Mi Cloud, which will help you find the gadget even if it runs out.

Method 3: Local MIUI functions for search

In addition to cloud services, MIUI 12.5+ on the Redmi Note 10S offers built-in device search tools that are less powerful than Mi Cloud or Google, but can be useful in emergency situations:

• 🔔 Low-charge sound: If the battery is under 15%, the phone will emit a loud signal (configured in Settings) → Sound. → Low-charge sound).
• 📲 Notifications of suspicious activity: MIUI Notify you of attempts to enter an incorrect password or connect to a new Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Power saving mode with geolocation: even at 5% charge, the phone will periodically send coordinates to the Mi Cloud.

To activate these functions:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Mi Cloud
2. Enable “Security Notifications” and “Send Last Location.”
3. In Settings → Battery activate “Ultra mode of energy saving” and add Mi Cloud to the list of allowed applications.

What to do if the Redmi Note 10S is already lost

If you lose your phone and you don't set up your search in advance, the chances of returning are lower, but not zero.

1. Try calling: Use another phone to call the lost Redmi Note 10S. If you don't pick up, leave a voicemail asking you to call back.
2. Check Mi Cloud and Google Find My Device: Sign in to i.mi.com and Google Find My Device. If your phone is connected to the Internet, you'll see its location.
3. Lock the device: In Mi Cloud, select “Block” and set a new password. Add a message with an alternate number to communicate to the lock screen.
4. Contact the police: If the phone is stolen, provide the police with an IMEI (indicated on the box or in the check). IMEI Redmi Note 10S can also be found through the Mi Account under the "Device Management" section.

If you are sure that your phone is stolen and critical data (bank apps, photos) is stored on it, use the option to “Erase Data” in Mi Cloud or Google, and note that it will not be possible to track the device after that.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10S With an unlocked bootloader, an attacker can reset settings via Fastboot bypassing the Mi Account lock. To avoid this, never unlock the bootloader without the need to.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Redmi Note 10S users are having trouble configuring their device search, and here are the typical errors and solutions:

Another common mistake is using a VPN or proxy on your phone, which can block communication with Mi Cloud or Google servers. If you use a VPN, add domain exceptions:

• i.mi.com
• api.account.xiaomi.com
• www.google.com

Additional security measures for the Redmi Note 10S

In addition to finding the device, it is recommended to configure additional levels of protection:

• 🔐 Encryption of data: enable in Settings → Security → Encryption and credentials, which will make it harder to access files when stolen.
• 📱 Two-factor authentication for Mi Account: Link email and phone so attackers can’t untie your account.
• 🚨 Notifications for new devices: In Mi Account, enable the option “Notify new logins».
• 📋 Backup: Save data regularly to Mi Cloud or Google Drive (set up in Settings) → System system → Backup).

For maximum protection, install third-party apps like Cerberus or Prey Anti Theft. They offer advanced features such as:

• Hidden shooting through the front camera with incorrect password entry.
• Sending. SMS-telephone-control.
• Masking under the system application (it is more difficult to remove the attacker).

However, remember: third-party applications require device administrator permission, which may conflict with MIUI. Before installing, check the reviews for your model (Redmi Note 10S).

FAQ: Frequent questions about finding Redmi Note 10S