Losing a smartphone is stressful, especially if it holds important data, photos or access to accounts. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro owners have several built-in tools for finding a device, but many users do not even know they exist until the moment of theft or loss. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to activate search, from standard MIUI functions to Google services and third-party solutions.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) features support for both Xiaomi’s proprietary technology and the universal Android tools, which means you can track your phone even if it’s turned off (under certain conditions) or if it’s not on. SIM-The main thing is to prepare the device in advance, because most functions require pre-tuning.
It's important to understand that search effectiveness depends on how quickly you respond. The sooner you start localizing your phone, the better the chances of getting it back. In this article, we'll also explain what to do if the phone is already stolen and turned off by an attacker, in which case standard methods may not work, but there are alternatives.
1. Built-in "Find Device" function in MIUI
The most reliable way to track is by using Xiaomi’s branded Find Device service, which works even if the phone is not connected to the mobile Internet (via Wi-Fi), and allows you to perform remote commands: lock, clean data or playback.
To activate the function:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Select Mi Cloud (if not authorized, log in to your account).
- Go to the Find the device section.
- Activate the switch and confirm permissions (access to location, send SMS, etc.).
Once activated, you can control your phone via the i.mi.com web version, and the service shows the latest known location, battery level, and even network connection status. Please note that the phone must be on and have Internet access to function (albeit via mobile network, or via Wi-Fi).
Make sure that your Xiaomi account is linked to your phone|Enable the transfer of geodata in the settings|Check the Internet connection|Remember the username and password from Mi Cloud-->
⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings via Mi Cloud, all data will be permanently deleted, including photos and apps. Use this option only as a last resort when it is impossible to return the device.
2.Using Google "Find My Device"
If you don't trust Xiaomi's services or they don't work for some reason, you can use Google's universal tool, Find My Device, which works on all Android phones and doesn't require any additional settings if:
- 🔹 The phone is connected to a Google account (usually when you first turn on the phone).
- 🔹 Geolocation Services are enabled (in Security and Location settings).
- 🔹 The device has access to the Internet (mobile traffic or Wi-Fi).
- 🔹 Find the Device is activated in Google Settings (on by default).
To check or enable the function:
- Open Settings → Google → Security.
- Choose Find my device.
- Make sure the switch is active.
The advantage of this method is the ability to track the phone even if it is turned off (provided that the battery is not completely discharged). Google saves the last known location and can show it on a map. In addition, the service allows you to lock the screen, leave a message for the finder or erase all data.
NFC-marker|Mi Cloud by Xiaomi|Google "Find my device»|Third-party applications (e.g., Cerberus)|I don't use anything.-->
3. Searching through IMEI: Myths and Reality
Many users believe that the IMEI number is easy to find a stolen phone, which is not exactly how it works, and IMEI (Unique Device Identifier) can be used to lock the phone into carrier networks, but it is impossible to track its location by that number without the help of law enforcement.
What can be done with IMEI:
- 📱 Block the phone in the database of operators (through an appeal to the communication salon or the police).
- 🔍 Check if the device is blacklisted (for example, on the website of NDIP for Russia).
- 📋 Give me the number. IMEI Police when filing a theft claim.
How to find out IMEI on Redmi Note 8 Pro:
- Type *#06# on the keyboard and the number will appear on the screen.
- Look at the phone box (usually there is an IMEI sticker).
- In settings: About the phone → General information → IMEI.
⚠️ Note: In the latest versions MIUI (starting from 12.5) display function IMEI *#06# can be disabled by default. In this case, use alternative methods.
Can I track the phone? IMEI police-free?
4. Third-party phone search apps
If you don't like standard methods, you can install specialized applications, which often offer advanced features such as front-facing, recording sound, or masking as system software.
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cerberus | It works in hidden mode, sends photos of the attacker, supports remote control via SMS. | Paid subscription, complicated setup. |
| Prey Anti Theft | Free tariff, tracking by Wi-Fi and GPS, screen lock. | Limited functionality in the free version. |
| Lost Android | Remote management via SMS, even if there is no internet. | The interface is in English, requires root rights for some functions. |
Before installing, check the reviews and ratings of the app on Google Play. Some antivirus programs (such as Kaspersky or Dr.Web) also include anti-theft modules that can duplicate search features.
Important: Third-party applications require device administrator permission, which may conflict with some MIUI features. Once installed, test the app to make sure it correctly locates.
💡
If you often lose your phone at home, install it on it. NFC-A tag (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Band Tag) will vibrate or make sound when approaching the tag, even if it is silent.
5 What to do if the phone is turned off or discharged
One of the hardest things is when the Redmi Note 8 Pro is turned off or discharged, in which case neither Mi Cloud nor Google will be able to show its location.
- 🔋 If the phone is turned off but the battery is not fully discharged, it can turn on briefly when connected to a charger, at which point tracking services can record its location.
- 📡 If you previously enabled GeoSave (in Google settings), you may see the last known point on the map.
- 📱 If the phone has an application with a function SMS-commands (e.g., Cerberus), you can send a special message to enable GPS and get coordinates.
As a last resort, you just have to wait for the attacker (or finder) to turn on the phone, and once it connects to the Internet, you will receive a notification of its location, and some users also recommend leaving a message on the lock screen asking for a return of the phone for a reward, which increases the chances of the device returning.
💡
If your phone is stolen, don't try to track the attacker yourself. Give all the data (IMEI, last location) to the police - acting alone can be dangerous and illegal.
6 How to protect your data if your phone is lost forever
If you can't get the Redmi Note 8 Pro back, the main thing is to protect your personal data.
- Remote erasure: Using Mi Cloud or Google Find My Device, complete a reset, which will delete all files, photos and apps.
- Change passwords: Change passwords from email, social media, banking apps, and other important services immediately.
- Lockdown SIM-Cards: Contact the operator to block the number and issue a new one SIM.
- Remove from trusted devices: In the settings of Google and other accounts (such as WhatsApp Web), remove the lost phone from the list of trusted devices.
If you have two-factor authentication apps installed on your phone (like Google Authenticator), move them to another device in advance, otherwise you may lose access to your accounts, and use backup codes or export/import features in the apps themselves.
It is also worth checking if payment systems (such as Google Pay or SberPay) are linked to the phone, removing all bank cards from your wallets and notifying the bank of the loss of the device will prevent unauthorized payments.
7.Prevention: How to Prepare Your Phone for Possible Loss
The best way to deal with losing your phone is to prepare for this situation in advance, and here is a list of things to do right now:
- 🔐 Activate Find your device in Mi Cloud and Google.
- 📸 Set up automatic photo backup in Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
- 📱 Install. PIN-code or pattern lock (do not use simple combinations like 1234 or 0000).
- 🔄 Enable Remote Control in Security Settings.
- 📋 Write it down. IMEI A secure location (for example, in notes in the cloud).
It is also recommended to update MIUI firmware regularly – new versions often improve the mechanisms of protection and search of devices. To check the relevance of the software, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
If you’re in crowded places (metros, concerts, airports) often, consider buying an AirTag or similar tracker that can be attached to your phone case, increasing the chances of the device returning in case of loss.