How to Block Xiaomi in case of Loss or Theft: All Ways of 2026

Losing a smartphone is stressful, especially if the device stores personal data, photos or access to banking applications. Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) offer several ways to remotely lock, but not all users know how to use them quickly and efficiently. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of blocking, from official services to alternative solutions, and also tell you what to do if the phone is turned off or the SIM card is replaced.

It's important to act quickly: statistics show that 60 percent of lost phones are hacked within the first 2 hours of going missing, and we're not going to just give you basic tips, you'll learn how to get around the limitations of two-factor authentication if you don't have access to a backup number, and why IMEI locking doesn't work in all countries. Let's start with the most reliable way.

1.Blocking through Mi Account – the official method from Xiaomi

Mi Cloud (part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem) not only allows you to track your device, but also completely lock it down. SIM-This method works on all smartphones of the brand released after 2016, provided that:

• 🔹 Device is linked to Mi Account (check Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).
• 🔹 The function Find the device (Settings) is enabled → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device).
• 🔹 The phone is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. The map will show the last known location of the phone. Click on the device icon.
4. In the menu, select Lock and set a password (at least 6 characters).
5. Add a contact message for the finder (e.g., "Reward. Call: +7XXXX").

Is the phone tied to your Mi Account?|Is the "Find device" function enabled"?|Is there access to a backup email/phone for 2FA?|Is the phone connected to the Internet?-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled with two-factor authentication (2FA), If you have a backup number or email, use the recovery form, and support is waiting up to 48 hours.

2.Blocking through Google Find My Device is a universal way

If your Mi Account is untied or your phone is discharged, use Google Find My Device, which works on all Android devices, including Xiaomi, provided:

• 📱 The phone is on and connected to the internet.
• 🔧 Geolocation enabled (Settings) → Security and location → Location).
• 🔑 The device is linked to a Google account (check Settings). → Accounts. → Google).

Instructions for locking:

1. Open Find My Device and log in to your Google account.
2. Select the lost device from the list (if there are several).
3. Click Secure Device – this will lock your phone and leave all accounts.
4. Set a new password (it will replace the old PIN/pattern lock).
5. Add a message to the lock screen (for example, a request to return for a fee).

🔹 Advantage: Works even if the Mi Account is not tied, but requires an active Internet connection. If the phone is turned off, the lock will work on the next connection to the network.

Mi Account|Google Find My Device|Communications operator|I don't use anything.-->

3. IMEI Blocking – Myths and Reality

Many users believe that locking on IMEI (Unique Device Identifier) is a universal solution, and in practice it is becoming more difficult:

• ✅ Operators are obliged to block devices at the request of the owner (based on the Federal Law).-248 "On digital rights").
• ❌ It does not work in the EU and the US – there is a block on the IMEI It is considered a violation of consumer rights.
• ⚠️ It does not protect against flashing – attackers can change IMEI In some models, it is possible to use it through EDL-regime).

How to block Xiaomi on IMEI in Russia:

1. Find your phone’s IMEI (on the box, in the check, or via the *#06# command on another device).
2. Write a police report about theft/loss (be sure to specify IMEI).
3. Contact your mobile operator with a statement and a copy of the police report.
4. The operator will lock the device on its network within 3 working days (but not on other networks!).

⚠️ Attention: Blocking by IMEI It does not delete data from the phone! If the device has been enabled Encryption (Settings) → Security → Encryption, chances of information recovery are minimal.

4 What to do if the phone is turned off or without the Internet

If the lost Xiaomi is discharged or out of coverage, standard locking methods will not work.

1. Change passwords from all critical services: 🔐 Mi Account (so that the attacker does not untie the device). 🔐 Google Account (to prevent you from accessing email and contacts). 🔐 Banking applications, social networks, messengers.

Call off trusted devices

Google

myaccount.google.com/security

Remove data remotely

• Through Mi Cloud: Find the Device → Erase the Data
• Google Find My Device: Clean the Device

Third-party services (at your own risk)

There are platforms like Prey Anti Theft or Cerberus that offer advanced tracking features.

• ⚠️ Requires pre-installing on the phone (after loss, it is impossible to install them).
• 💰 Paid rates (from 3)$ monthly).
• 🔓 Can be blocked by antiviruses as potentially dangerous".

⚠️ Warning: Don't trust services that promise to hack a lost phone or remotely turn on the camera. This is fraud! The only legal way to control remotely is official Xiaomi and Google tools.

6. How to protect data on a lost phone

Even if the device is not blocked, you can minimize the damage:

• 🛡️ Turn off bank cards tied to Google Pay or Mi Pay (via the bank app).
• 🔒 Remove the device from trusted in the Google and Mi Account settings.
• 📱 Activate “Lost Mode” in Google Find My Device – this will turn off biometric unlock (fingerprint / face).
• 📧 Check your activity with Google Activity (suddenly the attacker tried to log in to your email account).

If the phone was on:

• 🔐 Data encryption (Settings) → Security → Encryption – data will not be available without a password.
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI (Settings → Passwords and security → Protection MIUI) — Blocks access to system settings.