Blocking stolen Xiaomi by IMEI: the full guide

Losing a smartphone or stealing it is always a stressful situation that requires immediate and decisive action: Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices have multiple layers of protection, but the most reliable way to remotely control a device remains by binding to Mi Account. However, if the attacker has managed to get SIM-card or turn off the Internet, the lock on a unique identifier comes to the fore IMEI.

This method does not allow remote control of the phone, but makes the device useless for use in the networks of specific telecom operators.The process requires interaction with law enforcement agencies and cellular companies, since it is impossible to block the radio module by the number directly through the account settings, it is important to understand the difference between blocking an account and blocking the hardware for an international identifier.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will help minimize damage and possibly return the device, you will learn where to find the IMEI code without a phone, how to correctly make a statement to the police and why contacting the operator is a critical step in the chain of actions to neutralize the stolen gadget.

⚠️ Note: Self-blocking by IMEI The phone is often a fraud through third-party services on the Internet, and only telecom operators can officially blacklist the phone at the request of the police.

Finding IMEI code without physical access to your device

The first step to initiate locking is to find your device’s unique number. If your phone is lost, you won’t be able to type the standard *#06# command on the screen. Fortunately, Android and Xiaomi services store this information in several remotely accessible locations.

The quickest way is to look inside the original smartphone box, and there's always a sticker on the back or side of the box with a barcode and a label on it. IMEI. Usually, there are two numbers if the device supports two. SIM-One of them is enough to lock, but you better prepare both.

If the box is thrown away or lost, the number can be found in the personal account of the operator to which it was tied. SIM-Go to your operator's app or website under "My devices" or "Details." Also code IMEI Often saved in a Google account.

For users who are actively using the Xiaomi ecosystem, there is an option to (view) information through the Mi Cloud service if the phone was previously authorized there. Go to i.mi.com, log in to your login and select the device. The gadget card often displays technical information, including identifiers.

• 📦 Check the factory packaging from the smartphone (sticker with a barcode).
• 📱 Go to the personal account of the mobile operator (equipment section).
• 💻 Sign in to i.mi.com or google.com/android/find.
• 🧾 Find a warranty card or check from an electronics store.

Appeal to the police: the legal aspect of the blocking

IMEI locking is a procedure that is within the purview of government agencies and telecom operators, and the owner of the device cannot simply call the call center and demand that someone else's phone be blocked, even if he proves that he is entitled to it, but requires an official document, a coupon notification of registration of the theft claim.

You should contact the nearest police station, carry your passport and, preferably, phone documents (box, check), although their absence is not a reason for refusing to accept the application, the application should describe the circumstances of the loss, indicate the model, color and, most importantly, the IMEI code of the device.

Once you apply, you will be given a notification coupon, a document that is key to action, and that is the basis for police to request cell phone operators to enter the device in the federal registry of locked phones, without which operators often refuse to lock, citing a lack of legal basis.

It's important to understand that the process is not instantaneous: the police must register the application and then pass the data to the operators. The timing may vary from region to region and country to country, but the mere fact that the application is in the database already creates legal risks for anyone who tries to use or sell the stolen device.

⚠️ Warning: Do not write false information in the application to speed up the process. Only state the real circumstances, as there is a liability for knowingly false reporting.

Interaction with telecom operators

Once you have a police ticket, you can contact the offices of the Big Three (or Four, depending on the country) operators, and large operators such as MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 have locking procedures at the request of law enforcement or when the owner provides the relevant documents.

The IMEI lock procedure means that the phone will no longer catch the network of a particular operator. However, in order for the device to become a brick on any network, it is necessary for all operators to blacklist it. In Russia and many CIS countries, there is a practice of sharing databases of stolen devices, but it does not always work perfectly.

When contacting the salon or technical support of the operator you will need:

• 📝 Passport of the citizen (owner) SIM-maps and telephones).
• 📄 Notification of theft registration from the police.
• 📦 Documents confirming ownership of the phone (check, box).
• 🔢 The code. IMEI, which must be blocked.

The operator checks the data and, if all is well, enters IMEI From now on, if the phone is inserted into the locking database. SIM-The card of this operator, the device will not be able to register on the network, the screen may appear a message about the lock or the phone will just write, "No network».

It is worth noting that if a thief changes region or country, the IMEI lock may stop working if there is no database exchange agreement between operators in different countries, but it significantly reduces the liquidity of the stolen device in the market.

Blocking with Mi Cloud and Google Find My Device

In parallel with the bureaucratic procedures of blocking IMEI, you need to use software protections. If the stolen Xiaomi was enabled Internet and geolocation, you can block the device remotely through your Mi Account, which is different from blocking IMEI, because it blocks access to the system, not to the network.

To do this, go to i.mi.com from any computer or phone, enter the username and password from Mi Account that was active on the stolen device, and select Find the device from the service interface, and the system will try to locate the gadget on the map.

If the device is online, you will have three main functions:

1. Sound: The phone will start ringing loudly, even if it is silent.
2. Message: Your text with a contact number will appear on the lock screen.
3. Lock: The device will be locked with a password and it will be impossible to log in without it.

Google Find My Device (google.com/android/find) also allows you to lock or erase your device, and the important thing is that Clear Data will delete all the information, but then you can't track your location, and only use it if you can't get your phone back.

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Software locking via Mi Cloud is only effective when the Internet is on on the phone. IMEI lock works even after resetting, but requires operator involvement.

If an attacker tries to reset the phone to factory settings, when turned on, he will encounter an activation screen where you will need to enter the username and password from Mi Account, a phenomenon called Mi Lock or activation lock, and it is extremely difficult to get around it without the original owner data.

Comparison of smartphone protection methods

To give you a better understanding of the effectiveness of different defenses, we've compiled a comparative table that will help you assess which method works in a particular situation and what limitations each has.

As you can see from the table, the most reliable approach is the combined approach: blocking IMEI through the police and the operator makes the phone useless for calls, and protecting Mi Account prevents you from using the data and functions of the smartphone, the combination of these measures minimizes the value of stolen property for criminals.

You don't have to rely on one method, and attackers often try to shut down the Internet or take it out quickly. SIM-In this case, the lockdown on the map IMEI It becomes the only tool that works because it doesn’t depend on the user’s actions with the phone screen.

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Take a photo of the box with the IMEI code and save it to the cloud right after you buy your phone.

Frequent questions and additional security measures

Once you lock your device, you don't end your life, but you have to take a number of steps to protect your financial and personal data, and changing your passwords is the first thing you need to do, and first of all, change your password from your inbox, your social media, and especially your banking apps.

If your phone has a Google Pay or Mi Pay card attached, you should immediately contact your bank to lock or temporarily freeze your accounts. Even if you have a screen lock, there are theoretical vulnerabilities that experienced scammers can exploit.

In conclusion, IMEI locking is the only way to make the phone useless for calls even after full flashing. Don't ignore this step, even if the chances of return seem slim, it deprives criminals of the ability to use the device and reduces the demand for theft in general.

Take care of your devices, set complex passwords on your lock screen, and be sure to activate two-factor authorization in Mi Account.These simple security measures can save your nerves and money in an unpleasant situation.