Find Device is a standard Xiaomi service that helps you find a lost smartphone through your Mi Account. However, many users are faced with the fact that it turns on, consumes battery power in the background or conflicts with other geolocation services. Moreover, on some MIUI firmware it can not be removed by standard means – the “Delete” button is simply absent from the application menu.
In this article, we’ll cover all the current ways to disable (including hidden MIUI settings) and full removal options for advanced users. Instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions). If you’re looking for a way to free up memory, reduce background activity or simply get rid of unnecessary service, you’re on the right track.
Why can’t device search be removed in the standard way?
The com.miui.finddevice app refers to MIUI system services that are integrated into the firmware at the kernel level.
- 🔒 Removal protection: Xiaomi blocks the ability to uninstall via the Settings menu or Play Market to keep the device search functionality for users.
- 🔄 Automatic Recovery: Even if you turn off the app manually, after a reboot or update MIUI It can be activated again.
In addition, the Chinese firmware (China ROM) application is closely linked to the services Mi Cloud and Mi Account. its forced removal without properly replacing configuration files can lead to failures in the Xiaomi account or even blocking some functions (for example, synchronization contacts).
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (no root rights)
The safest method is to deactivate the application without removing it completely, which will stop background processes and notifications, but will keep the service back on if necessary.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search box, type “Device Search”** (or Find Device in English firmware).
Once disabled, the application will not start automatically, but its icon will remain in the installed program list. To hide it, you can use a launcher from a third-party developer (for example, Nova Launcher or Hyperion).
Make a backup copy of important data
Check if you are using Mi Cloud for sync.
Make sure your phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)
Remember the password from the Mi Account (may be required to unlock)-->
Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)
If the shutdown isn’t enough, you can uninstall the app entirely using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on most Xiaomi devices without the need to obtain root rights, but requires a connection to a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
USB debugging
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Turn on the USB debugging switch and confirm the resolution.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.finddevice
After that, the service will stop sending location data to Xiaomi servers, but the application itself will remain on the system. To fully deactivate it, combine this method with disabling through the MIUI settings (Method 1).
Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (for power users)
There are specialized utilities that allow you to massively remove system applications without root rights. One of the most popular is Universal Android Debloater (UAD), which works through ADB and provides a graphical interface for managing packages.
Advantages of the method: