How to permanently remove “Search for Device” on Xiaomi: from blackout to deep cleaning

Why Users Want to Get Rid of Device Search and Can It Be Safe?

Device Search is a standard Xiaomi service that allows you to track the location of a smartphone in the event of loss or theft. However, many users tend to remove it for several reasons, from persistent notifications to suspected surveillance. Unlike Google Find My Device, this tool is closely integrated into MIUI, which makes it difficult to uninstall it.

It’s important to understand that simply disabling an app through settings is not the same as completely uninstalling it. Even after deactivation, it can continue to run in the background, consuming battery power and transferring data to Xiaomi servers. In this article, we’ll look at all possible methods, from soft shutdown to radical removal via ADB and root access, and assess the risks of each method.

Before you start, check the MIUI version on your device (path: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version). This depends on the availability of certain features. For example, in MIUI 14+, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, and some methods may not work without additional manipulation.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without deleting)

If you only need to stop the application, but do not delete it completely, use the built-in MIUI options. This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12, etc.).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Google → Security → Searching device.
• 🔄 Translate the device search slider** to the off position.».

This method does not delete the application, but only suspends it. It will remain in the system and can be activated again after the MIUI update. To check if the service is disabled, go to Settings → Accounts → Xiaomi and make sure that the option “Sync Device Data”** is turned off.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global for the European region, the item “Device search”** may not be on the Google menu, in which case search directly through the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

If the shutdown isn’t enough, you can uninstall the app without getting root rights using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires a computer connection and developer mode enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”**.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Use the original USB-Type C cable (POCO F3/F4 may require a data-enabled cable).
3. Install ADB: Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive.
4. Start the command line: In the platform-tools folder, press Shift + right mouse button and select Open PowerShell window here (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
5. Follow the commands: adb devices adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.finddevice The first command checks the connection, the second - deletes the application for the current user.

If you see a Success message after you execute the command, the application is removed. To return it, you will need to reset or flash it. On some devices (Redmi). 9A/9C) There may be a Failure error. [DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER] — This means that Xiaomi has blocked the removal of the ADB model.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB It can lead to unstable work. MIUI, Especially if you are using Xiaomi Cloud or Mi Account features. Before the procedure, back up your data via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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If the adb device command doesn’t show your device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers via Mi Phone Manager or manually updating them through Windows Device Manager.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have root access (obtained through Magisk or SuperSU), you can delete Device Search forever, including all traces of it in the system.This method is suitable for users who are willing to sacrifice the warranty and risk the stability of MIUI.

Instructions:

• 📲 Install a file manager with root support, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.
• 🔍 Cross the path: /system/priv-app/FindDevice/ /system/app/FindDevice/ (The path may differ depending on the version MIUI).
• 🗑️ Delete the FindDevice folder completely or only files with the.apk and.odex extensions.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Once the app is restarted, it will disappear from the system. To check if it is not available, run the command in Terminal:

su


pm list packages | grep finddevice

If the output is empty, the application is removed successfully.

Some firmware (MIUI EU or custom assemblies) may require additional cache cleaning:

su


rm -rf /data/data/com.miui.finddevice




rm -rf /data/app/com.miui.finddevice-*

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system.apk files without backup can lead to "bootloop"** ( looped boot).If the phone doesn't turn on after rebooting, try recovering via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Freeze with Titanium Backup (alternative to deletion)

If you don’t want to risk system stability but want to disable the app completely, use Titanium Backup or App Quarantine Freeze.This method is reversible and doesn’t require deleting files.

How to Freeze the “Search for Device”:

1. Install Titanium Backup from XDA Developers (root rights required).
2. Launch the application and give it superuser rights.
3. Find com.miui.finddevice (or Find Device)
4. Click on it and select “Freeze!”
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ The application does not work, but remains in the system (you can defrost at any time).
• ✅ No risk of damaging system files.
• ✅ Update capability remains MIUI faultlessly.

The disadvantage is that the frozen application still takes up space in memory (about 10-15 MB).If you are critical to free up space, you should use ADB or manual deletion.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (if deletion is not possible)

On some devices (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K60), Xiaomi blocks the removal of Device Search** at the software level.

1. Use of third-party tools: 🔄 Install Greenify (root required) to force hibernation of the app. 🛡️ Set up Blokada or NetGuard to block com.miui.finddevice network access.

If you are concerned about surveillance, check what data the app is transmitting using Packet Capture or Fing. Often, Device Search** only sends geolocation and IMEI, but not personal information.

What happens if you delete the “Device Search”?

Before you get rid of the application, assess the consequences:

• ✅ Pluses: 🔋 Increase battery life (by 3-7% depending on the model). 📵 Intrusive location notifications will disappear. 🛡️ Reduced risk of data breach (if you do not use Mi Account).

If you do decide to uninstall the app, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. This will help you recover data if something goes wrong.

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Deleting Search for Device does not affect how Google Find My Device works. You can still use Google’s service to track your phone if it’s linked to your Gmail account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing "Device Search" on Xiaomi