Xiaomi’s “Find Device has been destroyed” error: how to fix and prevent

The “Find Device has been destroyed” error on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most frustrating problems users face after resetting, firmware or unblocking the bootloader, which appears when you try to log into your Mi Account and blocks access to the device, requiring the previous owner to enter data, most often on devices with a link to a Mi Cloud account, especially if the phone was bought from hand or restored after a service intervention.

Unlike standard errors like “This device is locked,” which are solved by entering a password, “Find Device has been destroyed”** signals a critical failure in Xiaomi’s security system. The reason lies in the Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which links the hardware to the user’s account. If communication is disrupted (for example, when resetting via Fastboot or incorrectly updating), the system perceives the device as “destroyed” for security purposes.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 📱 Official solutions through Xiaomi support;

The reason for the error is “Find Device has been destroyed.”

The error does not occur by itself, but is triggered by specific actions that violate the integrity of the system or the account's link.

• 🔄 Hard resetting settings via Recovery or Fastboot without detachment Mi Account, which the system perceives as an attempt to bypass the protection.
• 📦 Failed firmware (especially through unofficial tools like Mi Flash or Mi Flash) SP If the firmware is incompatible with the bootloader version, there is a conflict.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader in violation of the procedure (for example, an interrupted operation or the use of outdated keys).
• 📱 Buying a used device with a previous owner's account tied, and if the previous owner hasn't untied the gadget in the Mi Cloud, the new user will face lockdown.
• 🔧 Service intervention (replacement of motherboard or memory module) without device re-binding.

Critical feature: the error "Find Device has been destroyed" differs from the standard FRP lock in that it is not always solved by entering the username / password from Mi Account. In some cases, the system requires confirmation from the previous owner, even if you know his data.

To understand what the solution is for you, figure out how the error came about, for example, if you bought a phone with your hands and can't get in touch with the seller, the official way (like asking for support) is useless, and you have to use technical workarounds.

Official ways to correct the error

If you have access to a Mi Account that was linked to the device, try the official methods. They're secure and don't require technical skills.

1. Sign in to Mi Cloud account on locked device

Sometimes the system allows you to log in right on the lock screen:

1. On the error screen, press Sign in with Mi Account (or similar button).
2. Enter the email and password from the account that was linked to the phone.
3. If you receive a confirmation request via SMS or email, follow it.

⚠️ Note: If the previous owner has not deleted the device from his Mi Cloud account, the system may request confirmation from his/her side (for example, through the use of the device). SMS In this case, the official method will not work.

2. Remove the device from the Mi Cloud from another gadget

If you have access to your account but your phone does not accept authorization:

1. Visit i.mi.com from a computer or other smartphone.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account.
3. Go to Find Device (or Device Management)
4. Find the locked phone in the list and remove it (Remove button or Delete).
5. Restart the locked device and try to log in again.

3. Appeal in support of Xiaomi

If previous methods have not worked, contact official support:

• 📧 Email: support: support@xiaomi.com (for the global version; or ru_support@xiaomi.com (for Russia).
• 📞 Call the hotline (numbers depend on the region).
• 🛒 Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the device (if it is guaranteed).

📌 What to indicate in the appeal:

• IMEI devices (you can find them on the box or under the battery)
• Serial number (SN);
• Proof of purchase (check, contract of sale);
• Description of the problem, indicating that you have tried official methods.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support may refuse assistance if the device was purchased from hand without re-linking the account. in this case, only technical methods remain (see next section).

💡

The official methods only work when you access the original Mi Account. If you can't contact the previous owner, go to alternative methods.

Technical solutions (for experienced users)

If the official methods don't work, you'll have to use workarounds, which require ADB, Fastboot, or specialized utilities, and you do everything at your own risk.

1.Reset via Fastboot with FRP removal

This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader. You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, select a firmware folder and press Refresh. The device must be determined.
6. At the bottom, select the Clean all and lock option (this will delete all data, including FRP).
7. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock will block the bootloader. If you plan to continue using custom firmware, this method is not suitable - choose Clean all (but this does not always delete). FRP).

2. ADB bypass (for some models)

On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8/9, Poco X3), you can bypass the lock through ADB if debugging mode is enabled, but this rarely works because debugging is disabled after reset.

Try it:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
2. Enter: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings If the command works, you will be taken to the settings where you can disable Find Device.
3. If not, try adb shell content insert. --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1 This can fool the system into thinking that the setup is complete.

3. Use of specialized utilities

There are programs like Mi Account Remove Tool or FRP Bypass APK, but they are:

• 🔴 Often contain viruses;
• 🔴 They may not work on new models;
• 🔴 Requires an unlocked bootloader.

📌 Recommendation: If you are not sure about your skills, it is best to contact the proven repair masters of Xiaomi.

Xiaomi models most prone to error

Not all Xiaomi devices are equally vulnerable to the “Find Device has been destroyed” error.** Most often, the problem occurs on models with enhanced Mi Account protection:

📌 Note: on devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note) 8T, Redmi 9A) The error occurs less often than on Qualcomm models, but it is more difficult to get around because of the closed loader.

⚠️ Attention: On new models (released after 2022), Xiaomi tightened protection. FRP They often require specialized equipment (such as UFi Box or Octoplus) that is only available in service centers.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of these methods work, you have a few options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with documents. 📄 Prepare a check or a sales contract; 📱 Indicate. IMEI and serial number; 💰 Be prepared to pay for a diagnosis (even if the warranty is over).

Buy a motherboard.

If the device is old or repaired will cost more than its cost, sometimes it is cheaper to replace the fee (but the binding to the Mi Account will remain).

Use your phone as a “brick.”

Some models can be reflashed to Fastboot mode to work with the SP Flash Tool (for example, to restore IMEI), but this will not return full functionality.

How to avoid mistakes in the future

To avoid encountering “Find Device has been destroyed”** when selling, dumping or firmware, follow these rules:

• 🔄 Before resetting settings: Untie the device from Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Delete your account; Turn off Find Device in Settings → Additionally. → Security; Make sure your phone is not tied to Mi Cloud (check at i.mi.com).
• 📦 When buying a used phone: Ask the seller to reset your settings with you; check that the device is not tied to Mi Account (ask for a login/password to check); Use services like IMEI.info to check your device history.
• 🔧 When firmware: Use only official firmware from Xiaomi site; Do not interrupt the firmware process; Before firmware unlock the bootloader through the official tool.

💡

If you frequently flash through Xiaomi devices, create a separate Mi Account specifically for this purpose, so you will avoid blocking the main account if you make mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)