How to remove the search device on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways to disable

Xiaomi’s device search feature (including the Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, Redmi 9, and others) is designed to protect data in the event of loss or theft, allowing you to remotely locate a gadget, lock it or erase information through your Mi Account. However, many users are faced with the need to disable the search for the device – for example, before selling a phone, resetting to factory settings or synchronization errors.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove the search function on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, including standard settings, bypassing ADB, and what to do if the system requires a password from Mi Account.

Warning: Some methods require developer rights or may result in a device being locked if executed incorrectly, follow the instructions carefully and back up the data before starting.

Why you can’t just turn off geolocation

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to turn off GeoData in the settings and the search for the device will stop working.

• 📍 Searching for devices does not only use GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile towers and even Bluetooth (in newer versions) MIUI). Disabling geolocation only limits the accuracy of location determination.
• 🔒 It's tied to Mi Account, not hardware. GPS The phone can transmit data about the last known location.
• ⚠️ V MIUI 14+ Device search is integrated into Find Device security, which works regardless of privacy settings.

To fully deactivate the feature, you need to unplug it from your Xiaomi account or delete it through system tools. Next, we will consider all the available methods, from simple to advanced.

Method 1: Disconnecting through Mi Account settings

The safest and most recommended way is to use the official MIUI interface, which is suitable for most Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 11, Redmi A1, etc.) and does not require technical skills.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to Mi Account (or Xiaomi Account in the new versions).
3. Select Find Device (in Russian firmware - Device Search).
4. Press the switch to turn off the function.
5. Confirm the action with a password from Mi Account.

If the switch is not active or is not active, it means:

• 🔄 You have an outdated version. MIUI (Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔐 Xiaomi account not confirmed (you need to link phone number or email).
• 📱 The device is linked to a corporate account (e.g., through Mi Enterprise).

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If the feature is activated again after disabling, check the Google Find My Device settings – sometimes it conflicts with Xiaomi services.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)

If the standard method doesn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level system management tool that is suitable for Redmi with unlocked bootloader or root rights, but requires caution.

Attention! Incorrect ADB commands can lead to data loss or device locking, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Install drivers ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Connect the phone to the computer via cable|Check the connection with the adb device command-->

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect Redmi to your PC and do the following in the terminal:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.finddevice

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.finddevice

Once done, restart the device. The search function will be disabled until the next reset.

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If previous methods failed, a full reset remains, which will delete all data from the device, including the Mi Account binding and search settings. Importantly, after the reset, the phone may require a username / password from the previous Xiaomi account (Mi Cloud Lock protection).

How to reset:

1. Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. Once you reboot, set your phone up as a new device without restoring data from the Mi Cloud.

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Reset does not guarantee that the device search will be deleted if the phone remains tied to the same Mi Account. To completely disable the function after the reset, you need to log into a new account and manually deactivate Find Device.

If the phone requires an old Mi Account after reset, use the unlock instructions below.

What to do if your phone is locked after you turn off your search

Sometimes, after manipulating Find Device, the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone may lock with the message "This device is associated with Mi Account", which means that the system has recognized an attempt to bypass protection.

Unlocking algorithm with Mi Account:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in to your profile.
2. In the Devices section, find the blocked Redmi and click Delete.
3. Confirm the action. SMS-code.
4. Restart the phone – the lock should be removed.

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If you bought the phone with your hands and can’t contact the previous owner, contact Xiaomi’s support with a purchase check.The company can help unlock the device when proving ownership.

How to check if your device search is actually disabled

To make sure that the Find Device function is deactivated, follow the following steps:

1. Open the i.mi.com page on another device (or your PC browser) and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Check the list of connected devices – your Redmi should not appear in the Find Device section.
3. On the phone itself, go to Settings → Security → Device Search. Status should be disabled.
4. Install a third-party app to check active services (like NetGuard) and make sure com.miui.finddevice doesn’t transfer data.

If after all the manipulations, the phone still appears in the Mi Cloud, then the link to the account is saved, in which case only a complete flashing through Fastboot or contacting the service center will help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off device search, users often face typical problems.

• 🔄 "The function was activated again after the update. MIUI" → This is because of the automatic resetting of your cloud account settings. Solution: untie your device from Mi Account before upgrading.
• 📵 "Not coming. SMS certify" → Check the balance. SIM-Cards or use backup email to restore access.
• 🔒 "The phone requires a password, but I don't remember it" → Use the recovery function on the Xiaomi website or reset your password through the linked email.

If you plan to sell or transfer your Redmi, it's not enough to just turn off the device search.

1. Delete all accounts (Mi Account, Google, social networks).
2. Perform reset to factory settings.
3. Make sure your phone is not tied to Find Device via the Mi Cloud web interface.

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Selling a phone with active Find Device could result in a lock for a new owner. Xiaomi has the right to remotely lock the device if it is listed as lost.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions