Error “Search for the device unexpectedly closed” on Xiaomi: causes and solutions

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a cryptic message: “Device search is suddenly closed,” an error that pops up when trying to activate the Find Device feature in security settings, after resetting to factory settings or linking a new Mi Account. In some cases, the problem blocks access to important functions, from remote control of the gadget to unlocking after a hard reset.

What's behind this error? Why does MIUI suddenly shut down a device search when all the settings seem correct? In this article, we'll look at 6 major causes of failure, offer step-by-step solutions (including hidden methods for power users), and how to prevent the problem from recurring.

What does the error mean: “Search for the device is suddenly closed”?

The Device search closed unexpectedly message is a MIUI system notification that signals a device finder (com.miui.finddevice) outage.

• 📍 Geolocation of the smartphone through Mi Account;
• 🔒 Remote lock and data reset;
• 🛠 Activation of the device after a hard reset (if the account is tied).

The error occurs when the system cannot complete the bundle check device → account → Xiaomi servers. The reasons range from account ban to firmware version conflict. It is important to understand that this is not a hardware failure, but a software failure that is solved in 90% of cases without visiting the service center.

Main causes of error

Research on 4PDA forums, Xiaomi Community, and user reports identified 6 key causes of the crash, and we ranked them by frequency, from the most common to the rarest:

The most insidious reason is regional mismatch, for example, if you bought a Xiaomi 13 Pro with Chinese firmware (CN) but attached a global account (MI), Find Device will be blocked because of Xiaomi’s market-sharing policy, a similar problem when using a VPN while activating the feature.

⚠️ Note: If an error occurs after the update MIUI, Never try to roll back to the old version via Fastboot – this can lead to a full blockage of the bootloader (brick) on models with Anti-Rollback Protection (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO F4).

How to Fix an Error: Step-by-step Instructions

The solutions depend on the root cause of the failure. Start with the simplest methods and gradually move to the complex. If you are not sure about the cause, follow the algorithm below:

1. Check the firmware region and account;
2. Synchronize the time and date;
3. Update the service "Find the device"**;
4. Reset your Mi Account settings;

Method 1: Checking the firmware region and account

This solves the problem 45 percent of the time, and you'll need to do this.

Find out the firmware version in Settings → About the phone → MIUI version

Check the region of the account at account.xiaomi.com

Compare regions (must match: CN, MI, RU, etc.)

If the discrepancy - change the region of the account or reflash the device-->

To find out the firmware region:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. Click 7 times on the line with the version until the Developer Options menu appears.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Region (or Additional settings → Region).

If the firmware region is CN (China) and the account is tied to MI (Global), you need either:

• 🔄 Change your account region (via Xiaomi support);

⚠️ Attention: Change of account region can take up to 30 days - Xiaomi is checking for fraudulent activity. Don't create a new account for this! Use the official support request via support.xiaomi.com.

Method 2: Synchronization of time and date

Incorrect time settings block communication with Xiaomi servers to fix:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Date and time.
2. Activate options: ⏰ Autodetermining date and time; 🌍 Time zone autodetermination.

Reset the device.

If the error persists after the reboot, try manually setting time on time.is (select your city) and disable automatic sync for 5 minutes, then turn it on again.

💡

If you have Redmi or POCO with custom firmware, disable the Magisk module (if installed) before synchronizing time – it can block access to Xiaomi servers.

Method 3: Update the Find Device service

On devices with MIUI 13/14, Find Device is updated separately from firmware to force it to update:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search, enter Find Device (or Find Device).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Update.
4. If there is no button, delete the cache and application data, then restart the smartphone.

For POCO X5 Pro and later models, an additional step may be required:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.finddevice

This command must be entered through ADB (by connecting your phone to your PC), and if you don't know how to do it, skip the method and move on to the next one.

Solution for locked devices (after reset)

If the device search is unexpectedly closed error appeared after a hard reset and the phone requires you to enter your previous account information, you will need:

• 📱 Original Mi Account tied to the device;

Unlocking algorithm:

1. Connect to the network on the locked device.
2. Enter the account that was tied before the reset.
3. If an error occurs, wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (it can come with a delay of up to 10 minutes).
4. After successful authorization, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security and untie the device from the old account.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone “with hands” and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him to unlock. Xiaomi does not provide unlock services with devices with other accounts – this violates the privacy policy.

Prevention: How to avoid mistakes in the future

To avoid recurring problems, follow these rules:

• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system;
• 🔐 Don't use it. VPN When activating the Mi Account function;
• 📱 Link only one account to your device;
• ⏳ Do not reset settings without detaching the account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Security.

For devices with MIUI 14 and later Xiaomi recommends enabling two-factor authentication in your account, which reduces the risk of being blocked due to suspicious activity. 2FA:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com;
2. In the Security section, select Two-Stage Verification.
3. Attach your phone number or Google Authenticator app.

💡

If you plan to sell or transfer a device, be sure to untie it from your account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account. This will save the new owner from activation problems.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)