4.3 Find Device
4.3.1 Introduction
Find Device is a built-in function in Xiaomi smartphones and tablets that allows users to locate and track their lost devices. Remote data erasure is also enabled for users to clear data from lost devices and protect the data from unauthorized access.
The design of Find Device prioritizes security and privacy. The feature solely collects location information and is entirely controlled by the user, who can choose to enable or disable it at any time.
Find Device is available in all markets.
4.3.2 Data Inventory
| Category | Type | Identification Qualifier | Purpose | Data Encryption In-transit | Data Encryption At-rest | Data Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identifiers | Mi Account ID | Identified | App Functionality | HTTPS | AES-128 | Per user's request |
| MAC Address | Identified | App Functionality | HTTPS | AES-128 | Per user's request | |
| Device ID – hashed IMEI or hashed Android ID | Identified | App Functionality | HTTPS | Plain | Per user's request | |
| FID – fixed device level ID | Identified | App Functionality | HTTPS | Plain | Per user's request | |
| Contact Info | Phone Number | Identified | App Functionality | HTTPS | AES-128 | Per user's request |
| Location | Precise Location | Identified | App Functionality | HTTPS | AES-128 | Per user's request |
4.3.3 Data Collection and Usage
1) Initialization
When you activate Find Phone on your phone, we collect your Mi Account ID and the identifiers of your device, including MAC address, Device ID (hashed Android ID/hashed IMEI, depending on the model type and system version), and FID, a fixed device level ID. This enables us to build a solid connection between your phone and your Mi Account. To help locate a lost device, we may collect your current phone number to send instructions on how to retrieve the lost device.
2) Device Location
When a user uses the Find Device function to locate their lost phone, the precise location of the device is collected and made available to the user on a map. The location data is only uploaded when the user makes the request and is only accessible to the user.
3) Remote Control
You can trigger sound, set Lost Mode, and erase data remotely via the Xiaomi Cloud. When you turn on Lost Mode, the precise location of your lost phone is uploaded at fixed intervals, which helps you locate and track your phone.
4.3.4 Manage Your Privacy
1) Access Your Data in Find Device
You can access and view the location of your devices via the Find Device function. Go to the Find Device page, and choose the device you want to locate.
You can click the Find Location/Relocate button to see its current location. Once the device is located successfully, you can see its current location on the map.
You can also click "..." > View History button to see a list of past locating operations.
2) Turn off Find Device and Delete Data
If you want to revoke the authorization for Find Device and delete the data, go to Settings > Mi Account > Find Phone, and disable the Find Device option.
If you have enabled Lost Mode on your device, you will need to disable it before turning off Find Device. Once Find Device is turned off, we will stop processing your location data and schedule the deletion of your location history. If you keep Find Device turned off continuously for 30 days, the historical location data will be permanently deleted.
4.3.5 Conclusion
Privacy and security protections are the primary goals of product design at Xiaomi. The following privacy principles are deeply integrated into Find Device:
Designed to safeguard your devices and protect your data.
Provide full control over functions and data in Find Device.
Minimize data collection when you find and control your device remotely.