Owning a modern Xiaomi smartphone means not only enjoying the MIUI or HyperOS interface, but also understanding the device’s technical specifications. Often users are faced with the need to specify unique identifiers when transferring data, registering on corporate networks or trying to unlock a bootloader. One of these codes is MEID, which raises many questions for owners of equipment.
This is often confused with the more well-known IMEI, believing it to be the same thing, or ignoring its presence in the system altogether, but for a device to work properly on certain carriers' networks, especially in the United States and China, the availability and correctness of this code is critical, so let's see why it's needed and why it's worth paying attention to when buying or reflashing it.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the structure of the identifier, how to verify it and how to recover in the event of a failure. Understanding the difference between the identification standards will help you avoid problems with connecting to the mobile network and properly configure the device. MEID is a unique 14-digit hex ID that is assigned to CDMA and LTE devices, and its replacement or change can lead to a communication lock.
Definition and technical features of MEID
Mobile Equipment Identifier is a globally unique number assigned to a physical mobile device. GSM-networks that have historically been based on IMEI, standard-network CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access is used in the same way. MEID with the development of technology and the transition to LTE and 5G, This identifier has become the de facto standard for most modern smartphones, including Xiaomi’s flagship Mi and Redmi series.
The code structure is strictly regulated, with 14 hexadecimal characters, the first 8 characters representing the hardware manufacturer and model, and the remaining 6 characters representing the serial number of a particular device, which allows operators and manufacturers to accurately track the origin of the gadget. It is important to understand that MEID is embedded in the modem chip at the hardware level, which makes it difficult and risky to modify it by software methods.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to change MEID programmatically (IMEI Changer on Xiaomi devices without the appropriate certificates can lead to irreversible locking of the communication module and loss of warranty.
In today’s world, when the boundaries between communication standards are blurred, a single smartphone can support both types of identification. Xiaomi, as a global brand, integrates support for both standards into its Snapdragon and MediaTek processors. This ensures that the device is compatible with carriers around the world, whether it’s Verizon in the US or China Mobile.
- 📱 Unique code of 14 hexadecimal characters.
- 🌐 It is used mainly in networks. CDMA, but maintained in LTE/5G.
- 🔒 It is prescribed in the factory and protected from simple modification.
- ⚙️ It is necessary to register the device in the networks of some operators.
💡
MEID is your smartphone’s hardware passport in CDMA/LTE networks, and its integrity is critical for stable mobile communication.
Key differences between MEID and IMEI and ESN
Confusion between IMEI, MEID and legacy ESN is common, as they all serve to identify equipment. However, there are fundamental differences in structure and purpose. International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is used in GSM networks and consists of 15 decimal digits. MEID, in turn, is the heir to ESN (Electronic Serial Number) and uses a hexadecimal number system, which allows for longer and more unique combinations.
In Xiaomi smartphones, you can see that when you request information through the engineering menu or command line, the system outputs both values, which is because modern modems are universal. If IMEI is required to work on MTS, Beeline or Megafon (GSM/LTE), then MEID may be required to activate the device in CDMA networks or to work certain eSIM functions in foreign regions.
Technically, MEID often generated on the basis of IMEI, But it's not always a direct conversion. In some cases, manufacturers use separate pools of addresses. For the user, you can see the difference when you type in *#06#, you'll see different character sets for different slots. SIM-maps and different communication standards.
| Characteristics | IMEI | MEID | ESN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number system | Decimal (0-9) | Hexadecimal (0-9, A-F) | Decimal/Hexadecimal |
| Code length | 15 numbers | 14 characters | 8-11 digits |
| GSM / UMTS / LTE | CDMA / LTE | CDMA (2G/3G) | |
| Status | Relevant. | Relevant. | Weird. |
Understanding these differences is important when buying a device from hand, and if the documentation only says IMEI, and you need MEID to register with the operator, this can be a problem. Always check for both identifiers in the system settings.
Where to find MEID on Xiaomi devices
Xiaomi users have several ways to get information about the hardware ID. The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in engineering code. Open the Phone app and dial *#06#. The screen will instantly display a window with information about all the devices. SIM-slots.
In the list that opens, you’ll see IMEI 1, IMEI 2, and MEID. Note that two-sim phone MEIDs can display one common or separate for each slot, depending on the model and firmware version. This method works on all devices, from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi.
An alternative way is through the system settings menu. Go to Settings → About Phone → General information. This is duplicated all the key data about the device. If you use a global version of firmware, the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same: look for the technical information section.
- 📞 Codeset *#06# in the Call App.
- ⚙️ Menu Settings → The phone. → General information.
- 📦 Sticker on the original packaging of the device (bar code).
- 📄 Warranty card or purchase check (sometimes containing data).
The physical sticker on the box also contains this information, and it's located on the end of the package in the form of barcodes, which is useful if the phone is discharged or not turning on, but remember that the sticker on the box is only relevant if you haven't changed the motherboard of the device.
What if the *#06# code doesn't work?
Instructions for the recovery of the lost MEID
When MEID is displayed as 000000000000000000 or Unknown, it is usually a sign of a major software failure, often after a failed flash, reset persist partitions, or using informal tools to unlock the bootloader, and recovering this parameter is a difficult and careful task.
The first step is to always reset the settings completely or flash to the official version of the software through the Mi Flash Tool. Sometimes the damage is software-based, and a clean installation of the system is able to restore the correct values from the backups in the persist partition. However, if the partition has been erased, simple methods can not be done.
For advanced users, there is a method of recovery through the engineering mode and Qualcomm utilities such as QPST or QXDM. This process requires root rights, an unlocked bootloader and, most importantly, the original backup of the persist partition from your device. Without a backup, prescribing random values can lead to a complete modem inoperability.
⚠️ Attention: Self-modification IMEI/MEID It is illegal in many countries and may result in a device being blocked by a network operator.
If you don’t have the skills to work with low-level debugging tools, the only safe solution is to contact a Xiaomi authorized service center. Engineers have access to factory databases and can legally restore the original identifiers using special equipment.
☑️ Pre-reconstruction checks
Problems with MEID when flashing and custom ROM
Installing custom firmware such as LineageOS or Xiaomi.eu often involves the risk of losing identifiers.This occurs when a user performs a fastboot erase persist command or similar partition cleanup actions without understanding their purpose. The persist section stores calibration data of sensors, MAC-address Wi-Fi/Bluetooth And, of course, IMEI/MEID.
After this procedure, the phone may turn on, but the network will be absent, and the status bar will burn crossed out icon. SIM-The system logs may also contain errors that result from the inability to initialize the radio module, depending on whether the backup of the partition is preserved.
If you plan to experiment with firmware, rule number one is to always back up the persist partition before any manipulation.
adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist persist.imgSave this file in a safe place. In case of problems, you can return everything back by the command fastboot flash persist persist.img. This will save you from having to carry the phone to the service and search for original codes.
- 🛑 Do not execute the erase persist command without an emergency.
- 💾 Always back up before flashing.
- 🔧 Use only the verified recovery menu (TWRP, OrangeFox).
- 📡 Check the network immediately after the first download.
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When buying used Xiaomi hands, be sure to check the MEID in the *#06# menu with the data on the box. If they do not match or zeros are displayed, the phone was most likely “restored” by artisanal method.
Impact of the identifier on network operation and guarantees
Having a correct MEID doesn’t just affect the ability to call: In modern LTE Advanced and 5G networks, this identifier is used to authenticate the device in the core of the network, and if the operator sees incorrect or altered code, it can limit data transfer speeds or completely block access to communication services.
In addition, changing the unique hardware identifiers is a direct violation of the warranty of Xiaomi. When contacting the service center with a communication complaint, engineers first check the integrity of the software part.
For corporate clients who use MDM-Systems and Mobile Device Management), MEID A mistake in a single character can cause the phone to fail to receive the necessary security policies and accesses.
In conclusion, MEID is not just a set of numbers, it's an important element of the mobile ecosystem: Treat it with care, don't try to change it for no good reason, and always back up critical parts of the system, which will save you time, money and nerves in the future.