Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to find a unique identifier for their gadget. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a fifteen-digit code assigned to every mobile phone in the factory. It serves as a device passport, allowing telecom operators and law enforcement agencies to track the location of the device or block it in the event of a theft.
Knowing this number is critical when buying used equipment, registering at service centers or locking a lost smartphone. There are several proven methods of obtaining this information, and each user can choose the most convenient option depending on the condition of the device.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from simple combinations in a call to deep analysis of system logs, you will learn how to quickly find data even on a locked screen, and also understand how to distinguish the original device from a fake.
Use of Universal Engineering Code
The fastest and most reliable way, running on 99% of mobile phones, including the Chinese brand's budget and flagship models, is that you don't have to have super-user rights or connect to the Internet, just open a standard call app, which is usually called "Phone" or "Calls."
In the number input field, type *#06#. Once you enter the last character (grid), a pop-up will automatically appear on the screen. IMEI, And in dual-symbol machines, you'll see two separate numbers for each slot (SN) and MAC-address of the Wi-Fi module.
☑️ Code check IMEI
Please note that this method works even if the device is not installed. SIM-card or PIN-This makes it the perfect tool for quick in-store checks before you buy, so you don't have to look for the settings menu or wait for the operating system to load.
⚠️ Warning: Never give anyone the codes that appear after you type this command, other than serial numbers. Some scammers may ask you to dictate other numbers under the guise of an "unlock code," but the real one is IMEI — It is just an ID, not an access key.
If nothing happens after you type in the combination, it is possible that your smartphone firmware has been modified by third-party developers and the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell has been changed, in which case you should use alternative methods described below.
Data search in system settings
The interface of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provides easy access to technical information about the device, which is good because it allows you not only to see the number, but also to copy it to the clipboard with a single click, which is convenient for sending to the service center.
To do this, do the following: open the Settings app, scroll down to the About Phone section. At the top of the screen, next to the model name, you often see a number. If it's not there, click on "All settings" or tap the MIUI version several times to reveal the full menu.
In the list that opens, you'll find the General IMEI line. When you click on it, you'll see the details of each slot. Modern versions of Android allow you to copy this data by simply holding your finger on the numbers for a long time or using the copy button next to the text.
Hidden Menu Features About Phone
The advantage of this method is that it displays the current software IMEI. If the device has been overflashed or subjected to deep software intervention, this is where the modified data that the network sees will be displayed.
Physical markings on the body and packaging
If the smartphone is turned off, broken or unresponsive to touch, the only source of information is physical labeling. Xiaomi manufacturers apply data in several ways so that the user can find it in any situation.
On the back of most modern models, especially in the budget segment of Redmi, the information is printed in fine print at the bottom. On flagships with glass or ceramic back, data is often duplicated on a factory sticker that is glued on top of the box.
The box is the most reliable source, and on one of the faces (usually the bottom or side) is a white sticker with barcodes.
- 📦 Complete. IMEI Devices (or two for Dual) SIM).
- 🔢 Serial number (S/N), unique to each instance.
- 📶 MAC-addresses of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules.
- 🇨🇳 Marking "EAC" for devices certified in the Eurasian Union.
It is important to keep the box at least for the warranty period. In the event of a breakdown and contacting a service center under warranty, technicians often require the provision of a package with the same number to confirm the ownership of the device.
| Searching spot | Availability | Reliability | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code *#06# | Tall. | Maximum | Low. |
| Android settings | Tall. | Tall. | Low. |
| Back cover. | Medium (depending on model) | Medium (may wear off) | Medium. |
| Box | Only if it's saved. | Maximum | Low. |
Verification through Google Account
If a device is linked to your Google account and connected to the internet, you can find its ID remotely.This is useful when the phone is lost, but you want to verify its identity before locking it.
Go to Google Find My Device from your computer or other gadget. Sign in with the same email as your lost smartphone. Choose from the list of devices (if there are more than one) to select the one you want.
In addition to geolocation and battery level, the device’s deployed card often displays the model and IMEI. However, this method does not work for all Xiaomi models, since the manufacturer can restrict the transfer of this data to standard Google services.
⚠️ Note: To work this method, the smartphone must be on, have an active connection to the mobile network or Wi-Fi, and geolocation permissions. If the phone is turned off, the data will not be updated.
Alternatively, Xiaomi Cloud (i.mi.com) is a site that if you used the brand’s cloud service to back up, sign in to your Mi Account. Devices displays fully technically specificated tethered appliances.
Analysis of system logs and ADB
For advanced users who are versed in debugging, there is a method of obtaining information through the ADB protocol (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to pull out the “iron” IMEI embroidered in the modem, which is the most difficult to fake software.
You'll need a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on your smartphone. Connect the cable and type the following command into the PC command line:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1The system will return a long line of code to search for a sequence of numbers, often in hexadecimal format or broken into pieces, so additional decryption or the use of parser utilities may be required.
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Use the adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfo command to get a more readable output of all SIM and device identifiers without having to parse the hexadecimal code manually.
This is especially true if the phone is locked up under the operator or has a custom firmware that hides real data in the user interface. RIL (Radio Interface Layer).
How to verify the authenticity of IMEI
Just knowing the number is not enough — it’s important to make sure it’s valid and consistent with the device. There are official databases where you can check the status of the phone. For Xiaomi devices, the best way to use the official quality check site is to use it.
Go to mi.com/global/verify (or regional equivalent) and type in a 15-digit code and a captcha, the system will show the activation date, model and warranty status, and if the system says "Not found" or the model doesn't match, you're looking at a possible fake or a device with broken numbers.
There are also third-party services such as IMEI.info or Sndeep.info, which let you know:
- 🌍 Country of origin of the device.
- 🚫 Is the phone on the international wanted list (blacklist).
- 📅 Exact date of production.
- 🛠️ Technical characteristics of a specific modification.
Pay attention to the checksum. The last IMEI is calculated from the Moon algorithm from the previous 14 digits. If the checksum doesn't match when you check the calculator, then the number was generated randomly or changed by mistake.
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The IMEI matching on the box, in settings and when you enter the *#06# code is the main feature of the original device, and discrepancy in at least one digit indicates a serious problem.