IMEI Xiaomi: How to know why and what to do when you make a mistake

Every Xiaomi smartphone, like any other mobile device, has a unique identifier. IMEI. This 15-digit code is not just a set of numbers: it defines the legality of the device, its binding to the operator and even affects the quality of communication. IMEI Is it possible to restore it yourself? And why some Xiaomi devices have two? IMEI?

In this article, we will discuss everything about IMEI From basic concepts to complex cases where code is lost or blocked, you will learn how to authenticate the device where it is stored. IMEI In firmware, and what risks are borne by buying a smartphone with a "gray" ID, and for owners of models with two SIM cards - a separate section on working with dual cards. IMEI.

What is IMEI and why is it needed for Xiaomi?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique number that is assigned to each mobile device during the manufacturing phase:

• 🔍 Device identification in mobile networks. IMEI, Distinguish your Redmi Note 12 from millions of other gadgets.
• 📡 Network access control. IMEI blocked (for example, when theft), the smartphone will not be able to connect to cellular communication.
• 🛡️ Cloning protection: Fake devices often have duplicated or invalid devices IMEI, That gives them their illegal origin.
• 🔧 Technical support: When contacting the Xiaomi service center IMEI You can track the history of the device.

On Xiaomi smartphones IMEI It can be one or two, depending on the number of physical modems. X5 Pro with two-strength support SIM-cards have two different IMEI: One for each SIM, and both codes are written in the firmware and on the sticker under the battery (if it is removable).

It is important to understand that IMEI — It's not the same as a serial number (S/N) is assigned by the manufacturer for inventory, and IMEI — It is an international standard regulated by the organization. GSMA. Without the right one. IMEI The smartphone will not be certified and will not be sold legally.

Where to see. IMEI Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Find out. IMEI Xiaomi can be used in a number of ways, from basic to hidden:

1. Through phone settings

The easiest way is:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap on item All parameters (or General information on the MIUI 14+).
3. Find the section IMEI — All codes will be specified (for dual-SIM models).

2. With the help of USSD-code

In the application, type the combination *#06#. In a second, a window with a screen will appear on the phone. IMEI (two-way IMEI, If you have a Xiaomi 13 Ultra or another model with two SIMs, this method works even without the use of a single device. SIM-map.

3. On or under the battery

IMEI always duplicate:

• 📦 On the sticker at the back of the original box (near the barcode).
• 🔋 Under a removable battery (relevant for older models like Redmi) 4A).
• 📄 In the warranty card (if you bought in the official store).

4. Through the Engineering Menu (for Advanced)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, after a firmware reset), try:

1. Dial ##4636###.
2. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
3. Scroll down to the IMEI block.

⚠️ Note: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu – this can lead to loss of the network!

5. Through ADB (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the smartphone does not boot, but reacts to the connection to the PC, use ADB:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

The team will return the lines from IMEI. This method requires the included debugging on USB (if it was activated before it broke down).

Contrast IMEI on the box and in settings

Check the code through *#06#

Make sure IMEI Not blacklisted (website) GSMA)

Ask the seller to show you both the work SIM-cards (if dual-SIM)-->

Why? IMEI Xiaomi could be lost and how to fix it

Loss of loss IMEI — One of the most frustrating problems Xiaomi has, because it's making it impossible for a smartphone to call and use the mobile Internet:

• 🔄 Wrong firmware, most of the time. IMEI Flying off after installing custom Recovery (TWRP) or unofficial firmware.
• ⚡ Reset to factory settings. In rare cases, a reset via Fastboot can erase the partition with IMEI.
• 🛠️ Motherboard repairs. If the wizard didn't keep a backup of the NV-data, IMEI may disappear.
• 🦠 Virus software: Some Trojans can damage system files that identify a device.

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI disappeared after updating OTA, Do not try to stitch the device again - this can aggravate the problem.

Restore IMEI two ways:

1. Through the Engineering Menu (if any) IMEI It just got lost, but it didn't completely erase).
2. Through NV-data firmware (requires a backup or original file from the manufacturer).

Detailed instructions for each method are in the following sections.

Recovery IMEI through the engineering menu (without root)

If IMEI It appears as Null or 000000000000000000, but the phone is turned on, try to restore it through hidden settings:

1. Type #36446337## (or #4636## on new models).
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information.
3. Select Radio Information.
4. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1" AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2" (for the second slot, if there is one).
5. Press Send AT Command and restart your phone.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all Xiaomi models.On Qualcomm Snapdragon processor devices (e.g. Poco) F5) The odds are higher than those on MediaTek (Redmi Note 12) 5G).

If, after entering the command, IMEI If you don't have a problem, it's deeper, it's a damaged NV-data partition.

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Before recovery IMEI backup your data via Mi Cloud or ADB In rare cases, the procedure may result in resetting of settings.

NV-data firmware for recovery IMEI (advanced)

If the engineering menu does not help, you will have to flash the NV-data section where it is stored. IMEI. This method requires:

• 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed (depending on the processor).
• 🔌 USB-TypeC cable (original so there are no connection problems).
• 📁 Backup of NV-data (if not, you can try to find a stock file for your model).

Instructions for Qualcomm devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T):

1. Download the tool. QPST and set it up.
2. Connect the phone in mode EDL (This may require the closure of testpoints on the board).
3. V QPST Choose Software Download → Specify the path to the NV-data file.
4. Press Start and wait for the firmware to be completed.

For devices on MediaTek (Redmi Note 11) use SP Flash Tool:

1. Download stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. V SP Flash Tool select Scatter-file and only select the NV-data section.
3. Connect the phone to the PC (without the battery if it is removable).
4. Press Download and wait for the process to end.

Critical: Firmware NV-data without backup can lead to total loss IMEI. If you do not have a backup, contact the service center - independent actions are fraught with "bricking" the device.

IMEI The Law: What Xiaomi Owners Need to Know

IMEI — It is not just a technical identifier, but also a subject of legal regulation. In some countries (for example, India, Pakistan, Turkey) smartphones with invalid or duplicated IMEI prohibited for use and can be blocked by the operator at the request of the authorities.

In Russia and CIS countries, there are no strict restrictions, but there are nuances:

• 📵 Lock-in IMEI. If the phone is stolen and the owner has filed a report with the police, operators can block it. IMEI on your network (but not all networks at once).
• 🔄 Fake. IMEI. Smartphones with cloned IMEI (Commonly found among China's "gray" Xiaomis can be disconnected from the network without warning.
• 🛂 Customs regulations: Customs can check when importing the device into the country IMEI legality (especially relevant for Xiaomi models purchased on AliExpress without certification).

⚠️ When buying Xiaomi with your hands, always check. IMEI base GSMA (If the code is listed as stolen or non-existent, refuse the transaction - such a phone can be blocked at any time.

Two. IMEI Xiaomi: How it works and why it works

Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13T) two-way SIM-The cards and therefore have two IMEI. This is not a mistake, but a feature of architecture:

• 📶 Two modems, each SIM-The card is connected to a separate radio frequency module, each of which has its own IMEI.
• 🔄 Flexible switching. You can use one. SIM for calls and the second for mobile internet (Dual function) SIM Dual Standby).
• 🌍 International roaming. IMEI Allows you to use locally SIM-Cards in different countries without changing the device.

How to manage two IMEI:

1. In the settings SIM-Mobile networks and maps can be assigned to everyone IMEI a separate name (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal").
2. When you call, you can choose which one SIM Call (a pop-up window will appear).
3. Mobile Internet will only work on this SIM, which is activated in the data transmission settings.

⚠️ Attention: If one of the IMEI It's gone (for example, after firmware), the second one can continue to work, but that doesn't mean the problem has solved itself - restore both codes to avoid problems in the future.

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Two. IMEI It doesn't mean that you're going to double the speed of the Internet. 4G+ or 5G, not quantity IMEI.

Frequent questions about IMEI on Xiaomi