Why Xiaomi Redmiβs IMEI is more important than you think
The International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each smartphone during the production phase. For Xiaomi Redmi owners, knowing this number is critical not only when locking a device in the event of a theft, but also to verify the originality of the device, unlock the bootloader or restore access to the network after software failures.
Unlike the serial number, which is often duplicated in single-party devices, the IMEI is guaranteed to be unique: it is your digital phone passport that telecom operators use to identify on the network. For example, when buying a used Redmi Note 12 by IMEI, you can check whether the gadget is on the blacklist of stolen devices or has not been restored after drowning (such devices are often sold as βnewβ).
In this article, weβll look at all the ways you can find IMEIs on Xiaomi Redmi, from the standard (through settings) to the little-known (for example, through the engineering menu), and how to decrypt information by IMEI and why some Redmi models can display two identifiers.
Method 1: Standard Way through Phone Settings
The most obvious and safe method is to look at IMEI in the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi Redmi models, including the latest Redmi Note 13 and Redmi 12 series, as well as on custom firmware devices (for example, MIUI Global or MIUI EU).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (on some versions of MIUI - About Device).
- Put on the item All characteristics (or General information).
- Find a line. IMEI β There may be one or two numbers (for two-numbered devices). SIM-map).
Check if the βAbout Phoneβ section is hidden in the developerβs settings
Restart your phone and try again.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Try alternative methods (see below)-->
On some firmware (for example, MIUI China) the path may be slightly different: Settings β System and device β The phone. β Status SIM-If you have a Redmi with a card. NFC, You can also check the serial number of the chip in the same menu.
β οΈ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader) IMEI It can be reset after firmware, and then it has to be restored through an engineering menu or service utility.
Method 2: USSD-code - quick access without the Internet
If your phone is on and you have access to the keyboard, the quickest way to find out is to get a phone on. IMEI β introduce USSD-This method works even without code. SIM-card and does not require a connection to the network.
How to do this:
- Open the phone (calling) application.
- Enter the combination: *#06#.
- A window with one or two numbers will appear on the screen. IMEI (depending SIM-map).
This method is universal for all Xiaomi Redmi, including old models like Redmi 4X and new flagships like Redmi K60 Pro. The main advantage is not to look for a menu: the code works even on a locked screen (if the Emergency Call function is enabled).
Only when buying a used phone
Regularly (once every six months)
Never checked.
I don't know why it's necessary.-->
If nothing happens after entering the code, check:
- π± Are there restrictions on USSD-requests (for example, through blocking applications).
- π Have you lost your network settings (try to switch flight mode).
- π οΈ Is the stainless stainless stainless (on some of the stains) ROM may not work).
Method 3: IMEI on the box and under the battery
If the phone is not switched on or locked, the IMEI can be found on physical media, and the manufacturer duplicates this number in two places:
- On the box: usually on a barcode sticker (near the serial number and model data).
- Under the battery: On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 5A or Redmi 6), the IMEI is indicated on a sticker under the removable lid.
Important: The box may be listed IMEI first SIM-The second slot will have to use other ways.
| Xiaomi Redmi Model | IMEI on the box | IMEI under the battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Yes (1st slot) | No (non-removable battery) | The second slot IMEI must be checked through the settings |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Yeah (both slots) | Yeah (on the sticker under the lid) | In some parts, the IMEI is duplicated. |
| Redmi K50/K60 | Yes (1st slot) | No. | For the second slot, use *#06# |
| Redmi 7/8/8A | Yes. | Yeah (under the removable lid) | IMEIs on the box and under the battery must match |
β οΈ Attention: If IMEI The box and the phone are not the same, which means that:
- π§ The phone was repaired with the replacement of the motherboard (IMEI tethered).
- π¨ Device stolen and reflashed (check through imei.info database).
- π¦ The box is not original (often found when buying on marketplaces).
Method 4: Through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)
If standard methods fail (for example, after a firmware reset), IMEI can be found in the engineering menu, which is suitable for Xiaomi Redmi models on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with Snapdragon 778G).
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code: ##4636###.
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block (may be called IMEI1 and IMEI2).
On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g., Redmi 10C with Helio G35), use the code ##36446337##. In the MTK IMEI engineering menu, you can see Connectivity β Radio Information.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. Incorrect settings can lead to loss of the network or damage to the communication module.
Method 5: Through ADB (for unlocked phones)
If you have access to the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can find out the IMEI via the command line, which is useful if the phone is on but the screen is not working or locked with a pattern lock.
How to do this:
- Connect Redmi to your PC via USB (enable debugging over USB in the developer settings).
- Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
- IMEI will be displayed in the answer in the format Result: Parcel(00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 '86XXXXXXXXXXXXX').
For devices with two SIM-Use the cards:
- For the first slot: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1
- For the second slot: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 2
adb shell getprop gsm.baseband.imeiThis team reads. IMEI directly from the system properties and works even on some custom firmware.-->
Note that MIUI 14 and later may require proof of debugging permission via USB on the first connection, and if the phone is locked, this method will not work.
Method 6: Check the IMEI through your Xiaomi account (if your phone is lost)
If you lost the Xiaomi Redmi or it was stolen, you can find out IMEI through your linked Mi Account.
- π The phone was tied to a Xiaomi account.
- π‘ Find Device (Device Search) has been activated.
- π You have access to the Internet.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the Devices tab.
- Find your Redmi list and click on it.
- In the Device Information section, IMEI will be listed.
If the phone is disconnected or discharged, the data can be displayed with a delay, and you can also use Mi Account to:
- π Find out the last location (if enabled) GPS).
- π Turn on the beep (even if the phone is silent).
- π Lock the device remotely.
β οΈ Warning: If the attacker reset the phone to factory settings, the Mi Account link can be deleted. IMEI It will not work through the web interface.
Method 7: Reading IMEI via Fastboot (for "bricks")
If the Xiaomi Redmi does not turn on (the so-called βbrickβ), but reacts to a connection to a PC (charging indicator burns or is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008), the IMEI can be considered via Fastboot mode.
Procedure:
- Install Platform Tools from Google.
- Connect the phone to the PC by holding the Power Button + Volume down (to log in to Fastboot).
- In the command line, run: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of your Redmi).
- Enter the command to read IMEI: fastboot getvar imei
If the command returns an empty value, try an alternative method:
fastboot oem readimeiSome models (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro) may require unlocking the bootloader. Be careful: the wrong commands in the Fastboot can permanently disable the phone.
π‘
If the phone is not detected in Fastboot but is responsive to charging, try the test point method, which requires disassembling the device and connecting to special contacts on the motherboard, a method recommended only for power users or service centers.
How to check the IMEI for originality and purity
Knowing IMEI doesn't do much unless you check its history.
- π Production Date (the first 6 digits encode the model and week of release).
- π Manufacturer (e.g. Foxconn or Foxconn) BBK Electronics).
- π¨ Blacklisted status (stolen/lost/blocked by operator).
- π History of repairs (if) IMEI shift).
Services for verification:
| Service | Checks | Reference | Free? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMEI.info | Model, characteristics, status in blacklists | imei.info | Yes (basic information) |
| IMEI24.com | Detailed code decoding, device history | imei24.com | No (paid report) |
| SNEPI | Checking for stolen/lost devices (MVD base) | snepi.mvd.ru | Yes. |
| Xiaomi Official | Original Device (Mi Account only) | mi.com/verify | Yes. |
Important: If the phone model does not match the one on the box when checking for IMEI.info (for example, POCO X3 is displayed instead of the Redmi Note 11), this is a sure sign of a fake or re-interlaced device.
Also note:
- π’ Parity of the last digit: IMEI It always ends with a number calculated by the Moon's algorithm β IMEI fake.
- π Duplication IMEI: If both slots show the same number, it could mean that the phone is made from parts.