Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even after years of release, owners face the need to know it. IMEI. This 15-digit code is used to unlock after theft, verify originality, activate warranty or even restore communication after a firmware failure.The problem is that standard methods (such as the *#06# set) sometimes don’t work due to the peculiarities of the system. MIUI or hardware malfunctions.
In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to get IMEI on Redmi 8 – from obvious (via phone settings) to little-known (for example, using an engineering menu or ADB-We will pay special attention to the hidden nuances of the 2019 model: why code can be duplicated, how to distinguish the original code. IMEI And what to do if the phone doesn't turn on? All the instructions are tested on the current versions. MIUI 12–14.
1. Standard USSD-Why Redmi 8 might not work on the code
The most common method is to set the *#06# combination in the Phone app, which brings the IMEI to the screen instantly on most devices, but Redmi 8 owners sometimes face two problems:
- 📱 The code is not displayed - instead IMEI You get a message that says "Unknown Team" or a blank screen, and it's because engineering teams are blocked in some regional firmware.
- 🔄 Duplication IMEI — The smartphone shows two identical codes, although it should display two different (for each slot) SIM). This happens after unofficial firmware.
- 🚫 Prohibition of entry USSD — If the phone is blocked by the operator (for example, when buying on credit), the code may not be executed.
If *#06# doesn't work, don't panic: it doesn't mean IMEI is erased. Just move on to the next one. And if the code does, take a picture of the screen, it's good for warranty.
2. IMEI in phone settings: where to look on MIUI 12–14
MIUI hides the IMEI deeper than standard Android, but the path to it is always the same.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - About Device).
- Put on the item All characteristics (or General information).
- Scroll down to the Status SIM block, and IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 will be here.
On the Redmi 8 with two SIM-If you see Unknown or No Service instead of numbers, it could mean:
- 🔌 Absent. SIM-card in the slot (insert any active card and reboot the phone).
- 📡 Problems with the modem - diagnostics are required in the service center.
- 🛠️ Reset IMEI After a failed firmware (solved by flashing through Fastboot).
☑️ Verification IMEI via settings
⚠️ Note: If the settings are displayed IMEI As 000000000000000000 or 444444444444444444444, this means that the code has been reset.
3. Box and documents: where else is IMEI stored
The manufacturer duplicates the IMEI on the original packaging and documentation. Redmi 8 has the code in three places:
- The sticker on the box is usually on the side, under the barcode. Look for the line IMEI1/IMEI2.
- Warranty card - in the column "Serial number" or "IMEI".
- Check purchase - if you bought in an official store (for example, Mi Store or from a telecom operator).
Check the codes from the box and from the phone settings, they should match. If not, this is a sign:
| Situation | Possible cause | What do you do? |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI on the box and on the phone are different | Phone recovered after the theft (IMEI changed) | Not to use - to contact the police |
| IMEI on the box erased or painted over | Fake packaging (often from "gray" vendors) | Check the originality through mi.com/verify |
| IMEIs on the box and on the phone match, but the phone does not catch the network | Hardware malfunction of antenna or modem | Diagnostics in the service |
If there is no box, try finding IMEI in your Mi Cloud account.
- Sign in to i.mi.com.
- Go to the "Devices" section» → Choose Redmi 8.
- The specifications will have a line with IMEI.
4. Engineering menu: a hidden way for power users
If standard methods fail, you can try to get an IMEI through an engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the network.
Instructions for Redmi 8:
- Open the phone app.
- Enter the code: ##4636###.
- In the menu that opens, select Device Information.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block.
If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative:
##36446337##⚠️ Attention: In the Redmi 8 engineering menu, there is a BandMode option that is responsible for network frequencies. Changing parameters without knowing the technical nuances can lead to loss of communication!
What to do if the engineering menu is blocked?
5. Through Google Account: If a phone is lost or stolen
If Redmi 8 is lost or stolen but was linked to a Google account, you can try finding IMEI through Find My Device.This method works even if the phone is turned off (if the Find My Device feature was previously active).
Step-by-step:
- Go to google.com/android/find.
- Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
- Select Redmi 8 from the list of devices.
- Press the badge. ⚙️ («Information») → In the "Technical Data" section, IMEI.
If the device does not appear in the list, check:
- 🔄 Was the Find Device feature enabled in the settings (Security) → Find the device).
- 📶 Was the phone last connected to the internet (via mobile or Wi-Fi).
- 🔒 Wasn’t the reset to factory settings (this untied Google account).
💡
If the phone is stolen, lock it right away through Find My Device and contact the police with IMEI. Fraudsters often re-fish the devices, but the original IMEI remains in the operator's database and can help with the search.
6. ADB-Teams: for advanced users
If the phone is turned on but the IMEI is not displayed in any of the above ways, you can try to get it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
- On your phone, turn on USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → tap 7 times on version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers → Debugging by USB).
- Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB-cable (original!).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3 The answer will be in Result: Parcel format (00000000 00100000000000000000000000 35373436 3039313334 35363700), where 353734363039313031323334353637 is IMEI in hexadecimal format. To convert it into a familiar form, use the HEX→ASCII converter.
Alternative command (works on most Xiaomi devices):
adb shell getprop gsm.baseband.imei⚠️ Attention: If ADB erroneously devices/emulators found, check: Is the phone connected in File Transfer mode (not Charging)? Is Xiaomi drivers installed on the PC (you can download it on the official website); Is debugging enabled on the Internet USB (Sometimes you need confirmation on your phone screen).
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ADB-The only way to get the method IMEI, If the phone screen is not working, USB-The ports are good, but it won't work if IMEI reset at the firmware level (in which case the code will appear as 000000000000000000000000000000).
7 Hardware methods: if the phone is not turned on
If the Redmi 8 doesn’t respond to charging and doesn’t show signs of life, there are two ways to know the IMEI:
- Under the battery — some Xiaomi models have the code duplicated on the sticker under the battery, but the Redmi 8 has a non-removable battery, and to get to it, you need to get to it: 🔧 Unscrew two screws in the lower part of the body (need a Torx screwdriver). T3). 📱 Push the back cover with a mediator (caution - you can damage the plumes!). 🔋 Disconnect the battery (do not risk it – it is better to entrust this service).
Through the service center
Xiaomi
mi.com/support
We warn: self-disassembly of Redmi 8 without experience is fraught with:
- 💥 Display plume damage (replacement cost up to 30% of the phone price).
- ⚡ Short circuit with careless handling of the battery.
- 🚫 Withdrawal from warranty – if the case was opened by an uncertified craftsman.
💡
If the phone doesn’t turn on but you need an IMEI (for insurance, for example), try plugging it into a 30-60-minute charger, sometimes a battery that’s dead blocks access to the boot menu.