Finding a unique mobile device ID is often a necessity in a variety of situations, from registering a phone with a telecom operator to checking a gadget for theft when buying from hand. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO products may be faced with the question of where exactly this code is located, especially if the box from the device has already been lost or the sticker on the case has been erased. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that is assigned to each mobile phone during production and serves as its digital passport in GSM networks.
There are several reliable ways to get this information, and they don't require an internet connection or special programming knowledge. Android, which runs the MIUI or HyperOS shell, provides users with a variety of tools to access technical information. We'll look at all the current methods, from the simplest to the more advanced options for cases where the smartphone screen is broken or the device is not turned on.
It is important to understand that in modern smartphones with support for two SIM-The cards will have two separate numbers. IMEI, The identifiers may differ from each other, so when filling out warranty cards or reports to the police, you must specify the number that corresponds to the active slot.
Use of universality USSD-team
The fastest and most time-tested method, which works on all mobile phones, regardless of the model or version of the operating system, is to type in a dedicated service command. You don't have to search for menu items or download apps. You just have to open the standard Phone program, which you usually make calls through, and go to dial mode.
Enter the *#06# character combination. Once you enter the last grille sign, the system window with technical information will automatically open on the screen. On Xiaomi devices with two slots under SIM-You will see two 15-digit codes signed as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.The serial number of the device is also often displayed here (SN) and MAC-address of the Wi-Fi module.
๐ก
If the code doesn't appear immediately after entering the last digit, try pressing the call button (green tube). On some older versions of the firmware, automatic start may be disabled.
This method works even if it is not on the phone. SIM-card or it's locked PIN-The system reads information directly from the memory of the communication module, but if your smartphone screen is broken and the sensor does not respond to touch, this method, unfortunately, will not help, because you will not be able to enter a command.
Search for information in system settings
If the display is functioning normally, but you prefer the visual interface, all the information can be found in the settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same. Usually the data you need is hidden in the About Phone section.
To get to the desired point, follow the following steps:
- ๐ฑ Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- ๐ Select About Phone (usually at the top of the list).
- ๐ Scroll down to the General Information or All Options sectionยป.
- ๐๏ธ Click on the โStatusโ line or youโll see it right away. IMEI list of main features.
In some versions of firmware, the number may be hidden by default for privacy purposes, in which case there will be an arrow or a "View" button next to the IMEI, click on it to reveal the full 15-digit code, and you can also see the serial number of the device, which is often required to register at service centers.
โ๏ธ Checking the data in the menu
The advantage of this method is that you see not only numbers, but also other useful information about the status of the device, such as the operating time or the version of the baseband, and if you're planning to flash or reset, it's worth writing down in advance.
Visual inspection of the case and box
When a smartphone is turned off, discharged, or not turned on, physical media come to the rescue. When you buy a new device, there is always a cardboard box, on one side of which there is a white sticker with barcodes, and this is where the manufacturer duplicates all the key identifiers: IMEI, serial number and model.
If there is no box, take a close look at the smartphone itself. On older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 3, Redmi) 4X) The code sticker was placed on the back cover under the battery or directly on it. However, modern devices have a single, non-shattered case, and they are often missing. SIM-The text can be very small, so use a magnifier or a macro camera phone.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Case stickers may fade or wear off over time, especially if you are carrying a phone without a case.The information on the box remains unchanged, so keep the packaging at least for the warranty period.
It is also worth checking the tray for SIM-on some Redmi models and POCO number IMEI And this is done in microscopic print, right on a metal or plastic tray that's being removed by the paper clip, so that the tray and the board fit together, which is important when you're repairing.
Verification through Google Account
Owners of Android devices can use Googleโs cloud service to search for their phone, which is especially useful if the device is lost but has previously logged in to your Google account and enabled geolocation. Find the device service allows not only location tracking, but also technical specifications.
Go to google.com/android/find from any computer or other smartphone. Sign in with the same account you used on a lost or blocked Xiaomi. Choose your device list (if there are more than one) and the device card, usually at the bottom of the screen or in the option menu (three dots or gear), will indicate IMEI and the serial number.
| Method of searching | Screen on required | We need the Internet. | Data reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD-team | Yes. | No. | Tall. |
| MIUI settings | Yes. | No. | Tall. |
| Box/Sticker | No. | No. | Medium (may wear off) |
| Google Account | No. | Yes (on the device) | Tall. |
Using a Google account also allows you to remotely lock or erase your device, making this a double security tool, but remember that data in the cloud can be updated with a delay if your phone has not been online for a long time.
Engineering menu and ADB-team
For advanced users who are working with USB debugging or repair, there are deeper ways to get information. Xiaomiโs Engineering Menu contains comprehensive information about the radio module. To get there, you can use the command ##64663# (test menu), but direct access to IMEI is often hidden there.
A more efficient way for a PC is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) platform. If the phone is debugging over USB, connect it to your computer and execute the command in the terminal:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1This command will request subscription information from the phone subsystem and output IMEI in hexadecimal or direct format, depending on the version of Android. On new versions of Android 10+, access to this data through ADB may be limited by security policies.
What if the ADB canโt see the device?
Another option for engineers is to use special utilities like Mi Assistant or Mi Flash firmware tools. When you connect your phone to Fastboot mode, the utility will show the serial number that you can use to break IMEI in service center databases, although Fastboot IMEI is rarely displayed directly.
What to do if the IMEI is not readable or is zero
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where zeros (000000000000000000000000) or a message "Null" are displayed instead of a 15-digit code. This is a serious problem, indicating damage to the software responsible for the operation of the radio module or physical damage to the board. Without a valid IMEI, the phone will not be able to register with the operator's network, and calls will not be possible.
The reasons for this error may be as follows:
- ๐ Failure to update firmware or interrupt the recording process.
- ๐ ๏ธ Unqualified repairs with replacement of motherboard without soldering of memory chip.
- ๐ฆ Action of viruses or malware that damages the system partition EFS/NVRAM.
- ๐ง Moisture on modem contacts.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Self-Attempt to Restoreยป IMEI third-party (IMEI Changer) can lead to a complete lockdown of the device by telecom operators or turn the smartphone into a โbrickโ. IMEI unlawfully.
If you encounter such a problem, the only right solution is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, specialists will be able to read factory data from the backup (if it is on the manufacturerโs server by serial number) and write them back into memory using licensed equipment.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I change the IMEI to Xiaomi?
What is the difference between IMEI and serial number?
What if IMEIs are different on the box and on the phone?
Where can I find IMEI if the screen is completely broken and doesnโt show an image?
๐ก
Keep a photo of the box and check in the cloud is the most reliable way to restore access to the device codes in the event of loss or breakage of the smartphone.