Why IMEI is so important for Xiaomi tablets and where to look
Each Xiaomi tablet β whether itβs the flagship Pad 6 Pro series or the budget Redmi Pad SE β has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) identifier. This 15-digit code isnβt just a device passport: it ties the gadget to mobile networks, helps block stolen devices, and even affects communication quality. Without the correct IMEI, the tablet will not be able to call (if it supports LTE), connect to 4G/5G or pass verification when sold in the secondary market.
The problem is that the manufacturer rarely places IMEI in a prominent place. Unlike smartphones, where code is often duplicated under the battery, Xiaomi tablets hide it deeper - in firmware, on the packaging or even in the engineering menu. This article will help you find IMEI on any model, from the old Mi Pad 4 to the fresh Pad 6 Max, including dual-SIM devices (two IMEIs) and Wi-Fi-only versions (without IMEI!).
Method 1: Through tablet settings (fastest)
If the tablet is on and running smoothly, start with this method, which requires no additional tools and takes less than a minute:
- Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
- Go to the About phone section (on some firmware - About the tablet).
- Slip on the item General information or Model Information.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block (or IMEI1/IMEI2 for two SIM cards).
On tablets with MIUI 14/15, the path may be slightly different: Settings β About tablet β All specs β IMEI status. If the partition is missing, then your model supports only Wi-Fi (for example, Xiaomi Pad 5 Wi-Fi) and it does not have IMEI.
β οΈ Note: Some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) IMEI It may not be displayed correctly or it may not be displayed. In this case, use alternative methods from this article.
Method 2: Using code *#06# (Universal) USSD-request)
This method works on all Xiaomi tablets with mobile support (LTE/5G), even if the device is locked or not activated.
- Open the Phone app** (if you donβt have one, use any dialing app from Google Play).
In 1-2 seconds, a window with one or two IMEIs (for dual-SIM models) will appear on the screen, which works even on tablets with a damaged screen if the touchscreen is partially working, and the main advantage is that you do not need to search for a menu or connect the tablet to a PC.
π‘
If nothing happens after entering *#06#, check if your model supports mobile connectivity. For example, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Wi-Fi does not have a module. LTE and will not respond to USSD-request.
Method 3: On the box or sticker of the device
The manufacturer duplicates the IMEI on physical media, which is a requirement of international standards.
- π·οΈ Sticker on the tablet: On the back panel under the tray for SIM-On the cards (if any) LTE (For example, Redmi Pad Wi-Fi stickers may not be.
If the sticker is erased or the box is lost, try taking a picture of it in advance (many users do so when buying).The IMEIs on the box and in the tablet settings should match - if not, this is a sign of counterfeit or "gray" imports.
| Model tablet | IMEI on the box | IMEI in settings | IMEI via *#06# |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro 5G | β Yes (2 pcs.) | β Yes. | β Yes. |
| Redmi Pad SE | β Yes (1 pc.) | β Yes. | β Yes. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5 Wi-Fi | β No. | β No. | β No. |
| Mi Pad 4 LTE | β Yes (1 pc.) | β Yes. | β Yes. |
Method 4: Through ADB (for advanced users)
If the tablet is not turned on but is responsive to a PC connection, you can extract the IMEI via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
- Install ADB Tools on your computer.
- Connect the tablet to your PC via USB (enable USB debugging in the developer settings if the device is working).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
- IMEI will appear in the response format XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.
For models with two SIM cards, use the commands:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 2What if ADB canβt see the tablet?
Method 5: Engineering menu (hidden settings)
On Xiaomi tablets with Qualcomm processors (such as the Pad 5 Pro or Redmi Pad), IMEI can be found in the engineering menu. Careful: do not change other settings here so as not to disrupt the device!
- Open the Phone app** and type in ##4636###
Some of the firmwares have a different path:
##36446337##If the engineering menu does not open, then the manufacturer has blocked access - use other methods.
βοΈ Preparation for verification IMEI
Method 6: Through Xiaomi account (if the tablet is tied)
If you have signed in to Mi Account on a tablet, IMEI can be found in your personal account on Xiaomi's website, which is useful if the device is lost or stolen:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in to your account.
- Open the Devices or Find Device section.
- Select your tablet from the list β IMEI will be listed in detail.
This method only works if:
- π The tablet was tied to the account before loss/theft.
- π‘ The device at least once went online after tethering.
- π You didnβt reset your settings to factory after you unbundled your account.
β οΈ Note: If the tablet was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, you will not be able to see it. IMEI In this case, ask the code from the seller or use other methods.
Method 7: Check of purchase or documents of the operator
If you bought the tablet in an official store or from a telecom operator, the IMEI may be listed in:
- π Check purchases: In some networks (for example, Messenger or MTS) break through IMEI sell-off.
- π Contract with the operator: If the tablet was bought in installments or with a tariff, IMEI documented.
- π³ Bank statement: When paying by card in some banks (for example, Tinkoff), the payment description may be specified IMEI.
This method is relevant for devices purchased in Russia, the EU or China (official dealers), on AliExpress or in uncertified IMEI stores, the checks are usually not indicated.
π‘
IMEI is not the same as serial number (S/N). Serial number is unique for each device, but not tied to mobile networks. IMEI can be changed software (illegally), and S/N can not.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When searching for IMEI, users often face typical problems:
- π Β«No section. IMEI In settings": So your model does not support mobile communication (for example, Xiaomi Pad) 6 Use other identifiers, such as Wi-Fi, S/N.
- π Β«IMEI Box and tablet do not match": This is a sign of counterfeit or "gray" imports. Check the device through IMEI.info.
- π΅ Β«Tablets don't turn on and no boxes": Try the method with ADB Or contact the Xiaomi service center with a check of purchase.
If you suspect that the IMEI is fake or altered, check it through the official databases:
https://www.imei.info/check/Enter the code in the box and make sure the model matches your tablet. For example, for the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro, the results should show information about 5G support and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor.