Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to know a unique device identifier, a request that usually occurs when registering a warranty, linking a Mi Account or unlocking a bootloader. Users search for a “keyboard number,” meaning they can enter a special code to display technical information.
In fact, the Android operating system doesn't have a separate keyboard with numbers like the old push-button phones. USSD-commands through a standard dialing panel that allows you to instantly access data about the device. This is the fastest way, not requiring a deep dive into the settings menu.
In this article, we will discuss how to find the code you want, where it can be physically located on the case, and how to obtain data using software methods, learn about the differences between IMEI and serial number, and get instructions for different versions of the MIUI shell and HyperOS.
Search for numbers through the engineering menu and code set
The most common way that users call “keyboard number search” is to use a universal engineering code, which is to open the standard Phone app (green handset), which is part of the Android system.
Once you enter the last grille symbol, a pop-up will automatically appear on the screen, displaying a table with your smartphone’s technical data, and here you will see one or two IMEI numbers (for dual-symbol models), as well as S/N (serial number) and MEID.
⚠️ Note: Enter the code carefully. While this request is secure, a random set of other engineering combinations (e.g., starting with ##) can change the hidden system settings, causing the communication modules to work in an unstable manner.
If the *#06# code didn’t work or the window didn’t appear, you may have a modified firmware version or a call blocker installed on your device that intercepts input, in which case you might want to try using the alternative methods described below.
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If the code doesn’t work, make sure that there is no restriction in the Phone app settings to display pop-ups on top of other apps.
How to find a number in the settings of the smartphone
If using code through the keyboard is impossible or inconvenient, all the information can be found in the operating system interface. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. Open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom.
At the bottom of the list of options, select About Phone (or About Device) and here are the basic information: model, Android version, storage capacity and, of course, the identifiers you want. In newer versions of the HyperOS shell, this section may be called General Information.
Click on the line with the CPU version or system logo several times to see the advanced information if it is hidden.
- 📱 Common IMEI — main identifier of equipment.
- 🔢 IMEI (1) and IMEI (2) - individual numbers for each SIM-map.
- 🆔 Serial number – a unique device code for service.
- 🌐 MAC-Address – identifier of the Wi-Fi network interface.
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The data in the "About the phone" section fully corresponds to the information sewn into the factory firmware, and is official for registration of the device.
Physical location of the room on the body
In situations where the phone is not turning on or the screen is broken, you can find out the number from the factory markings. On modern Xiaomi smartphones, the information is most often marked on the original packaging. Find a box from the device: on one of the side faces or on the back wall there will be a sticker with bar codes.
On the sticker itself, look for the IMEI and S/N lines. The numbers can be duplicated as a barcode for scanning. This is the most reliable source of data, as it is independent of the state of the phone's software.
Some models, especially those released a few years ago, may have a sticker with information on the back of the device (if it is not removable) or under the tray. SIM-However, in modern conditions, manufacturers try to minimize the marking on the case, so reliance on the box becomes the standard.
| Method of searching | Incorporation required | Accuracy of data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code *#06# | Yes. | 100% | Low. |
| Settings (About the phone) | Yes. | 100% | Low. |
| Box/Sticker | No. | 100% | Low. |
| Google (Find My Device) | Yes (online) | Tall. | Medium |
Use of Google Account and Xiaomi Services
If the device itself is restricted but previously linked to an account, the number can be found via a web interface. Google Find My Device displays connected gadgets. Sign in to your Google account from your computer.
In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi smartphone. The details sometimes show the model and the latest location data, but IMEI is rarely shown here for security reasons. More informative may be the personal account on the mi.com website or in the Mi Store app if you registered the device.
Why is IMEI important for security?
Also check your Google account activity history. In the Security section -> Your devices, you can see a list of the gadgets that logged in from. Although the full IMEI may be hidden there (for example, only the last 4 digits show), this will help make sure you are looking at the data of the phone that you lost or are selling.
Checking through ADB and computer
For advanced users who are involved in flashing or deep diagnostics, there is a way to get a number through USB debugging. You will need a computer, cable and installed ADB drivers (Android Debug Bridge), which works even if the screen sensor does not respond, but the system boots.
Connect your smartphone to your PC, turn on debugging mode (if it was activated earlier in the Developer Menu). Open the command line on your computer and type in the command:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1When asked, the system will return a string of hexadecimal code that needs to be decoded, or immediately give out an IMEI in an understandable format, depending on the Android version.
Checklist: Preparing data before selling or repairing
Before transferring a device to a service center or a new owner, it is critical to record its identification information, which will protect you from fraud and help in the event of loss of the device.
☑️ Checking before handing over the device
Make sure the numbers recorded match on the box and in the system.Differences may indicate that the smartphone case has been replaced or the device is assembled from different parts ("Frankenstein"), which reduces its market value.
Frequent problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where instead of IMEI numbers, you see “Null”, “Unknown” or a string of zeros, which indicates a serious software error, damage to the NVRAM partition or failed firmware reflashing.
In such cases, standard methods of searching for "keyboard numbers" will not help, since the data is lost from memory. You need to restore the backup of the NVRAM or flash the stock image through Fastboot mode. If the phone is new and shows zeros, this is a warranty case that requires a return to the store.
⚠️ Note: Never buy a smartphone that has a IMEI It's displayed as "Null" or it doesn't match the sticker on the box, and it's probably a stolen or artisanal device that operators can block.
And remember, IMEI is not a password, you can tell the seller for verification, but it doesn't give you access to your personal data, photos or correspondence, but it doesn't make sense to hide it when you sell it, either, because it's the main identifier of the device.