Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the challenge of knowing their device’s unique identification number. IMEI, It's a digital passport of a phone and it's required to unlock over the network, check warranty or sell a gadget. MIUI The procedure for obtaining this data is as simplified as possible, but there are nuances that every user should know about.
There are several ways to get the information you need, from simple keyboard combinations to deep analysis of system files, an identification number that is assigned to the manufacturer and stitched into the memory of the communication module, making it virtually unchanged under standard operating conditions, and we will analyze all available methods so that you can choose the most convenient for your situation.
It's important to understand that dual-symbol devices will have two of these codes, and they may differ from each other. For eSIM-enabled models, a third EID is added, which may also be required when a virtual SIM card is activated. Let's look at the basic methods for obtaining this information in more detail.
Using engineering code for quick checks
The fastest and most reliable way to work on 99 percent of devices, regardless of the firmware version, is to type a special command into the call menu, so you don't have to look for complex settings or connect the phone to your computer, just open a standard caller and type in a sequence of characters.
Type *#06# on the keyboard. Immediately after entering the last character (#), a pop-up will automatically appear on the screen, which will display all the necessary data: IMEI for the first SIM card, IMEI for the second (if supported) and the serial number of the device (SN).
This method reads information directly from the NVRAM (energy-independent memory) modem.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to enter other codes from the Internet without checking, as some engineering menus may contain settings, changing which will lead to loss of communication or unstable operation of the smartphone.
If for some reason the code didn’t work (for example, a third-party call is installed that blocks system commands), try the following method through the system interface.
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If the *#06# code doesn’t work, make sure you’re using Google’s standard Phone app or Mi Dialer, rather than third-party counterparts like Truecaller.
Search for information in the settings of the MIUI system
The HyperOS or MIUI graphical interface provides easy access to technical information about the device, which is ideal if the screen is touch-sensitive and touch-sensitive, but the call keyboard is not available for some reason. You need to follow a certain path in the menu.
Open the Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. This shows the basic summary: CPU model, Android version and shell. Find the General Information bar or look at the list below right away — often IMEI is listed there. If there is no data, click All Settings or Details.
In the list you will see a detailed description of the hardware.
☑️ Search algorithm in the menu
For ease of copying, newer versions of the shell have a long-press function. Hold your finger on the IMEI string for 2-3 seconds, and the system automatically copies the value to the clipboard, which eliminates errors when manually entering numbers, which is especially important, since a single-digit error will make the code invalid.
Physical marking: box and body of the device
If the smartphone doesn’t turn on, the screen is broken or the device is locked, the only source of information is physical labeling. Xiaomi manufacturers are required to apply a unique code on the packaging and, in some models, on the case itself.
The back of the original cardboard box always has a barcode sticker.
- 📦 Device model and colour
- 📦 IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 (for Dual) SIM)
- 📦 Serial number (S/N)
- 📦 MAC-Wi-Fi and Bluetooth addresses
On some models, especially those with a non-removable battery, the information is duplicated on a sticker under the back cover or directly on the case. However, in today's thin smartphones, the marking on the case is often missing, so the box remains the main document.
| Place of application | Availability | Reliability | Risk of forgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen (code *#06#) | Phone needs to be turned on | Tall. | Low (programmatic) |
| MIUI settings | Access to the menu is required | Tall. | Low. |
| Box | Always available. | Medium | Tall (easily re-adhesive) |
| Slot SIM-map | Paperclip required | Tall. | Very low. |
Compare the numbers on the box to the ones on the screen of the phone that's on. If they don't match, it's an alarm, maybe the device was assembled from different parts or changed the motherboard.
Checking through the tray SIM-maps and Google account
Micro-parts like the SIM card tray are often ignored, but that's where manufacturers apply laser engraved identification numbers, and this is done for cases where the box is lost and the phone is turned off.
Remove the tray with a paper clip and inspect it carefully in good light. On some Redmi and Xiaomi models, the number is knocked out very finely, so you may need a magnifier or macro camera of another smartphone.
Another digital footprint remains in your Google account, and if your phone ever connected to the Internet, it could have been saved to your profile:
- Visit the Google website from a computer or other device.
- Go to Security -> Your Devices.
- Find your Xiaomi smartphone in the list.
- IMEI is sometimes displayed in (details) although Google often hides it for privacy purposes.
⚠️ Please note: Do not rely solely on data from your Google account for official police or service requests, as this information may not be complete or outdated.
Diagnostics through the CIT and ADB menu
For advanced users and service center professionals, there is a CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu, which is an engineering section designed to test all modules of the phone, and is logged in via code ##6484## or through the settings menu (About Phone -> Version of the Kernel -> Press 5-7 times).
From the CIT menu, select Version or Single Item Test -> IMEI Info. This displays "honest" information from the modem that is harder to forge with software than with a regular interface.
If the phone does not respond to touch, but turns on, you can use debugging over USB (ADB).
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1This command will return the line with IMEI It's a hexadecimal format that you're going to have to decode. IT-Professionals and requires an established platform SDK PC-only.
Why do IMEIs need to be on the Engineering Menu?
Conformity analysis and authentication
Once you get the code, you have to figure out what to do with it, because just having 15 digits doesn't guarantee that the phone is original, and Chinese craftsmen have learned to stitch clones so that they can display any number.
For deep verification, use specialized resources:
- 🔍 Official Mi Verify website (if available in the region).
- 🔍 Base-based verification services GSMA (International Mobile Equipment Identity Database).
- 🔍 Aggregator sites that check the warranty activation date.
Type the number in the search box on the site. The system will show the model, color and date of the first turn on. If you bought the phone as a "new" and it was activated a year ago, this is a reason to return. Also pay attention to the region: if the phone is bought in Europe and the database is listed as a Chinese version, it is a gray import (Global ROM based on China ROM).
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The IMEI matching on the box, in the system and in the GSMA database is the only guarantee that you own the original device, and not a quality replica.
Regularly checking this data helps to avoid problems when you block lost devices by telecom operators.