Owning a modern smartphone means knowing its unique identifiers, and Xiaomi is no exception. IMEI-The code is a digital passport of your device, allowing you to distinguish the original gadget from a fake, as well as block the lost device through the operator. Users often face a situation where they need to find this number urgently, but the packaging is lost, and the phone itself may not even be turned on or blocked.
There are many hidden and explicit ways to access this information in the Miui and HyperOS ecosystems, and it's important to understand that two-symbol models will have two, and they must match the data on the box and on the system menu, and ignoring the verification of this data when buying a used device can lead to the purchase of a stolen or artisanal phone.
The following sections of the article describe in detail how to obtain an ID, ranging from simple key combinations to deep analysis through an engineering menu. We will discuss why the data in different places can differ and what to do if you see zeros or dashsheets instead of numbers. The IMEI match on the box, in the system and on the back cover (if it is removable) is the main sign of the legality of the device.
Use of universality USSD-team
The fastest and time-tested method, working on the vast majority of mobile devices, including budget models Redmi and flagship Mi. You do not need access to the Internet or login to your account, just open the application βPhoneβ and go to dial mode. This is a good thing because it works even if it SIM-The card is not installed or blocked.
To obtain information, you need to type a standard combination *#06#. Once you enter the last character, a pop-up will automatically appear on the screen, and one or two will be displayed. IMEI-code (depending on the number of slots) and possibly the serial number S/N. Note that on some HyperOS shell models, the window may disappear too quickly, so it is better to take a photo or rewrite the data immediately.
β οΈ Note: If after entering the command window does not appear, it is possible that a third-party dialer is installed in the system, which blocks the system USSD-Try temporarily installing the standard phone app from Google or Xiaomi.
The numbers you get should be checked against the box sticker, and if they match, that's a good sign, but if you're using a used phone, it's not enough to match them, because it's pretty easy to program the code you're displaying, so go to deeper checks.
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Before entering the command, make sure the screen is unlocked, as on a locked input screen, the command may not work on some versions of MIUI with protection turned on.
Search for an identifier in system settings
If the on-screen keyboard is not available or you want to double-check the data through the menu, the system settings provide exhaustive information.The path to data may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, but the logic remains the same for all devices of the brand.
You should follow the path: Settings β Phone β General information (or simply βGeneral Informationβ in older versions). This is where your Xiaomiβs full technical specification is stored. This section displays not only the codes, but also the status of the certificates, which is useful in diagnosing.
Often, you'll see a long line on this menu where all the data is combined. To copy a particular number, you'll usually have to click on it or use the copy button next to it. IMEI It is displayed in the same format as when entering USSD-team.
βοΈ Checking the data in the menu
It's important to note that in some custom builds or after you've got Root rights, the data in this menu can be modified, so you can't trust the About menu item when you buy from hand, you always need to cross-check.
Engineering menus and hidden tests
For more advanced users and repair professionals, there is an engineering menu that provides access to layers of the system, where you can not only see the code, but also check the operation of the radio module, and you can enter through the number number of the combination # # # #6484# (CIT).
Once you're in the testing menu, you're going to find a item that's related to the version or status of the device, often called Version Information or Status, and it's directly from the chip, and it's harder to fake than a normal user interface, and it's a diagnostic tool that shows the real state of the hardware.
Sometimes you can see a discrepancy between the IMEI of slot 1 and slot 2 on the engineering menu, which can indicate motherboard issues or poor-quality repairs in the past.If you see warnings about an IMEI check failure, that's a critical signal.
What if the IMEI in the Engineering Menu is zero?
It's safe to use the engineering menu, unless you change the radio frequency settings or the screen calibration without understanding the consequences. Your goal is just reading the data.
Physical inspection on the case and box
Physical media can't be discounted, either. On Xiaomi's new devices, the barcode and numerals sticker is on the back of the box, the primary source of truth that should match the software data.
On the case of the smartphone, the situation depends on the model; on modern devices with a fixed lid, the sticker is often missing, so as not to spoil the design. SIM) information can be applied by laser engraving on the back panel or even under the tray SIM-map.
Take a close look at the tray for SIM-on some Redmi models and POCO microscopic IMEI It's actually a tray that's broken right on the metal frame, and it would require a magnifier or a macro shot from another phone.
- π¦ On the box: look for a sticker with a barcode and an inscription IMEI 1 / IMEI 2.
- π± On the case: check the back cover (engraved) and the SIM card tray.
- π§Ύ In documents: The warranty card and check often contain a printed code.
The lack of a sticker on the box of the new phone is a wake-up call, which could mean that the device was intended for the domestic Chinese market and was re-flashed for global use (Global Version), which sometimes causes problems with updating and operating banking applications.
Comparative table of verification methods
So to make it easier to understand the information and to choose the most appropriate way to deal with your situation, we've organized the data into a table that will help you quickly navigate which method to use depending on the state of the device.
| Method | Screen on required | Required. SIM-map | Data reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team *#06# | Yes (or lock screen) | No. | Tall. |
| MIUI settings | Yeah (unlocking) | No. | Medium (can be changed) |
| The sticker on the box | No. | No. | High (if the box is native) |
| Engineering menu | Yes. | No. | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, the combination of methods gives the best result, and if the data on the box and the engineering menu match, the probability that the phone is clean tends to 100%.
However, if you buy a phone without a box, the software is the only support, in which case it is highly recommended to check the device through the official services (Verification) on the manufacturer's website, entering the serial number and IMEI there.
Authentication through online services
Once you have the numbers, you have to check them somewhere. Xiaomi's official website provides a service for authentication and warranty status, which is especially true when buying devices on sites like AliExpress or Avito.
Go to the authentication page (usually available by requesting "Xiaomi authenticity check"). Enter the IMEI or Serial Number. The system will tell you if such a device exists in the database and when it was activated. If the activation date is significantly different from the date of your purchase, it may be that the phone has been in use before.
β οΈ Warning: Beware of phishing clone sites. Always check the browser address bar. The official domain must end in mi.com or miui.com. Entering data on third-party resources can lead to theft of information about your device.
There are also third-party IMEI databases that show whether the phone is wanted or blocked by an operator in another country, which is critical for global versions, as a phone locked up under a US carrier will not work in Russia.
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Online check on the official website is the only way to find out the actual date of activation of the device and the remainder of the warranty period.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users often experience zeros instead of numbers, or the system writes "Valid IMEI" -- a software glitch that often occurs after a failed update, reset or tamper with system files.
If the problem occurs after the update, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings β Connection and Sharing β Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This will not delete your personal data, but restart the radio modules.
In more complex cases, when the IMEI is gone completely (Null), you will need to flash the device using a computer and the Mi Flash utility.
- π Perform a reset of network settings.
- πΎ Make a backup of data before flashing.
- π Use only original cables and ports USB 2.0/3.0.
Self-change of IMEI (cloning) is illegal in many countries and can result in a network-level operator locking the device, and use this knowledge only to restore your legal equipment to work.