Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the challenge of getting accurate data about their device β whether it's authentication before buying, preparing for a sale, or finding compatible firmware. But where do you look for this information? In the settings menu? On the box? Or through special commands?
There are actually more ways to get data on a Xiaomi phone than you might think. Some methods work without the Internet and are suitable for βbricksβ (failed devices), others require a connection to the network, but provide advanced information from the bootloader version to the history of repairs. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden engineering menus and official Xiaomi services, which are not known by all users.
We'll focus on authentication, how to distinguish the original Redmi or POCO from the fake serial number and IMEI, and also reveal the nuances of reading data on locked or faulty devices. If you've ever wondered "what kind of processor do I have?" or "what version of MIUI is worth now?", this guide will be your find.
1. Basic data via the settings menu
The easiest way to find out basic information about the phone is to look at the standard Settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 4A to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and requires no additional tools.
Open the Settings app and go to About Phone. Here you'll see:
- π± Model of device (e.g, 23113RKC4Y For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+)
- π’ Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.6)
- π‘ Android version (such as Android 13)
- π Battery level and temperature
- π Serial number (required for warranty service)
To see the IMEI (Unique Device Identifier), tap several times on the MIUI version - a hidden menu with technical data will open. Alternative path: Settings β About Phone β All Specifications β Status.
π‘
If the "About Phone" item is not in the main settings menu, use the search (lamp at the top of the screen) and enter the request "device model".
β οΈ Note: Some firmware (e.g. global versions for Europe) may not display the serial number in its entirety, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
Special USSD-technical information codes
If the phone is on but the settings menu is not available (for example, due to a system failure), service codes will come to the rescue, which work on all Xiaomi smartphones and allow you to quickly get data without the Internet.
Enter the following combinations in the Phone application:
| Code. | What shows | Example of inference |
|---|---|---|
| ##4636## | Information about battery, network, use | Battery temperature: 34Β°C, signal level: -85 dBm |
| *#06# | IMEI (1 or 2 for Dual-SIM) | IMEI1: 861234567890123, IMEI2: 861234567890456 |
| ##225## | Battery level as a percentage | Battery status: 78% |
| ##6484## | Test of hardware components | Camera: OK, Vibrator: OK, Touch: OK |
Code ##4636## opens the engineering menu, where you can see the following in the phone information section:
- πΆ Type of network (LTE, 5G, NR)
- π Status. SIM-Cards (active/inactive)
- π‘ MAC-Wi-Fi address and Bluetooth
- π Screen-on-time (Screen-on-time)
β οΈ Warning: Donβt enter unfamiliar codes from the internet β some combinations (e.g. ##7780##) can reset your phone to factory settings.
3. Check through the official Xiaomi website
If you need to verify the originality of the device or find out the date of production, use the official Xiaomi service, which is suitable for checking before buying a used phone or if you suspect a fake.
Instructions:
- Go to mi.com/global/verify.
- Enter the IMEI (you can find out via *#06#).
- Enter the serial number (located on the box or in the settings).
- Fill in the captcha and press Verify.
The system will show:
- π·οΈ Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G)
- π Activation date (first inclusion)
- π Status of guarantee (valid/expired)
- π Region of sale (Global, China, India, etc.)
What if the site does not accept IMEI?
For models released after 2022, Xiaomi added verification through the QR-Scan it with the Mi Home app or the standard scanner. QR β The system will show the same information as when manually entering.
4. data on a switched off or locked phone
If the smartphone is not turned on or locked (for example, after a reset), the data can still be read. Here are 4 working ways:
- Battery sticker (for removable battery models, such as Redmi) 3S or Redmi 4X). It's on it: π Model (e.g, MZB6307IN) π’ Serial number. π IMEI
Phone box.
Check or guarantee card
Fastboot mode
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect to your PC and type in the command: fastboot getvar all
βοΈ Checking data on a non-working phone
β οΈ Note: If the serial number on the box and fastboot do not match, you are either a fake or a phone after repair with a replacement motherboard.
5. Third-party applications for deep diagnostics
For advanced users who need detailed technical data (for example, bootloader version, bands 5G support or battery status), specialized utilities are suitable. We tested 5 popular applications - the best of them:
| Annex | What shows | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU-Z | Processor, GPU, memory, sensors, battery | Download |
| AIDA64 | Full information about iron, performance tests | Download |
| DevCheck | IMEI, serial number, MIUI version, sensors | Download |
| MIUI Hidden Settings | Hidden settings Xiaomi (for example, the bootloader version) | Download |
For example, in CPU-Z, go to the Device tab to see:
- π± Model (exact name, for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro (diting))
- π§ Board (fee, for example, taro for POCO F5)
- π Battery Health (Battery state %)
- π‘ Network (supported frequencies) 4G/5G)
Important: MIUI Hidden Settings shows a bootloader version, which is critical when unlocking for firmware. If it says "Locked", unlocking will require official permission from Xiaomi.
6. Verification of compatibility with firmware and accessories
Knowledge of the exact model and version of MIUI is necessary for:
- π Install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience).
- π Selection of a compatible battery or display.
- π§ Checking support for wireless headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro require) MIUI 13+).
- π‘ Operator functions settings (VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling).
How do you know which firmware is right for your phone?
- Find the model codename (e.g., surya for POCO X3 NFC) via AIDA64 or the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Check the current version of MIUI in Settings β About Phone.
- Compare this to the compatibility table on the XDA Developers forum.
π‘
Never install firmware designed for another model (even if the names are similar). For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 (spes) will not work for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (veux) - this will lead to a "brick" (breakdown) of the device.
7.How to find out the history of the device (has it been repaired?)
If you buy a phone with your hands, itβs important to check if itβs been repaired or refurbished. Here are 3 reliable ways to do this:
- Checking the serial number on Xiaomi's website (Warranty Status section) If the warranty has expired but the phone was released less than a year ago, this is a reason to be wary.
- Analysis of the battery status through AccuBattery: π Health less than 85% β battery is severely worn out. π Charge cycles over 500 β battery will soon need replacement.
Checking for autopsy marks
- π οΈ Plugging off the stickers on the screws (on the back cover).
- π§ Scratches around the battery connector (visible when disassembled).
- π± Uneven gaps between the screen and the body.
For a deep check, use the IMEI.info service - it will show:
- π Date of first phone switching on.
- π Manufacturer country (e.g. Made in India).
- π The shift IMEI (if).
β οΈ Warning: If a seller refuses to provide the original box or check and the serial number is erased from the phone, it's a sign of fraud.
8 Hidden data: how to find out the version of the bootloader and the firmware region
For experienced users who are engaged in firmware or unlocking, it is critical to know:
- π Bootloader status (locked/unblocked).
- π Firmware Region (Global, China, EEA, India).
- π§ Version VBL (Verified Boot).
How to check it out:
- Install. MIUI Hidden Settings from Google Play.
- Open the Device Info section.
- Find the items: Bootloader β if Locked, unlocking will require a wait of 7-15 days. Region β for example, EEA (Europe) or CN (China). VBL Version β if the version is below 3.0, there may be problems with installing new firmware.
Alternative method (for PC):
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info
- Device unlocked: false β bootloader Device unlocked: true β unlocked
If the IMEI is hit (shown as 0000...), restore it through the official Xiaomi service with a check for the purchase.