The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique fifteen-digit code assigned to each mobile device at the manufacturer’s factory. For owners of gadgets from Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, knowing this number is critical when registering a device, verifying its authenticity on the official website or filing an insurance event. Unlike passwords that can be changed, this ID is “stitched” into the equipment and is not subject to change by standard software methods.
The need to find this code can occur in a variety of situations, from simple checks of repair history to locking a lost device through a carrier. Often users face a problem when the sticker on the box is lost and the checks are not saved. In such cases, the built-in tools of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell (or HyperOS) come to the rescue, which allow access to technical information in a few seconds.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to obtain a number, from the simplest combinations of numbers to advanced methods through the computer. It is important to understand that two-symbol smartphones, such codes are always two, and they can differ from each other, although they refer to the same physical device.
Use of universality USSD-code
The fastest and most reliable way to work on all phone models, including old buttons and modern flagships, is to enter a special command in the Phone application. This method does not require an Internet connection and works even if the device is not installed. SIM-card or.
To get information, you need to open the standard dialing interface, which usually has a green tube icon. In the input bar, you should type the sequence of characters *#06#. Immediately after entering the last character (grating), the screen will automatically change, and a pop-up with technical data will appear on it.
In the window that opens, you'll see a few lines. The first line is marked as IMEI — This is the primary identifier, if the device supports two. SIM-maps, then below will be indicated IMEI 2.The serial number may also be displayed here (SN) and MAC-addresses for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.
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Record or take a picture of the IMEI immediately after it appears on the screen, as the pop-up window may close when accidentally touched and the procedure will have to be repeated.
It is worth noting that on some global firmware versions or in specific regions, this code can be blocked by the operator or manufacturer, although this is extremely rare in Xiaomi devices. If the code does not work, go to the software methods through the settings menu.
Search through MIUI and HyperOS system settings
If the phone screen is broken but the touchscreen is partially working, or you just prefer a visual interface, you can find information in the settings menu. MIUI shells and the new HyperOS have a similar structure, but the location of some items may vary slightly depending on the version of Android.
To start, open the Settings app, which looks like a gear. Scroll down the list and select About Phone (or Device) and it's where all the basic information about your gadget is collected, including the CPU model, operating system version, and storage capacity.
Inside the About Phone section, find a line called IMEI, and you click on it and copy the number to the clipboard, which is convenient for later insertion into the check forms. In some versions of the firmware, the number can be hidden behind an additional menu called All Features or General Information.
- 📱 Open the “Settings” menu on the main screen.
- ⚙️ Scroll down to the section "About the phone».
- ℹ️ Press the line «IMEI» copy.
It is important to distinguish between IMEI and Serial Number, which are different identifiers: the first is used for identification in cellular networks, the second is used for warranty maintenance and production tracking. Both values are often required when checking on a Mi Verify website.
☑️ Verification of data in settings
Physical marking: body, tray and box
When the device is turned off or not showing signs of life, the only source of information is physical tags. Xiaomi traditionally places a factory sticker on the back of the original cardboard box. This label contains a barcode, device model, color, memory capacity and, of course, the desired fifteen-digit codes.
If the box is lost, you should pay attention to the smartphone itself. On many models, especially in the budget and mid-range segment (Redmi Note, POCO M), the information is duplicated on the factory film glued to the back cover. Also on some devices, the data is laser-engraved directly on the metal case or under the removable battery cover, although in modern monoblock smartphones, the battery compartment is not available without opening.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to remove the back cover or remove the tray yourself SIM-It can damage the waterproof seals or cause mechanical fractures in the body.
An interesting fact is that on the tray for SIM-Some models can also be microscopicly labeled, but it is almost impossible to read them without a magnifying glass.
Keeping the box for the duration of the warranty is a good practice, and not only does it prove the purchase is legal, it also serves as a repository for important technical data that may be needed at the service center.
Checking through the ADB command line on your computer
For advanced users with access to a computer, there is a method of getting information through USB debugging, which is especially useful if the smartphone screen is damaged so much that navigation through the menu is impossible, but the system is booted and determined by the computer.
To implement this method, you need to install Xiaomi USB Drivers and Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. After enabling the USB debugging mode in the Developer Menu (which is activated by seven times pressing the MIUI Version), you can connect the phone to your computer.
Opening the command line or terminal in the ADB tool folder, type the following command:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1The result of the command execution will be the output of the hexadecimal string that needs to be decoded, or, in some versions of Android, direct output of numbers. IMEI:
adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfoIn the output of this command, look for the Device ID or imei string, which is the most technically complex method, but gives access to the raw data that the device modem reads.
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
Identification in Mi Account and on the verification site
Xiaomi’s ecosystem allows you to link devices to your Mi Account. If your smartphone is connected to the Internet and logged in, its identifiers are stored in the user’s cloud profile, which is convenient for location tracking or remote locking.
Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account, and Find Device will show you a list of all the gadgets attached to your email, and if you click on a particular device, you will see its model and IMEI.
There is also a special service for authentication, Mi Verify. mi.com/verify, You can enter IMEI, serial number or scan QR-The system will confirm whether the device is the original Xiaomi product and will show the date of activation of the warranty.
| Method | Incorporation required | We need the Internet. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD code *#06# | Yeah (screen) | No. | Low. |
| MIUI settings | Yeah (screen) | No. | Low. |
| Box/Sticker | No. | No. | Low. |
| ADB Teams | Yes (system) | No. | Tall. |
| Mi Account | No (previously) | Yes. | Medium |
Differences IMEI one-and-two SIM-map
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are almost universally equipped with a hybrid slot for two SIM-In this regard, the device has two independent radio modules (or one module with support for two stations), each of which is assigned a unique number.
IMEI 1 corresponds to the first SIM card slot, and IMEI 2 corresponds to the second, and when registering a device at service centers or locking at the request of the police, they usually indicate both numbers to block the use of the device with any SIM card.
There is also the concept of IMEI SV (Software Version), which refers to the version of the software of the radio module. This number can change when you update the firmware of the phone, unlike the main IMEI, which is static.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to change (do "flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash-flash») IMEI In most countries, it's illegal, and if you crash, you can completely lose your ability to connect to your cellular network, turning your smartphone into a tablet.
When buying a used device, be sure to check the IMEI, in settings, with what the network “sees”, you can do this by calling from this number to another phone or using special online IMEI verification services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I find the IMEI if my phone is completely off?
What if the *#06# code doesn’t work on Xiaomi?
Is the serial number (SN) the same as the IMEI?
Where to find IMEI on Xiaomi Pad tablets?
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IMEI is your device’s digital passport, keep it in a safe place separate from the smartphone itself for quick access in case of theft.