It is common for Xiaomi smartphone owners to find a unique device ID and the original packaging is lost, and they may find it when they resell a device, lock a lost device, or need to activate a warranty. Fortunately, engineers have built in several mechanisms to access this information.
You can find IMEI by software methods directly through the interface of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, and this data is stored in a protected memory area and does not disappear even after you completely reset the settings. You do not need special tools or programming skills.
In this article, we'll go into all the ways you can get code, look at the standard engineering menus, system settings, Mi Account, and even the physical tags on the device, and get the numbers you want in any situation.
Using engineering code for quick access
The fastest and most time-tested method is the introduction of a special USSD-This works on most models, including the budget Redmi series and the flagship Mi. You don't need Internet access or a settings menu, just a running display.
Open a standard caller and dial *#06#. The system will instantly respond to the input, and a pop-up will appear on the screen, and all available identifiers will be displayed here, including the codes for the SIM-map and serial number of the device.
If you have a dual-sim device, you'll see two values: IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. It usually requires the first number to authenticate or lock, but it's better to write both, you can copy the data with a long tap or just take a picture of the screen.
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If the #06# code doesn’t work or the window doesn’t appear, try entering ##6484##* to access the CIT engineering menu, where you can also find hardware technical information.
It is important to note that on some global firmware versions, operators can block the display of this window, in which case the system can simply ignore the input or emit a connection error, then move to deeper system settings.
Search for an identifier in system settings
If the code doesn't work, the information is guaranteed to be stored in the About Phone menu, and the path to it may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same. It's the most reliable software method.
Go to Settings → About Phone. In the list that opens, you'll see basic information about the model, Android version, and processor. To see the full list of identifiers, you'll need to click on "All specs" or tap the kernel version several times, although more often than not, just scroll down the list.
☑️ Search algorithm in settings
In some cases, especially on older firmware versions, numbers can be hidden, so you click on "All settings" or "Status," and there's a detailed table of technical data, and look for a line labeled IMEI.
⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse IMEI serially-numbered (SN). These are different identifiers. The serial number is for the guarantee. IMEI — cellular identification.
For the convenience of users, modern shells allow you to copy this data to the clipboard of the exchange with a long press, which eliminates the risk of error when entering numbers manually, which is critical when filling out forms on operator sites or in verification services.
Verification through Mi Account and Cloud Services
If your phone is lost, stolen, or simply not turned on, but you remember the login data, the Mi Cloud cloud service will save you, and the device is automatically linked to your Mi Account when you first log in, so you can track it remotely.
Go to the official i.mi.com website from a computer or other smartphone, enter your login and password. After successful authorization, go to the Find Device section, the list of your gadgets will display the model and the unique code associated with it.
What if your phone is not displayed in the cloud?
And the good thing about this is that it doesn't require physical access to the machine. IMEI even SIM-The main condition is that the device must be at least once on the network after switching on.
It is also worth checking the email to which the account is registered. When you first activate, Xiaomi often sends a welcome letter with brief device specifications, where the desired identifier sometimes slips through.
Physical inspection of the SIM case and tray
When software methods are not available, you should look at physical labels, manufacturers are required to put identification data on the device body, a requirement of communications regulators in many countries.
Carefully examine the back cover of your smartphone. Many models, especially those with a non-removable battery, have laser-engraved information at the bottom of the case. The text can be small, so use good lighting or a magnifying glass.
If there is nothing on the back, remove the tray for SIM-On some Redmi and Poco models, the code printed directly on the metal frame of the tray, however, due to the miniature size of the font, it can be difficult to read it without zooming in.
| Place of application | Type of marking | Difficulty reading | Probability of preservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | Laser engraving | Low. | Tall. |
| SIM tray | Microprinting | Tall. | Medium |
| Under the battery. | Sticker | Medium | Low (bleaching) |
| Box (barcode) | Seal. | Low. | N/D (no box) |
On older models with removable batteries, the sticker was under the battery, and over time, the glue dries up, and the label can fall off or disappear. If you only find a sticker fragment, try to reconstruct the numbers from the remaining sections of the barcode.
Use Google Account and Android Device Manager
Google's ecosystem also stores connected device data, and if your Xiaomi was logged in to Google Play, the device's information was synchronized with the search giant's servers, which is true for all Android devices.
Go to Google’s Device Management page (usually myaccount.google.com/find-your-phone or through your account security settings). Find your smartphone in the device list. Details sometimes indicate a serial number that can be converted or used for identification.
While direct IMEI output from Google’s interface is not always available, having a device on the list confirms its link to your account, which can be useful when communicating with operator support or police in the event of a theft, and the data in the account is updated automatically when there is Internet.
⚠️ Note: Google account data may be updated with a delay. If you just bought a phone, the information may not appear on the list yet.
It's also worth checking your Google account history, and you can store connection logs that show up as your device ID, which is a more complex path that requires technical log analysis, but in a dead end, it can be key.
Analysis of checks, contracts and purchase history
You should not ignore paper or electronic documents obtained when you buy them. In official electronics stores, cash receipts or invoices often contain the serial number and IMEI of the device, which is a legal document proving ownership.
If you bought a smartphone online, go to the order history of the online store (for example, AliExpress, Mi Store, M. Video). The product card or order details often indicate the unique code of the sold instance, especially if it was a specific instance from a warehouse.
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Keeping digital checks and screenshots of the box in the cloud is the best insurance against losing information about IMEI in the future.
Telecom operators also store data on the devices sold if the purchase was made in their cabin with a connection to the tariff. Once you contact the salon with your passport, you can request a copy of the contract, which will indicate the IMEI of the device sold. It is a long process, but it gives 100% result.
Even screenshots of correspondence with the seller or photos of unpacking taken for friends may contain the information you want. Carefully view the gallery of photos for the date of purchase of the device. Often people take pictures of the box or the phone immediately after purchase.