Owning a Xiaomi smartphone implies the need to periodically access its unique identification data. IMEI-The International Mobile Equipment Identity is a 15-digit digital fingerprint of your device that is assigned to a communication module in a factory. IMEI Xiaomi may be required in a variety of situations: from simple registration in corporate databases or insurance to checking the device for authenticity before buying from hand.
Often users are faced with the need to enter this code on specialized sites to verify the warranty or lock status. In some cases, unfortunately, knowledge of the ID is required to try to remotely lock a lost smartphone through the carrier, although this does not give a 100% guarantee of return of the gadget. It is important to understand that two-symbol models of such codes will be two, and they differ from each other.
There are many ways to access this information, and most of them don't require the Internet or a computer connection. You can find the data right on the system, on a physical sticker, or even through a manufacturer's account. Let's go through each method in detail so you can choose the most convenient one for your current situation.
Use of the engineering menu and USSD-team
The fastest and most versatile method, running on 99% of mobile devices, regardless of the shell version MIUI It doesn't require Internet access and works even if it's a hyperOS. SIM-The card is not installed or locked, and you just need to open the standard phone app you're making calls through and go to the dialing field.
Enter *#06#. Once you have typed the last character, the system automatically recognizes the command and displays a technical pop-up. SIM-The card, and possibly the serial number (SN) device.
Note that on some modified firmware or in rare cases of system failures, the window may not appear. In such a situation, try simply pressing the call button after dialing, although the system response is usually instantaneous and does not require confirmation.
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If the code doesn't show up right away, try retyping it or restarting the device. Sometimes background processes can block instantaneous system response.
This is a good way to do it, but it has a drawback: you can't copy numbers directly from this window on some versions of Android, you'll have to rewrite them manually or take a screenshot, which is not always convenient if you need to send data urgently.
Search for information in device settings
If the command input screen is not available for some reason or you prefer a graphical interface, Android provides convenient access to the passport data of the gadget through the settings menu.The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, but the general logic remains the same for all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones.
You should follow the path: Settings → About the phone. The section that opens will show general information: model, Android version, memory capacity and, of course, identification numbers. In new versions of the HyperOS shell, this section may be called About the device.
Often, only a portion of the information is displayed by default, to see the full list, including: IMEI for the first and second slots, and MAC-You need to click on the appropriate item or icon, sometimes you need to tap the line "Version" several times. MIUI» or "Keil Version", but data is usually available immediately.
The advantage of this is that you can copy it, and if you press a string of numbers long enough, or if you use a copy button (if you can), you can save the data to the clipboard, and you can't get it wrong by manually entering a fifteen-digit number.
Physical stickers and documentation
When a smartphone is turned off, discharged or not turned on, physical media come to the rescue. Xiaomi’s manufacturer is required to label each device with unique codes that are applied to the package and case. This is the most reliable way to check when buying a used device, since it allows you to check the hardware with documents.
First of all, look at the original box. One of the faces is usually a white label with barcodes, which shows the device model, color, memory, serial number and two IMEIs (for slots 1 and 2), and the matching of the data on the box and on the phone menu is the first sign of originality.
And the information is duplicated on the factory film, which is pasted on the back of the new smartphone. If you've already taken the film, look for a sticker on the case itself. On modern models without a removable battery, it's on the back. On older devices with a removable battery, the data was put on a sticker under the battery.
Don't throw away the box right after you buy it, it may be needed not only to check the codes, but also to warranty repairs or sell the device in the future, and storing the original package increases the liquidity of the gadget in the secondary market.
☑️ Checking when buying used Xiaomi
Checking through the Mi Account and the manufacturer’s website
Xiaomi's ecosystem offers cloud services that link your device to your user account. If your smartphone was previously connected to the Internet and was part of Mi Account, it's stored on the company's servers. It's a great way to get data if you don't have the device on hand, but you have access to your personal account.
Go to the official i.mi.com website or the Mi Cloud app on another device, log in using your login and password, and in the Device or Find Device section, you will see a list of all the gadgets associated with your account, and you will see the model and the corresponding identification number.
This method is also useful for checking activation history: If you buy a phone with your hands and the seller claims that the phone is “new”, but when you enter its IMEI on the site in the warranty section, you can see that it was activated a year ago, this is a clear sign of a used device or a restored instance (Refurbished).
⚠️ Warning: Never enter your Mi Account details on suspicious third-party sites. use only the official domain mi.com or xiaomi.com to avoid losing access to your account.
In addition, the official website provides an authentication page, and if you enter the code from the box or menu, you will receive an official response from the manufacturer about the status of the device, which is critical when buying equipment from unverified stores or from hand.
Specialized annexes and ADB-team
For advanced users who don’t have the standard methods, there are deeper diagnostics. Google Play apps like Device Info HW or AIDA64 provide comprehensive information about hardware, and they read data directly from system files, bypassing standard settings interfaces.
If you have access to a computer and USB debugging is enabled, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) toolkit. Connect your smartphone to your PC, open the command prompt and type in a query. This is a professional method often used by engineers.
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1The result of the command is a string containing the desired numbers, but this method requires pre-configuring the development environment on the computer, which may be redundant for the average user, it is easier to use diagnostic applications that are installed in a couple of seconds.
Why do you need ADB when you have a menu?
When using third-party apps, pay attention to the permissions you request. Diagnostics doesn't require access to your contacts or microphone. If a simple feature viewing app requests unnecessary rights, it's best to abandon it in favor of system methods.
The data conformity table and its significance
To better navigate technical information, let's systematize the main identifiers you may encounter, and understand the differences between them will help avoid confusion when filling out forms or asking for support.
| Parameter | Format | Wherever used | Can we change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMEI | 15 numbers | Identification in cellular networks | No (officially) |
| Serial number (SN) | Alphabetical digital | Warranty, warehouse accounting of the plant | No. |
| MAC-address | 6 pairs of characters (XX:XX...) | Identification in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks | Partially (randomization) |
| MEID | 14 characters (HEX) | CDMA Standard (USA, China) | No. |
As you can see from the table, IMEI This is the key to mobile communication, and it's the key to locking a stolen phone into your network, and the serial number is important for service centers. MAC-Address – to set up your home network and routers.
Remember that changing the IMEI on most of today’s Xiaomi smartphones with a locked bootloader is technically impossible without special equipment and knowledge, and is illegal in many countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I find the IMEI if my phone is turned off?
What if the codes on the phone and the box don’t match?
Why do you need to know IMEI when buying a used phone?
Can I do it? IMEI track down the location of the phone?
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IMEI is your smartphone’s main passport, and always keep it in a safe place (photo boxes, cloud recording) so that if you lose it, you can lock it.
In conclusion, knowing how to obtain identity is a basic skill of a modern gadget owner: whether it is a Redmi Note or a flagship Xiaomi 14, the principle of obtaining information remains unchanged. Use the knowledge gained responsibly and check the equipment before buying.