Why You Need a Xiaomi Serial Number and Where to Find It
The Xiaomi Serial Number (SN) is a unique identifier that is assigned to each device during the manufacturing phase, not only for warranty service, but also for checking the originality of the phone, unlocking the bootloader, restoring access to the Mi Account or when selling. Without this number, you can not repair warranty, activate certain features (such as Find Device), or prove that the device is not in the IMEI blacklist.
Unlike IMEI, which you can find out through the code *#06#, the serial number does not appear so simply. You have to search for it in the settings menu, on the box or even under the battery (on older models), In this article we will discuss all the current ways to get SN for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices – from new flagships to budget models 2018-2026.
Important: If you buy a phone with your hands, always check the serial number in the settings with what is indicated on the box and under the battery (if there is access), discrepancies can indicate a fake or flashing with changing data.
Method 1: Serial number in Xiaomi settings (MIUI 12–14)
The fastest and most reliable method is to view SN through the phone menu. The instructions are the same for all devices on MIUI (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), but the path can vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
- Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models – About Device).
- Tap on All Features (or General Information in older versions of MIUI).
- Find the line "Serial number" and you'll find the combination of 11-16 characters you want.
On some devices (for example, POCO F5), the serial number may be hidden behind an additional tap under Status or Software Information. If you do not find SN immediately, check all tabs in the About Phone section.
Open “Settings” → “About the phone”
Find “All characteristics” or “General information”
Check the line "Serial number"
Check the number on the box (if any)
Copy or photograph SN-->
Note for custom firmware owners: If you use an informal MIUI (e.g. xiaomi.eu), the serial number may not display correctly or be replaced with a random character set.
Method 2: Serial number via Fastboot mode (for advanced)
If the phone doesn't turn on or you suspect that the data in the settings is tampered with, you can get an SN via Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB cable.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons down for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
fastboot devicesIf the device is identified (his ID appears), enter:
fastboot getvar serialnoIn the answer, you'll see serialno: [your SN]. This method works even on locked or bricked phones, but requires minimal ADB skills.
What if the fastboot can’t see the device?
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse serialno with Fastboot IMEI. One is the serial number of the device, the other is the identifier of the communication module. SN, not IMEI.
Method 3: Serial number on the box and under the battery
If the phone is not turned on or you want to check the data, check:
- 📦 Phone box: SN usually listed on a sticker next to the barcode (look for the inscription) S/N Serial Number: on new models (Xiaomi) 14, Redmi Note 13) The sticker may be under a protective film.
- 🔋 Under the battery: on older devices (until 2019, for example, Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) The serial number was duplicated on a sticker under the removable lid. On modern smartphones with a fixed battery, this method does not work.
- 📄 Warranty card: if saved, SN It may be listed in the documents from the store.
Critical detail: If the serial number on the box and the phone settings don't match, the device may have been repaired (and the SN changed) or is a fake, in which case contact the seller or check the phone through Mi Verify.
| Location of SN | Example (where to look) | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Phone settings | Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics | All models. |
| Box | Barcode sticker (S/N) | All models. |
| Under the battery. | Sticker on the board (removable battery only) | Models up to 2019 |
| Fastboot mode | The team behind fastboot getvar serialno | All models (requires PC) |
| Check/guarantee ticket | Papers from the store. | If retained |
What to do if the serial number is erased or not read
Sometimes the SN on the box is erased and the settings are not displayed correctly (for example, after firmware).
- Check with Mi Account: If your phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, go to account.xiaomi.com, log in and check the list of devices. SN.
- Use apps: Installed utilities like CPU-Z or AIDA64 sometimes show the serial number in the System or Device section.
- Contact the service center: if the SN is needed for warranty repair, and you can not find it, provide a phone with a check - specialists will be able to pull data through service utilities.
⚠️ Note: Do not use online services that offer "restore" SN down IMEI». It's a fraud! The serial number is not generated from IMEI The only legitimate way to do this is to go to the official Xiaomi service.
Yeah, before the phone sale.
Yes, for warranty repairs.
No, you didn't.
I don't know where to find him.-->
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi serial number from a fake
Fake Xiaomi phones often have left-handed serial numbers that don't pass the official website's checks. Here are signs that the SN isn't original:
- 🔢 Incorrect format: original SN Xiaomi consists of letters and numbers (for example, MZB12345678 or 22041FPK00123). If you only see numbers or a combination that is too short (less than 10 characters), it is a fake.
- 🔍 Not the same as the box: as mentioned earlier, the discrepancies between the two SN On the phone and box - a cause for concern.
- ❌ Not checked: enter SN If the system is faulty, the device is either fake or recovered.
Also note the IMEI: if it starts with 86 (China) and the phone was sold as a global version, or if the first 8 digits of the IMEI match other models (you can check on imei.info), it is a sign of a fake.
💡
If you buy Xiaomi from hand, ask the seller to take a screenshot of the Settings menu. → On a display phone SN and IMEI. Then check this data through Mi Verify before payment.
Frequent errors in finding a serial number
Users often confuse the serial number with other identifiers, and here are the common mistakes:
- 📱 They're messing. SN s IMEI: IMEI It consists of 15 digits and is required to identify the communication module. SN — This is a unique number of the device. IMEI You can find out by *#06#, SN — no.
- 🔄 Looking at the wrong settings section: some are looking SN C About the program or Memory, but it's always in About the phone → All characteristics.
- 🖥️ Unofficial programs are used: applications like IMEI Changer not only doesn’t show the real thing SN, But it can damage the system.
Another common problem is resetting. After hard reset, the serial number doesn't disappear (it's stitched into the motherboard), but if the phone is flashed over by an unofficial MIUI, the SN may not display correctly. In this case, use the Fastboot method (see above).
💡
The serial number is not the same as IMEI or MAC-It's for warranty, unlocking the bootloader and checking the originality, so always keep a copy of it in a safe place.