How to know the IMEI of Xiaomi phone: the full guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to find a unique identifier for their device, which is not only used to verify the authenticity of a gadget before buying, but also to unlock the bootloader, register with the Mi Account service or lock a lost device through an operator. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit digital code that is assigned to every mobile device in the factory.

There are several proven methods to get this information quickly: you can use the software of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, physical tags on the case, or special engineering commands. In this article, we will discuss each of the ways in which you can choose the most convenient for your situation.

It's important to keep this data in a safe place, separate from the smartphone itself. In the event of a device being stolen or lost, knowing IMEI will allow you to prove ownership and lock the phone at the carrier level, making it useless for attackers.

Use of the USSD-quick-access

The fastest and most versatile way to work on any phone with installed SIM-And with or without a map, you can type in a special combination of characters, and this method doesn't require you to access the Internet or log into the settings menu, which is especially useful if the interface is partially blocked.

For information, open the Phone app (caller) and enter the following command:

*#06#

IMEI

SN

Note that on dual-symbol models, the codes will differ. If you plan to register a device or check it against a database, you may need the first code (IMEI 1), which usually corresponds to the main slot.

💡

If *#06# does not work, make sure you have the original firmware installed. On custom builds or global versions with modified regional software, this command can be disabled by developers.

You can copy the data from this window by clicking on the appropriate button (if you have one in your version of the shell) or simply by taking a picture of the screen, which is a universal method that works even if the phone is not registered on the network.

Search for IMEI through MIUI system settings

If your smartphone screen is fully functional, the most detailed information can be found in the system menu, which is convenient because it allows you not only to see the numbers, but also immediately go to other important parameters of the device, such as the Android version or the level of the security patch.

To find the code, do the following:

• 📱 Open the main menu and go to the Settings section.
• 🔍 Select About Phone (usually at the top of the list).
• 📄 Find a line. IMEI. If you have a two-sim model, the codes will be numbered (IMEI 1 and IMEI 2).
• 📋 Press and hold your finger on the numbers to copy them to the clipboard, or take a screenshot of the screen.

Some versions of MIUI or HyperOS may have slightly different paths. Alternative route: go to Settings → Advanced Settings → About the device. It also contains the full technical specification of your gadget.

Using the settings menu is preferable when you need to copy the code without errors. When manually entering numbers from the box or from memory, there is a high risk of confusing the characters, which will lead to a refusal to register or verify.

Physical tags: box and body of the device

When the phone is turned off, discharged or not turned on, the only source of information is physical media, the factory packaging is the most reliable document confirming the origin of the device, and it always has a white label with barcodes and basic information.

Look for a sticker on the side or back of a cardboard box that says,

• 📦 Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro).
• 🔢 15-digit code IMEI.
• 🆔 Serial number (S/N).
• 🇨🇳 Certification marks (EAC, CE others).

⚠️ Warning: Never throw away the box immediately after purchase. Keep it for the duration of the warranty. In case of a breakdown, Xiaomi service centers often require the delivery of packaging with original stickers to confirm eligibility for warranty service.

The code can also be applied directly to the body of a smartphone. On modern Xiaomi models with a non-removable back cover, this information is often duplicated in fine print on the back or under the tray for the device. SIM-However, due to minimalist design, manufacturers are increasingly refusing to apply text on metal or glass, relying only on software display.

Using Google Account to Find a Device

Android smartphone owners can use Google’s ecosystem to search for an ID even if the phone itself isn’t on hand, which works if the device is logged in to your account and geolocated.

Go to Google’s official Find Device website. Once logged in at the top of the screen (or side menu), select your smartphone from your device list. The device card often displays a model and IMEI along with a location map and battery level.

This is especially useful if the phone is lost and you need to provide the code to the operator to lock, but there is no box at hand and the device itself is not available.

Checking through ADB and Fastboot for Advanced

For users who are engaged in firmware modification, bootloader unlocking or system recovery, the method of obtaining information through debugging over USB is relevant. This allows you to know IMEI even if the operating system does not boot, but Fastboot or Recovery mode with ADB support is running.

To do this, you will need a computer, installed drivers Xiaomi USB Driver and the utility ADB. Connect the phone to the PC in the appropriate mode and open the command line.

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1

And you get a long line of code that you need to find a 15-digit sequence of numbers, and that's your ID, and it's a tricky technique for beginners to parse the system's response, but it's an indispensable tool in the hands of engineers.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-Teams require the enabled mode "Debugging by USB» If the phone is locked with a pattern lock and debugging has not been allowed before, this method will not work.

You can also use the adb shell getprop command, which will list all system properties. Look for lines that contain ril.serialnumber or similar variations that depend on the Android version and the specific modem of the device.

Why you need to know the IMEI and how to check it

Understanding the importance of this code goes beyond mere curiosity. IMEI is a key security tool. Knowing it, you can check the history of the device before you buy it from your hands. There are databases that store phones stolen or lost by previous owners.

The IMEI check allows you to find out:

• 🛡️ Is the device wanted or blacklisted by operators.
• 📅 Official date of commencement of the guarantee.
• 🏭 Exact model and region of release (important for checking availability) NFC or specific frequencies 4G/5G).

The official authentication of Xiaomi is available at mi.com/verify, where you can enter the IMEI and Scratch code found under the security layer on the box.

Also, when you buy a used phone, compare the code displayed on the screen (via *#06#) to the code on the box and in the check. If they differ, this is a sure sign that the device has changed the motherboard or tray. SIM-cards, which may indicate a major repair or assembly from different parts.

💡

The IMEI match on the screen, box and warranty card is the main sign that the phone has not been opened or repaired informally.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)