The unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) ID is the "passport" of your Xiaomi smartphone, which is required to activate the device, verify originality, unlock after theft or binding to the operator. Without this 15-digit code, you can not restore access to the phone if you forgot your password, or confirm possession of the gadget in the service center. But how to find it if the phone does not turn on, there is no box, and in the settings everything is in Chinese?
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of verification. IMEI on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO β from the standard (through the menu and USSD-code to the lesser known (through the engineering menu or Mi Account account). SIM-You'll also learn what to do if you have a card, a phone without a physical box, and a hardware device after you've done it. IMEI displayed as β0β or βinvalidβ is a critical signal of a software failure or forgery.
1.How to find out IMEI through Xiaomi phone settings
The easiest and most versatile method is to use the smartphoneβs built-in menu, which works on all models, including the Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6, regardless of the MIUI version (even on global or Chinese firmware).
- Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Phone in English).
- Put all the features (or all specs) on the item.
- Find a line Β«IMEIΒ»** β One or two codes can be displayed here (for two codes). SIM-map).
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Civi) 4) The way can: Settings β System system β The phone. β Status SIM-If you have cards. MIUI 14/15 with an updated interface, use the search by settings (laptop) and enter the request IMEI.
The advantage of this method is that it does not require an Internet connection and works even without it. SIM-But if the phone is locked or not turned on, you'll have to use alternative methods.
Open "Settings"
Go to βAbout the phoneβ β βAll the characteristicsβ
Find the line "IMEI" (may be 1 or 2 codes)
Copy or photograph the code-->
2. USSD-quick-check IMEI
If you need to know urgently IMEI, There is no time to go through the menu, use the universal menu. USSD-This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including older models like Redmi. 4X or Mi A1. Enough:
- Open the application "Phone"** (keyboard dial).
- Enter the combination: *#06#.
- Press the call button (green tube).
After 1-2 seconds, a window with one or two codes will appear on the screen. IMEI (depending SIM-This method does not require a connection to the network and works even without the installed card. SIM.
π‘ Useful tip: If the code doesn't work, check if the security app (e.g. Security or Google Play Protection) blocks it.
Through phone settings
USSD-code *#06#
I look at the box/under the battery.
Another option-->
3.Where to view IMEI on a box or under a battery
If the phone is not switched on or locked, the IMEI can be found on physical media:
- π¦ Original box: The code is listed on a barcode sticker (usually at the bottom or on the end). IMEI1 and IMEI2 (two-way SIM).
- π Under removable battery: Relevant for older models (Redmi) 3S, Mi 4i). Remove the back cover and battery β the code is printed on the sticker under the battery.
- π Warranty card or check: In some countries (for example, in Russia) IMEI prescribe in the guarantee documents.
β οΈ Attention: If IMEI The box and the phone don't match, it could mean:
- The phone was recovered after the theft (IMEI re-flash).
- The device is not original (replica or "gray" import).
- A box from another machine (often from dealers).
In such cases, it is not recommended to activate the device β it can be blocked by the operator or Xiaomi through the Mi Cloud system.
What if the IMEI on the box and the phone are different?
4. IMEI check through the engineering menu (for advanced)
If standard methods donβt work (e.g., the phone βblockedβ or IMEI dropped after the firmware), you can try extracting the code through an engineering menu, which is suitable for models on Qualcomm (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) and Mediatek (Redmi 10A, POCO M5) processors.
Instructions for Qualcomm:
- Open the phone app.
- Enter the code: ##4636###.
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block, and there may be both codes.
For Mediatek, use the code ##36446337## (EngineerMode will open, where the Connectivity β CDS Information β Radio Information section will have the IMEI line).
β οΈ Warning: Do not change any settings in the engineering menu unless you understand their purpose! IMEI or even a phone-brick.
| Processor | Entry code. | The Road to IMEI |
|---|---|---|
| Qualcomm (Snapdragon) | ##4636## | Information about the phone β IMEI |
| Mediatek (Helio, Dimensity) | ##36446337## | CDS Information β Radio Information β IMEI |
| Exynos (rarely in Xiaomi) | *#0011# | Service Mode β [1] UMTS β IMEI |
5 How to verify IMEI through Mi Account
If the phone is lost or stolen but was linked to a Mi Account, you can recognize its IMEI through the web version of Xiaomi Cloud service.This method works even if the device is turned off, but requires:
- π Access to an account that has been authorized on the phone.
- π Stable Internet connection.
- π± To enable the Find Device function to be activated in the settings.
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, find your phone (if there are several).
- Click on the model - the card will open with the line "IMEI"**.
π‘ Useful tip: If your phone is stolen, lock it right away through Mi Cloud (Block button). SIM-map and protect the data.
π‘
Mi Account is the only way to know the IMEI of a lost Xiaomi phone if it was tied to the service and the Find Device feature was enabled.
6 What to do if the IMEI is displayed as "0" or "invalid"
If you check for IMEI: 0, Null, or Invalid, it means that the code is erased or corrupted.
- π§ Incorrect firmware: Often occurs after custom software installation (e.g. LineageOS).
- π οΈ Hardware failure: Damage to the module NVRAM (stored IMEI) motherboard.
- π΅οΈ Deliberate change: Meets at stolen phones (IMEI Β«tyrannize).
π§ How to repair IMEI:
- If the problem is after firmware, return the official software through the Mi Flash Tool.
- For devices on Mediatek, you can use utilities like Maui META or SN Writer (requires skills!).
- If the phone is warranty β contact the service center Xiaomi (independent intervention will deprive you of the warranty).
β οΈ Attention: Recovery IMEI Through third-party programs (for example, ChimeraTool) can permanently block the network on the phone if the code is written incorrectly, and this violates the law in most countries (in Russia - Art. 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for illegally changing identifiers).
7.IMEI authentication and phone history check
Knowing the IMEI, you can check:
- π Original device: On the site Mi Verify.
- π‘ Blocking status: Through operator services (for example, NMS for Russia).
- π Production date and model: At IMEI.info.
π‘ An example of decryption IMEI:
The code 861234567890123 contains:
- The first 8 digits (86123456) are the model and country of production.
- The following 6 (789012) is the serial number.
- The last figure (3) is the checksum.
If the checksum doesnβt match the calculation (check here), the phone is 100% fake or has a modified IMEI.