Owning a Xiaomi brand device means not only enjoying advanced technology, but also having to periodically learn the technical details of your gadget. Often before users the question arises: where to look at IMEI on Xiaomi or how to find out the exact model of the processor if the box is long lost? This data may be required to register on the manufacturer’s website, verify the authenticity of the device or registration of a warranty. In the MIUI operating system and the new HyperOS, information about the system is scattered in different sections, which sometimes causes confusion among beginners.
Understanding where to look for key information saves time and helps avoid fraud when buying used equipment. Knowing a serial number (SN) allows you to check whether a phone has been stolen, as well as know the exact date of activation of the device. We will analyze all the available ways to get this information, from standard settings menus to hidden engineering codes that open up access to deep system data. Using the right verification methods ensures that you have complete control of your device.
Checking IMEI and serial number through settings
The most obvious and safe way to find out your identity is to go to the system menu, and you have to go to Settings, scroll down and select About, and that's where all the basic information about your device is concentrated. At the top of the screen, you'll see the MIUI or HyperOS logo, and just below, the model name and the operating system version. By clicking on the firmware version string several times (usually 7-10 times), you can activate the hidden menu of advanced data.
The open list will display fields. IMEI 1 and IMEI 2, which are unique to each slot SIM-These are the cards. 15-The number numbers are your cell phone's "passport" and the Serial Number is just below (S/N) — It's a unique code that's assigned to a device in the factory, and that's what's often used to authenticate on the official website. MAC-address that refers to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth network interfaces.
⚠️ Note: Never publish full data IMEI And you can use this information to clone your device or lock your phone through a carrier.
If you have a two-sim machine, make sure you check the one that is the one you are using. IMEI, active SIM-In some versions of the shell, data can be hidden behind the "Advanced" button, so carefully study all available items in this menu. Saving a screenshot of this page in the cloud is a good practice in case of loss of physical packaging.
Why do you need two IMEIs?
Using engineering codes for diagnostics
For more advanced users or in situations where the settings menu is not available (for example, when the system crashes), there are special options for the user. USSD-They allow you to instantly display hidden information without having to search the menu for a long time. The most popular and universal code for Xiaomi devices is *#06#. After dialing this combination in the Phone application (even without a call), a pop-up window with basic data will automatically appear on the screen.
In this window, you'll see:
- 📱 IMEI 1 - identifier of the first SIM card.
- 📱 IMEI 2 – identifier of the second SIM card (if supported).
- 🆔 S/N — serial number.
- 📶 MEID — identifier CDMA-Networks (rarely used in the CIS).
There are other codes, like ##6484##, which opens the CIT Engineering Menu, where you can not only view the data, but also test the performance of all the modules: the screen, speakers, vibrator and sensors. However, beware: changing the settings in the engineering menu without understanding the consequences can lead to malfunctioning of the phone. For simple viewing IMEI, you better limit yourself to standard code.
⚠️ Note: Entering codes in the engineering menu (CIT) You can reset the sensors if you press the wrong buttons. Use the Version section to view the information, but don't change the parameters in the Single Item Test unless you're sure you're doing it.
Codes work at the modem level, so they are active even without the installed code. SIM-This makes them an indispensable tool for first checking a phone in a store before you buy it, and you just have to ask the seller to type the code to check the number on the screen against the number on the box.
Physical on the body and packaging
If the device is not turned on or the screen is broken, the information can be found on physical media. The primary source is the original packaging. There is always a sticker on the end of the cardboard box with barcodes that indicate IMEI, S/N and model. These data must match those displayed in the system. The absence of a sticker or traces of it pasting may indicate that the device has been recovered or assembled from different parts.
On the body of the smartphone information is located differently, depending on the design:
- 🔋 Removable battery — old Redmi and Xiaomi models have data on the label under the battery, so you have to remove the back cover and remove the battery.
- 📦 Non-removable housing – on modern models, data is often laser-engraved on the back (rarely) or on a tray for SIM-cards (very small).
- 📄 Warranty card – in the documents issued during the purchase, the key identifiers of the device are always duplicated.
Pay attention to the quality of the print on the box. Xiaomi's original stickers have clear fonts and flat edges. Blurred numbers or font differences are a wake-up call. The box often has a PCB number (the motherboard version), which is useful when looking for compatible parts for repairs.
Alternative methods through account and PC
In the Xiaomi ecosystem, you can view your connected devices through a cloud service. If your phone is connected to the Internet and you have a Mi Account login, you can find its location and basic data through i.mi.com. Going to Devices, you will see a list of gadgets associated with your account, which usually displays a model and sometimes a serial number, which helps you identify the device remotely.
For users who prefer to work from a computer, the method is available through debugging tools. By connecting the phone to the PC in USB debugging mode, you can use the ADB command (Android Debug Bridge).
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1This command will return a string with IMEI in hexadecimal format, which will need to be decoded, and you can also use the command adb shell getprop ro.serialno, which will immediately give the serial number, this method requires the ADB drivers installed on the computer and enabled debugging over USB on the smartphone itself, so it is more suitable for technical specialists.
Another option is to use third-party apps from Google Play, such as "Device Info HW" or "AIDA64," which read data directly from the system and output it in a convenient, structured way, including the processor temperature, the type of screen array and the memory manufacturer, which is a great way to get to know the hardware specifications in more detail than the standard menu allows.
Comparison of information search methods
To organize this knowledge, let's look at a comparative table of methods, each of which has its own advantages depending on the situation: whether the phone is on or off, whether there is access to the menu or only physical access.
| Method | Access required | Accuracy of data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| About the phone menu | On, the screen is on. | Tall. | Low. |
| Code *#06# | On, touch/buttons running | Tall. | Low. |
| Packaging/Box | Only a box. | Medium (may not coincide with the fee) | Low. |
| ADB/Computer | PC, drivers, debugging | Maximum | Tall. |
| Stickers on the case | Physical access | Tall. | Medium (must be taken apart) |
As you can see from the table, software methods are the most convenient for everyday use, but physical labeling remains the last argument for serious malfunctions. For normal authentication, it is enough to compare the data from the settings menu and from the box. If they match, there is a 99% probability that the device is original.
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When buying a used Xiaomi, be sure to check IMEI in settings, on the box and in the engineering menu. If the numbers are different, the phone was assembled from different parts or changed the motherboard, which can cause network problems.
Authentication and activation dates
Knowing where to look at the serial number, you can check the device on the official website. Go to the Mi Verify authentication page (usually available at mi.com/global/verify). Enter the Serial Number or IMEI in the appropriate field. The system will answer whether such a device exists in the database and what its warranty status is.
If a website says that the device is not found, it could mean:
- ❌ The phone is a fake (remark).
- ❌ Data not yet included in the global database (rarely for new models).
- ❌ You made a mistake when entering the symbols.
It also provides a first activation date, and if you bought a phone as a new one, and the system shows it was activated six months ago, that's a cause for concern, and you've probably been sold a Refurbished or used device as a new one, and the warranty period is often based on the first activation date recorded by Xiaomi servers.
⚠️ Note: The official website may not display information about devices intended for the domestic market in China (CN Version, if you check them in the global section, you need to use the Chinese version of the verification site for these phones.
Regular checks of the status of the device help to detect problems with the warranty in time.Save the check and the box until the end of the warranty period, as these are the main documents for the service center.
☑️ Xiaomi checks before buying
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The most reliable way to check is a comprehensive one: comparing the data in the menu, on the box and on the official website, discrepancies in at least one point require careful clarification of the reasons.