Modern owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco often face the need to know the unique identifiers of their device, this may be required when buying a used gadget, issuing a warranty or restoring access to an account. Serial number (SN) is a key parameter that distinguishes your instance from millions of others.
Unlike the simple model name, this code contains encrypted information about the date of production, the manufacturer and the lot, and you can find it in several ways, even if the device is not turned on. It is important to understand the difference between IMEI and SN, since this data performs different functions in the brand ecosystem.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods of searching and authenticating a gadget, learn how to count data from the box, find it in the system menu and use official services for verification, which will help you avoid buying counterfeit and successfully solve technical problems.
Physical inspection of the device and packaging
The easiest and fastest way to find the data is to look at the factory packaging, and there's always a barcode sticker on the back or bottom of the box, and it's all the major identifiers, IMEI, SN, and device model, and it's got to match the ones that are displayed on the system.
If the box is lost, look at the back of the smartphone. Many Xiaomi models have laser-coded information directly onto the body. However, in modern versions, especially with solid glass or plastic, there may be no stickers on the case. SIM-cards – sometimes the code is punched out there, although it is less common.
For tablets and laptops, information is often placed on the back cover in small print. Look for "S/N" or "Serial No.." If the sticker is worn or missing, go to software-based verification methods.
- 📦 Check the side faces of the box for a white sticker with a barcode.
- 🔍 Inspect the back cover of the device in good lighting.
- 💾 Remove the tray. SIM-maps and look at its facets.
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When buying a used device, be sure to check the number on the box with the number on the menu. The mismatch may indicate an assembly of different parts or a restored machine.
Search for data in the smartphone menu
If the device is powered on and running, the most reliable source of information is the system menu. To access the full list of features, go to Settings. Next, select About Phone (or About Device) and the list that opens will display the model, the MIUI/HyperOS version, and other data.
To get detailed technical information, including IMEI and serial number, you need to click on the line "All specifications" or tap the kernel version several times. In some MIUI shells, it is enough to simply scroll down the screen, here the data is protected from accidental change by the user.
There is also a universal engineering method that works on all Android smartphones: Open the Phone app and enter the code *#06#. Once you enter the last grille, the screen will automatically pop up with the technical data, which works even without the SIM card or Internet access.
☑️ Checking the data in the menu
Note that dual-symbol devices will display two IMEI numbers (IMEI 1 and IMEI 2), but the serial number will always remain the same for the entire device.
Use of commands and system logs
For advanced users who need access to hidden test menus, there are a few useful commands that allow you to not only see the number, but also check the operation of communication modules. Enter the code # # #64663## to enter the CIT engineering menu to test the screen, sound, vibration and read the full data about the hardware.
If standard methods do not work, you can use ADB debugging. Connect the phone to your computer, enable debugging over USB and enter the command into the console:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1This command will return a string with IMEI, which can sometimes be decoded or used for reconciliation, but for the average user, a standard code *#06# that outputs the data in a readable form is enough.
What do I do if the codes don't work?
The system menu is the most reliable source.
Checking through official Xiaomi services
Once you have found the numbers, it's the verification phase, the manufacturer's official website provides tools to verify the authenticity and warranty status, go to the authentication page in the Xiaomi service section, and you'll need to enter an IMEI or serial number.
The system will automatically determine the model of the device and show the activation date. If the device has never been activated, the status will be appropriate. If the warranty has already expired or is counting back from the date before your purchase, this is a reason to be wary. Official check is the only way to make sure that the phone is not a “gray” import or counterfeit.
| Parameter | Where to find out. | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Menu, box, back cover. | Identification in communication networks |
| Serial Number (SN) | Menu, box, service menu | Guarantee and service |
| MAC Address | Settings for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Identification in local networks |
Decoding of the structure of the serial number
The serial number is not a random set of characters. The Xiaomi code encrypts logistic information. The first characters usually indicate the manufacturer and model. The following characters may indicate the year and month of release. For example, certain combinations of letters correspond to specific months of production.
Knowing the structure can roughly determine the age of the device before you buy it, but fully decrypting it requires access to a company's internal database, which is not publicly available, and for the average user, it's more important to match the numbers on all media than to decrypt them accurately.
If you find that the number on the menu is different from the number on the box, it could mean replacing the motherboard at the service center, in which case a certificate of repair will be required to guarantee the service.
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The coincidence of IMEI and SN on the box, menu and warranty card is the main sign of the originality and integrity of the device.
Frequent problems and solutions
Users often experience a situation where the number fields are empty or display zeros, which may indicate a software failure, damage to the NVRAM partition, or an attempt to flash the malfunctioning software. In rare cases, this is a sign that the device is built from substandard parts.
⚠️ Note: If you enter the *#06# code and see a message "Null" or fields are empty, do not accept the device for payment.
Another problem is the regional version mismatch: A phone purchased as “global” can be identified by serial number as a Chinese version (CN), which affects the operation of banking applications and notifications, and checking the region with SN helps to avoid such surprises.
Backup and partition recovery methods exist to recover lost identifiers (power users only), but they require an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights. In normal cases, it is better to contact an authorized service center.