Buying a Xiaomi smartphone in the secondary market is always associated with risks: the device can be stolen, blocked by the operator, restored after a serious breakdown or even a fake. IMEI This unique 15-digit code allows you to know the history of the device, country of origin, warranty status and even technical specifications that the seller may have hidden.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to check Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO down IMEI In 2026, from official services to obscure databases, you'll learn how to tell the difference between the original and the replica, what to do if you're not a replica. IMEI It's missing or duplicated, and why some services show incomplete data, and at the end, a 7-step checklist for securely buying a used smartphone.
What is IMEI and where to find it on Xiaomi
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique identifier for your smartphone that is assigned at the factory, and it has 15 digits and contains information about the model, country of production and serial number. IMEI It can be one (for phones with one). SIM-card or two (for dual-SIM models).
Where to see. IMEI Xiaomi:
- π± In the phone settings: go to Settings β The phone. β General information β IMEI. It's all going to be here. IMEI devices (if there are several).
- π’ On the box: usually IMEI It's on the sticker, along with the serial number and the barcode. IMEI The box and the phone do not match β this is 100% a sign of counterfeiting or replacement of the motherboard.
- π Under the battery: on older models (e.g. Redmi Note 3 or Mi 4) IMEI duplicated on a sticker under the battery.
- π Through USSD-code: enter the combination *#06# in the "Phone" application - the screen will immediately appear IMEI (severally IMEI dual-SIM).
If the phone doesn't turn on, IMEI You can find it on a sticker under the back cover (for models with removable batteries) or on a check/warranty card. On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro).+) IMEI It is also duplicated in the settings β Status. SIM-map.
β οΈ Note: If you enter *#06# or instead of IMEI displaying zeros/incorrect characters is a sign of a software reset IMEI (It's often found on stolen or recovered phones, and it's best not to buy one.
Xiaomi's official services for checking by IMEI
Xiaomi provides two official tools for authenticating devices: MI Verification and Mi Account Unlock Status: The first shows basic phone information, the second shows the status of the Mi Account binding (important for unlocking the bootloader).
1. MI Verification (original verification)
- π Go to the site: https://www.mi.com/global/verify
- π Enter. IMEI (or serial number) and captcha.
- π The system will show the model of the device, the date of production and the status of "Authentic Mi Product" (if the phone is original).
2. Mi Account Unlock Status (Block Check)
- π Reference: https://account.xiaomi.com/pass/unlock/status
- π Enter. IMEI and email/telephone attached to the device (if known).
- π The service will show whether the phone is tied to the Mi Account and whether it can be unlocked.
| Service | Checks | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| MI Verification | Originality, model, date of production | Does not show repair history or lock by the operator |
| Mi Account Unlock | Link to Mi Account Account | Requires account information from the previous owner |
| Mi Service Center | Guarantee status (only for authorized centers) | It only works in countries with official Xiaomi support. |
Xiaomiβs official services donβt show the full history of the device (e.g., whether the phone was in repair or locked by the operator).
Third-party services for deep verification IMEI
If official data is not enough, use third-party services that collect information from operators' databases, customs declarations and repair centers.-5 Checked services for Xiaomi to check on IMEI into 2026 year:
1. IMEI.info (imei.info)
- π Shows model, technical characteristics, country of production.
- π There is a paid option to check for theft (Interpol base).
- β οΈ Free version is limited - full data only for $1.99.
2. SNEPI (snepi.me)
- π Russian-language service with CIS database.
- π Shows the history of activations, possible blocking operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon).
- β οΈ Not all Xiaomi models are supported (especially new ones).
3. IMEI24.com (imei24.com)
- π Free to show basic information + model.
- π Paid report ($0.99) includes data on the guarantee and possible fraud.
4. GSMA Device Check (gsma.com/devicecheck)
- π Official database of the association GSMA (reliable source).
- π Checks the status of the locking of operators around the world.
- β οΈ Not all Xiaomi models (especially Chinese versions).
5. CheckMEND (checkmend.com)
- π Paid service ($2.99), but gives the fullest possible report.
- π Checks history of insurance events, repairs, locks and even police registers.
For Xiaomi, the most useful SNEPI (for checking the locks in Russia/CIS) and GSMA Device Check (for international verification) If you buy your phone abroad, make sure you use both services.
π‘
If IMEI It starts with 86, and it's built in China for the domestic market, and it can have firmware and warranty problems in other countries.
How to check Xiaomi for lock operator
One of the most unpleasant surprises when buying used Xiaomi is the lock operator for default on the loan or loss of the phone. SIM-You can check the lock in three ways by using the original operator card or not working at all:
1. Through USSD-code
- π± Put it in. SIM-card of the operator from whom the phone was purchased (for example, MTS).
- π Dial the combination to check the status:
- π If the phone is locked, a message like βDevice blacklistedβ will appear".
2. Through the service GSMA Device Check
- π Go to the site. GSMA.
- π Enter. IMEI and follow the instructions.
- π If the phone is blacklisted, the service will show the reason for the lock (theft, non-payment, loss).
3. Call the operator back.
- π Call in support of the operator (numbers: MTS - 0890, Beeline - 0611, MegaFon - 0500).
- π£οΈ Let me know. IMEI Ask to check the status of the device.
- β οΈ Not all operators provide this information over the phone β a visit to the salon may be required.
β οΈ Note: If the seller claims that the lock can be removed "for 500 rubles", it is a fraud. the lock operator is removed only officially (through payment of debt or the provision of purchase documents), otherwise the phone will remain locked after flashing or resetting.
Insert SIM-map of the original operator|Check it out. USSD-code|Use it. GSMA Device Check|Clarify with operator support-->
Checking the history of repairs and guarantees
Even if the phone is not locked, it could be repaired after falling, flooding or replacing components. Xiaomi's official warranty is only valid if there is an intact seal and original parts.
1.Across Mi Service Center
- π Go to the Mi Service Center website.
- π Select a country and enter IMEI serial number.
- π§ The system will show the status of the guarantee and the date of the last contact with the service center.
2. Through the service SNEPI checkmend
- π These services collect data from repair centers and can show if the phone has been replaced:
3. Visual examination
- π Check the integrity of the seals on the screws (on the new Xiaomi models they are red or blue).
- π οΈ Check the charging connector for traces of oxidation (a sign of flooding).
- π± Check the uniformity of the screen backlight (yellow spots or unevenness indicate a replacement display).
If the phone has been unofficially repaired, Xiaomiβs warranty will automatically be cancelled, which is important if you plan to contact the service center in the future.
How to recognize a fake Xiaomi?
What to do if the IMEI is missing or incorrect
Sometimes check *#06# instead of IMEI displays zeros, incorrect characters or the message "Invalid" IMEI". This is a serious signal that could mean:
- π§ Damage to the motherboard (for example, after falling or flooding).
- π οΈ Replacement of fees for non-original (often occurs after repairs).
- π¨ Theft or theft β the fraudsters are washing IMEI, hide the history of the device.
- π± Fake - on lines IMEI frequently duplicated or absent.
If you are faced with such a problem:
- π Stop buying a phone with an incorrect phone. IMEI You will not be able to officially unlock or service in the service center.
- π Check the serial number on Xiaomiβs website β if itβs missing, itβs fake.
- π¦ Check the data with the box - if IMEI It's on it, but it's not on the phone, so the fee has been replaced.
Restore IMEI Xiaomi only works at an authorized service center, and not always, like the Redmi Note 10 and newer models. IMEI sewn into a protected memory area, and its recovery is expensive (from 3 000 rubles).
π‘
Phone without IMEI or incorrectly IMEI You can't officially unlock, upgrade or sell your firmware legally, and that's one of the key signs of fraud.
Checklist: 7 steps to securely buy Xiaomi used
To avoid running into a problem phone, follow this algorithm:
Make sure IMEI The box and the phone match.|Check it out. IMEI through MI Verification and GSMA Device Check|Insert SIM-operator card and check the lock|Check the phone for traces of repair (seals, oxidation)|Check the operation of all modules (camera, speakers, sensors)|Ask for a check or a warranty card (if any)|Verify the serial number with the data on the Xiaomi website-->
If at least one item is in doubt, drop the deal.The risk of buying a stolen, locked or faulty phone is not worth the savings.