How to know exactly the release date of the Xiaomi phone: all the ways from the box to the service code

You bought a used Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but the seller doesn't know when exactly the phone was released? Or you want to see if you've been sold a "new" device in warehouse 2.+ The date of production of the smartphone affects the warranty life, battery wear and even support for updates MIUI. 5 working ways to learn the year and month of release of any Xiaomi phone, from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14.

We will discuss the official methods (through the IMEI, We'll focus on the serial number and system settings, as well as little-known techniques like decoding the label on the box or hidden service codes, and we'll focus on the 2023-2026 models, where Xiaomi changed the format of serial numbers — the old instructions for them do not work!

Importantly, the release date of the phone and the date it first activated (when it was turned on) are different things, and we focus on the date of production, because it determines the “age” of the hardware, not the software.

1.Serial number (S/N) - the most accurate method

Serial number (S/N) — This is a unique identifier for your phone that contains encrypted release date information. Xiaomi's serial number format has changed several times, so how it is decrypted depends on the year it was produced.

Where to find S/N:

• 📦 On the sticker under the battery (if the phone is collapsible) or on the tray SIM-map.
• 📱 In settings: Settings → The phone. → General information → Serial number.
• 📄 In a check or warranty card (if you bought in an official store).
• 🖥️ Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command adb shell getprop ro.serialno

How to decipher:

1. For models 2020–2026 years (e.g. Redmi Note) 11, Xiaomi 13): serial number XXXXXXXXXYYWW, where: YY — last two digits of the year, for example, 23 = 2023). WW — week of the year 01 before 52).

⚠️ Note: If the number ends at 00 or 99, it may be a service remake (restored phone) rather than the original date.

For models up to 2020

Redmi Note 8 Pro

YYMMDD

• YY — year, 19 = 2019).
• MM — month (01 to 12).
• DD — month-day.

An example of decryption:

• Serial number: ABC123452335 → 2023, 35th week (end of August 2023).
• Serial number: DEF6191215GHIJ → 15 December 2019.

Find S/N in the settings or on the box

Check the format (YYWW or YYMMDD)

Decipher the year and week/month

Check the date of purchase (should match the error) ±2 months)

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2. by marking on the box - a quick way without turning on the phone

If the phone isn't unpacked yet, or if you check it before you buy it, you can find the release date by the sticker on the box. Look for a line that says Made in... or Date of Manufacture, but most of the time, the information is encrypted in the article.

The format of marking on Xiaomi boxes:

• 📦 MYYMMDD — where: M is the letter prefix of the model (for example, K for Redmi) K50). YY — year, 22 = 2022). MM — month. DD — day-day.
• 🏭 Alternative format: YYWW (serialized).

Examples:

Where to look for markings:

• 📦 On a white barcode sticker (usually on the end of the box).
• 🔖 Under QR-code (may be small print).
• 📄 On the warranty card (if the box is lost).

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If there are several dates on the box, focus on the one next to the inscription. MFG Date (Manufacturing Date) Logistics Date (SHIP Date may be 1-3 months later.

3. Through IMEI — If the serial number is erased or unavailable

IMEI — This is an international mobile device identifier, but unlike a serial number, it does not contain direct release date information. IMEI You can find out the month and year of the model certification, which indirectly indicates the production period.

How to check:

1. Find out. IMEI Phone: *#06# - a window will appear IMEI. Look at the settings → The phone. → General information → IMEI. On the sticker under the battery (for collapsible models).

IMEI.info

IMEI

Approval Date

The actual release date of the phone is usually 1-6 months later.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not show the exact date of your phone, but only the approximate release period of the entire batch.
• ❌ For popular models (such as the Redmi Note 10), production can take a year, so the margin of error is high.
• ✅ Suitable if the serial number is erased or the phone is not turned on.

4. Through system settings - for phones with MIUI

If the phone is turned on and working on MIUI, The date of first turn on (which is close to the date of production) can be found through hidden menus.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to About Phone → General Information.
3. Find the Time of Work or Status (on new versions) MIUI This may be called the time of use).
4. Slap it 5-7 times – the hidden Testing menu will open.
5. In this menu, look for the Version info or Hardware info section, where you can find the First boot time line.

Alternative method (for the purpose of MIUI 12–14):

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI Version 7 times.


2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers.




3. Activate Debugging over USB and connect the phone to the PC.




4. Enter in the command line:


   adb shell dumpsys power


5. In the conclusion, find the line mFirstBootTime= is the timestamp of the first inclusion.

How to convert timestamp to a date:

• Copy the numbers after mFirstBootTime= (for example, 1672531200).
• Insert them on the Epoch Converter website, which will show you the exact date and time.

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The first turn-on date can be 1-3 months later than the production date, as phones are often in warehouses before sale.

5. by model number and Xiaomi database

Each Xiaomi model has a unique model code (e.g., a model code, 22101320C For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G). This code can tell the release period of the entire line, but not a specific phone.

How to find the model code:

• 📱 In settings: Settings → The phone. → Model.
• 📦 On the box (near the barcode).
• 🔋 Under the battery (for collapsible models).

How to check the release period:

1. Go to the Xiaomi Device or Kimovil website.
2. Type the model code into the search.
3. In the specifications, find the Release date or Launch field.

Examples of codes and release dates:

Please note:

• 📅 The launch date is when the model went on sale, not when your phone was assembled.
• 🏭 The production period can be a year or more (especially for popular models).
• ⚠️ If the model code is not in the database, it is possible that it is a regional modification (for example, for India or China).

6. through Xiaomi service centers - the official way

If you need a 100% accurate date (for example, for warranty repairs or litigation), contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔢 Serial number (S/N).
• 📱 IMEI.
• 📦 Data from the box (if saved).

How to request information:

1. Find the nearest service center on the official Xiaomi website.
2. Send a request by email (usually support)@mi.com regional).
3. Specify in the letter: Model phone. Serial number and IMEI. Reason for request (e.g. “guarantee period check»).

Please include a photo of the box (if any) and a check.

Response time is 3 to 7 days, and in some cases, you may be required to show your phone in person.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial service centers (not listed on Xiaomi’s website) may not have access to the manufacturer’s database.Beware of scammers who offer “find the date for a fee” – this information is available for free!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When determining the release date of a Xiaomi phone, users often encounter false data, and here are the most common mistakes:

1. Confuse the production date and activation date

• 📅 Production Date – When the phone is assembled in the factory.
• 🔄 Activation Date – when it was first turned on (may be months later).

How to check: Activation date is displayed in Settings → The phone. → State (paragraph Date of first activation).

2. Trust date on sites like GSM Arena

• 🌍 Sites like GSMArena show the date of the announcement of the model, not the production of your phone.
• ✅ Use it for accuracy. S/N box.

3. ignore regional specifics

• 🇨🇳 Telephones for China (China) ROM) It may have a different serial number format.
• 🇮🇳 Models for India (e.g. Redmi Note 12 India) are often released later than global versions.

4.Does not count refurbished phones

• ♻️ If the serial number ends in 00 or 99, it can be a refurbished phone.
• 🔍 Check for autopsy marks (scratches on screws, unoriginal film).

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If the phone’s production date is older than 2 years and the seller claims it is “new,” it’s a reason to question the fairness of the deal.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions