How to find out the serial number Xiaomi: all the ways for smartphones, tablets and gadgets

The serial number (Serial Number or S/N) of Xiaomi devices is a unique identifier that is useful for warranty service, unlocking the bootloader, checking the originality or restoring access to the Mi Account. Without it, you can not officially contact the service center, activate certain functions or even sell the device in the secondary market. The problem is that the manufacturer hides this number in different places - depending on the model and type of gadget (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or router).

In this article, we have collected all the current ways to find a serial number on Xiaomi devices, including hidden methods for broken screens, locked phones and gadgets without access to the system. IMEI different S/N, Why the number on the box may not match the real number, and what to do if the serial is worn or missing, POCO, Mi, Black Shark, as well as smart watches, fitness bracelets and routers.

1.Where to look for the serial number on the device body

The most reliable way is to find the S/N on the physical label of the device, which Xiaomi smartphones and tablets usually duplicate in several places, but the location depends on the model and year of release.

• 📱 Removable back cover: On older models (until 2017), the serial number is printed under the battery on a white sticker along with the IMEI. Examples: Redmi 3S, Mi 4i, Mi Note.
• 🔧 Non-removable housing: In modern smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13) the number is placed on the tray for the use of the device. SIM-We'll have to take out the tray and light it up with a flashlight.
• 🖥️ Tablets: On Xiaomi Pad 5/6 serial number is marked on the back panel at the bottom (near the connector) USB-C).
• 📡 Routers and smart devices: At the bottom of the case (for example, Xiaomi Router) 4A, Mi Smart Band 7).

⚠️ Note: If the serial number sticker is damaged or erased, do not attempt to restore the numbers from memory - even one error will invalidate the number for the service center).

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On some models (e.g., the POCO F5), the serial number is duplicated on the packaging film of the case. If you have just unpacked the device, check it before throwing it away.

2.Serial number on the box and documents

If the device is new or you have kept the package, the serial number must be duplicated on the box.

• 📦 On a barcode sticker (front or side of the box).
• 📄 In the warranty card (if attached).
• 🛒 In a check or electronic purchase document (for example, in AliExpress or Mi Store).

Important nuance: Some models (e.g., the POCO M4 Pro) may have IMEIs on them, not S/N. Don't confuse them! The serial number always starts with SN:, S/N: or simply S, whereas the IMEI is 15 digits long. If the IMEI box is only IMEI, use other methods.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the device with your hands, check the serial number match on the box and in the settings. discrepancy can mean that the gadget is stolen, restored after repair or fake. Use the Mi Verify service to check the originality (entering is required). S/N or IMEI).

3. How to find out the serial number through Android settings

If the device is on and you have access to the system, the quickest way is to look at S/N in the settings menu.The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi smartphones and tablets on MIUI (including POCO and Black Shark):

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Tablet) section.
3. Tap on the item All characteristics (on older versions of MIUI - General information).
4. Scroll down to the Serial Number block.

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the path may be slightly different: Settings → About Phone → Device Information → Serial Number.

Settings open.

Found the "About the Phone" section.

Checked all tabs (characteristics, device information)

Screenshot taken or number recorded-->

For smart watches and bracelets (Mi Band, Mi Watch):

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the profile of the device (stamp on its icon).
3. Select Device Information or Software Information.
4. The serial number will be in the Hardware version or S/N section.

4.Methods for locked or faulty devices

If the screen crashes, the smartphone is locked with a pattern lock, or the system doesn't boot, standard methods won't work.

• 🔌 Fastboot mode: Connect the device to the PC, press Volume down + Power to log into Fastboot. The serial number will appear in the Serial Number bar (you need a command to fastboot getvar all in the terminal).
• 🖥️ ADB-Team: If the debugging is enabled USB, Connect your phone to your computer and do: adb shell getprop ro.serialno
• 📱 Mi Account: The Mi Account site may display a tied device in the Devices section S/N (if the gadget was synchronized).

Critical information: On devices with a Qualcomm chip (most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO), the serial number is stored in the EFS section. If this partition is damaged (for example, after a failed unlocking of the bootloader), you can restore S/N only through the service center using the Mi Authorized Tool box.

Through phone settings

On the box/documents

On the device body.

Through Fastboot/ADB

Another way.-->

5.The difference between serial number and IMEI and MAC-address

Users often confuse S/N with other identifiers, and let's look at the key differences:

⚠️ Some scammers offer to “restore” the serial number through a change IMEI Not only will it not work, but it will not work. S/N It is tied to hardware, but it can also result in a Mi Account being blocked or a warranty lost, and the only legal way to change a serial number is to officially replace the motherboard at the service center.

6.How to verify the authenticity of Xiaomi serial number

To make sure that your serial number is not fake and corresponds to a real device, use the official services:

1. Mi Verify: Enter S/N or IMEI to check the originality and activation date.
2. IMEI.info (link): Shows a device model by IMEI (indirectly confirms S/N).
3. Xiaomi Service Center: When visiting in person, you can check the number through the internal database (passport is required).

Signs of a fake serial number:

• 🚩 The number begins with 0000, 1111 or repeating characters.
• 🚩 Mi Verify is reporting an Invalid serial number error.
• 🚩 Number matches with IMEI (This is not possible because the formats are different).
• 🚩 The sticker on the body looks blurred or glued.

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If the serial number does not pass the check on the official website, this may mean that the device: 1) is fake; 2) recovered after repair with a replacement fee; 3) stolen (and blocked by the previous owner).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When searching for or using a serial number, users often make critical errors that lead to a loss of warranty or locking of the device.

• 📵 Mixed up S/N s IMEI: For example, when unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, it is required to link the serial number, not the serial number. IMEI. Using an incorrect identifier will cause a Couldn't verify device error.
• 🔧 Trying to erase or change the number: Forums advise "swipe a new one" S/N" through QCN-Not only will it not work, it can also damage the communication module.
• 📦 Trust the number only on the box: As mentioned earlier, the label on the package may not match the real one S/N device.
• 🔒 Don't check the number before selling: If you're selling the phone and the serial number in the system doesn't match what's on the box, the new owner could charge you with fraud.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to unlock the bootloader, the serial number must be linked to your Mi Account in advance (for the first time). 72 One hour before unlocking. Go to Settings for this. → Mi Account → Unlock status and follow the instructions. S/N Unlocking will not be possible!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions