Where to see the serial number on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways from the box to the service menu

Why Xiaomi serial number is not just numbers, but your device passport

Xiaomi’s smartphone serial number is like DNA for your gadget: a unique identifier that sets it apart from millions of other devices of the same model. Without it, you can’t officially unlock the bootloader, confirm a warranty at the service center, or even restore access to the Mi Account when you lose your password. But here’s the problem: the manufacturer hid it so deeply that many users are lost in search.

In this article, we'll not only list all the possible ways to find a serial number on a Redmi, POCO, or Mi, but also tell you which ones work on a phone that's turned off, which are suitable for devices with a broken screen, and which will help if the phone doesn't turn on at all, and you'll also learn why the serial number on the box and in the settings may not match β€” and what to do about it.

Spoiler: If your Xiaomi doesn't turn on, but you need a serial number urgently, don't despair. There are at least 3 ways to get it out without a working device.

Method 1: On a box and documents, the most obvious, but not always reliable, is the most obvious.

The first place you look for a serial number is a phone box, and it makes sense that the manufacturer has to put it on the package.

  • πŸ“¦ The sticker on the box is usually on the bottom or side. S/N, Serial No. or IMEI/MEID (Sometimes the serial is hidden among them).
  • πŸ“„ Warranty card - if the box is thrown away, check the documents. 12T) serial number is duplicated here.
  • πŸ›’ Check or invoice - in official stores (for example, Mi Store) serial can punch the check.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a phone with your hands, the serial number on the box may not match the real one! Fraudsters often fake packages, especially for popular models like the Redmi Note 11 or the Redmi Note. POCO X4 Pro. Always check the number against what appears in the device settings.

πŸ“Š Where do you usually search for a serial number first?
On the box.
In the phone settings
Through the Mi Account.
On the service center account
I don't know where to look.
Xiaomi modelTypical location of the serial number on the boxNotes
Redmi Note 10/11/12Sticker at the bottom of the box, next to IMEISometimes hidden under a barcode
POCO F3/F4/F5The side of the box, under the POCO logoCan be listed as SN or S/N
Xiaomi 13/14 seriesInside the box, on the paperwork.Often duplicated in Mi Account
Black Shark 5/6There is no box on the box - only in the settingsGaming smartphones often have non-standard markings

Method 2: Through phone settings – fast, but not always available

If the phone is on and running, the easiest way is to look at the settings.The path is standard for all Xiaomi models, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon).
  2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on New Versions).
  3. Slip on all the features (sometimes you need to scroll down).
  4. Look for the serial number (Serial Number).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version), the serial number may be hidden behind an additional Status tap or General Information. If you didn't find it the first time, check all the tabs in the About Phone section.

Open "Settings" | Find "About Phone" |Tap "All Features" |Check "Serial number" |Confirm with the number on the box-->

⚠️ Note: On phones with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, the serial number in the settings may not display correctly (for example, as unknown or set of zeros.

Method 3: Mi Account – If the phone is lost or stolen

Few people know, but Xiaomi keeps the serial numbers of the associated devices in your Mi Account.This is a rescue if the phone is lost, stolen or simply not turned on.

  1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
  2. In the Devices section, find your phone.
  3. Click on the model and a window will open with details including the serial number.

If the device is not listed, it means:

  • πŸ”„ You did not log in to your account on this phone (or reset).
  • 🚫 The device was manually removed from the account.
  • πŸ› οΈ The phone was recovered via Fastboot with a complete data cleanup.
What if the phone is not displayed in your Mi Account?
If the device is not tied to an account, but you have a check or warranty card, contact the official Xiaomi service with proof of purchase. They can restore the link through the database. If the phone was bought from hand, the chances are minimal, since the previous owner could untie the device.

πŸ’‘ Always link a new phone to your Mi Account immediately after you buy it, which will not only help in restoring your serial number, but also protect you from theft (via Find Device).

Method 4: Through the service menu - for advanced users

If the phone turns on but the serial number doesn’t show up in the settings (for example, because of custom firmware), you can try to extract it through the service menu, which works on most Xiaomi models, but requires caution.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the combination: ##4636## (this is a universal code for Android).
  3. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
  4. Scroll down – the serial number can be listed in the Serial Number section.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China may not work or reveal limited information. Do not try other engineering codes (like ##3646633##) unnecessarily, they may cause malfunctions!

Alternative method for devices with unlocked bootloader:

adb shell getprop ro.serialno

You need to type this command through ADB, and if you don't know what it is, you better not take risks.

Method 5: No phone on – if the screen is broken or the device is unresponsive

Situation: the phone doesn't turn on, the screen is broken, but you need a serial number. What do you do?

  • πŸ”‹ Under charging, connect your phone to charging. On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The serial number is displayed on the charging screen (you need to look at the small text).
  • πŸ”Œ Through computer – if the phone is defined as a device in Windows Device Manager, the serial number may appear in properties (Equipment section) β†’ Equipment ID).
  • πŸ“± SIM card - on some models (Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2) serial number is duplicated on the tray of the SIM card (in small print).

πŸ”§ Extreme case: If the phone doesn't show any signs of life, but you need a serial number for warranty repairs, contact the service center with a box and a check. EDL-mode (emergency firmware mode), but this requires special equipment.

πŸ’‘

If the phone doesn't turn on, but you're sure you need a serial number to guarantee it, don't try to disassemble it yourself! This may void the warranty.

Frequent problems and how to avoid them

When searching for a serial number, users encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The serial number on the box and on the phone are not the same.A fake box or re-interlaced deviceUse the number from your phone settings or Mi Account
The settings show the unknownCustom firmware or reset via FastbootTry the service menu or ADB.
The phone is not defined by the computer.Damaged. USB-portTry another cable/port or check in Device Manager
The serial number is not displayed in the Mi Account.The device is not tethered or removedContact the service with a check.

⚠️ Warning: If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check the serial number through the official Mi Verify website.This will help you avoid buying a stolen or re-flashed phone. IMEI β€” system will show the status of the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I change the serial number to Xiaomi?
Technically, the serial number is stitched into the EEPROM (permanent memory) of the device and cannot be changed without special equipment. All the "instructions" on the Internet to change through ADB or Fastboot are fraud or a way to break the phone. Except that some Chinese firmware allows you to change the displayed number, but this does not change the real S/N in the hardware.
Why is a serial number needed to unlock the bootloader?
Xiaomi ties the unlock permission to the serial number and Mi Account. This is a security measure to prevent theft and unauthorized firmware change. Without the correct serial number, Xiaomi servers will not issue the token to unlock, even if you enter all other data correctly.
What if the serial number is removed from the box?
If the sticker is worn or the box is damaged, try: View the number in the phone settings (if it turns on); check Mi Account (if the phone is tied); contact the store with a check; they can restore the number on the database; take an IMEI photo (dial *#06#) and contact the service - sometimes you can restore the serial number using IMEI.
Can I get a serial number by IMEI?
No, the serial number is not directly identified by IMEI, but official Xiaomi service centers have access to a database where these identifiers can be linked. If you urgently need a serial number and the phone does not turn on, contact the service with IMEI and proof of purchase.
Why do I need a serial number for warranty repairs?
Service centers check the serial number for two reasons: πŸ” Proof of authenticity of the device (not fake). πŸ“… Verification of warranty period (based on Xiaomi). Without a serial number, repairs under warranty are impossible - you will be asked to provide a check or other proof of purchase.