Why Xiaomi serial number is not just numbers, but your device passport
Xiaomiβs 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 canβt 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 hereβs 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.
- π¦ 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).
- π Warranty card - if the box is thrown away, check the documents. 12T) serial number is duplicated here.
- π Check or invoice - in official stores (for example, Mi Store) serial can punch the check.
β οΈ 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.
| Xiaomi model | Typical location of the serial number on the box | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Sticker at the bottom of the box, next to IMEI | Sometimes hidden under a barcode |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | The side of the box, under the POCO logo | Can be listed as SN or S/N |
| Xiaomi 13/14 series | Inside the box, on the paperwork. | Often duplicated in Mi Account |
| Black Shark 5/6 | There is no box on the box - only in the settings | Gaming smartphones often have non-standard markings |
Method 2: Through phone settings β 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:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (or About Device on New Versions).
- Slip on all the features (sometimes you need to scroll down).
- 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-->
β οΈ 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 β 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.
- Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
- In the Devices section, find your phone.
- Click on the model and a window will open with details including the serial number.
If the device is not listed, it means:
- π You did not log in to your account on this phone (or reset).
- π« The device was manually removed from the account.
- π οΈ The phone was recovered via Fastboot with a complete data cleanup.
What if the phone is not displayed in your Mi Account?
π‘ 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 doesnβt 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:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##4636## (this is a universal code for Android).
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down β the serial number can be listed in the Serial Number section.
β οΈ 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.serialnoYou 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 β 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?
- π 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).
- π Through computer β if the phone is defined as a device in Windows Device Manager, the serial number may appear in properties (Equipment section) β Equipment ID).
- π± SIM card - on some models (Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2) serial number is duplicated on the tray of the SIM card (in small print).
π§ 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.
π‘
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 device | Use the number from your phone settings or Mi Account |
| The settings show the unknown | Custom firmware or reset via Fastboot | Try the service menu or ADB. |
| The phone is not defined by the computer. | Damaged. USB-port | Try another cable/port or check in Device Manager |
| The serial number is not displayed in the Mi Account. | The device is not tethered or removed | Contact the service with a check. |
β οΈ 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.