Every Xiaomi smartphone owner sooner or later faces the need to know the IMEI of his device. This unique 15-digit code is needed to unlock the operator, verify the originality of the gadget, recover from theft or contact the service center. But where exactly to look for this number on Redmi phones, POCO or Mi line? The answer depends on the model, firmware version and even the state of the device (it works or not).
In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from the standard (through settings and packaging) to the hidden (engineering menu and physical marking under the battery). You will also know what to do if IMEI missing or displayed as a β0β is a critical signal of firmware or iron problems.
1. How to find out IMEI through phone settings (the easiest way)
If your Xiaomi is switched on and running, start with this method. It doesn't require disassembly of the device or special knowledge. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device on New Firmware).
- Tap on the item All characteristics (in some versions - General information).
- Find the IMEI or IMEI1/IMEI2 string (for dual-sim models).
One or two 15-digit codes will be displayed on the screen. IMEI1 first-slot SIM-map, IMEI2 β If you see zeros instead of digits or the words "Unknown", it is a sign of a software failure (for more details in the section on errors).
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Copy IMEI to the clipboard: press the code text for 2 seconds and select "Copy". This will come in handy for checking on the official Xiaomi website.
On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) the path may be slightly different:
- π± Settings β System system β The phone. β Status SIM-map
- π§ Settings β Memory. β Additionally. β Status IMEI (rare, but found on custom firmware)
Special USSD-quick-view IMEI
If the settings menu is not available (for example, due to a system failure), use service commands, which work even on locked screens (if emergency call mode is on), the main thing is that the phone catches the network.
Dial on the phone keyboard:
*#06#After dialing, an IMEI (or two IMEIs for dual-sim models) window will automatically open, a method that is universal for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including older Android 9-10 devices.
Additional useful codes:
- π ##4636## β opens the testing menu, where the phone information section will be IMEI.
- π‘ ##225## - will show calibration data (including: IMEI) on some models.
- βοΈ ##36446337## - Engineering menu (IMEI In the Connectivity section).
Important: on new HyperOS firmware, some engineering codes may be blocked, and if nothing happens after you enter the code, then the manufacturer has disabled this feature for your model.
3.Where to look for IMEI on box and documents
If the phone doesn't turn on or you just bought it, check the original packaging. Xiaomi's IMEI boxes are listed in three places:
- On a barcode sticker (usually on the bottom or side of the box) look for the IMEI1/IMEI2 string next to the serial number (S/N).
- On the warranty card (if attached).
- In the documentation (instructions for use, sometimes on the last page).
Pay attention to the format of the sticker:
| Xiaomi model | Where exactly is the sticker? | Example of IMEI |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10β12 | The bottom of the box, under the barcode | 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| POCO F4/F5 | Side side (right), under the seal | 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX / 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | Inside the box, on a separate sticker | 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| Redmi A1/A2 | On the top of the box (rarely) | 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi box from a fake?
Warning: If the IMEIs on the box and on the phone don't match, it could mean:
- π Phone restored after repair (replaced communication module).
- β οΈ The device was stolen and re-interlaced (IMEI substitute).
- π¦ The box is not original (often happens at "gray" sellers).
4. Physical inspection: IMEI under the battery or on the SIM slot
If the phone is dead or not turning on and the box is not, you have to look inside the device. Xiaomi IMEI duplicates in two places:
Sticker under the removable battery
Relevant for older models (Redmi) 4X, Redmi Note 5, Mi A1 And so on, where the battery is removable. IMEI:
- Turn off the phone.
- Remove the back cover (a mediator or plastic card will be required).
- Carefully gently pluck the battery and lift it.
- Find a white sticker with fine text β IMEI is listed next to S/N.
βοΈ What you need to safely open your phone
Sticker under the non-removable battery
On new models (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12T, POCO X5), the battery is glued, but the IMEI is sometimes visible without a complete disassembly:
- π§ Remove the back cover (will require a hair dryer to soften the glue).
- π± Under the battery, look for a sticker with QR-code β IMEI marked.
- π On some models, the code is laser-coded on a metal case under the battery (a magnifying glass is needed).
Note: Xiaomi's self-disassembly of a non-removable battery is not warranty. If the phone is warranty, it is better to contact the service center for checking IMEI through diagnostic equipment.
5. IMEI verification via computer (ADB and Mi Flash)
If the phone is turned on but the screen is not working (or the touchscreen is not responding), you can recognize the IMEI through your PC connection.
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
- π οΈ Utilities. ADB Or Mi Flash Tool.
Method 1: Through ADB (for power users)
- Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings β About Phone β MIUI version β tap 7 times, then go back to Additional β For developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
- Enter the command adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
- In the answer, find the line with IMEI (it will be in hexadecimal format, you will need a conversion).
Method 2: Using the Mi Flash Tool (Easier)
Download the official Mi Flash utility from Xiaomi's website, connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power When the phone is off) and press Refresh. IMEI will appear in the program window.
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If ADB Does not recognize the device, check the drivers (install Mi) PC Suite or try another one USB-Often the problem is with the unoriginal cords.
6 What to do if the IMEI is missing or is displayed as "0"
If instead of a 15-digit code you see 000000000000000, Unknown or empty field, this is a sign of one of the problems:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI = 0, phone does not catch the network | Firmware reset or failed update | Restore IMEI via SN Writer Tool (requires Xiaomi authorization) |
| IMEI is available, but the network is not working. | Communication module (antenna, chip) damaged | Diagnostics at the service center |
| IMEI changes after reboot | Virus or custom firmware | Install official MIUI via Fastboot |
| IMEIs on the box and on the phone are not the same. | Fake device or replacement of motherboard | Checking through the site imei.info |
Note: Restoring IMEI through third-party programs (such as ChimeraTool or Maui META) is illegal in most countries, which can result in a device being blocked by a carrier, the official way is to contact Xiaomi with a check for a purchase.
Can I use my phone without an IMEI?
7.How to check IMEI for phone authenticity and history
Once you know the IMEI, it is useful to check it through official services, which will help to identify:
- π The authenticity of the device (is it not a clone).
- π Date of production and model.
- π¨ Blocking status (stolen/clean).
Official services for verification:
- IMEI.info β will show the model, year of release, specifications.
- Xiaomi Verify β Verify originality by S/N and IMEI.
- SNDeepInfo β repair history (if the phone was in service).
How to read the results of the test:
- β Status: Clean β the phone is not blacklisted.
- β οΈ Status: Blacklisted β the device is listed as stolen.
- π Warranty: Active β Warranty is still valid.
Warning: If the phone doesn't match the model on the box when you check it (for example, the Redmi Note 12 is a Samsung Galaxy), you're 100% fake, and these devices are often sold on marketplaces at a discounted price.