How to determine IMEI on Xiaomi phone: all the ways and nuances

Why is IMEI so important to Xiaomi owners?

Every Xiaomi smartphone — whether it’s the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12 — has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) identifier. This 15-digit code isn’t just a set of numbers: it serves as a digital passport of the device that will come in handy in the most unexpected situations, such as locking the phone after a theft, checking for originality before buying from hand, or restoring access to your Mi Account after resetting.

Xiaomi owners face the need to know IMEI More often than other brands, the reason is because of the firmware. MIUI: Some functions (for example, unlocking the bootloader) require confirmation of the IMEI. Plus, on two-way devices. SIM-cards (Dual) SIM) Each slot has its own IMEI — They are easily confused when you type them into service forms, and in this article we will discuss all the current methods of verification, including those that work even on locked or faulty phones.

Method 1: through phone settings (the easiest one)

If your Xiaomi is switched on and reacts to touch, this method will take no more than 10 seconds, and is suitable for all models on MIUI (including POCO and Black Shark), regardless of the firmware version.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device on some versions of MIUI).
  3. Tap on All Characteristics (sometimes called General Information).
  4. Find a line. IMEI — One or two codes will be displayed (depending on the number of codes). SIM-map).

On models with MIUI 14 and newer, the path may be slightly different: Settings → About Phone → Device Information → Status. If you don’t find the section, search for settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and type in the “IMEI” query.

Check if the section "For Developers" is hidden (include it in "More")

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Restart your phone – sometimes the data is delayed

Try alternative methods (see below)

-->

Method 2: USSD-*#06# (although it works without it) SIM-map)

A universal method that works on any Xiaomi phone, including older models like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1, the advantage of which is that you don't need access to settings or the Internet.

  1. Open the phone (calling) application.
  2. Enter *#06# (as if you were dialing a number).
  3. Wait for the automatic appearance of the window with IMEI (usually pops up in 1-2 seconds).

On two-device devices. SIM-maps will show both IMEI — first-slot SIM second — SIM 2.If the window does not appear, check if a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher or HyperOS Launcher) blocks it.In this case, temporarily return to the standard launcher. MIUI.

USSD-code *#06#|Phone settings|Box from the device|Through the battery|Another way.-->

Method 3: IMEI on or under the battery (for faulty phones)

If the phone doesn't turn on, break up or lock up, there are still "physical" ways to do it, and the first thing to check is the original Xiaomi box, which usually has a label with two barcodes and text information on it. IMEI near-indicated:

  • 📦 Serial number (S/N) — frequently placed under.
  • 🏷️ Barcode - can be printed in small print on the right.
  • 📄 Documentation – on some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11) IMEI duplicated in the warranty card.

If there is no box, on older removable battery models (such as the Redmi 3S or Mi 4i), the IMEI can be found under the battery.

  1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade or mediator will be required).
  2. Carefully tuck in and remove the battery.
  3. IMEI will be printed on a white sticker under the battery (sometimes next to the battery) QR-code).
What if the IMEI on the phone and the box don’t match?
This is a wake-up call! The discrepancy could mean: 1) Phone repaired (communication module replaced). 2 Device stolen and reflashed (IMEI 3) The box is not original (a common situation when buying from hand). 🔹 Recommendation: Check out IMEI via imei.info – if the model data does not match your phone, it is a cause for concern.

Method 4: through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if standard methods have not worked (for example, on custom firmware or after a reset). The engineering menu is hidden from ordinary users, but it can be opened with secret code. Attention: do not change the settings in this menu without understanding the consequences - it can disrupt the network!

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the IMEI block, and both identifiers (if a dual SIM phone) will appear here.

On some models (e.g. POCO F5), the engineering menu code may differ.

  • #36446337## - to check firmware and IMEI versions
  • #2664## is a touchscreen test, but sometimes displays IMEI.

💡

If the engineering menu doesn't open, check if it's disabled in the developer settings. Turn it on along the way: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional → For developers → Enable engineering menu).

Method 5: via ADB (if the phone is unresponsive to the screen)

If the touch screen doesn't work, but the phone is turned on and defined by a computer, you can find out IMEI through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a PC and minimal technical skills.

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
  • 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
  • 🛠️ Utility. ADB (is part of Android SDK).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 taps → For developers → Debugging over USB).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on the device screen.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

The answer will appear in a line with IMEI Result: Parcel format(0x00000000 '123456789012345'), where 123456789012345 is your identifier:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 4

💡

ADB-Method is the only way to know IMEI on a phone with a broken screen if the sensor does not respond, but the device is switched on and determined by the PC.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes users encounter situations where the IMEI is not displayed or is displayed incorrectly. Let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
IMEI is displayed as 000000000000000000 or Null.Resetting settings without backup, firmware damage, incorrect flashingRestore your IMEI through the SN Write Tool (requires an authorized Mi Account)
IMEIs on the box and on the phone are not the same.Phone restored after repair, fake, manufacturer errorCheck your device history via imei.info or contact the service center
USSD-*#06# is not workingBlocking by the operator, custom firmware, error in the launcherTry entering the code through the standard Phone app, not third-party calls.
IMEI is only displayed for one slot (on Dual SIM)Failure of the second SIM module, firmware errorCheck it out. SIM-card in the second slot or reflash the phone

If none of the methods worked, perhaps the problem lies in the hardware malfunction of the communication module, in which case we recommend contacting an authorized Xiaomi service center - self-repair can lead to loss of warranty.

💡

Before selling a phone, always check the IMEI through imei.info. If the device is blacklisted (stolen/lost), it is blocked by carriers and the new owner will not be able to use the network.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I change the IMEI to Xiaomi?
Technically, yes, but it is illegal in most countries (including Russia), changing the IMEI is considered a fraud and can cause legal problems, and after changing the IMEI, you lose your warranty, and the phone can be blocked by telecom operators. If the IMEI is shot down (shown as 000000000000000000), restore it through official Xiaomi tools (for example, SN Write Tool with authorization).
What to do if you bought Xiaomi with an unoriginal IMEI?
If the IMEI on the box and the phone do not match, and the check through imei.info shows a different model, you have two options: Return the phone to the seller (if the purchase was recent) is a clear sign of fraud. Contact the Xiaomi service center to check the legality of the device. If the phone is restored after repair, the masters must have documents confirming the replacement of the communication module.
How to find IMEI on Xiaomi without a phone (if it is lost)
If your phone is lost or stolen, but you have a box left, use it. IMEI If there's no box, try: Check check checks or paperwork from the store -- sometimes. IMEI If the phone was tied to a Mi Account, try to find it. IMEI Device history (Device management section at account.xiaomi.com) Contact the carrier if SIM-The card was registered to you, they can provide IMEI phone number.
Why are there two IMEIs on Xiaomi?
This is normal for all models with Dual support. SIM (two-way SIM-Each slot has its own communication module, so IMEI They're different: IMEI 1 - for the slot SIM 1. IMEI 2 - for slot SIM 2.When registering a device in Xiaomi services (for example, to unlock the bootloader), any of the IMEI. If you are not sure, use the first one.
Can I track the location of Xiaomi by IMEI?
No, IMEI is not GPS-It is only used to identify the device in the operator's network, but the police or special services can ask the operator for the latest location of the phone. IMEI (If the phone is stolen, you can block it. IMEI It's not going to be able to track it in real time, but it's not going to be able to track it in real time. MIUI: Settings → Google → Find the device or Mi Cloud → Find the device.