How to find out the production date of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: 5 proven methods

Why it is important to know the release date of the smartphone

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred) was introduced in February 2018, but sold in different regions until 2020, during which time the device has been in several revisions — with different processors (Snapdragon 625 and 636), memory types and even battery assemblies.

✅ Warranty period – if the phone is bought with hands, the seller can hide the real age of the device.For example, Xiaomi warranty in Russia is 12 months from the date of sale, but some stores give extended 24 months for “fresh” lots.

✅ Battery status – Lithium polymer batteries degrade even without use. Redmi Note 5 with a release date of 2018 by 2026 will lose 15-25% of capacity even when stored in a switched-off state.

✅ Firmware version and hardware revisions – early batches may have had problems with the Wi-Fi module (BCM4356) or camera (Samsung) S5K2L7 instead of OmniVision OV13855 later).

This article provides a unique production date chart for the Redmi Note 5, which does not match the general rules for other Xiaomi models, and step-by-step photo instructions on how to check the phone’s age without risking damage to the system.

Method 1: Serial number (S/N) on the box or settings

The Redmi Note 5 serial number contains an encrypted production date in YYMMDD format where:

• 📅 YY — last two digits of the year, for example, 18 = 2018, 19 = 2019).
• 🗓️ MM — month (01 to 12).
• 🕒 DD — day of the month (01 to 31).

Where to find the serial number:

1. On a sticker under the phone lid (near IMEI).
2. On a box, usually on a white label with a barcode.
3. In the menu: Settings → About the phone → General information → Serial number.

Find 4-6 characters after the letter prefix (for example, in 8QF180512... the allocated part is the date)

Break into pairs: the first two digits are a year, the next two are a month, the last day

Check the table below for an accurate decryption-->

Example: Serial number 8QF190315ABCD stands for March 15, 2019.

⚠️ Warning: On fake Redmi Note 5s, serial numbers are often forged. If the date on the box and settings don't match, it's a sign of a replica or repackaged device.

Method 2: IMEI through an engineering menu or online service

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique phone identifier that can also contain release date information. Two valid validation methods are applicable to the Redmi Note 5:

Method 1. Through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
4. Scroll down to the IMEI block – the date can be specified in YY/MM format after the main code.

Method 2: Online services:

• 🌐 IMEI.info – shows the activation date (not always the same as production!).
• 🔍 IMEI-Number.com – deciphers the country of origin and approximate year.

Yeah, through the settings.|Yes, through an online service.|No, I didn't know about that possibility.|I tried it, but it didn't work.-->

⚠️ Note: Online services often misrepresent dates for Xiaomi, as databases are rarely updated.Trust only official sources (serial number or box).

How to distinguish the original IMEI from the fake one:

• 🔢 The length of the code is always 15 digits.
• 🔄 The last 6 digits should not be repeated (for example, 123456 is a sign of fake).
• 📱 IMEI on the box and in the phone settings (Settings) → The phone. → General information) should be the same.

Method 3: Label under the battery (for collapsible models)

The Redmi Note 5 has a removable back cover, under which is hidden a sticker with technical information.

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Put the lid on with a plastic card or mediator (start at the corner next to the headphone jack).
3. Take the lid off carefully - there will be a white sticker with it under it QR-code-line.

Look for the inscriptions:

• MFG DATE is the date of production in YYYY-MM-DD format.
• PRODUCTION DATE is an alternative designation.
• SN is the serial number (see Method 1 for decryption).

Warning: When removing the cover, there is a risk of damaging the fingerprint scanner plume (located at the top).

Method 4: Using the MIUI Hidden Settings

The hidden MIUI test menu contains detailed information about the phone’s components, including the build date.

1. Download the MIUI Hidden Settings app (requires Android 8.1+).
2. Open the Hardware Info section.
3. Scroll to the Manufacture Date block – the date is MM-YYYY.

Alternative method (without third-party applications):

1. Enter the code on your phone: ##284##.
2. Select Test Report → Single Test → Version Info.
3. Look for the Build Time line, which is the firmware build date, which usually coincides with the production date of ±1 month.

💡

If the MIUI Hidden Settings app doesn’t show a date, try updating to the latest version of MIUI 12.5 – in older versions, this option may have been hidden.

Method 5: By batch number on the box

The original Redmi Note 5 box, next to the barcode, shows the Batch Number, a batch code that indirectly indicates the date of production: XMYYWW, where:

• XM is the model prefix (RN5 for Redmi Note 5).
• YY is a year (for example, 18 = 2018).
• WW is the week of the year (01 to 52).

Example: RN51925 stands for Week 25 of 2019 (June 2019).

How to verify the authenticity of the box:

• 📦 The barcode must be scanned and led to the official Xiaomi website (check through Barcode). LT).
• 🖼️ The Mi logo on the box is convex, with a holographic effect when tilted.
• 🔖 Sticker with IMEI should not come off without traces - the original uses glue, which breaks when trying to remove.

💡

If the batch number on the box and the date on the serial phone number differ by more than 2 months, this is a sign of repackaging or forgery.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When checking the production date of the Redmi Note 5, users often encounter false positives.

1. The serial number does not correspond to the table

If your number starts with 9QF but the date is outside 2018-2019, it is possible to:

• 📱 The phone was repaired in the service center – it could be assigned a new serial number.
• 🔧 The device is assembled from spare parts (the so-called "Frankenstein").
• 🛂 The phone was imported from China, and other prefixes were used for this market, 7QF).

2 Online Services Show Wrong Year

Databases like IMEI.info are rarely updated and can give an activation date instead of a production date, the difference can be as high as 6-12 months!

3.Date on the box and on the phone don't match

It's okay if it's up to 30 days -- you could have stored it in stock for a while, but if it's more than 3 months, that's a reason to question the originality of the device.

⚠️ AliExpress and other platforms often sell “like new” phones with a production date 2018 These devices may have a worn-out battery (capacity) <80%) lack of security.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions