How to find out the release date of the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: proven ways

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, but even years later, its owners are faced with the need to know the exact release date of the device. This information is critical when buying a used phone, warranty repair or authentication. Unlike new models, where the production date is often specified in the settings, for the Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) requires special methods.

In this article, you will find 5 working ways to determine the release date – from serial number analysis to hidden service menus. We'll go through the nuances for different regions (China, global version, India), provide a decoding of the labeling, and explain why the date on the box and the actual date of production may not match. IMEI, which works without even access to the phone.

1.Serial number (S/N) - the most accurate method

The Redmi Note 5 serial number contains a YYWW (year and week) coded production date, which is more accurate than IMEI, because the serial number is assigned at the factory directly when it is assembled.

• 📦 Box - a barcode sticker (look for a line) S/N)
• 📱 In settings: Settings → The phone. → General information → Serial number.
• 🔋 Under the battery - a sticker on the back panel (requires disassembly)

Serial number format for Redmi Note 5: XXXXYYWWXXXX. Like in a room. 8F3A1823G5H7:

• 18 - 2018
• Week 23 - 23 (June)

⚠️ Note: On fake smartphones, the serial number can be forged. check it through the official Xiaomi website at the link (section Check Warranty).

Find S/N on the box or in settings |Select 4 digits in the middle (YYWW) |Decrypt year and week |Contact with the region table-->

2. via IMEI - if the phone is not turned on

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) also contains release date information, but in a less obvious way. For Redmi Note 5, use the first 8 digits of the 15-digit code.

1. Find it. IMEI: 📞 Type *#06# and the window will appear. 📄 On the box or under the battery (line) IMEI1)

86372104

86372104

The last 2 digits of these 8 are the week of production, and the preceding ones are the year in encrypted form.

For the year, use the table:

Example: IMEI 863724051234567 → 86372405 → 2018, Week 5 (February).

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If the phone doesn't turn on, remove the back cover and find the IMEI on the sticker under the battery. For models with a non-removable battery, use a box or purchase check.

3. by marking on the box - nuances for different regions

On the original Redmi Note 5 box, the production date is indicated in MM/GYYYYYY or MGYYY-MM-DD format, but its location depends on the region:

• 🇨🇳 Chinese version: sticker on the end of the box, production date line or
• 🌍 Global/India: Barcode sticker, field MFG DATE (for example, 1803 = March 2018)
• 🇷🇺 Russian shipments: often the date of importation rather than production (may differ by the date of importation) 1-3 month)

Pay attention to the color tags on the box:

• 🟢 Green sticker: Redmi Note 5 (whyred)
• 🔵 Redmi Note 5 Pro (Vince)
• ⚫ Black - Redmi Note 5A (ugglite)

⚠️ Note: On fake boxes, the date is often blurred or does not match the serial number. Compare it to the Settings menu. → The phone.

On the box | In the phone settings | Through IMEI| By serial number |I'm not checking-->

4. Through the engineering menu - hidden data

The Redmi Note 5's engineering menu contains factory data, including the date of the display calibration and assembly.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636###.
3. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
4. Scroll down to the Hardware Info block.

Look for the lines:

• Manufacture date – production date in MM-DD-GYG format
• LCD Driver IC – Screen Calibration Date (may vary by 1-2 weeks)

Alternative code for MIUI 10+ firmware: ##284## (package test). From the menu that opens, select Version info → Hardware version.

5. According to firmware - an indirect method

The build date doesn't always match the production date, but it can be used as a reference.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Tap 7 times on the kernel line (the notification will appear "You became a developer").
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the item Assembly Date (e.g. Thu Mar 15 14:22:10 CST 2018).

Compare this date to the MIUI version:

• If the difference is less than 3 months, the phone is released recently after the firmware assembly.
• If the difference is more than 6 months, it is possible that the phone was in storage for a long time.

6. Online services for verification - pros and cons

There are several online tools available to check the release date by IMEI or S/N, but their reliability varies:

• 🔍 IMEI.info – shows the date of activation, not production (may vary by months).
• 📡 Xiaomi’s official service checks the warranty, but doesn’t always display the date.
• 🛠️ SNDeeper – decrypts Xiaomi serial numbers (requires registration).

Example of a report from IMEI.info:

IMEI: 863721041234567




Brand: Xiaomi




Model: Redmi Note 5 (whyred)




Manufacture Date: Week 05, 2018 (February)




Activation Date: 15.06.2018

⚠️ Note: Online services can save your IMEI For privacy, use the official Xiaomi website or offline methods.

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The most accurate methods are the serial number and the engineering menu, and online services give approximate data and may contain errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note release date 5