Xiaomi IMEI via Fastboot: How to Check and Restore

Loss or damage of IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones is a problem that users face after bad firmware, factory resets or hardware failures. Unlike standard methods of checking with *#06#, Fastboot mode allows access to service information even on “bricks” – devices that do not boot into the system. This method is relevant for models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but requires caution: the wrong commands can make things worse.

In this article, we will not only look at how to find out IMEI through Fastboot, but also what to do if it is missing or displayed as 000000000000000.You will learn about hidden fastboot commands, alternative ways to check through EDL- mode, and legal and illegal recovery methods. Particular attention will be paid to models with dual SIM- cards (e.g. POCO F5 Pro), where IMEI can be duplicated or partially erased.

What is IMEI and why it can disappear

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit identifier for your smartphone that is used by carriers to log in to the network. Without a correct IMEI, the device will not be able to make calls, send SMS or use the mobile Internet even if the SIM- card is working.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the IMEI is stored in two places:

• 📱 NVRAM- Partition (non-energy memory) is the main storage that can be damaged by firmware or reset.
• 🔧 Modem firmware is a backup that can sometimes be restored through service utilities.

Reasons for the loss of IMEI:

• ⚡ Improper firmware (especially through fastboot flash all without saving the nvdata partition).
• 🔄 Hard Reset on some models (e.g. Redmi 9A).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions (damage to a memory chip or antenna module).
• 📴 Rooting and modifications (deleted files /data/nvram or /persist).

If your Xiaomi is not catching the network, and the settings show IMEI of the form 000000000000000000 or Invalid IMEI, this is a sure sign of a problem. In 90% of cases, it can be solved software, but first you need to confirm the current state of the identifier.

Preparing for IMEI verification via Fastboot

Before you jump to commands, make sure your device and computer are ready for the procedure. Mistakes at this stage can lead to a complete loss of communication with the phone or even its "bricking".

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified to avoid connection issues)
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a battery charge of at least 30% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 🛠️ Utility: ADB & Fastboot Tools (download from the official Android Developers website) and Qualcomm drivers (for Snapdragon models).

Important: if you use a laptop, connect it to a power source, interrupting the process due to battery discharge can damage the bootloader.

Before connecting your phone, follow the following steps:

1. Open Device Manager on your computer (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Connect the switched off smartphone to the USB-port, holding Volume down + Power to log in to the Fastboot.
3. The controller should appear Android Bootloader Interface or Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (if the phone is in EDL mode).

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If your computer doesn’t see the device in Fastboot, try another USB- port (preferably USB 2.0) or disable the driver signature in Windows.

Teams to check IMEI in Fastboot

When the phone is connected in Fastboot mode, you can start checking IMEI. This uses hidden commands that are not dokumented in official Xiaomi sources. Below is a list of working commands for most models (starting with the Redmi 4X and later).

Major teams:

fastboot getvar imei # Shows the IMEI of the first slot (not working on all models)


fastboot getvar imei2 # Shows the second slot IMEI (for dual SIMs)




fastboot oem readimei # Alternative command for older devices




fastboot getvar product # Check the device model (required for recovery)

If getvar imei commands don’t work, try the following method:

fastboot oem device-info


fastboot getvar all

In the last command output, look for the lines imei: or imei2:. On some devices (for example, POCO X3 Pro), IMEI can be encrypted - in this case, you will need to decode through specialized utilities like Maui META or QCN Rebuilder.

Example of conclusion:

(bootloader) imei: 861234567890123


(bootloader) imei2: 861234567890124




OKAY [  0.012s]




finished. total time: 0.012s

If you see unknown command or empty values instead of numbers, then you can see no IMEI.

What to do if the IMEI is missing or incorrect

If you find that the IMEI has dropped by 000000000000000000 or is missing, don't panic. In most cases, it can be restored, but the methods depend on the cause of the loss. Below is an algorithm for actions for different scenarios.

Recovery options:

For most users, the most affordable way is to restore through the engineering menu (if the phone is turned on) or the firmware of the QCN- file (if the device is in Fastboot/EDL mode).

Step-by-step instructions for recovery through the engineering menu:

1. Enter the code ##4636## → select Phone Information.
2. Scroll down to the IMEI block and click on it (some models need to type in a master code, such as 8652#).
3. Enter the original IMEI (if you know), or use a generator to create a valid code.
4. Reset the device.

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Never use randomly generated IMEIs – this is illegal and can result in a device being locked by an operator.

If the phone is not turned on, you will need firmware through EDL- mode using Mi Flash Tool or QFil utilities. This requires a QCN- file with a backup of IMEI (if you have done a backup before) or a file from another device of the same model (risky!).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Working with Fastboot and IMEI is fraught with errors that can turn your Xiaomi into a brick. Below is a list of typical problems and ways to prevent them.

Error 1: Device not defined in Fastboot

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try the port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).
• 🛠️ Disable driver signatures in Windows (bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on command line on behalf of the administrator).

Error 2: The command fastboot getvar imei returns the empty value

• 📵 Make sure the phone is unlocked (boot loader unlocked). Many fastboot commands don't work on locked devices.
• 🔍 Try alternative commands: fastboot oem readimei or fastboot getvar all | find "imei."
• 🔧 If IMEI is missing, check the integrity of the nvdata partition via fastboot getvar nvdata.

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11), the IMEI can be hidden behind encryption, in which case only firmware through EDL with an authorized Xiaomi account will help.

Error 3: After IMEI recovery, the network is down

• 📶 Check if IMEI on the sticker under the battery matches the value entered.
• 🔄 Perform network reset: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset.
• 📱 Make sure the SIM- card is activated and not blocked by the operator.

⚠️ Warning: If you restored IMEI through the engineering menu, but it reset again after the reboot, it means that the nvdata partition is corrupted, in which case you will need to run the firmware through EDL or replace the motherboard.

Another common problem is that the IMEI conflict on dual SIM- devices, where both slots show the same identifier, can result in one of the slots being locked.

fastboot oem config carrier [IMEI_1] [IMEI_2]

Where [IMEI_1] and [IMEI_2] are unique identifiers for each slot.

Alternative ways to check IMEI without Fastboot

If Fastboot is not available for some reason, there are other IMEI verification methods that are less versatile but can help in critical situations.

Methods of verification:

• 📞 USSD-code: Dial *#06# – this works even if the phone is not catching the network (but should be on).
• 📄 Battery sticker: On older models (e.g., Redmi 4A), IMEI is listed on a sticker under the removable lid.
• 📦 Phone Box: The original IMEI always prints on the box (check the match with the sticker on the device).
• 💻 Xiaomi Account: If the phone was linked to Mi Account, IMEI can be stored in the device profile on i.mi.com.

For devices that aren’t turned on at all but are determined by a computer in Qualcomm 9008 (EDL) mode, you can use utilities like QPST or Miracle Box to read IMEI directly from memory, but this method requires skill and can lead to loss of warranty.

How to check IMEI with Mi Account:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Devices tab.
3. Find your smartphone in the list – next to the model will be listed IMEI.

⚠️ Warning: If the IMEI on the box and Mi Account don't match, it could mean the device has been repaired or is a fake.

Legality and risks of changing the IMEI

Recovery IMEI is a process that is regulated by the laws of many countries. In Russia, according to Federal Law № 126-FZ, forgery or alteration IMEI without a valid reason (for example, repair) is considered a violation and can lead to the locking of the device by the operator.

What is permitted:

• ✅ Restore the original IMEI after a failure (if you have proof of device ownership).
• ✅ Replace IMEI in Xiaomi service center when repairing the motherboard.

What is forbidden:

• ❌ Use IMEI from another device (even if it is the same manufacturer).
• ❌ Generating random IMEI via online services (such identifiers are blocked by operators).
• ❌ Selling or buying modified IMEI devices.

If you restored the IMEI yourself and the phone stopped working with the SIM- card, the operator could block it using the EIR (Equipment Identity Register) database.

1. Contact the communication salon with documents on the phone.
2. Provide a check or warranty card to confirm the legality of the device.
3. If the IMEI was changed by mistake, Xiaomi’s service center can help you return the original identifier (for a fee).

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Any manipulation of IMEI is recorded in the operator's logs. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the professionals.

In some countries (such as India), changing the IMEI is criminalized, so weigh the risks before doing anything.

FAQ: Frequent questions about IMEI testing on Xiaomi