Why IMEI is the key to identifying Xiaomi smartphone
Each Xiaomi smartphone has a unique 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) code that not only serves to identify the device on mobile networks, but also stores information about its model, production date and even technical characteristics. Knowledge of this code allows you to accurately determine the model of the phone - especially useful when there are no identification marks on the case (for example, after replacing the battery or the back cover), or when buying a device from hand when the seller can not provide the original packaging.
Unlike a serial number, which can be duplicated in devices of the same batch, IMEI This makes it an ideal tool for authenticating Xiaomi β especially important for models that are often counterfeited (like the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note). POCO X5 In fact, the IMEI You can find out if the phone is blacklisted by operators (for example, after a loan is stolen or defaulted).
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to define Xiaomi model using IMEI, from official services to hidden engineering codes. All methods are relevant for devices in 2026 and do not require root rights or special knowledge.
Where to find IMEI on Xiaomi smartphone
Before you check the model, you need to get the IMEI code itself. Xiaomi devices (like most Android smartphones) have several ways to extract it:
- π± Through Settings: Go to Settings β The phone. β General information β Status IMEI. One or two codes will be displayed here (for devices with two codes). SIM-map).
- π’ Key combination: enter the code *#06 in the phone application# β IMEI It will appear on the screen automatically (even without it). SIM-map).
- π¦ On the packaging: the original Xiaomi box always contains a sticker with IMEI (barcoded).
- π Under the battery: on older models (e.g. Redmi) 4A or Mi A1) code is printed on a sticker under a removable lid.
If the phone doesn't turn on, IMEI You can find it on the sticker under the tray. SIM-maps (requires a paper clip to be retrieved) POCO F5 and newer code is also duplicated in the system menu Fastboot (click Volume down) + Power with the phone turned off).
β οΈ Attention: If IMEI The box and the settings of the phone do not match, which is a sign of a fake or a re-stitched device.
Method 1: Xiaomi's official IMEI service
The most reliable method is to use an official tool from Xiaomi, which is connected to the manufacturerβs database, which allows you not only to find out the model, but also to check the warranty status of the device.
Instructions:
- Go to mi.com/global/verify (in English, but intuitive).
- Enter your phoneβs IMEI in the appropriate field.
- Pass the captcha and press Submit.
- After 5-10 seconds, the system will show the device model, activation date and warranty status.
Advantages of the method:
- π Data is taken directly from Xiaomi database β no risk of error.
- π Shows the date of the first activation (useful for checking used phones).
- π It works for all regions (including the Chinese versions of Mi and Redmi).
β οΈ Note: If the service is making an error IMEI Not found, this may mean that the phone is assembled in an unofficial factory (for example, for the local market of India or Indonesia) or its IMEI It was modified programmatically.
βοΈ Checking through the official service Xiaomi
Method 2: Online services for IMEI verification
If Xiaomiβs official website is not available (for example, due to regional restrictions), third-party services can be used, which aggregate data from open databases and often contain additional information, such as device characteristics.
Top.-3 service-tested:
| Service | Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI.info | imei.info | Shows model, year of release and technical specifications. There is a paid extended inspection (not required). |
| IMEI24.com | imei24.com | Freely identifies the model and country of manufacture, supports Chinese versions of Xiaomi. |
| NumberingPlans | numberingplans.com | The most technical service shows the TAC code (first 8 digits IMEI), which can be used to determine the manufacturer. |
Example of work: on the IMEI.info service for IMEI 861234567890123 (conditional example), the system can output:
Model: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (viva)
Processor: Snapdragon 695
Memory: 6/128 GB (European variant)
Release date: November 2022Restrictions of third-party services:
- β Not always relevant for new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra may be missing in the base for the first months after the release).
- β Not showing warranty status (unlike the official Xiaomi service).
π‘
If the service asks for a fee for "extended verification," know that basic model information is always free. Don't pay for what you can learn in other ways.
Method 3: Engineering menus and hidden codes
For power users, there is a method to check the model through Xiaomiβs engineering menu, which works even without the Internet and does not require the installation of additional applications.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636## This will open the Testing menu.
- Go to the Device Information tab.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block and the model will be listed next to it (e.g. 2201116TI for the Redmi Note 11).
Decoding of the model code:
- π’ The first 2-3 digits are the year and month of certification (e.g. 2201). = January 2022).
- π± The last letters are modifications (e.g, TI β global, TC β Chinese).
For devices running MediaTek processors (e.g., POCO M5), alternative code works:
##36446337##It opens the EngineerMode menu, where you can see the full IMEI and model in the Connectivity β CDS Information β Radio Information section.
β οΈ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu if you do not know their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to loss of network or overheating of the processor.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 4: Applications for IMEI Analysis
If you want not only a model, but also complete technical information (such as firmware version, battery status or support for 5G bands), it is more convenient to use specialized applications. They automatically read the IMEI and match it with databases.
Top.-3 Android:
- π CPU-Z (Free, no ads: Shows model, processor, memory and even component temperature. IMEI displayed in the About tab.
- π IMEI Analyzer (from Sim Network): Analyzer IMEI It gives you the model, the country of manufacture and the date of release.
- π οΈ DevCheck: In addition to the model, shows the version MIUI, condition of sensors and support for fast charging.
Example of the report from CPU-Z for Xiaomi 12T Pro:
Model: 2210132G (diting)
Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
IMEI 1: 861234567890123
IMEI 2: 861234567890124
MIUI version: 14.0.8 (Android 13)Warning:
- β Avoid apps that ask for root access to check IMEI β it's unnecessary and dangerous.
- β Don't install it. APK from unverified sources (e.g. forums) Use only Google Play.
π‘
Applications like CPU-Z or DevCheck donβt require the internet to define a model β they read data from the phoneβs system.
Method 5: Checking through a communications operator
If you bought a phone with your hands and you want to make sure it's not blacklisted, you can go to a carrier, which is a good way to check that the device is legal, but it doesn't always show an exact model.
How to check:
- Find out your Xiaomi IMEI (for example, via *#06#).
- Contact the communication salon of your operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) or call in support.
- The staff will check. IMEI If the phone is listed as lost or stolen, it cannot be activated from any device. SIM-card.
What you can find out from the operator:
- π΅ Lockdown status (if the phone is wanted, his or her IMEI blacklisted).
- π Initial activation region (for example, if the phone is imported from China).
- π Date of first network link (useful to check device age).
Limitations:
- β Operators donβt always disclose the phone model β only the status IMEI.
- β The test may take up to 24 hours (if the IMEI manually moderation).
β οΈ Note: If the seller refuses to provide IMEI to check with the operator - is a reason to doubt the legality of the phone. IMEI fined up to 80,000 rubles.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When checking Xiaomiβs IMEI model, users often face some common problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI not found in the database | The phone is new (not yet added to the database) or fake. | Check out the IMEI through the engineering menu or contact the Xiaomi Service Center. |
| IMEIs on the box and on the phone are not the same. | The box from another phone or IMEI is modified software. | Stop buying, this phone may be blocked. |
| The service shows the wrong model | The IMEI belongs to another device (for example, after replacing the motherboard). | Check the serial number on the box and in settings (Settings β About phone β Serial number). |
Additional advice:
- π If IMEI It starts at 00 or it's made up of the same numbers, it's dropped or it's faked. SIM-map.
- π± For Chinese versions of Xiaomi (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra) IMEI It may not be recognized by global services. Use Xiaomi's Chinese site.
π‘
If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, ask the seller to take a screenshot with the screen *#06# and send it for verification through the online service before payment.