Where to see the serial number Xiaomi: all the ways for smartphones and gadgets

Xiaomi’s serial number is a unique device identifier that can be used to warranty service, unlock the bootloader, restore access to the Mi Account or verify the originality of the gadget. Without it, it is impossible to confirm ownership of the device in the service center, activate certain features (for example, Mi Unlock), or even sell the phone in the secondary market.

The problem is that the manufacturer does not always put the number in a prominent place – it is not on the back cover of most modern models, and in the settings it can hide under several menu levels. In this article, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to find out the serial number on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark devices, including cases when the phone is not turned on or locked.

We'll focus on nuances, like why the number on the box and the settings might not match, how to recognize a fake from a serial, and what to do if the label is erased, and how to extract the number programmatically through ADB or special applications if standard methods don't work.

1.Where to look for the serial number on the box and documents

The most obvious way is to check the original package of the device. Xiaomi boxes usually have the serial number (S/N) listed:

• 📦 On the side or bottom of the box (near the barcode and IMEI).
• 📄 In the warranty card (if attached to the set).
• 🛒 On a check or receipt from an official store (for example, Mi Store or AliExpress).

But there are pitfalls here:

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a device with your hands, the serial number on the box may not match the actual phone number. Fraudsters often fake packages using data from other gadgets. Always check the number from the box with what appears in the device settings.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the serial number is duplicated on the SIM tray — it can be extracted using a paper clip and inspected. But this method does not work for all devices: on budget POCOs or old Redmis (such as the Redmi 4X), the number on the tray is missing.

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If you buy a used device, ask the seller to provide a photo of the serial number from the phone settings, not just from the box, which will help avoid buying a stolen or recovered gadget.

2. How to view the serial number in the phone settings

If the device is turned on and you have access to the system, the quickest way is to look at the settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general scheme is this:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About the Tablet Device) section.
3. Tap on All Features (some versions of MIUI call it General Information).
4. Scroll down to the Serial Number block.

On POCO Launcher or custom firmware devices, the path can look like this: Settings → System → Phone → Device Information. If you have Black Shark, look for the About Phone section at the bottom of the main settings menu.

Important: on some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra), the serial number can be hidden behind an additional tap by the Status or Hardware information line. If you did not find it the first time, check all the tabs in the About Phone section.

Open "Settings" | Find the "About Phone" section |Tap "All Features" |Find the "Serial Number" |Confirm with the number on the box-->

3. Alternative methods: through the Mi Account and applications

If the phone is locked but connected to a Mi Account, the serial number can be found through the web version of the service.

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your gadget.
3. Click on its name and a page will open with detailed information, including serial number and IMEI.

This method only works if the device was tied to the account before locking, and if the phone was reset or you don't remember the login details, use other methods.

Another option is special diagnostic applications, like CPU-Z or AIDA64 displaying a serial number in a System or Device section, install one of them on Google Play and check the data:

• 📱 V CPU-Z: tab → Serial number.
• 🔍 V AIDA64: system → Device Information.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Device) ID) show off IMEI, Make sure you use a program that supports S/N.

4.How to find out the serial number if the phone is not turned on

If the device does not respond to the power button or is stuck on the MI logo, the serial number can be retrieved through Recovery Mode or by connecting the phone to a PC.

Method 1: Recovery Mode

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select Connect with MiAssistant (some firmwares call it Download).
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
5. On your computer, open the Mi Flash Tool or XiaomiTool V2 – the serial number will appear in the device information.

Method 2: via ADB (for unlocked bootloader)

If you have previously enabled USB debugging, you can use ADB:

adb shell getprop ro.serialno

This command will return the serial number even if the screen is not working. Read more about setting up ADB in our instructions.

5. How to verify the serial number for authenticity

Xiaomi serial number has a specific format by which you can recognize a fake.

• 🔢 14–16 characters (numerals and Latin letters).
• 📌 It starts with letters that indicate a series (for example, M20 For the Redmi Note 9, K30 for POCO X3).
• 🔄 It does not contain repeating blocks (e.g., 1111 or AAAA).

To check the number for originality:

1. Go to the Xiaomi authentication site.
2. Enter the serial number and the captcha.
3. The system will show the device model and warranty status, and if it gives an error, the number is fake or belongs to another device.

If the serial number on the box and in the phone settings do not match, it is 100% a sign of a fake or restored device. MIUI.

Yeah, I bought a non-original.|No, I always check.|I'm not sure, but there were suspicions.|I only buy in official shops.-->

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When searching for a serial number, users often make the following mistakes:

• 🔍 Serial number confused (S/N) s IMEI or MAC-Remember the address: IMEI consist 15 numbers, and the serial number is made up of letters and numbers.
• 📱 Looking for a number on the back cover, although on modern Xiaomi (starting with the Mi 9) it is not there – only on the box or in the settings.
• 🔌 Do not verify the authenticity of the number, which leads to the purchase of "gray" or stolen devices.
• 💻 Use dubious programs to retrieve numbers that may contain viruses.

To avoid problems:

• 🔎 Always check the number from the box with what is in the phone settings.
• 🛡️ For authentication, use only the official Xiaomi website.
• 📱 If you buy a used device, ask the seller to take a screenshot with the serial number from the Settings menu. → The phone.

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Serial number and IMEI are different things: IMEI is tied to the phone's modem, and the serial number is tied to the device itself, both of which may be needed to unlock the bootloader or restore the Mi Account.

7 Where else can I find the serial number (non-obvious places)

If standard methods don’t work, try searching for a number in these places:

• 📄 In the warranty card (if it is saved), often duplicated next to the store stamp.
• 📧 In a confirmation letter (if you bought online on AliExpress, Mi Store or Amazon).
• 💾 On a sticker under the battery (only for devices with removable battery, for example, Redmi) 3S or Mi A1).
• 🔧 In the service center – if the phone is guaranteed, they can provide a number on request (a check is required).

On some devices (such as Xiaomi Mi Band or Mi Smart Scale), the serial number can be found:

• 🏃 In the Mi Fit app: Profile → Devices → Name of the gadget → Information.
• 🔋 On the back of the device (under the lid or on the label).

For smartwatches Xiaomi Watch or Amazfit, the serial number is usually displayed in the Zepp app in the section with information about the gadget.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions