How to find out the serial number on Xiaomi Mi 8: all proven ways

The Xiaomi Mi 8 serial number is a unique identifier that you might need to warranty, unlock a bootloader, verify the originality of the device or recover from a reset. However, not everyone knows where to look for it. Unlike modern models with non-removable batteries, the Mi 8 (codenamed dipper) offers several ways to get this information, from standard Android menus to physical markings under the back cover.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from simple (via phone settings) to technical (using ADB or engineering menus), and focus on the nuances that are often overlooked in brief instructions, such as what to do if a serial number is erased from the box, or how to distinguish the original Mi 8 from a fake by labeling, and answer frequent questions: can you change the serial number programmatically, why it doesn’t match in different sources, and how to restore it after replacing the motherboard.

1. Serial number through phone settings

The fastest and safest way is to use the standard MIUI menu, which works even if the phone is locked with a password (but unlocked to access settings).

1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Tap on the item All characteristics (in some firmware it is called General Information).
4. Find the line "Serial Number" and that is the identifier you want.

⚠️ Note: If this menu displays a line Unknown or a set of zeros, this may mean:

• 🔄 The phone was stitched with an unofficial firmware (like LineageOS) that reset the original data.
• 🛠️ The motherboard has been replaced and the new serial number is not registered in the system.
• 📱 The device is a fake (especially relevant for purchases in the secondary market).

In such cases, try alternative methods in the following sections, and check if the serial number here matches what is indicated on the box or under the battery - discrepancies are an alarm.

2. Check through box and documents

The original Xiaomi Mi 8 box contains the serial number on a barcode sticker, usually located on the bottom of the package (the same as the IMEI and model), the serial number begins with the letters SN: or simply denoted as S/N.

📌 Where else to find:

• 📄 In the warranty card (if saved).
• 🛒 In a check or invoice from the seller (for example, in AliExpress or Mi Store).
• 📦 On the sticker inside the box (sometimes duplicated on the inside of the lid).

⚠️ Note: If the serial number on the box doesn’t match what’s displayed in the phone’s settings, it may indicate that the phone has a serial number:

🔍 Substitution of the motherboard (for example, after repairs) In this case, for warranty service in the service center Xiaomi will need to explain the reason for the discrepancy. 🚨 Often on Mi 8 clones, the stickers on the box are forged, but the serial number in the system is not the same.

If the box is lost and the number is not displayed in the settings, move to the physical methods (section 4) or software (section 5).

💡

Take a picture of the sticker from the box and save it to the cloud (like Google Drive or Mi Cloud) to help you quickly confirm the originality of the device when you sell or repair it.

3.Use of the engineering menu (#4636##)

Android’s hidden engineering menu allows you to get advanced information about the device, including the serial number, which works on most firmware, including MIUI for the Mi 8.

Instructions:

1. Enter the combination: ##4636###.

🔹 What to do if the menu does not open?

• 📱 Make sure you enter the combination without spaces and symbols.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🛠️ Some custom firmware has the engineering menu disabled. ADB (section).

Important: The serial number in the engineering menu may differ from what is indicated in the settings if the device was restored after being reset via the Mi Flash Tool, in which case the number on the box or under the battery takes priority.

Physical examination: serial number under the battery

The Xiaomi Mi 8 has a removable battery (albeit glued), so the serial number is often duplicated on the sticker below it, a method that comes in handy if the phone doesn't turn on or the software isn't working.

🛠️ How to safely remove the back cover:

Use a plastic spatula or mediator|Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|Heat the edges of the cover with a hair dryer (temperature to 60)°C)|Do not apply excessive force to the camera glass.-->

• 🔧 Carefully tuck the lid from the bottom edge (near the connector). USB-C).
• 🔥 If the cover does not lend itself, heat it with a hair dryer around the perimeter (do not direct hot air to the camera!).
• 📱 Disconnect the battery plume (if you plan to remove it).

On the motherboard or under the battery, you'll find a sticker with the serial number, which can be labeled as:

• S/N: XXXXXXXXXXXX
• SN XXXXXXXXXXXX
• Serial No. XXXXXXXXXXXX

⚠️ Note: If the sticker is damaged or the number is erased, do not try to restore it yourself. Xiaomi service center can check the originality of the device. IMEI or the data of the eMMC chip.

5. Obtaining a serial number through ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is on but the serial number doesn’t show up in the settings (for example, due to custom firmware), it can be obtained via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

🖥️ Step-by-step instruction:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools (includes ADB).
2. Turn on the phone “Debug by USB”** in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then return to Additional settings → For developers).
3. Connect the Mi 8 to your PC and execute on the command line:

adb devices

(Wait for your device to appear on the list.)

adb shell getprop ro.serialno

In response, you will receive a serial number in the format XXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

🔧 Alternative teams:

• 📱 For verification IMEI (if necessary to link to the serial number):

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

• 🔍 To obtain full information about the device:

adb shell getprop

⚠️ Note: If the getprop ro.serialno command returns the unknown, it may mean that:

• 📱 The device is incorrect (no file is available). /system/build.prop).
• 🛠️ Serial number reset after motherboard replacement.
• 🚨 The phone is a fake (in this case). ADB It might not work at all).

Verification of originality by serial number

The Xiaomi Mi 8 serial number can be used to verify the originality of the device, especially when buying from hand or on sites like Avito.

🔍 How to check:

1. Go to the official website of Xiaomi Verification.
2. Enter the serial number, IMEI or MAC-Address (can be found in the settings in the About Phone section) → All characteristics → Status SIM-map).
3. The system will show the status of the device: original, restored or not found in the database.

📊 Transcription of results:

💡 Tip: If you buy a Mi 8 b / d, ask the seller to provide:

• 📸 Photo stickers from the box and under the battery.
• 📄 Check or warranty card (if any).
• 🔍 Screenshot from the Settings menu → On the serial number phone and IMEI.

💡

If the serial number on Xiaomi’s website doesn’t pass the check, but the phone is stable, it doesn’t always mean a fake.It may have been released for the domestic Chinese market (China ROM) and not listed in the global database.

7. Frequent problems and solutions

When searching for a serial number, users of Xiaomi Mi 8 face typical difficulties.

🔹 Problem 1: Serial number is displayed as 000000000000 or unknown.

• 📱 Reason: The phone is stitched with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), which reset the original data.
• 🔧 Solution: Restore the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or use it ADB (section).

🔹 Problem 2: Serial number on the box and settings do not match.

• 🛠️ Reason: Replacement of the motherboard (for example, after a fall or flooding).
• 📄 Solution: For warranty repairs, provide both rooms to the service center and explain the situation.

🔹 Problem 3: Unable to open the engineering menu (#4636## is not working).

• 📱 Reason: Menu disabled in custom firmware or ad blocker (e.g. AdGuard).
• 🔧 Solution: Try disabling blockers or use ADB.

🔹 Problem 4: Serial number erased from battery sticker.

• 🛠️ Cause: Physical wear or Intentional removal (e.g., repairs).
• 📡 Solution: Contact the service center to check on the IMEI chip-data.

💡

If you plan to sell the Mi 8, check the serial number match in advance in all sources (settings, box, under the battery) this will increase customer confidence and speed up the deal.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions