The serial number (SN) of a Xiaomi device is a unique identifier that can be used for warranty service, authentication, unlocking the bootloader or recovering from a reset. Without it, it is impossible to officially confirm the origin of the device, and in some cases even activate functions like Mi Cloud or Find Device. The problem is that the manufacturer hides the SN in different places depending on the type of device: on smartphones, TVs, smartwatches and routers, the methods are different.
Many users have difficulty finding a serial number, especially if the device is not turning on, the box is lost or the sticker is erased. In this article, we have collected all the relevant methods - from the obvious (on the package or in the settings) to the hidden (through ADB, Fastboot or engineering menu), also tell you how to distinguish the original SN from the fake and what to do if the number is not readable.
Regardless of the model β whether itβs the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12 β the search algorithm for SN is the same for the entire smartphone line. But for Mi TV, Mi Band or Mi Router, you will need separate instructions. To avoid wasting time, choose your device type and follow a step-by-step guide.
1.Where to look for SN on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO)
On Xiaomi phones, the serial number is duplicated in several places. Start with the simplest one - the physical sticker and system settings.
π Sticker under the lid or on the tray SIM-map:
Most models (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO X5) SN indicated on a white sticker under a removable back cover or on a tray for SIM-If the phone is indissoluble (like Xiaomi) 13T), Check the box β the number must match the one in the system.
βοΈ Phone settings:
Open Settings β About Phone β General information. Scroll down to Serial Number. If you don't have a Serial Number, tap the MIUI Version several times to unlock hidden settings.
π Through the engineering menu:
Enter the code ##4636## in the phone app, then go to the Phone Information tab, which can display SN or IMEI (which can also be used to restore the serial number via Mi Account).
2.SN on Mi TV and Mi TV Stick: where the number is hidden
Xiaomi TVs usually have a serial number on the back, but it's easy to confuse with other labels. Look for a line that starts with "SN:" or "S/N:" - it consists of 14-16 characters (digits and Latin letters). On Mi TV A2 or Mi TV Q2 models, the sticker can be under the stand.
If the TV is on, check:
- Go to Settings β About TV β Status.
- In the Software Update menu, SN is sometimes duplicated at the bottom of the screen.
- On the remote, press Menu β Settings β Support β System information.
π¨ Attention: On fake TVs SN often begins "MI-" The original number is always in Latin, with no dash or spaces.
π‘
If the sticker is erased, take a picture of it when you unpack the TV, and it's good for warranty repairs or sales.
3. Serial number on smart watches and bracelets (Mi Band, Watch)
Xiaomi wearables (Mi Band 8, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) have the SN hidden under a strap or on the back of the case. Use a magnifying glass, which is in small print, often gray.
Alternative methods:
- π± Through the Mi Fitness app: Open your device profile β Settings β About the programme.
- π In Charging Mode: Connect the bracelet to charging - the screen may appear SN (It is also working on the Mi Band 7 Pro).
- π¦ On the box: Look for a barcode sticker β SN near-point.
On fake Mi Bands, the serial number is often repeated across devices (e.g., "1234567890"). Check its uniqueness at mi.com/verify.
4.SN on Xiaomi routers (Mi Router, AiO T): where to look
Xiaomi routers have a serial number on the bottom of the case (under rubber legs) and on the box. It consists of 12 characters, starting with "CM" or "RM" (for example, "CM1234567890AB").
If the router is on:
- Connect to his Wi-Fi network.
- Open in your browser 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
- Go to Settings β Status β Device.
β οΈ Note: On clones of Mi Router, the serial number may be missing or duplicated MAC-The original devices always have a unique address. SN, account-bound.
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi router from SN?
5. How to verify the authenticity of the SN on the official Xiaomi website
To make sure that the serial number is not fake, use the mi.com/verify check service.
- Enter SN in the verification field.
- Specify the type of device (smartphone, TV, etc.).
- Enter the captcha and press "Verification."
The system will show:
- π Device activation date.
- π·οΈ The model (must be the same as yours).
- π Status of guarantee.
If the site is experiencing an error called βInvalid SNβ, it is possible to:
- The device is fake.
The number is erased or incorrectly entered (check the register of letters!).
The device is not activated (new, not enabled).
| Type of device | SN format | Example | Where to find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | 11β16 characters (numbers + letters) | 8QD7N123456 | Settings, sticker, box. |
| Television | 14 characters, starting with L | L1234567890ABCD | Back panel, menu O TV |
| Smart watches | 10-12 characters, often with MB | MB12345678 | Under the strap, in Mi Fitness |
| router | 12 characters, starting with CM/RM | CM1234567890AB | Bottom cover, web interface |
6 Hidden Ways: How to Know the SN if the Device is Not Powered On
If your Xiaomi smartphone or TV doesnβt respond to the power button, try these methods:
π Through Fastboot (for smartphones):
- Connect your phone to a PC with Mi Flash drivers installed.
- Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
- In the command line, type: fastboot getvar serialno
π» Through ADB (if debugging is on):
- Connect the device to the PC and execute: adb shell getprop ro.serialno
π Through the papers:
Check from the store (if you bought it officially).
- Warranty card (there is duplicated SN).
Photo of the box or stickers (if saved).
β οΈ Note: If you bought the device with your hands and canβt find it SN, There is a risk that it is blacklisted Mi Account (stolen/lost) and check it through i.mi.com β if another account is linked, refuse to buy.
Try to restore the number through IMEI (on smartphones)
Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check of purchase
Check the box and documents for duplicate
Use it. ADB/Fastboot extract SN (Only for advanced users)-->
7 Frequent errors in SN search and how to avoid them
Many users confuse the serial number with other identifiers.
- π IMEI β SN: IMEI (15 digits and SN (letter + numbers - different things. IMEI Not suitable for warranty repairs!
- π MAC-address β SN: On routers. MAC (for example, 1A:2B:3C:4D) does not replace the serial number.
- π Articulum β SN: Model code (M2101K7AG Redmi Note 10 is not a serial number.
π How to distinguish the original SN fake:
The original number is always unique (checked at mi.com/verify).
- Does not contain spaces, dashes or Cyrillic symbols.
For smartphones, it matches the number on the box and in the settings.
π‘
If the serial number is not checked on the official website, the device is either fake or listed as stolen, in both cases it is not covered by the warranty.