MEID Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide 2026

Have you ever looked into your Xiaomi settings and stumbled across a mysterious identifier? MEID near-to-the-spot IMEI? Many users do not even suspect that their smartphone has two unique codes at once - and if you are not familiar with the code, you will find it. IMEI I heard almost everything. MEID And that's the terra incognita, and that 14-digit number is the key to how devices based on this system work. CDMA-In some cases, it can even save your Redmi or POCO operator-block.

In this article, we will not just explain what is MEID In a Xiaomi smartphone, but we will show you how to find it (including hidden ways), how it differs from the other one. IMEI, Why this code can be useful when buying a used phone or moving to a country with a new CDMA-And then we'll look at real cases, where we can actually look at these. MEID It was the only way to unlock the device after a software failure!

What is it? MEID Why you need it in Xiaomi

MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier is a unique 14-digit code that is assigned to smartphones that support the standard network. CDMA (Verizon, for example, or Sprint in the United States. IMEI, operative GSM-Networks (like most Russian operators), MEID It was designed specifically to identify devices in CDMA-However, many modern Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G or POCO F5) Both standards are supported, and therefore they IMEI, and MEID.

Main function MEID — allow the carrier to uniquely identify your device on the network, block it when you steal it or unlock it when you change operator. MEID Smartphones will not connect to mobile networks in Russia and CIS countries MEID It is used less frequently, but its presence can be a decisive factor when buying a phone from abroad".

• 📱 IMEI — 15 digits, for GSM-networks (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon)
• 🌐 MEID — 14 digits, for CDMA-networks (Verizon, Sprint, KDDI)
• 🔄 ESN — obsolete 8-digit MEID (It is found on very old phones)

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi from the US market (e.g. Redmi) A2+ For Verizon, check it out. MEID Some devices are tied to the operator at the firmware level, and without official unlocking, they won't work on other networks.

Where to find out. MEID Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways

Find it. MEID Xiaomi has a number of ways, from standard menus to engineering codes, and we've put together all the relevant techniques, including those that work even on locked phones.

1. Through phone settings

The easiest way is:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap on All parameters (or General Information)
3. Find the section IMEI — near MEID (Sometimes hidden under the button)

2.Using the engineering menu

If MEID Not displayed in standard settings, try the engineering code:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Phone Information and scroll down — MEID will be listed next to the network data.

3. On a box or under a battery

The older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) MEID may be indicated:

• 📦 On a barcode sticker on the original box
• 🔋 Under a removable battery (if any)
• 🏷️ On the back of the tray for SIM-map

4. via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone doesn't turn on but you have access to the Fastboot, you can get it. MEID team:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

The answer will be a line with MEID (usually MEID: A10000XXXXXXXX).

5. Through the annexes

Google Play has a utility like Device. ID or IMEI Info that shows all device identifiers, including MEID. Caution: Some apps may collect data – check permissions!

MEID vs IMEI: Key differences and why it matters

Many users are confused MEID and IMEI, They're actually different identifiers, different formats, different applications.

The main practical difference: if your Xiaomi is blocked by a carrier in the United States (for example, Verizon), then unlock the device. IMEI It may not work, it will need to. MEID. The same applies to activating the device in CDMA-networks: without correct MEID Smartphones simply won’t see the network.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Lite) 5G) gray" MEID, Before buying such a phone for use in the United States, check with the seller whether the device supports CDMA-less modes of operation.

When MEID Can save your Xiaomi: real cases

MEID — It's not just a set of numbers. In some situations, it becomes the only way to bring the phone back to life. MEID assisted users:

1 Unlocking after software failure

Redmi Note 10 Pro user after failed update MIUI The phone didn’t turn on and Fastboot gave out an invalid error. IMEI. When he turned to the service, he learned that the problem was in the damaged section with the IMEI, And it helped to restore the connection. MEID, left untouched.

2. Activation in the U.S. after purchase with AliExpress

The reader of our forum bought POCO X3 Pro on AliExpress, but in the U.S., the phone didn't catch Verizon's network. MEID The device is locked, only after a call for support from the MEID and the purchase check operator agreed to unlock.

3. Check for theft before purchasing used

When buying Xiaomi 12T The seller refused to show the box. MEID, I checked it through Swappa, and I found out that the device was wanted.

💡

Before buying used Xiaomi always ask the seller to send a photo with the MEID and IMEI (Check the codes through Swappa or IMEI.info, which will prevent you from buying a stolen phone.

4.Recovery after reset to factory settings

After the hard reset Mi 9T Pro stopped catching the network, and it turned out that the reset erased the data of the communication module, and the service reconfigured using the reset. MEID — IMEI In this case, it was useless, because it depended on the firmware.

How to check MEID authenticity and lockdown

Verification MEID Just as important as the inspection IMEI — Especially if you're buying a phone from your hands or bringing it from abroad.

1. Checking through operator

If you plan to use Xiaomi on the Verizon, Sprint or US Cellular, check it out. MEID on their websites:

• 🌍 Verizon BYOD Checker
• 🌍 Sprint BYOD

Enter. MEID In the form, the system will show whether the device is compatible with the network and whether there are no locks.

2.A check for theft or financial liabilities

Use the databases of stolen phones:

• 🔍 Swappa (ESN/MEID Check)
• 🔍 IMEI.info (supports) MEID)

If MEID marked as Blacklisted, the phone may have been stolen or unpaid under contract.

3. Verification through the engineering menu

To make sure that MEID Not faked, compare its value in different sources:

1. In the phone settings (about the phone) → General information)
2. On a box or under a battery
3. *#06# (sometimes showing both identifiers)

If the values differ, it is a sign of forgery or software intervention.

MEID Firmware: What to Know Before Updating

When updating firmware on Xiaomi (especially through Fastboot or customized) ROM) There is a risk of damage to the communication module data, including MEID. Here's how to avoid it:

1. Backup MEID

Before the firmware save the original MEID. You can do this through ADB:

adb shell


su




cat /efs/FactoryApp/meid

Copy the output into a text file. MEID If it does, this data will help restore it to the service.

2.Problems with MEID post-fix

Typical symptoms of a damaged MEID:

• 📵 The phone doesn't catch the net, though. SIM-The card works on other devices
• 🔄 In the settings instead MEID display zeros or invalid
• 🚫 When you try to call, you get an error Mobile network not available

In this case, only flashing the communication module (modem) or contacting the service will help.

⚠️ Note: If you are flashing Xiaomi custom firmware (like LineageOS), check if it supports it. CDMA-Some assemblies are "cutting off" MEID, making the phone unfit to work in the US or Japan.

3. Recovery MEID

If MEID I'm on a flight. There are two options:

1. Software - through an engineering menu or utilities like QCN Rebuilder (requires root rights).
2. Hardware – soldering of a memory chip (eMMC) with the original MEID (expensive but reliable).

Self-recovery MEID without experience, it can lead to a final loss of communication!

💡

If it's gone after the firmware. MEID, DO NOT attempt to enter it manually through the engineering menu - this may result in hardware locking of the communication module.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MEID Xiaomi