Where is the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and how to work with it

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but many users are faced with the problem of blocking by IMEI, the so-called “blacklist”, which occurs when a device is lost, stolen or incorrectly firmware. Unlike modern models, where the locking mechanisms are transparent, the Redmi Note 7 (codenamed lavender) has a nuanced verification and recovery process.

In this article, we will discuss where the blacklist on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is physically and logically stored, how to check if the device is in the database of blocked IMEIs, and what to do if the phone is in this list, and pay special attention to official and informal methods of unlocking, as well as the risks associated with “gray” schemes.

Important: Information is relevant for MIUI 10–14 firmware and all Redmi Note 7/7 Pro modifications (including global and Chinese versions).If your device was purchased by hand or has signs of “gray” imports, we recommend that you immediately go to the section on the IMEI legality check.

What is the IMEI blacklist and why does the Redmi Note 7 get it?

The IMEI blacklist is a database in which carriers and manufacturers enter the identifiers of devices stolen, lost or blocked for other reasons. For the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, there are two types of locks:

• 🔒 Operator lock – imposed by the mobile operator (for example, if you do not pay a loan on your phone or on a claim of theft) only works on the network of this operator.
• 🚫 Manufacturer lock – activated by Xiaomi through activation servers MIUI. Blocks the phone completely, even after resetting to factory settings.

The Redmi Note 7 is more common in the second type, as it was widely distributed through unofficial channels.

• 📱 Buying a phone with your hands that was previously stolen or lost (the previous owner could report it to Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Failed firmware through Fastboot or EDL, where IMEI was dropped or replaced.
• 🛠️ Repair with replacement of motherboard without re-registration IMEI at Xiaomi Service Center.
• 🌍 Use of the phone in a country where it has not been officially certified (e.g., the Chinese version in Europe).

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Redmi Note 7 off the hand at a suspiciously low price (below 70% of the market price), there is a high risk that the phone is already on the blacklist. IMEI before purchase through services such as IMEI.info or the official Xiaomi portal.

Manufacturer lock on Redmi Note 7 implemented through the activation servers MI Cloud. When the first setup after reset, the phone sends a request to the server Xiaomi with the data IMEI. If the ID is listed in the blacklist, the device is locked with the message "This device is locked" or "Couldn't verify device".

Where is the Redmi Note 7’s blacklist physically stored?

Unlike current models (e.g. Redmi Note 10), where the blacklist is synchronized in real time with the cloud, the Redmi Note 7 uses a hybrid system.

1. The local firmware database is /system/etc/security/blacklist.xml (only available with root rights) and contains a list of IMEIs blocked at the MIUI level.
2. NVRAM-partition – memory chip where the original is stored IMEI If this partition is damaged, the phone may lose its ID.
3. Xiaomi servers are the central database from which the lock status is synchronized when activating or updating the firmware.

In practice, the user is only available to the third item - Xiaomi servers. Local file blacklist.xml can be viewed only through ADB or custom recovery, but editing it is useless: the next update to MIUI it will be overwritten from the server.

If your Redmi Note 7 is locked, check if it is due to NVRAM damage first.

1. Enter the number ##4636##.
2. Go to the phone information menu.
3. Check the IMEI string. If it shows Null or 000000000000000000, the problem is in the hardware.

How to check if Redmi Note 7 is on the blacklist

There are three reliable ways to check the IMEI status of your Redmi Note 7.

1. via the official Xiaomi website

Go to i.xiaomi.com and enter your phone’s IMEI (you can find it in About Phone → All Options → Status or on the box).

• 🔍 Activation status (if the phone is linked to another account) MI).
• 🚨 Notification of blocking (if) IMEI blacklisted).
• 📅 Date of first activation (helps determine if the phone has been used).

2.Using the engineering menu

Enter ##6484## in the dialer (for some firmware, ##64663##). From the menu that opens, select MI Test → Single Item Test → IMEI. If the IMEI is displayed as Invalid, the device is either locked or has a corrupted NVRAM.

3. via ADB (for advanced users)

Connect your phone to a PC with ADB Tools installed and execute the command:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

In the answer, look for lines with IMEI1 and IMEI2. If zeros or an error are displayed instead of digits, the IMEI is reset.

⚠️ Note: Some sellers in the secondary market are replacing IMEI on phones with software like Maui META or SN Writer. These devices may work for a while, but after the upgrade. MIUI or the dumps are blocked permanently. IMEI - to match the label under the battery. IMEI in settings and on the box|Check it out. IMEI via i.xiaomi.com|Make sure your phone is not tied to someone else’s MI-account|Ask the seller to make a reset to factory settings with you--> If your Redmi Note 7 was blacklisted by mistake (for example, after repair or purchase from an official retailer), you can try to unlock it legally. Xiaomi provides two ways: 1. Through Xiaomi support (for blocking by mistake) Apply on Xiaomi support site by attaching: 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase). 📱 Photo Photo IMEI from the box and from the phone settings. 🔑 Account details MI, The time period for review is 3 to 14 days; if the lock was wrong, Xiaomi will remove it remotely. 2. Through the operator (for operator lock) If the lock is imposed by the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), contact the communication salon with the help of the operator: 📇 Passport of the phone owner. 📄 Purchase agreement or loan agreement (if the phone was purchased in installments). 📱 The test device itself IMEI. The operator must remove the lock if you prove ownership, and in the event of theft or loss by the previous owner, a police certificate may be required. If the phone has been blocked due to an unpaid loan, unlocking is possible only after full repayment of the debt. Some banks (for example, Sberbank or Tinkoff) provide a certificate of no debt that can be presented to the operator. What to do if Xiaomi refuses to unlock the phone? If official support Xiaomi refused to unlock, try: 1. Contact Rospotrebnadzor (if the phone is bought in Russia from an official seller). 2. Write a complaint on the MIUI Community forum - sometimes speeds up the consideration. 3. Check whether the statute of limitations has expired (for example, if the owner has a lock, you can find it through the previous one, for example, 3). If the official methods have not helped, some users resort to “grey” methods of unlocking. We do not recommend using them, but we will describe them for completeness of information. All of these methods violate Xiaomi’s terms of use and can result in a complete loss of functionality of the phone. 1. IMEI Using an engineering menu with software like Maui META or SN Writer Tool can be rewritten IMEI into NVRAM. However: 🔧 Requires an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlock). 🛠️ The risk of damage to the modem (the phone will lose the network forever). 🚨 Xiaomi can lock the device again the next update. 2. firmware custom recovery (TWRP) modified MIUI Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience) ignore verification IMEI. But: 🔄 When you return to the official firmware, the lock will return. 📱 Google Pay, Mi Pay and some banking apps will not work. 🔒 The phone will remain vulnerable to new locks. 3. Using “cloud” unlocking services There are sites on the Internet that offer “delete” IMEI from the blacklist for money (for example, imei-server.ru or unlockboot.com). 99% These services are frauds, they either do nothing or they substitute. IMEI This is a problem that leads to network problems. ⚠️ Attention: After the substitution IMEI Your Redmi Note 7 Can: Stop catching the net 4G/LTE. Be blocked again after the update. Criminally liable (in some countries, substitution) IMEI If you're still willing to unblock informally, at least: Make a full backup through the TWRP or Mi Flash Tool. Use only proven firmware (for example, from the forum) XDA Developers). Don't bring in strangers. IMEI — It is prosecuted under the law in many countries. 💡Before any manipulation with IMEI Check it out via IMEI.info. IMEI If you already have a device (e.g. iPhone or Samsung), it will lead to a conflict in the network of the operator. What to do if the Redmi Note 7 is blocked after firmware One of the most common reasons for blocking the Redmi Note 7 is a failed firmware through Fastboot or EDL. If the phone displays a message that says "This device is locked" or "Invalid" after the update IMEI", Act on the algorithm: 1. Check if you have reset IMEI Enter *#06# if zeros are displayed instead of a 15-digit code, IMEI It's erased. You can restore it: Backup. NVRAM (If you backup before the firmware. Using the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (choose Clean All and Lock option). 2. Try to return the official firmware Download the latest stable version MIUI for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) from Xiaomi Firmware and run through Fastboot: fastboot flash all [file name].tgz fastboot reboot 3. MI-The message "This device is associated with an existing Mi Account" means that the phone is linked to someone else's account: 🔑 Ask the seller to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com. 📧 If it is not possible to contact the seller, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase. ⏳ Wait 72 hours – sometimes the lock is automatically removed (if the previous owner deleted the device from the account). If none of the methods worked, only an official request to Xiaomi with the provision of a check remains. 💡Never buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 with your hands without checking IMEI and binding MI-Even if your phone is running out of the box, it can be locked permanently after the first reset or upgrade. How to avoid being blacklisted: prevention for Redmi Note 7 owners To keep your Redmi Note 7 from being blacklisted, follow these rules: 🛡️ Don't buy a phone with your hands without checking. Always demand a check, a box and check. IMEI via i.xiaomi.com. 🔄 Don't flash your phone through unofficial tools. Use only the Mi Flash Tool or OTA-update. 🔧 Don't change. IMEI It's against the law and leads to lockdown. 📱 Tie your phone to yours. MI-This will protect against blocking when you lose (you can remotely lock the device). 🔄 Update regularly MIUI. New versions fix vulnerabilities that could lead to blocking. If you plan to sell Redmi Note 7: Make a factory reset (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. Untie your phone from yours MI-Keep the check and the box, which will increase the buyer's trust, if the phone is blocked after the sale, contact the buyer and provide proof of transfer of ownership (for example, receipt). This will help him unlock the device through Xiaomi support.Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can I unlock the Redmi Note 7 without a check? No, it's impossible to officially unlock the phone without proof of purchase. Xiaomi requires a check or warranty card to prove ownership. In rare cases, it helps to contact Rospotrebnadzor (if the phone was bought in Russia from an official seller). IMEI? If IMEI Reset to 000000000000000, try: Restore backup NVRAM (Swipe the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option. Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check (they can restore it). IMEI Do not use the software to change the serial number. IMEI — And that would lead to a re-lock. Can Xiaomi lock the phone for using custom firmware? MIUI 12, Xiaomi blocks devices with unofficial firmware if they connect to activation servers.However, the lock does not occur immediately, but after: Updates via OTA. Reset to factory settings. Reset to new MI-To avoid being blocked, use firmware from the official website or trusted sources (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) to find out if the Redmi Note 7 is blocked because of a blacklist, not because of a blacklist. MI-account? Distinguish the lock by IMEI lock-in MI-The account is simple: Blocking by IMEI (Blacklist: The phone does not turn on beyond the Redmi logo or shows the message "This device is locked" without asking for a password. MI-The phone asks you to enter your username and password from your previous account (“This device is associated with an existing Mi Account”). In the first case, only an official request from Xiaomi will help. In the second case, you can uncouple the account from the previous owner. IMEI? Technically yes, but with serious limitations: 📵 No network: The phone will not catch mobile communication (no calls, no internet). 📶 Wi-Fi only: You can use it as a tablet (installing apps, playing games). 🔒 No updates: MIUI will cease to be updated through OTA. 🛡️ Account lock risk: Xiaomi may block the attached account MI-account for using a device with a invalid IMEI. For full use, it is necessary to unlock IMEI officially.