Lost the box from Xiaomi, and the IMEI number is urgently needed to unlock, verify the originality or restore access to the account? No problem β there are at least 5 ways to find out this unique identifier, even if the phone is not turned on or locked. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for Redmi models, POCO and flagship Xiaomials 13/14, including hidden chips and typical user errors.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is not just a set of numbers, but a passport of your device that is tied to the hardware of your smartphone, which is required when you contact the service center, activate the eSIM, check for theft or unlock it through the Mi Account after a reset. Important: if you buy Xiaomi from hand, always check the IMEI on the box and on the phone - the discrepancies indicate a fake or a "grey" import.
1. Fastest way to do this: USSD-code *#06#
This method works on any Xiaomi phone, regardless of model and version. MIUI. Just enter the combination, and the system will instantly show IMEI β without an internet connection or SIM-map.
Instructions:
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Enter the code: *#06#.
- Press the call button (green tube).
After 1-2 seconds, a window with one or two numbers will appear on the screen. IMEI (If you have a smartphone that supports two SIM-Take a picture or a record of them, and this will work even on a locked phone, if the screen is not damaged.
β οΈ Warning: If the message βCommunication is not availableβ appears after entering the code, check if the aircraft mode is turned off (Settings) β SIM-maps and mobile networks. POCO The code may not work due to custom firmware - in this case, use alternative methods.
2. via phone settings (if Xiaomi is enabled)
If the phone works but the box is not available, you can find IMEI in the settings menu, which is suitable for all devices on MIUI 12-14, including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13T and other popular models.
Step-by-step:
- π± Open the settings (cog on the desktop).
- π Scroll down and select About Phone.
- π Tap on All settings (or General information on older versions).
- π’ Find a line. IMEI β There will be one or two numbers (for Dual-SIM).
On some firmware, the path may be slightly different. For example, on POCO F5, you need to go to Settings β System β About Phone β Device Information. If you have custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), IMEI can be displayed in About Device β Status.
Check if the section is hidden through search in the settings (enter "IMEI")
Update MIUI to the latest version
Restart your phone (sometimes helps with system glitches)
Try an alternative method (for example, through a box)
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3. IMEI on the box and under the battery (for older models)
The manufacturer duplicates the IMEI on the original packaging and sometimes on the device itself, which saves you if the phone doesn't turn on or locks.
- π¦ Box: Barcode sticker on the end (usually next to the serial number) S/N). IMEI signposted IMEI1 and IMEI2.
- π Under the battery: relevant for older models with removable battery (for example, Redmi) 4A, Redmi Note 3.Put the back cover off and remove the battery - the number will be on the sticker.
- π± Slot for SIM-Cards: on some devices (e.g. Mi 5) IMEI dubbed SIM.
Important: If you buy Xiaomi hand-held, always check IMEI on the box and on the phone (via *#06#).
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI on the box and on the phone are different | Phone recovered after the theft (IMEI changed) | High (may be blocked by the operator) |
| IMEI on the box erased or painted over | Counterfeit or βgrayβ imports | Medium (Problems with guarantee) |
| The IMEI in the phone is displayed as 0000000. | Communication module dropped or damaged | Critical (the phone does not catch the network) |
β οΈ Attention: Stickers with IMEI Check the number through IMEI.info before buying it, it must match the model of the device and not be blacklisted.
4. How to find IMEI without a phone (by Mi Account)
If the phone is lost or stolen, but you have access to your tied Mi Account, you can try to restore IMEI through the web version of Xiaomi Cloud.This method will only work if data sync was previously enabled.
Instructions:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the Device tab (or Find Device).
- Find your phone in the list and click on it.
- In the Device Information section, IMEI may be displayed (not on all models).
Alternatively, check your email if you have registered your device with Mi Account. The anchor confirmation email usually lists the model and IMEI. Look for emails from service@account.xiaomi.com with the topic βNew device added.β
What if IMEI is not displayed in the Mi Cloud?
5. IMEI verification via computer (ADB and engineering menu)
For advanced users, there is a way to get an IMEI through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is true if the phone is turned on but the screen is not working or the pattern lock is locked, and you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled (if not activated previously, the method will not work).
Instructions for Windows:
- Download Googleβs Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
- Open the command prompt in the adb folder (click Shift + right mouse button β Open the PowerShell window here).
- Enter the command adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
- In the answer, find a string like Result: Parcel (000000000000000000000f'...) β there will be IMEI in hexadecimal format. Use the converter to translate it into a normal form.
If USB debugging is not enabled, but the phone responds to touch, try activating it via the engineering menu:
- Enter the dialer: ##4636##.
- Go to the Device Information tab.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block.
adb shell getprop gsm.baseband.imei
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6.IMEI check for originality and locking
To find out about IMEI, it's half the story. To avoid any problems with the law or the communications, make sure to check it through the official services.
- π Originality: Type in the number on IMEI.info, showing the model, year of manufacture and country of origin. If the model doesn't match yours, it's a fake.
- π Theft or blocking: check through CISIMEI database (for Russia and CIS) or IMEI Pro: "Blacklist" status means that the phone is listed as lost.
- π‘ Network support: WillMyPhoneWork will show you what frequencies (4G/5G) Supports your model in your country.
Example of decryption of the test result:
IMEI: 861234567890123
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (2201116SG)
Manufacturer: Xiaomi Communications Co Ltd
Year of issue: 2022
Country: China
Status: Clean (not blacklisted)β οΈ Note: If you see a βBlockedβ status during the check, or Β«Lost/StolenΒ», Do not try to use such a phone - telecom operators can block the phone. SIM-card, and in some countries (for example, in the United States) possession of a dirty device is punishable by law.
For unlocking after reset
Checking the phone before buying
Restoring access to Mi Account
Activation of eSIM
Other causes
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Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with IMEI, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- IMEI is displayed as 000000000000000 or Null Reason: the communication module is dropped or damaged (for example, after a failed firmware) The solution is to flash the phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or contact the service center for IMEI recovery.
- Two different. IMEI Dual-SIM, but one does not work Reason: malfunction of the second slot for SIM-map or software failure. Check network settings (Settings) β SIM-map β Set up the network) or reinstall SIM slot.
- The IMEI on the box and the phone don't match the reason: the phone is recovered after the theft (IMEI modified software) or the box from another device, the solution is to return it to the seller or check it through IMEI.info.
If you are experiencing a problem of losing IMEI after firmware, do not try to restore it yourself through the engineering menu (commands like AT+EGMR=1.7,"IMEI"). On new Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 10), this can lead to a complete lockdown of the communication module.
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