The International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each smartphone, used to identify the device on the operator’s network, lock it when lost, verify originality, and even restore access to the Mi Account in some cases. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones often face the question: where to look for this code if it is not printed on the case, like old button phones?
In this article, we will analyze all possible ways - from the standard (through settings and USSD-codes) to the lesser known (hidden engineering menus and system files). SIM-the card, and when the phone is not switched on or IMEI «You will learn what methods work on Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6 and other relevant models of 2023-2026.
1. Standard methods: settings and USSD-code
Let’s start with the simplest and most versatile methods that work on any Xiaomi smartphone, regardless of the model and version of MIUI. These methods do not require root rights or special knowledge.
The first and fastest option is to use USSD-Open the Phone app, go to the Keyboard tab and type in:
*#06#IMEI It's automatically displayed, and you don't need to do any more. SIM-cards (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G), There will be two codes on the screen: IMEI 1 (for the first) SIM) and IMEI 2 (for the second).
The second way is through system settings:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Slip on the item All parameters (on some models - Additional information).
- Find the IMEI section or the IMEI status.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer paths may be different. If you don't find a section, try searching for the word settings «IMEI».
These methods are good for 99% of the time, but what if the phone doesn't turn on or the screen is broken?
2.Where to look for an IMEI if the phone isn't working
If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or the screen is completely broken, standard methods won't help, and in such cases, IMEI can be found on the box, battery (for older models with removable battery), or in the documentation.
On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO boxes, the code is usually listed on a sticker along with the barcode and serial number (S/N). Look for the IMEI1 and IMEI2 string (for dual-symbol models).
| Model | Where to look for IMEI on the box | Example of format |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Sticker on the end of the box (under the film) | 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro | The bottom of the box, under the barcode | 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX / 86XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| POCO X5 Pro | Sticker on the back of the box | IMEI1: 86...IMEI2: 86... |
If there is no box, check the warranty card or checks from the store - there may also be an IMEI. For devices with a removable battery (for example, Redmi 4A or Redmi 5), the code is sometimes duplicated on the sticker under the battery.
⚠️ Note: Stickers on the body of modern Xiaomi smartphones (for example, under the cover of the slot) SIM-cards) usually contain only a serial number (S/N), not IMEI. Don't confuse them!
What if the IMEI on the box doesn’t match the code on the phone?
3. Hidden engineering menus: for advanced users
If standard methods don't work (for example, after the IMEI firmware went off), you can try to find the code through the engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires caution.
Open the Phone app and enter one of the commands:
- 🔧 ##4636## → Go to Phone Information (IMEI will be at the top of the screen).
- 🔧 ##6484## → test MTK Engineer Mode (for devices running MediaTek processors).
- 🔧 ##64663## → Hardware Test menu (IMEI in the Version section).
On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12T), these codes may not work due to MIUI limitations.
- Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm USB Drivers (for Snapdragon).
- Connect your phone to your PC and use it. ADB-Adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
- IMEI will appear in the response format Result: Parcel(00000000 86XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX).
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.This can lead to network loss or "bricking" of the device.
☑️ Preparation for verification IMEI through ADB
4. How to find IMEI through a computer (without root)
If the phone is turned on but the screen is not working (for example, after a fall), IMEI You can pull it out by connecting to a PC. ADB-tools and included debugging USB.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission (if the screen is working).
- Open the command prompt (CMD) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Run the command to get IMEI: adb shell getprop gsm.baseband.imei or (for two SIMs): adb shell getprop gsm.baseband.imei1 adb shell getprop gsm.baseband.imei2
If ADB does not recognize the command, try an alternative way through fastboot (it works even if the system does not boot):
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
- Connect to the PC and type: fastboot getvar imei
Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite), the IMEI in fastboot may not be fully displayed or encrypted, in which case only physical access to the sticker on the motherboard will help.
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If ADB doesn’t see the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers manually through Windows Device Manager (select “Update Driver” → “Search on this computer” → specify the driver folder from the Mi PC Suite package).
5. IMEI authentication and blocking
Finding out the IMEI is only half the battle, and it's equally important to check whether the device is blacklisted or refurbished with the code changed.
For this:
- 🔍 Enter. IMEI on the site imei.info – the service will show the model, year of release and the status of the lock.
- 🔍 Check through the database. SND Deep Info (for devices sold in Russia).
- 🔍 Check the status of the operator (for example, through the USSD-code *111*0887# for MTS or *545# Beeline).
Pay attention to the following signs of a problem IMEI:
- ❌ The code starts with 0049 or 99000, which is a "dummy" that means that the code is a "dummy" IMEI was dropped.
- ❌ On the verification sites, the model of the device does not match yours (for example, instead of the Redmi Note 11, the Samsung Galaxy is displayed).
- ❌ Status: Blacklisted (blacklisted) or Lost/Stolen (lost/stolen).
⚠️ Warning: If you bought a phone with root access and "broken» IMEI (For example, after a failed firmware, it can be restored only through the official Xiaomi service or specialized centers with equipment for flashing. QCN-file.
6 What to do if IMEI is missing or incorrect
Situations where the IMEI “flys” or is displayed as Null/Invalid occur after:
- 🔄 Incorrect firmware via Fastboot or EDL.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings with removal /efs-section.
- 🔄 Recovery from a backup from another device.
Decisions depend on the cause:
| Problem. | Possible solution | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI resets after MIUI update | Restore /efs partition backup via TWRP | Medium (need root) |
| IMEI becomes Null after firmware | Modem Module via Fastboot | High (brick risk) |
| IMEI doesn't match the box | Authentication through the Service Center | Low. |
For devices on Qualcomm processors (most flagships Xiaomi) you can try to restore IMEI through QPST or QCN Rebuilder, but it requires skill and originality QCN-On MediaTek (many Redmi models and POCO) Maui will help META or SN Writer Tool.
⚠️ Attention: Self-modification IMEI This is prohibited by law in many countries (including Russia), which can lead to a device being blocked by the operator or warranty issues.
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If the IMEI is missing after the MIUI update, the first thing you should do is roll back to the previous firmware version through Recovery, which restores the original code 80 percent of the time.