Where and how to find MSA on Xiaomi Redmi – a complete guide to photos and videos

If you are faced with the need to find MSA-Mi Service Auth on Xiaomi Redmi, most likely, you need to unlock the bootloader, flash the device through Mi Flash or restore access to your Mi Account. This unique identifier is tied to the phone’s hardware and required to log into Xiaomi’s service tools. Without it, many firmware or recovery operations are simply impossible.

The problem is that Xiaomi doesn’t make MSA prominent in the interface — it can’t be found in standard settings like IMEI or serial number. Moreover, with the release of new versions of MIUI (especially after MIUI 12), the ways of getting code changed, and the old instructions stopped working. In this article, we will discuss 5 current methods, including hidden commands, ADB and third-party utilities that are guaranteed to work on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other models from 2020-2026.

Before you start, consider: some methods require debugging permission over USB or root permission. If your phone is locked (for example, after being reset via Fastboot), try ways without connecting to a PC first.

What is MSA on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

MSA (Mi Service Auth) is a hardware identifier that Xiaomi uses to authorize service operations. It's essentially an analogue of IMEI, but for the company's internal systems. The code is generated during the manufacturing phase and is tied to the device's motherboard.

MSA is required in the following cases:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool - without MSA The program will not allow you to link the account to the device.
• 📱 Restore access to Mi Account if phone is locked after reset or theft.
• 🔧 Fastboot firmware (e.g. Mi Flash utility) – some software versions request MSA to confirm the legality of the operation.
• 🛠️ Service repair – Xiaomi authorized centers may request a code for diagnostics.

The difference between MSA and other identifiers (IMEI, serial number, Android ID): it does not change when you reset, flash or replace the battery, but if you replace the motherboard, the code will be updated.

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse MSA Mi Account Token (used to bypass locks via Mi Cloud) or Auth Key (needed to firmware through Mi Cloud) EDL). These codes are obtained in different ways!

Method 1: Getting MSA through the Engineering Menu (code ##)

The easiest method that works on most Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12 and Redmi 13C) is to use a hidden engineering menu.It doesn't require PC connection or root rights, but it may not work on some MIUI 14+ firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636## or #36446337## (for new models).
3. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to the MSA or Mi Service Auth block, and there will be a string with a 16-digit code.

If the menu doesn’t open or the MSA isn’t listed, try the alternative code: ##6484## (powered by Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi K40).

Method 2: Extract MSA through ADB (without root)

If the engineering menu doesn't work, you can get an MSA via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is universal and works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
5. Open the command line (cmd) in this folder and type: adb shell getprop ro.boot.msa Or alternative command: adb shell cat /proc/msa_info

If the teams return an empty result, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone and reconnect.
• 📱 Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Update the drivers ADB on PC (through SDK Platform Tools).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+) access /proc/msa_info In this case, move on to the method. 3.

Method 3: Use of Mi Account Unlock Tool

If previous methods didn’t work, you can use third-party utilities, one of the most reliable is the Mi Account Unlock Tool (not to be confused with the official Mi Unlock!). The app reads MSA directly from system files, but requires permission to install from unknown sources.

How to use:

1. Download. APK-file XDA Developers (check reviews!).
2. Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access).
3. Open the tool and press Get MSA Code.
4. Wait for the scan (it can take up to 30 seconds) and the code will be displayed in the MSA field.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works without a PC and ADB.
• ✅ Supports new models (Redmi) 13C, Redmi Note 12 Turbo).
• ✅ Shows additional information (IMEI, serial number, loader status).

Risks:

• ⚠️ Possibility of installing malware (download only from verified sources!).
• ⚠️ On some firmware MIUI 14+ The app may not see MSA security constraints.

💡

Before installing an APK, check the hash file on VirusTotal. If you suspect a virus, do not install it!

Method 4: Extract MSA from nvram file (for advanced)

This is a method that works if you have root access or TWRP. MSA is stored in the nvram section, and it can be manually extracted. It's more complicated than the previous ones, but it works on 100% of devices.

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or any file manager with access to root folders.
2. Follow the path: /data/nvram/APCFG/APRDEB/MSA.
3. Open the msa.dat file or msa_info text-edit.
4. Find the MSA= string, and then it will be a 16-digit code.

Alternative (via ADB root):

adb shell


su




cat /data/nvram/APCFG/APRDEB/MSA/msa_info

If there is no nvram folder, try the path: /persist/msa/msa.dat (relevant to Redmi K50 and POCO F4).

⚠️ Note: Do not edit or delete files in /nvram — This can lead to loss. IMEI brick-device!

Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi Support (Official Way)

If none of the methods worked (for example, a phone in a hard brick state), you can request MSA from official support Xiaomi.

How to make a request:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select Support → Call support.
3. Enter the subject line: "Device Access Lost" or "MSA Needed to Unlock".
4. Attach a photo of the box (with the serial number) and the purchase check (if any).
5. Wait for a response (usually 1-3 days) and the code will be sent to the mail associated with the Mi Account.

Important:

• 📄 Support can request proof of ownership (check, warranty card).
• ⏳ Some regional sites (e.g. Xiaomi India) take up to 7 days to process a request.
• 🔒 If you buy a phone with your hands, chances are you will get it. MSA officially minimal.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When searching for MSA, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1.The ADB team returns "permission denied"

Reason: no root or insufficient rights. Solution:

• 🔧 Try the command with su: adb shell su getprop ro.boot.msa
• 📱 Turn it on. USB-Debugging in Charging Mode (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB (security)).

2.There is no MSA item in the engineering menu

Reason: Xiaomi has removed the code output in the new firmware.

• 🔄 Try the alternative codes: ##6484## or #36446337##.
• 📲 Use the method with ADB or third-party.

3 Mi Account Unlock Tool App does not show MSA

Reason: Antivirus blocking or an outdated version of the utility.

• 🛡️ Turn off Google Play Protect (Settings) → Google → Security).
• 🔄 Download the latest version APK s XDA.
• 📱 Restart your phone and start the app again.

MSA-The code on Xiaomi Redmi may change after the motherboard is replaced, but it does not depend on a reset or firmware update.If you buy a phone from hand, be sure to check the match MSA with data on the box – this will help to avoid unlock problems in the future.

💡

On newer models (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 13C), the engineering menu often does not show MSA, in which case the priority methods are ADB or official support request.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions