Where and how to find a serial number on Xiaomi devices: a complete guide

The serial number (S/N) of a Xiaomi device is a unique identifier that can be used in a variety of situations, from authenticating a gadget to unlocking a bootloader or contacting a service center. Without this number, you can not confirm a warranty, activate some MIUI functions or even restore access to the device after a reset, but not all users know where to look for this number, especially if the phone does not turn on or the box is long lost.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to find a serial number on smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other Xiaomi equipment, both software and hardware. You’ll learn how to remove S/N from the system, where to look for it on the device body, and what to do if the gadget does not respond to buttons. And we’ll also explain why some Xiaomi serial numbers can begin with the letters “MZ” or “22” – this is an important nuance for checking originality.

Why you need a Xiaomi serial number and where it is used

A serial number is not just a set of numbers, it performs several critical functions:

• 🔍 Authentication. S/N You can distinguish the original Xiaomi from a fake (for example, on the website). mi.com/verify).
• 🔧 Warranty service. Without a serial number, the service center will refuse to repair under warranty.
• 📱 Unlock the bootloader. For an official anlock, you need to link your Mi Account to the Mi Unlock Tool. S/N device.
• 🔄 Data recovery: When resetting to factory settings, some services (such as Mi Cloud) may request a serial number to confirm ownership.
• 📦 Firmware search. In some forums (e.g, XDA Developers) firmwares are sorted by model and serial number.

Moreover, Xiaomi’s serial number often contains coded information about the date of production, the country of manufacture, and even the batch of the device. For example, if the number begins with MZ, this usually indicates a device released for the global market, and the prefix 22 can mean a model in 2022.

⚠️ Please note: Do not confuse the serial number (S/N) s IMEI or MAC-address. IMEI It identifies the communication module, and the serial number identifies the device itself. X3 Pro) these numbers may overlap in part, but this is the exception, not the rule.

Method 1: Find the serial number in the smartphone settings

The easiest way is to look at S/N in the device menu, which works if the phone is switched on and you have access to the system, and the instructions are valid for all Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark smartphones based on MIUI or HyperOS:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About the Tablet Device) section.
3. Slip on the item All characteristics (on some firmware it is called General Information).
4. Scroll down to the Serial Number block.

On the new versions of MIUI 14+ and HyperOS, the path may be slightly different:

Settings → About the phone → Device Information → Serial number

If you have a Poco Launcher, the menu design will be different, but the logic is the same.

Check if the "Developers" section is hidden |Update your firmware to the latest version |Reboot your device |Try an alternative method (see below)

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On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The serial number can be duplicated in the Status section. SIM-map (SIM To get there:

Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Status SIM-maps →Serial number

Method 2: View the serial number on the case or packaging

If the phone is not switched on or locked, the serial number can be found on physical media, and the manufacturer duplicates it in several places:

• 📦 The box of the device. S/N It is placed on a barcode sticker (near the IMEI). New models (e.g. Xiaomi) 14) The sticker may be under a protective film.
• 🔋 Under the battery. On older models (before the Redmi Note 8), the serial number was printed on a sticker under the battery!
• 📄 A warranty card if you kept the papers, S/N it is clearly indicated.
• 🖥️ A sticker on the back. On some tablets (e.g. Xiaomi Pad 6) and smartwatches (Mi Band 7), the serial number is in small print next to the regulatory tags.

It's important to remember that on fakes, serial numbers are often forged. To check the originality, compare the number on the box and the settings, they must match. If they do, you're either looking at a replica or a replacement motherboard device after repair.

Method 3: Retrieve the serial number via Fastboot or Recovery

If the phone doesn't turn on but responds to buttons, the serial number can be obtained via Fastboot or Recovery modes, a method that requires a connection to a PC.

Through Fastboot:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: fastboot getvar serialno

Through Recovery:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Recovery menu appears.
3. Select Connect with MIAssistant (on new versions of MIUI Recovery).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool or ADB to read S/N.

Fastboot|Recovery|EDL (emergency mode)|I don't know what it is |Never rebuilt

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⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming) in Fastboot mode, the serial number may not be displayed in full or replaced with unknown. In this case, try the alternative command: fastboot getvar all and find the serialno string (bootloader:.

Method 4: Find out the serial number through your Mi (Mi Cloud) account

If your device is linked to a Mi Account, the serial number can be found in your Mi Cloud account, which works even if your phone is lost or stolen:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your gadget.
3. Click on the name and a page will open with detailed information, including S/N.

If the device does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔄 Is your Mi Account linked to your phone (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 📶 Is there Internet access on the device (for data synchronization).
• 🔒 Is the gadget manually removed from the account.

On some firmware (e.g., Chinese versions of MIUI), Mi Cloud data can be updated up to 24 hours late, and if the serial number doesn't show up, try it later or use another method.

💡

If you sell or transfer a device, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account in the settings, otherwise the new owner will not be able to link your account, and you will lose access to features like Find the device.

Method 5: Use ADB to obtain a serial number

If the phone turns on but the serial number doesn’t show up in the settings (for example, due to custom firmware), it can be retrieved via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires the included debugging on USB:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. In the command line, type: adb shell getprop ro.serialno

If the command returns an empty line, try an alternative request:

adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep Serial

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T), the serial number can be masked, in which case use:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the serial number can be changed, in which case you can only trust hardware methods (sticker, box).

Method 6: For non-functioning devices, use the test menu (##)

If the phone is powered on but not booted (hangs on the logo or in.bootloop), try calling an engineering menu.This method works on most Xiaomi models, but is not guaranteed on new flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra):

1. Enter the code on the lock screen: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Device Information.
3. Scroll down to the Serial Number block.

If the code doesn’t work, try alternative combinations:

• *#06# - shows IMEI, but on some models duplicates S/N.
• ##225## - Calibration menu (on old Redmi).
• #36446337## - Battery and serial number information (for Poco)

On HyperOS devices, the engineering codes can be disabled, leaving only the hardware method (sticker) or connection via Fastboot.

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If the phone doesn't respond to buttons but is charging, try holding the combination Volume up + Volume down + Power 10-15 seconds. On some models, this forcefully reboots the device in the Fastboot even when you're getting stuck.

Method 7: For smart watches, bracelets and other Xiaomi equipment

Xiaomi’s ecosystem devices (smart watches, bracelets, headphones, routers) also have serial numbers, but you need to look for them differently:

• ⌚ Smart watches (Mi Watch, Watch) S3): Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app. Go to the device profile. The serial number is listed in the About Device section.
• 🎧 Headphones (Xiaomi Buds, FlipBuds): Connect your headphones to your phone. Open Settings → Put a gear on the headphones, and the serial number will show up in the device information.

Mi Router

AX3600

1. Turn the router over - S/N is on the sticker.
2. Or log in to the web interface (192.168.31.1) and check the Status section.

On the Mi Band and other fitness bracelets, the serial number is often duplicated in the Mi Fitness app in Devices → Settings → Information. If the bracelet doesn't sync, try resetting it to factory settings (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When searching for a serial number, users often face typical problems:

1. The number does not match on the box and in the settings. 🔹 Reason: Device after repair (motherboard replaced) or fake. 🔹 Solution: Check the originality on the site mi.com/verify. If the number does not pass verification, contact the service center.
2. The serial number is displayed as unknown or 00000000000. 🔹 Reason: Section damaged EFS (on custom firmware) or reset settings NVRAM. 🔹 Solution: Restore stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. No access to settings due to locked screen. 🔹 Solution: Use ADB (If debugging is enabled, or Fastboot. If nothing helps, contact the service to unlock it.

Another common mistake is to confuse the serial number with the IMEI or MAC-address.Remember: IMEI The Xiaomi serial number is 15 digits long and starts with 86 (for Chinese devices), and the Xiaomi serial number is usually shorter (10–14 characters) and may contain letters (for example, the number is usually shorter than the number used in the series, MZB12345678).

💡

If you buy Xiaomi hand-held, be sure to check the serial number on the manufacturer's website before payment. Counterfeiters often have "beautiful" numbers like 1234567890 or repeating numbers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions