How to watch IMEI on a locked Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can not unlock the phone because the system requires you to enter IMEI to verify your identity? or lost the box and the smartphone is locked after resetting? The situation is familiar to many brand users - especially owners of models with Mi Account Lock, where IMEI becomes the only way to prove that the device belongs to you.

The problem is that standard viewing methods IMEI (through settings → The phone or code *#06# doesn't work on a locked phone, but there are workarounds, from checking the packaging to using Fastboot mode or using the phone's own phone. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including those that work even when the screen is damaged or the Mi Account is disabled.

Important: some methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., USB debugging enabled) If you haven't set up your phone before, some of the instructions may not work, but don't worry, we'll start with the simplest options.

1. Check the box, documents and account of Mi Cloud

The fastest way to know the IMEI is to find it on physical media, and the manufacturer duplicates the number in several places:

• 📦 The original box — IMEI indicated on a barcode sticker (usually under the barcode or next to the serial number) Check the bottom of the package or the inside of the lid.
• 📄 Warranty card or check – in some countries sellers punch IMEI in check (especially if the phone was bought in official Xiaomi stores or from telecom operators).
• 🌐 Mi Cloud account – if the phone was linked to a Mi Account, IMEI You can see it in the web version of i.mi.com (Devices section»).

If the box is not there and the check is not saved, try logging in to Mi Cloud from your computer. Even if the phone is locked, the attached devices will appear in the list — along with IMEI. This method only works for accounts where previously synchronized data was enabled.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought by hand, the previous owner could untie the device from his account. IMEI Mi Cloud will only appear if you have time to log in before resetting your settings.

2. Use the engineering menu (if the screen responds to touch)

If the phone is locked but the screen is working (reacting to swipes or taps), you can try calling an engineering menu, which works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 and the flagships of the Mi 11/12 series.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, type the code ##4636## (as if dialing a phone number).
2. If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative: *#06# (sometimes displays IMEI even on a locked screen).
3. In the menu that opens, find the Phone Information or Phone Information tab, and there will be a line with IMEI.

If the codes don't work, the manufacturer has blocked access to the engineering menu at the firmware level, in which case move on to the next method.

3. Connect your phone to your computer and use ADB

If you have previously enabled USB debugging, you can extract IMEI via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that is suitable for advanced users, as it requires installing drivers and working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (part of the Android SDK).
2. Connect a blocked Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable (use the original cable for a stable connection).
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is determined (serial number will appear), run: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
5. In the answer, look for a line with IMEI (usually it looks like a 15-digit number).

If the command returns the no devices/emulators found error, the USB debugging is disabled or the drivers are not installed. In this case, try the method with Fastboot (described below).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The service call command iphonesubinfo may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. The alternative is to use the adb shell getprop ro.gsm.imei command, but it does not work on all firmware.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, try to restart the phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Power). + Volume down) and reconnect. Sometimes it helps you install the drivers.

4. Remove IMEI via Fastboot mode

Fastboot mode is a low-level boot mode that allows you to interact with your phone even when the screen is locked. For Xiaomi, this method is often the only way to get an IMEI without access to the system.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download from the official website).
• 📦 Archive with Platform Tools (see previous section).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the folder with fastboot.exe.
4. Enter the command: fastboot getvar imei If the command didn't work, try: fastboot oem read-imei

On some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi 10T or Redmi K40), the command can return the empty value, which means that the manufacturer has blocked the IMEI reading through Fastboot, in which case only the physical method (disassembling the phone) or contacting the service center remains.

Physical method: Removal of the back cover

If the software doesn’t work, the last option is to disassemble the phone and read the IMEI from a sticker under the battery, which is suitable for models with a removable rear panel (for example, Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A) or if you are willing to risk a warranty.

How to proceed:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Carefully tuck the back cover with a plastic spatula (start with the corners where the latches are located).
3. Remove the lid and find the sticker under the battery – it indicates IMEI (sometimes in barcode format).
4. If there is no sticker, check the IMEI on the battery itself (rarely, but found on older models).

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the phone without experience can damage the plumes or detach the touchscreen. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center. Also note that on models with a non-removable battery (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) you will have to unplug the battery, which requires special equipment.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods work, the official way is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is relevant for cases where:

• 🔒 The phone is locked through Mi Account Lock and you can't confirm ownership.
• 📱 IMEI erased or damaged (for example, after a failed firmware).
• 🛠️ You are afraid to disassemble the device yourself.

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📦 Phone box (if it is still available).

Xiaomi service centers can restore IMEI to the serial number or data from the manufacturer's database. In some cases, the procedure takes up to 5 working days. The service is paid (from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model), but guarantees the safety of data (if the phone was not reset).

💡

The official service is the only legal way to unlock Xiaomi without IMEI if the phone is tied to the Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about viewing IMEI on a blocked Xiaomi