Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most popular smartphone lines in Russia, but even experienced users sometimes face the need to check the IMEI of devices. This unique identifier is needed not only to register in the networks of operators, but also to verify the originality of the phone, unlock after theft or recover from reset. Unlike iPhone or Samsung, where IMEI is often duplicated on the case, Redmi has to search for it on the menu or through engineering teams.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods - from the standard (through Settings) to the hidden (through Engineer Mode). SIM-Cards (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Redmi 10C) phones without physical SIM (Redmi A2 Lite. I'll also explain why. IMEI The box and phone must match β if they are different, it is 100% a sign of a fake or recovered device after theft.
What is IMEI and why do you need to check it out on Xiaomi Redmi?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device. It acts as a phone's "passport": operators identify the device on the network, and law enforcement can track the stolen gadget. On Xiaomi Redmi, the IMEI is tied to a communication module, and its loss (for example, after a failed firmware) can make the phone a "brick".
When an IMEI test is critical:
- π Buying a used phone - if IMEI The phone may not match the box, the phone may have been stolen or recovered after being locked.
- π‘ Network problems β if the phone doesnβt catch the network, it may have gone offline IMEI (post-flash).
- π Unlocking after theft β operators block IMEI according to the owner, and without the original code to unlock the phone is impossible.
- π οΈ Replacement or replacement of the motherboard β new IMEI may require re-registration in the network.
On Redmi, two. SIM-cards (Dual) SIM) every slot has its own IMEI. The Redmi Note 11 Pro has two of them: IMEI1 first SIM and IMEI2 If the phone supports eSIM, like Redmi. K60 Pro), at the virtual SIM will be a separate identifier.
β οΈ Note: If you buy Xiaomi Redmi from hand, be sure to check IMEI On the box, on the phone and through the code *#06#. Fraudsters often fake boxes, but change the code. IMEI sniffle-free.
Method 1: Know the IMEI using the code *#06# (the fastest)
Itβs a versatile method that works on all smartphones, including Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, which requires no internet connection and works even on a locked phone (if the screen is on).
Instructions:
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Enter the combination: *#06#.
- One or two will appear on the screen at once. IMEI (depending SIM-map).
If you have a Redmi with two physical SIMs, the information will look like this:
IMEI1: 861234567890123
IMEI2: 861234567890124This is a good way to do it for all models, including the old (Redmi 4X) and the new (Redmi 13C), and the main advantage is speed, but the downside is that if the phone doesn't turn on, the code won't help.
π‘
If the *#06# code doesnβt work, try dialing it in emergency call mode (on the locked screen, click βEmergency Callβ and enter the combination).
Method 2: View the IMEI in the phone settings
If you prefer a GUI, IMEI can be found in the Settings menu, which works on all versions of MIUI (from 10 to 14), but the path to the section may be slightly different.
For MIUI 12/13/14 (relevant for Redmi Note 12, Redmi 11 Prime and later):
- Open the settings (cog on the desktop).
- Go to About the Phone (or About the Device).
- Select all characteristics (or general information).
- Scroll down to the IMEI block.
For older versions of MIUI (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus):
- Settings β About the phone β Status.
- Look for the lines IMEI1 and IMEI2.
If you have Redmi with eSIM (e.g. Redmi) K50 Ultra, this section will also show IMEI Note: on some firmware IMEI may be hidden under the information SIM-map.
Check if the phone is on the operatorβs network.|Reset the device|Update. MIUI last-minute|Try the method with the code *#06#-->
Method 3: IMEI on the box and under the battery (for older models)
On all the original Xiaomi Redmis, the IMEI is duplicated on the box β usually on a barcode sticker. If you buy a phone with your hands, be sure to check this code against what the phone shows. The discrepancy is a sure sign:
- π¦ Fake boxes (often found in "gray" vendors).
- π§ Recovered after phone theft (IMEI could have been altered).
- π Phone after repair of motherboard (IMEI could haveΒ»).
On older models (Redmi 3S, Redmi 4A), the IMEI was also printed on a sticker under a removable battery, now that almost all Redmis have a non-removable battery, this method has become obsolete, except for models in the markets of Africa and India, where removable batteries are still found.
| Xiaomi Redmi Model | IMEI on the box | IMEI under the battery | IMEI in settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes (2 pcs.) |
| Redmi 9A | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes (1 pc.) |
| Redmi 4X | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes (2 pcs.) |
| Redmi K40 Gaming | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes (2 pcs. + eSIM) |
β οΈ Note: If you buy Redmi in an official store (for example, on Wildberries or Connection), the box must be sealed. IMEI must not have traces of forgery (blurred font, curved barcode).
In settings | Through code *#06#|On the box |Do not check |Another way-->
Method 4: IMEI Verification with Engineer Mode (Engineering Menu)
If standard methods don't work (for example, after a reset or firmware), you can use Engineer Mode, a hidden menu for diagnostics, which is suitable for advanced users, because it requires caution.
Instructions for MIUI:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code: ##4636###.
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down and there will be IMEI1 and IMEI2 strings.
Some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi K30) may require a different code:
##36446337##Once you enter, Engineer Mode will open, where you go to CDS Information β Radio Information, and you will display the IMEI for each SIM.
β οΈ Warning: Don't change your settings in Engineer Mode unless you understand their meaning! Mistakes can cause network loss or phone lock.
What happens if the Engineer Mode does not open?
Method 5: IMEI Verification through ADB (for advanced users)
If the phone doesn't turn on or the IMEI is lost after running the firmware, you can read it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires a computer and basic command-line skills.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π οΈ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings β About Phone β MIUI version β press 7 times, then Settings β Additional β For Developers β Debugging over USB).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
- The IMEI will appear in the answer (see 86123...).
If the phone doesnβt turn on but is detected by the computer in Fastboot mode, try the command:
fastboot getvar imeiβ οΈ Attention: Use ADB If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.
π‘
ADB is the only way to read IMEI on a broken phone, but it requires you to pre-set the debugging, and if you didn't turn it on beforehand, it won't work.
What to do if the IMEI is missing or incorrect
If you have found that the IMEI:
- π« Absent (empty field or 000000000000000000000),
- β Doesn't match the box,
- π Changed after the firmware,
This could mean:
- π± The phone was recovered after the theft (IMEI dump).
- π§ The communication module is damaged (for example, after falling).
- π₯οΈ Unsuccessful firmware (especially relevant for customized ones) ROM).
Decisions:
- Recovery IMEI It's a firmware thing. It needs an original one. NV-section IMEI. Contact Xiaomi Service Center β Self-recovery without experience can lock your phone forever.
- Checking through the operator. USSD-request *#06# and compare with the data in the operator's personal account (for example, MTS, Beeline).
- Type IMEI on IMEI.info, which will show the model, year of release and status (stolen/clean).
If the phone is recently purchased and the IMEI does not match, immediately contact the store - this is the basis for a return under the law "On Protection of Consumer Rights".