You have bought a used Xiaomi and want to make sure that you IMEI Are you planning to sell your Redmi, but the buyer asks you to confirm the originality of the device? IMEI Hidden combinations are the fastest way to get this information without additional apps. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO, including the engineering menu, USSD-codes and system settings.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit ID for your phone that is used by carriers to lock stolen devices and manufacturers to track warranty. On Xiaomi, it can be verified in several ways, but not all of them show a real hardware IMEI. For example, the settings can display a software duplicate if the device has been re-flashed. We will tell you how to distinguish the original from a fake and what to do if the codes do not work.
What is IMEI and why do you check it for Xiaomi?
IMEI is like a passport for a phone that's assigned in a factory, and it's three parts.
- π’ TAC (Type Allocation Code β the first 8 digits, designating the model and manufacturer (Xiaomi usually starts with 86 or 35).
- π± SNR (Serial Number: The following 6 digits, unique serial number of the device.
- π CD (Check Digit β Last digit, checksum for authentication.
On Xiaomi smartphones IMEI It can be one or two (for devices that support two). SIM-If you see the same codes on both maps. SIM β This is a sign of software duplication, which often happens after an informal firmware. IMEI It's necessary in three cases:
- π Before buying a used phone β to make sure itβs not on the blacklist of operators.
- π§ After firmware or repair β to check if the original data is lost.
- π‘ If the phone is not picking up the signal, it is possible, IMEI damaged.
β οΈ Attention: If IMEI The box and the phone are not matched, which could mean that the device is recovered from theft or has an unoriginal motherboard.
Method 1: USSD-*#06# is the fastest method
It is a universal code that works on all smartphones, including Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. He shows. IMEI without SIM-Cards and does not require an Internet connection.
Instructions:
- Open the phone (calling) application.
- Enter *#06# and press the call button.
- After 1-2 seconds, a window with an IMEI (or two IMEIs if the phone is two-sim phone) will appear on the screen.
If you see an Invalid IMEI or an empty field instead of an IMEI, it means that:
- π Phone doesn't recognize. SIM-card (check the tray).
- π οΈ IMEI was removed after the firmware was removed (recovery required).
- π« Device blocked by operator (you need to contact support).
βοΈ What to do if *#06# is not working
Method 2: IMEI Verification through Xiaomi Settings (MIUI)
If USSD-The code didn't work, you can see it. IMEI It's a system setting. It's a method that's suitable for MIUI 12β15 and Android 11β14.
Step-by-step:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
- Put on the item All characteristics (or General information).
- Scroll down to the IMEI block, where one or two codes will be listed.
On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the path may be slightly different:
Settings β About the phone β SIM-card data β IMEIβ οΈ Note: Software may be displayed in the settings IMEI, If you suspect that the phone has been questioned, check the code against what is written on the box or under the battery (if the removable phone is a removable phone).
How to distinguish the original IMEI from the fake one?
Method 3: Engineering menu Xiaomi (MTK and Qualcomm)
If the standard methods didn't work, you can look at the engineering menu, which is a hidden section for diagnostics. Xiaomi has two types of processors, and each has its own combination:
| Processor type | Entry code. | The Road to IMEI |
|---|---|---|
| Qualcomm (Snapdragon) | ##4636## | Information about the phone β IMEI |
| MediaTek (Helio, Dimensity) | ##36446337## | Connectivity β Radio Information β IMEI |
| Any processor (alternative) | ##2846579## | ProjectMenu β Background Setting β IMEI |
How to use the engineering menu:
- Enter the code in the call (as for USSD).
- In the menu that opens, find a section with information about the phone or radio module.
- IMEI can be specified in IMEI1 and IMEI2 formats (for two SIMs).
If nothing happens after entering the code:
- π Try restarting your phone and entering the code again.
- π± Make sure you use a standard call rather than a third-party call (like Google Phone).
- π οΈ On some firmware, the engineering menu is disabled - you will need a root or special software (for example, MTK Engineering Mode).
π‘
If the engineering menu doesn't open, try entering the code through Google Play's Secret Codes app, which automatically identifies the phone's model and suggests working combinations.
Method 4: Check the IMEI through the box and sticker under the battery
If the phone doesn't turn on or the IMEI seems suspicious, you can check it against the physical tags on the device. Xiaomi has three duplicate codes:
- A sticker on a box is usually under a barcode or next to a serial number.
- Battery sticker β relevant for models with removable battery (for example, Redmi 4A, Redmi 5).
- Slot for SIM-maps on some models IMEI indicated on the tray (e.g, POCO X3).
How to check:
- π¦ Compare. IMEI on the box with what is displayed in the phone (via *#06#).
- π If the battery is removable, carefully remove the lid and look at the sticker under the battery.
- π Use a magnifying glass β sometimes the codes are applied in very small print.
β οΈ Attention: If IMEI The box and the phone don't match, but the device is working normally, which could mean that:
- The phone has been repaired with a replacement motherboard (IMEI tied to it).
- The box is not original (often happens at "gray" dealers).
- The IMEI was modified software (for example, after unlocking the bootloader).
Method 5: IMEI Verification through ADB (for advanced users)
If the phone does not respond to USSD-codes and does not show IMEI In the settings, you can get it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires a computer and enabled debugging. USB.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Phone: Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3 For two SIMs use: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 5
In the answer, you will see a string like Result: Parcel (0x00000000: t=0x3) is an encrypted IMEI. To decrypt it, copy the entire output and use an online decoder (for example, ADB Decoder).
β οΈ Attention: If ADB If it gives you a device unauthorized error, it means that the phone has not confirmed debugging access.
π‘
ADB-method shows the hardware IMEI, Even if it's erased in firmware, it's the most reliable way for devices to be repaired informally or firmware.
What to do if the IMEI is missing or incorrect
If you see Null, 000000000000000000000 or other suspicious code instead of IMEI, it means that:
- π§ IMEI It was removed after the firmware (often happens when installing customized ones). ROM).
- π οΈ The motherboard has been replaced and the new IMEI not-written.
- π« The phone is blocked by the operator (for example, at the request of the previous owner).
Decisions:
- Restore IMEI through the Engineering Menu (MediaTek only): ##3646633## β Connectivity β CDS Information β Radio Information β Phone 1 β AT+EGMR=1.7,βYour IMEIβ Replace βYour IMEIβ with the original code from the box.
- Swipe the original software through the Mi Flash Tool (you will need to unlock the bootloader).
- Contact the service center if the IMEI is erased due to a hardware malfunction.
If the phone is not catching the network due to damage IMEI, A temporary solution might be to use Wi-Fi calls (VoWiFi) or instant messengers, but to work properly. SIM-map IMEI need to be restored.