Unique smartphone IDs are not just a set of numbers, but a key to its βpassport.β IMEI, serial number and Android ID may be needed when unlocking a bootloader, restoring access to a Mi Account, verifying the originality of the device, or even for warranty maintenance. On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), this data is hidden in different menus, and it is not always obvious where to look for it.
In this article, we will analyze all current methods - from standard (through settings and USSD-codes) to advanced (using ADB We will pay special attention to the nuances for dual-use devices. SIM-This article explains why some methods may not work on the MIUI 14+ If you need to find an ID to unlock or verify, start with the first method.
1. Standard method: through phone settings
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI menus.It is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11, regardless of the firmware version.
To find the IMEI and serial number:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI β About Device).
- Put on the item All characteristics (or General information).
- Scroll down to the block. IMEI β Identifiers for each will be specified here. SIM-The following is the serial number (if there are two.
On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the path may be slightly different:
- π± Settings β The phone. β Device information β Status SIM-map
- π’ Both of them will be displayed here. IMEI (If the phone supports two SIM).
- π The serial number is usually hidden under the item Model number β tap it several times.
β οΈ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The item about the phone may be hidden. USSD-code ADB.
Make sure your phone is not in airplane mode.|Check if it's on. SIM-map (if you are looking for it) IMEI)|Compare the serial number to the box (to check the originality)|Take a screenshot of the data in case of losing your phone
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2. USSD-codes IMEI
If you need to know urgently IMEI (For example, to unlock the operator or check on the black market, use universal USSD-This method works even without access to the settings.
Enter the phone (as if calling) one of the commands:
- π *#6# - will show IMEI for all SIM-maps (on the screen will appear a window with data).
- π± ##4636## β Phone information β you can see it here IMEI, IMEI SV (for LTE) other technical data.
- π ##232338### - display MAC-Wi-Fi address (sometimes required with the IMEI service-centre).
On Xiaomi, two SIM-cards (Dual) SIM) After entering *#06#, you will see two IMEI β one for each slot, if the second IMEI is missing or displayed as 000000000000000, this may mean that the second SIM not activated or the phone supports only one physical card (second eSIM).
Important: On some firmware MIUI for Redmi and POCO USSD-The codes may not work because of operator limitations, in which case you can try typing them in airplane mode or use alternative methods.
3. Where else can I find the ID: box, battery and stickers
If the phone is not switched on or locked, the IDs can be found on physical media, especially for checking the originality of the device before buying from hand.
Where to look:
- π¦ Phone box: The barcode sticker is usually listed IMEI, serial number and model number (e.g, 2210132G For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
- π Under the battery: On older Xiaomi models (up to Redmi 5) IMEI It was duplicated on a sticker under the battery, and on new smartphones with a non-removable battery, this method doesn't work.
- π Warranty card: Documents from the official seller (for example, Mi Store) always indicate both IMEI.
- π³ Tray SIM-Maps: On some models (e.g. Mi) 10T) IMEI engraved.
| Place. | IMEI | Serial number. | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | β Yes. | β Yes. | On a barcode sticker. |
| Under the battery. | β Yes (old models) | β No. | Only on removable batteries. |
| SIM tray | β Yes (rarely) | β No. | Only on some flagships. |
| Guarantee pass | β Yes. | β Yes. | Only official sellers |
β οΈ Attention: If IMEI The box and the phone settings are not the same, this may mean that the device:
- π Recovered after a major breakdown (replaced motherboard).
- π¨ Is a fake or a βgrayβ import.
- π¦ Unofficial repairs with replacement of communication module.
What if the IMEI doesnβt match?
4. Android ID and other hidden identifiers
Besides IMEI and serial number, Xiaomi has other unique identifiers that may be required to:
- π Unlocking the bootloader (Mi Unlock Status).
- π Links to Mi Account (if you forget your password).
- π Diagnostics with Mi Flash Tool.
To find them:
- Install Device ID (or AIDA64) from Google Play.
- Open it and go to the Android or Device section.
- Here you will see: Android ID (16-digit code, for example a1b2c3d4e5f67890), Wi-Fi MAC and Bluetooth MAC. Serial Number (duplicates the serial number from the settings).
You need Mi Unlock Status to unlock the bootloader.
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Stick to the MIUI version 7-10 times until the message βYou are a developer!β appears.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers.
- Find the Mi Unlock Status item β here it will indicate whether the phone is linked to the account.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is found, you will see its serial number.
- Get IMEI: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3 The answer will be a line of the form Result: Parcel (00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 '123456789012345'...) - this is IMEI.
- For serial number use: adb shell getprop ro.serialno
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. POCO F5), root may be required to obtain an IMEI through ADB. If the command returns a Permission denied error, try an alternative method:
adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfoβ οΈ Attention: Use ADB If you have a locked phone (with Mi Account protection enabled), you may trigger the anti-theft protocol.
π‘
ADB is the most reliable way to get an ID on a broken phone, but requires debugging prior to setting up. If adb devices can't see the device, check the drivers and cable.
6. Engineering menu (for experienced users)
The Engineering Mode contains advanced phone data, including hidden identifiers, but careless actions here can disrupt the device.
How to open it:
- Enter the phone code in the app: ##4636##
- Select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the IMEI block β additional data, such as IMEI SV (for VoLTE) can be displayed here.
To access the full engineering menu (Qualcomm processors only):
- Enter the code ##36446337##
- Go to Connectivity β CDMA or GSM.
- Here you can see. MEID (for CDMA-networks and other technical ID.
Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you know their purpose! For example, a Band Selection reset could cause a network loss.
7. Verification of originality by ID on the Xiaomi website
If you bought Xiaomi with your hands or want to verify the authenticity of the device, check its IDs through official services.
How to check:
- Go to the Xiaomi authentication page.
- Enter the IMEI or serial number (can be found on the box or via *#06#).
- Enter the captcha and press Verify.
What do the results mean?
- β Genuine Mi Product β The original device.
- β Invalid IMEI/Serial Number β IMEI Not found in the database (possibly fake or grey imports).
- β οΈ This device has been reported as lost/stolen β Blacklisted phone (stolen or lost).
If the check shows an error but the phone is working normally, the following reasons are possible:
- π The device is designed for another region (e.g., the Chinese version of Redmi). K60 domestic market).
- π§ IMEI It was modified programmatically (for example, after the firmware was installed).
- π¦ The phone is made of spare parts (called FrankensteinΒ»).
π‘
Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check the IMEI through the official website. Even if the seller shows a working phone, it may be on the operator's blacklist.