Why IMEI is needed to unlock Xiaomi and where to look for it
A locked Xiaomi smartphone is a problem that thousands of users face after resetting, incorrectly entering a password, or activating Mi Account protection. The main key to unlocking is a unique IMEI identifier that is required to verify ownership through support. But how do you know if the phone doesn't turn on or asks for a pattern lock?
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to get IMEI on a blocked Xiaomi in 2026, including methods without access to the device menu. Importantly, some of them require prior preparation (for example, enabled debugging over USB), so read carefully β not all options will work in your situation.
First, check the simplest solutions β they work 60 percent of the time and donβt require technical skills. If the phone is completely βbrickβ (no button response, no booting even in Fastboot), move on to advanced methods using a PC.
Method 1: IMEI on a box or in documents
The most obvious, but often ignored, way is to search for IMEIs on the original packaging or warranty card, which the manufacturer duplicates in several places:
- π¦ Sticker on the box β usually under the barcode or next to the serial number (S/N). Look for the inscription. IMEI1 and IMEI2 (two-way SIM-map).
- π Warranty card - in the column "IMEI" or "Serial number." Sometimes only the first number is indicated. IMEI (slot-in SIM1).
- π Check or invoice β if you bought in an official store (for example, Mi Store), IMEI It can be printed in a fiscal check.
β οΈ Note: If the box is from another device (for example, you moved the phone to the packaging from the old model), IMEI Check the serial number for the same number (S/N) on the box and under the battery (if available).
Method 2: Viewing IMEIs through your Mi Account (if linked)
If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), you can find IMEI in your personal account on the manufacturer's website, which works even if the device is turned off or locked.
Instructions:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, find your smartphone in the list.
- Click on the model and a page will open with detailed information including IMEI and serial number.
π What to do if the device is not displayed? Possible reasons:
- π The phone was untied from the account before being blocked (for example, after a reset).
- π« The device was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not delete it from his account.
- π Data synchronization delayed (wait 24 hours).
How to check if your phone is linked to your Mi Account without access to the menu?
Method 3: Extract IMEI via Fastboot (no root)
If the phone responds to the power button but doesn't boot beyond the Mi logo, try getting an IMEI through Fastboot mode.This method doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but you need a USB cable and a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Download Platform Tools (included in Android SDK) and unpack into any folder.
- Open the command line (cmd) in this folder and type:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined (its serial number appears), enter:
fastboot getvar imeiπ What to do if the team is not working? some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) block the output IMEI In this case, try an alternative command:
fastboot oem device-infoβοΈ Preparation for work with Fastboot
Method 4: Use ADB (if debugging was enabled)
If the phone has been activated before the lock. USB (USB Debugging, you can get it. IMEI through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method is suitable for devices that are turned on but not past the lock screen.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools.
- Check the connection:
adb devices- If the device is displayed (status device), enter:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3In the answer, look for lines of the form Result: Parcel(00000000000) 0000000f '86XXXXXXXXXXXXXX') β That's yours. IMEI (post-apostrophes).
β οΈ Attention: On new versions MIUI (14+) The team may not work due to security constraints:
adb shell getprop gsm.baseband.imeiπ‘
If ADB doesnβt see the device, try switching USB connectivity mode to File Transfer (MTP) through the notification curtain (if you have access to it).
Method 5: Disassemble the phone (for power users)
If the software methods fail, the physical extraction of the IMEI remains, and most Xiaomi models have printed the number:
- π Under the battery - on a sticker with the serial number (relevant for phones with removable battery, for example, Redmi). 4A or Redmi Note 4X).
- π± On the tray. SIM-cards - rare, but found on older models (e.g. Mi 5).
- π οΈ On the motherboard - requires complete disassembly (IMEI laser-painted next to the battery connector).
π§ How do you disassemble your phone safely? Use plastic blades and watch the plumes (POCO F3, Xiaomi 12 to disconnect battery β itβs risky without experience.
β οΈ Warning: Disassembly will void warranty and may cause damage to boards. If you're not sure, contact a service center. Some workshops offer a "calculation" service. IMEI from the fee" without full repair (cost ~500β1000 β½).
| Xiaomi model | Where to look for IMEI when disassembling | Difficulty disassembling (1β5) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9 Pro | Sticker under the battery | 3 |
| POCO X3 NFC | Laser engraving on the board (under the screen) | 4 |
| Mi 11 Lite | Sticker on the tray SIM + duplicate under the battery | 2 |
| Redmi 10A | Removable battery - IMEI on the sticker | 1 |
What to do if IMEI is not found: alternative solutions
If none of these methods worked, consider these options:
- π± Contacting Xiaomi for support - with a check or warranty card can help restore access.@xiaomi.com Theme: Unlock blocked device".
- π§ Service centers β some workshops have access to databases IMEI by serial number (paid service, ~1500β3000 β½).
- π Bypassing the lock through EDL β Emergency firmware mode requiring an authorized Xiaomi account (suitable for Qualcomm models).
π‘ Important: Avoid Mi Account resetting software, most of which either donβt work or contain malware. The only legal way to unlock is to request support with confirmation of purchase.
π‘
If the phone is bought by hand, ask the previous owner for checks or data from the Mi Account. Without this, unlocking is almost impossible - Xiaomi requires proof of ownership.