Why is IMEI so important to Xiaomi owners?
Every Xiaomi smartphone β be it a budget Redmi Note 12 or flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra β has a unique identifier. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity: This 15-digit code is not just a set of numbers, it serves as a digital passport of a device. SIM-And the police are tracking the stolen machines, but why should Xiaomi owners know about their identity? IMEI?
First, without this code, you canβt unlock the network if you bought a phone from abroad (for example, the global version of the POCO F5 for Russia). Second, IMEI will be required when you make warranty repairs β Xiaomi service centers often request it to verify the authenticity of the device. Finally, knowing IMEI will help to check the phone for originality before buying from hand: scammers often sell clones with fake codes.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of obtaining IMEI Xiaomi in 2026, including methods for phones with a broken screen, a malfunctioning battery or a lost box. SIM-card-to-card IMEI) and devices under the Redmi brands, POCO and Black Shark.
Method 1: through phone settings (the fastest method)
If your Xiaomi is switched on and running consistently, it will take no more than 10 seconds to do so, and is suitable for all MIUI models (including the Redmi 13C, POCO X6 Pro, and Black Shark 6), as well as custom firmware phones (such as the Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (on some firmware - About Device).
- Put on the item All parameters or General information.
- Find the IMEI string (or IMEI1 and IMEI2 for dual models).
The screen will show one or two 15-digit codes. If you have Xiaomi with two-digit support, SIM-Cards (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G), You'll see two. IMEI β One for each slot. Importantly, some firmware may have codes hidden under the item Status. IMEI or Information SIM.
Make sure your phone is connected to the network (IMEI may not be displayed in airplane mode)
For dual models, write down both codes β they are different!
If the IMEI is displayed as βUnknownβ it is a sign of a software failure or forgery.
Compare the code with the inscription on the box (must match)
-->
Method 2: USSD-instantaneous display IMEI
A universal method that works on any Xiaomi phone, from the old Redmi 4X to the newest Xiaomi 14. It doesnβt require internet or special apps, but the phone must support calls (i.e., not be in Wi-Fi only mode).
How to find out IMEI through the code:
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Enter the combination: *#06#.
- Press the call button (green tube).
After 1-2 seconds, a window with one or two codes will appear on the screen. IMEI (depending SIM-This method is especially useful if you need to quickly dictate the code to the operator or seller. MIUI After entering the code, a window with IMEI, a Test menu β in this case, use Method 1.
Through phone settings
USSD-code *#06#
On a box or under a battery
Through computer (ADB/Fastboot)
Another way.
-->
Method 3: IMEI on the box and under the battery (for older models)
If the phone doesn't turn on or you only have a box on your hands, you can find IMEI on physical media. Xiaomi has two traditional places to put code:
- π¦ On the box: usually on a barcode sticker (near the serial number and model). IMEI1/IMEI2 plainly IMEI.
- π Under the battery: relevant for older models with removable battery (for example, Redmi) 3S, Redmi 4A). Sticker with IMEI located on the back panel under the battery.
Warning: If the code on the box doesnβt match whatβs displayed in the phoneβs settings, it could mean:
- π οΈ The phone was repaired with the replacement of the motherboard (IMEI bound).
- π¨ The device is stolen and re-interrupted (swindlers change) IMEI).
- π¦ The box is not original (a frequent problem when buying from hand).
β οΈ Note: On new Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and Xiaomi 11), the battery is non-removable. Do not try to dismantle it yourself - this will lead to a loss of warranty!
How to verify the authenticity of the IMEI sticker?
Method 4: via computer (ADB or Fastboot)
If the phone doesn't turn on but responds to a PC connection (charging indicator burns or is defined as a device in Device Manager), IMEI can be pulled out via ADB or Fastboot.This method requires minimal technical skills, but is suitable for 90% of Xiaomi models, including the POCO F4 GT and Black Shark 5 Pro.
Important: Before you start, make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed on the PC and USB debugging is enabled (if the phone reacts at least somehow).
Method A: via ADB (if the phone is switched on)
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings β About Phone).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Open the command line on your PC and type in: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
- In the answer, look for lines with IMEI1 and IMEI2.
Method B: via Fastboot (if the phone is not turned on)
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- In the command line, type: fastboot getvar imei
If the command returns FAILED, try an alternative request:
fastboot oem device-infoβ οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50) Fastboot commands can be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case only the service center will help.
| Xiaomi model | Supports ADB? | Supports Fastboot? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes. | Yes. | Requires unlocking the bootloader for Fastboot |
| POCO X5 Pro | Yes. | Partially. | IMEI may not appear in Fastboot without root rights |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Yes. | No. | Fastboot teams blocked |
| Black Shark 5 | Yes. | Yes. | Use the command fastboot oem imei |
Method 5: via Mi Account (if the phone is lost)
Few people know, but Xiaomi stores the IMEI of the attached devices in the Mi Account cloud.This is the only way to know the code if the phone is lost, stolen or completely defective.
- π± The phone was tied to the Mi Account.
- π Data synchronization has been enabled (Settings) β Mi Account β Synchronization).
- π You have access to an email or phone number linked to your account.
How to find IMEI via Mi Cloud:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- Select the Device tab or Find Device.
- Find your phone in the list β the IMEI will be listed in the device information.
If the device doesnβt appear in the list, try:
- π Check the Device Archive tab (if the phone has not been used for a long time).
- π§ Write in support of Xiaomi with a request to provide data (confirmation of ownership will be required).
π‘
If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account (Settings) β Mi Account β Delete the device. The new owner won't be able to use all the features as long as the phone is tied to your account.
Frequent IMEI issues on Xiaomi and their solutions
Xiaomi owners are often faced with the fact that IMEI:
- π« Not displayed in settings or via *#06 code#.
- β Shows "Unknown" or Null.
- π Changes after firmware (for example, after installing custom software).
We will examine each situation and ways of correction.
Problem 1: IMEI is not defined (Null/Unknown)
Reasons:
- π οΈ Damage to the module NVRAM (Non-volatile memory where stored IMEI).
- π± Wrong firmware (especially relevant for customized ones) ROM).
- π§ Hardware failure after falling or getting moisture.
Decisions:
- Recover NVRAM via Meta Mode (PC and cable required)
- Reflash the original software through the Mi Flash Tool.
- Manual IMEI input (only for power users, requires root rights).
Problem 2: IMEI changes after update
This is typical of phones with unofficial firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), because custom software sometimes resets NVRAM, where IMEI is stored.
How to restore:
- π Return the stock firmware through Fastboot.
- π Restore IMEI from the backup (if it was made before the firmware).
- π οΈ Contact the service center (if the phone is guaranteed).
β οΈ Attention: Self-modification IMEI It is prohibited by law in most countries (including Russia), it is classified as fraud and may result in criminal liability. IMEI It is only allowed if it has been lost due to a failure.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can I find IMEI on Xiaomi without a phone?
Why does my Xiaomi have two IMEIs?
Can I identify the Xiaomi model by IMEI?
What if the IMEI on the phone and the box donβt match?
How to protect your Xiaomi from IMEI theft?
π‘
The IMEI is not just a number, but a digital passport of your Xiaomi, and check it regularly (at least once every six months), especially if you plan to sell, repair or travel abroad.