How to find Xiaomi IMEI on a locked screen

When Xiaomi’s smartphone is locked and its unique identifier is urgently needed, it’s much more common than you might think, such as locking the device through an operator, checking repair history, or trying to unlock the bootloader when access to the system is limited. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem have standard hardware access mechanisms that work even without entering an unlock password.

There are several proven methods to get this information, ranging from simple key combinations to more complex technical procedures. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that is assigned to each mobile device in production, and it is almost impossible to change it software. In this article, we will discuss all the available options, from the simplest to those that require a connection to a computer.

It’s important to understand that the methodology may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and model of your gadget, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi. However, the basic principles of Android remain unchanged, allowing you to use universal commands. Below are detailed instructions to help you solve the problem in the shortest possible time.

Use of secretive USSD-code-screen

The fastest and most obvious way that is often overlooked by locking the screen is to use the emergency call screen, and even if the phone is locked with a password, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint, the system always leaves access to the dial to call emergency services, which is the functionality that can be used to retrieve device data.

To do this, you need to press the on button to activate the screen, and select the option "Emergency Call". In the input field that opens, dial the universal command *#06#. Immediately after entering the last character, a pop-up window with technical information should appear on the display. If you have a dual-symbol device, you will see two different numbers corresponding to each slot.

⚠️ Note: In some custom firmware or in certain regions, the code may be blocked by the operator or manufacturer. If nothing happens after entering, try adding an asterisk at the end: #06#.

This is a basic system approach that doesn't require unlocking the interface, but if the phone's screen is broken and doesn't respond to touch, or if the touchscreen is completely out of order, it's useless, and then you have to move on to more complex options that require physical access to ports or the case.

Search for IMEI on factory packaging and documents

If software methods are not available, the most reliable source of information is the physical packaging, and when you buy a new device, there is always a sticker in the box with barcodes and basic characteristics, and this is where the factory IMEI is indicated, which is the same as what is sewn into the motherboard.

Usually the sticker is located on one of the side faces of the box or on the back cover if it is a sealed device.Look for a box that says "IMEI 1" or simply "IMEI." Also, this number is often duplicated in the warranty card or check, if the seller correctly entered the data when making a purchase.

• 📦 On the box: look for a white barcode sticker, the number is usually located under the graphical image of the device.
• 📄 In the check: many electronics stores enter IMEI c warranty card or print it on the cashier's check for identification of goods.
• 🔋 Under the battery: For older models with removable battery, the number is often printed on the label under the battery (in modern Xiaomi this is rare).

Keeping the box away from your smartphone is a good habit not only to find IMEIs, but also to make it easier to return or exchange goods in the event of a marriage.If the box has been disposed of, check your digital archives: you may have photographed documents when you bought or saved scans of the check in cloud storage.

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Take a picture of the IMEI sticker on the box immediately after you buy it and send it to your favorites in the messenger or save it to the cloud. This will save you if the box gets lost.

Using Recovery Mode to Receive Data

Recovery Mode is a special diagnostic interface that loads independently of the main operating system, designed to reset settings, install updates and perform hardware tests. Xiaomi’s stock recovery often hides detailed information, but some versions or through the testing menu can find the necessary data.

To get into this menu, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then the power button can be released, while continuing to keep the volume. When the menu with the black background and colored lines appears, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation.

Recovery Mode Menu


[ ] Reboot




[ ] Wipe Data




[ ] Connect with MIAssistant




[ ] Safe Mode

The standard recovery menu may not contain direct information about IMEI, but switching to MIAssistant mode sometimes allows you to see the serial number and IMEI when you connect to your computer through the Mi Flash Tool or similar utilities.

⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, do not select Wipe Data if you want to save information. This action will permanently delete all files, photos and contacts from the device.

Checking through Fastboot mode when connecting to a PC

Fastboot mode is a deeper level of system access than Recovery, and is often used to flash or unlock the bootloader.This is where it's easiest to get accurate device data if the screen is down or locked. For this method, you will need a computer and a good one. USB-cable.

Enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi devices by pressing the volume down button and the power button at the same time. Hold them for a few seconds until the image with the Fastboot logo and Android repair (or just the Fastboot inscription) appears on the screen. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.

Once connected, open the command line (CMD) or PowerShell on your computer. Install the ADB and Fastboot drivers first. Enter the command to check for communication with the device:

fastboot devices

If the drivers are installed correctly, you will see the serial number of the device. For more information, including IMEI, you can use the command:

fastboot getvar all

In the list of rows displayed, look for imei or serialno, which is one of the most reliable methods, since data is read directly from the bootloader, bypassing the locked operating system.

Analysis of system files and logs (for advanced ones)

If you have the ability to access the file system through Recovery mode (e.g., ADB Sideload or TWRP), you can try extracting information from system files. This method is complex and requires certain technical skills, but may be the only option in critical situations.

Files containing information about IMEI are often in /persist or /misc. However, it is not easy to read them because of access rights and binary storage format, usually retrieved using specialized scripts or utility for engineers.

It is worth noting that trying to read system partitions without proper experience can damage the software part of the phone. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to external methods of verification or consult specialists.

Contact the service center and the operator

In the case when none of the software methods did not help, and the box is lost, it remains to seek professional help. Xiaomi official service centers have access to the database by serial numbers and can identify the device by its internal characteristics, even if it is completely inoperable.

Your mobile operator can also provide information about IMEI, if you have the SIM card that was used in the locked phone, the carrier can provide the connection history and identifiers of the devices from which the connection was made on request, this will require a personal visit to the communication salon with a passport.

This is the safest way to ensure reliable data is obtained without the risk of damaging the device, and specialists can read the IMEI directly from the device board using programmers, which is true with the complete bricking of the gadget.

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The official service center is the only place where IMEIs can be counted from a dead phone if the motherboard is burned or memory is damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)