When Xiaomi’s smartphone is blocked or no longer responsive to commands, users are often taken by surprise. Especially acute is the question if the device was bought from hand or lost access to an account, and IMEI (Unique Equipment Identifier) is necessary to check the lock status or call support. Even if the screen is out and the system does not boot, there are several proven methods to get this data without logging in to the operating system.
Owners of Redmi and POCO devices often forget that information about the hardware is stored not only in the software shell of MIUI or HyperOS, but also on the hardware level, as well as in cloud services. Number search can be conducted both through the physical elements of the gadget itself and through remote logs of Mi services. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithms for various lock scenarios.
It is important to understand that methods may vary depending on whether the device is turned on at all, whether the touchscreen is working and whether there is access to the Mi Account account. IMEI-code is a key parameter for unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool or unblocking activation. Don't rush your phone to the service until you try the self-diagnostics methods described below.
Search IMEI on the case and in documentation
The easiest and most reliable way to get lost in panic is to inspect the physical package or the device itself, and most modern Xiaomi smartphones (especially global versions) have an information label on their back. Even if the phone is turned off or locked, this sticker remains in place and contains the IMEI, SN (serial number) and MAC-address.
If there is no sticker on the case (which is often the case on Chinese versions or after removing the protective film), refer to the original box. On one side of the cardboard package there is always a white sticker with barcodes, it duplicates all the necessary identifiers. Keeping the box is not just superstition, but a reasonable practice for such cases.
It’s also worth checking your warranty card or purchase check if it’s in paper or electronic form. Official documents often include the serial number or IMEI of the device when you sell it to activate the warranty, especially if you’ve bought the phone from a large chain store where data is automatically entered into the database.
⚠️ Warning: Don't blindly trust stickers pasted onto the body by third parties. If the phone is used, the data on the case could be changed by fraudsters. Always double-check the information using software methods if there is even the slightest possibility to turn on the device.
Using Mi Cloud for Remote Search
If you log in to Mi Account and sync on a locked phone, you can find the device remotely. Mi Cloud (i.mi.com) not only tracks location, but also browses information about the attached gadgets. This is one of the few ways to get data if the phone's screen is broken or doesn't respond to touch, but the device itself is on and has access to the Internet.
To do this, go to the official website of the cloud service from a computer or other smartphone. Sign in with the same account that was used on the locked device. In the "Find Device" section, select the desired gadget from the list. The device card often displays the model and, in some cases, the full IMEI or part of it, as well as the lock status.
The advantage of this method is that it doesn't require physical access to the settings menu, but if the phone is off or in a zone without a network, the data may not be up to date, but it's a first step to take if you lose access to the interface.
Checking through Google Account History
The Android operating system is deeply integrated with Google services. If a blocked Xiaomi had an active Google account, the device information may have been stored in the history of the actions. Go to myaccount.google.com from any other device and go to the Security section.
Scroll down to the "Your Devices" block, and it will show you a list of all the gadgets you recently logged in to your account from. By clicking on a particular device (like the Redmi Note 10), you can see detailed information, including the model, OS version, and, importantly, sometimes an IMEI or serial number, if the device synced that data.
This method is especially useful when Mi Account was not set up but Google was present, and it also allows you to remotely log out or lock your device, which may be necessary before selling or transferring for repair.
- 🔍 Go to the management of Google account.
- 📱 Select the "Security" and "Your Devices" sections".
- ℹ️ Click on the name of the blocked smartphone.
- 👀 Look for the line with the identification number in the window that opens.
Getting an IMEI through the engineering menu (if the touch works)
If the phone screen is intact, the device is turned on, but you can't unlock the pattern lock or pin code to log in, try using the engineering menu, which is available even from the lock screen, unless the system has blocked this function at the bootloader level.
On the dial screen (where the unlock password is usually typed), try to type a special command. Enter *#06#. In most cases, this action instantly opens a pop-up window with information about SIM cards and IMEI. On dual-symbol models, two numbers will be shown: IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.
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If #06# doesn’t work, try entering #4636##* and this will open up an extended testing menu where you can also find identifiers in the Phone Information section.
In some MIUI firmware, access to dialing from the lock screen may be closed by security settings, in which case try calling the voice assistant menu (if activated) and asking it to "dial." Or, if you can call a notification window, try running the Phone app through voice commands.
⚠️ Warning: Do not enter random commands in the engineering menu unless you know their destination. Changing the settings in the Phone Information sections can lead to loss of network signal or modem workout imbalances.
Using ADB and Fastboot for advanced users
For those familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging, it is possible to pull out IMEI directly if the phone previously allowed USB debugging. Even if the screen is locked, a computer connection can give access to the file system or system variables.
Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the Platform-tools tool folder, and enter the command to check the connection: adb devices. If the device is determined, you can try requesting information through the shell command.
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1You'll get a line of code that encrypts IMEI. You'll have to pull it out of the hexadecimal view. If debugging isn't on, it won't work, but for trained users, it's a powerful tool. You can also try to log into Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when you turn it on) and connect the phone to your PC. Mi Flash logs or through the fastboot getvar console command sometimes displays a serial number that you can use to restore IMEI through databases.
☑️ Access verification ADB
Fastboot also often displays basic information on the phone screen (a black and white screen with a hare or android logo). Although full IMEI is rarely written there, there is definitely a Serial Number that can be used to identify the device in service centers.
Table of conformity of models and search methods
Not all methods are universal for each model, and below is a table that will help you navigate which method will be most effective for your particular lock case.
| Condition of the telephone | Available methods | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Screen's broken, touch's not working. | Mi Cloud, Box, ADB (if included) | Tall. |
| Forgotten pattern lock | Team *#06#, Mi Cloud, Google Account | Tall. |
| Phone off/Unloaded | Box, Checks, Mi Cloud (last geolocation) | Medium |
| The Mi Account (Activation Lock) | Box, Check (to remove the lock) | Critical |
As you can see from the table, having a physical package or accessing the Mi cloud is the most reliable option, and software methods depend on the operating system's current performance.
What if IMEI is not read anywhere?
Restoring Access Through Support
If the phone is locked because of activation of Mi Account (Activation Lock) and you do not remember the password, knowledge of IMEI becomes critical. Only with its help and the provision of the original check or box (where this number is indicated) official support Xiaomi can unlock the device.
Contact an authorized service center. Professionals can count IMEI directly from the device board, connecting it to the programmer, even if the phone does not turn on. However, this service is paid and is available only when proving ownership of the gadget, without a check or a box with the same number, unlocking will be refused.
Remember that buying phones with your hands without a box and a check is a risk of getting a brick after you reset. Always check the lock status by IMEI before buying used Xiaomi appliances.
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Having the original box and check is the only guarantee that you will be able to unlock your phone in case of problems with your Mi Account.