How do you know? MEID Xiaomi smartphone: all working methods

You have bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO And suddenly they were asked to indicate MEID — For example, when activating on a U.S. carrier or checking the legality of a device, this identifier is often confused with a device that is not a device. IMEI, But they have different functions and formats. IMEI, which all phones have, MEID Used primarily in networks CDMA (Verizon, Sprint in the US and some models for the North American market.

In this article, we will explain what is MEID, how different IMEI, And how to find it on Xiaomi devices - from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. You will learn about 5 reliable ways: through phone settings, special features and devices. USSD-codes, engineering menus, packaging, even physical labeling under the battery, and why some Xiaomi models don't have any at all. MEID And what to do in such a situation.

What is it? MEID And why do you need it?

MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier is a unique 14-digit code that is assigned to devices running on networks. CDMA (It's the same thing as the United States, Canada, Japan. IMEI into GSM-network, but has a different format:

• 🔢 IMEI — 15 digits (sometimes 14) + check-digit)
• 🔢 MEID — 14 digits (may be displayed as 14 or 15 with a check digit)

MEID necessary:

• 📡 Activation of the device in networks Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular and Others CDMA-operator.
• 🔍 Checking the legality of the phone (for example, when buying a used smartphone from the United States).
• 🛠️ Diagnostics and repairs in service centers (especially for the US versions of Xiaomi).

Important: Not all Xiaomi smartphones have MEID! It is only available in models officially intended for markets with CDMA-For example, Xiaomi Mi. A3 for the United States POCO F3 If you bought your phone in Europe or Asia, it's likely that you'll get it, MEID It is not used, but is used instead. IMEI.

Differences MEID from IMEI: When to use which identifier

Many users are confused MEID and IMEI, But they have key differences:

If you are trying to activate a smartphone on a US carrier, but it requires MEID, And you don't have it -- the problem is the firmware version or the model. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro for Europe won't work on Verizon, even if you insert it. SIM-In that case, you need to:

1. Check support CDMA model-specific.
2. Update the firmware to the American version (if available).
3. Call for support from the operator for alternative activation.

⚠️ Note: Some Chinese versions of Xiaomi (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra for China) may have MEID, but do not support the frequencies of U.S. carriers!

Method 1: Find out MEID via phone settings

The easiest method is to look at MEID It works on most Xiaomi models with global firmware (MIUI Global Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Select all characteristics (or general information).
4. Scroll down to the block. IMEI/MEID.

If MEID It will be displayed next to the IMEI. If not, you will see only that. IMEI Or the inscription Unavailable.

Check the firmware version (must be global or American)

Make sure the phone supports CDMA-network

Try to update MIUI to the latest version

Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset)

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In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro) MEID It may be hidden in the state section. SIM-To get there:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Status SIM-maps → IMEI/MEID

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) MEID It may not be displayed correctly, and in this case, use alternative methods.

Method 2: USSD-codes MEID

If you do not want to dig into the settings, you can use special USSD-They work for all Xiaomi, regardless of the version. MIUI. Enter the following combinations in the Phone application:

• 📞 *#06# - shows IMEI and MEID (if).
• 📞 ##3424# - Alternative code for MEID (It works on some American versions).
• 📞 ##4636## - opens the engineering menu, where the phone information section can be displayed MEID.

After you enter the *#06# code, a window with one or two identifiers will appear on the screen. MEID Yes, it will be listed as MEID or MEID Hex (in hexadecimal format). Example:

IMEI: 861234567890123




MEID: A1000012345678

If nothing happens after entering the code:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📶 Make sure that SIM-map inserted (on some models codes work only with active SIM).
• 🛠️ Check if the antivirus or firewall is blocking MIUI fulfillment USSD-request.

💡

If the *#06# code doesn’t work, try to enter it in call mode: dial the number, but don’t press the call button – sometimes it helps.

Method 3: Viewing MEID through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

The Engineering Mode contains advanced information about the phone, including: MEID. This method is suitable for models where standard methods do not work:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636##.
3. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
4. Scroll down to the block. IMEI/MEID.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative method:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 5 times in a row) → Developer Menu Opens → Select Engineer Mode

On the engineering menu MEID It may appear in one of the sections:

• 📱 Phone Information (Basic Information)
• 📡 Network Information (network data)
• 🔧 Hardware Testing (Iron Testing)

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to loss of network or failure of the communication module.

Method 4: MEID boxed and battery-operated

If the phone is not turned on or you can’t access the settings, MEID can be found on physical markings:

• 📦 On the box: usually on a barcode sticker (near the IMEI).
• 🔋 Under the battery: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A removable).
• 📄 In the warranty card: sometimes duplicated in documents.

Example of markings on the box:

IMEI1: 861234567890123




IMEI2: 861234567890124




MEID: A1000012345678




S/N: 1234567890ABCD

If MEID There is no box on the box, but there is IMEI, You can try converting. IMEI into MEID. For that:

1. Take the first 14 digits. IMEI (throw away the last).
2. Convert them to a hexadecimal format (use an online converter).
3. The resulting code will be similar. MEID (It doesn't always work for activation!).

On models with removable battery (for example, Redmi) 7A) MEID It can be applied under a battery on a sticker, so you can see it:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Remove the back cover (if it is removable).
3. Carefully remove the battery.
4. Find a label that is labeled (usually white or silver).

💡

If MEID The box and the phone don't match, which is a sign of a fake or a re-stitched device.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. They read. MEID Directly from the system. Best applications:

• 📱 Device Info (by Wootechy) - shows MEID, IMEI, serial number and other data.
• 🔍 IMEI Info – specializes in device identifiers.
• 🛠️ CPU-Z — in the About section displays MEID (if there is).

Instructions for Device Info:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to your phone information.
3. Go to the Device or System tab.
4. Find the lines. MEID or CDMA MEID.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works even if it does. MEID not displayed in the settings.
• ✅ Shows additional information (motherboard model, modem version).
• ✅ You can save data to a file for verification.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some applications require root rights to obtain MEID.
• ❌ Risk of installing malware (download only from official sources!).

💡

Check reviews and ratings before installing the app. Avoid utilities with suspicious permissions (e.g. access to the app). SMS or contact).

What to do if MEID absent or undetermined

If none of the methods helped to find MEID, Possible reasons:

If you need it urgently MEID to be activated by a US operator, but it is not:

1. Please contact the operator for support with IMEI — Some provide alternative ways to activate.
2. Try using it. ESN (Electronic Serial Number: An outdated analogue MEID, sometimes accepted.
3. Check with the seller (if the phone is purchased used), whether MEID modified or blocked.

⚠️ Note: Some "gray" vendors are washing MEID telephones intended for the CDMA-networks to sell in other regions, and these devices can be blocked by the operator!

FAQ: Frequent questions about MEID Xiaomi