How to find out the serial number (SN) of a Xiaomi phone: all the ways from the box to ADB

The serial number (S/N) of a Xiaomi smartphone is a unique identifier that can be used to warranty repairs, unlock the bootloader, verify the originality of the device or restore access to the Mi Account. Without it, you can not confirm ownership of the device in the service center or use official tools like the Mi Unlock Tool.

The problem is that the manufacturer does not always place the SN in a prominent place. On new models Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6 can hide it under a non-removable back cover, and in some cases, remove it altogether from the case due to design decisions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to obtain a serial number, including those that work on locked or defective phones.

1. Where to look for S/N on the box and documents

The easiest way to check the original smartphone package is to check the original phone package. Xiaomi traditionally duplicates the serial number on the sticker on the back of the box, next to the barcode and IMEI. Look for the inscription S/N: or Serial No:, followed by a combination of 11-14 digits and Latin letters.

If the box is not preserved, check:

• 📄 The Warranty Card – in most cases SN is indicated at the top of the document next to the device model.
• 🛒 Check or invoice from the store – some sellers (for example, Mi Store or Messenger) punch the serial in the cashier’s check.
• 📦 Film on the screen - on the factory protective film sometimes printed abbreviated SN (relevant for models until 2022).

⚠️ If you bought your phone with your hands, the serial number on the box may not match the real number. SN This is a sign of counterfeit or repackaged. Check the number through the settings of the smartphone (see next section).

On Xiaomi models for the Russian market (with the prefix RU in the title), the serial number on the box can be taped with a second sticker with customs data. Carefully tuck it with a nail or a plastic card - it often hides the original S/N.

2 How to know S/N through phone settings

If the phone is powered on and you have access to the system, the serial number can be found in the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, regardless of the MIUI version (even on MIUI 14/15).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on New Versions).
3. Tap on the item All characteristics (in some firmware it is called General Information).
4. Scroll down to the Model Number block – below is the Serial Number line.

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), the path may be slightly different:

• 🔧 Settings → System system → The phone. → Device information
• 📱 Settings → Additionally. → About the device → All specifications

If the About Phone section is missing, try typing the "serial number" in the settings search bar - the system will suggest the desired item. On MIUI Global firmware, search works better than in Chinese (MIUI China).

3. How to find SN on the phone itself (under the lid or battery)

On older Xiaomi models (before 2019), the serial number was often printed on a sticker under a removable back cover or battery, which is true for devices such as the Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5 or Mi A1. On new smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 12 or POCO X5 Pro), the lid is non-removable, so this method will not work.

If you have an old model, do the following:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Put the back cover on a plastic spatula (start at the corners where the gaps are located).
3. Remove the battery (if it is removable) – under it should be a sticker with S/N, IMEI and other information.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the phone will void the warranty if the case does not have special autopsy marks. Xiaomi models from 2020 (for example, Mi 10, Redmi Note 9) use non-shatterable cases - trying to remove the lid can damage the plumes.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 6A or Mi 8 Lite) the serial number is duplicated on the tray for SIM-Look at the metal part of the tray, sometimes it's engraved with abbreviated engraved. S/N (usually 6–8 symbolism).

4. Verification of S/N through IMEI (online services)

If the phone doesn’t turn on or you don’t have access to settings, you can try to restore the serial number using IMEI, which does not give a 100% result, but works 60-70% of the time for devices released after 2018.

Instructions:

1. Find out your phone’s IMEI (printed on the box, under the battery or via the *#06# command on your working device).
2. Go to one of the services: 🌐 IMEI.info (paid check) 🌐 SNDoubleCheck (Free for Xiaomi) 🌐 NumeriIMEI (smartphone database)

IMEI

Serial Number

The official way to check with Mi Account:

1. Sign in at account.xiaomi.com.
2. Go to the Devices section.
3. Select your phone and the Serial Number will be specified in detail.

⚠️ Note: Online services may show incorrect SN, if the phone has been restored after repair or stitched with unofficial software. For warranty cases, use only data from the settings or box.

5. Receiving SN via Fastboot or Recovery Mode

If the phone is not turning on but is responding to a connection to the computer, the serial number can be retrieved via Fastboot or Recovery modes.This method requires installed ADB/Fastboot drivers and minimal command line skills.

Instructions for Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot getvar serialno

For Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Recovery menu appears.
3. Select Connect with MiAssistant (on the new firmware, it may be called Download).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool – the program will display SN in the device information.

💡

If the fastboot getvar serialno command returns an empty string, try entering fastboot oem get_serialno — on some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F3) This request works.

On phones with a locked bootloader, the fastboot getvar command may not work, and in this case, only unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, which is exactly what the SN is for, will help, so you get a vicious circle. So, use the method with ADB (next section) or contact the service center.

Retrieval of serial number via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is turned on but access to settings is blocked (for example, the pattern lock is forgotten), the serial number can be obtained through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 Lite.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. Turn on the phone to debug. USB: 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. 👆 7 times tap on the item Version MIUI, to activate the Developer Mode. 🔙 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers. 🔘 Turn on Debugging. USB.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

adb.exe

adb shell getprop ro.serialno

If debugging is not enabled and the phone is locked, try an alternative command:

adb shell "echo \$(getprop ro.boot.serialno)"

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (In particular, the command getprop ro.serialno can return the unknown. /sys/class/android_usb/android0/iSerial

Android 12+ devices (such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra) may require additional permission to access getprop. If the command doesn't work, try restarting the phone and try again.

💡

ADB is the only way to get a serial number on a locked phone without resetting data, but it requires pre-activation of debugging over USB, which is impossible to do once locked.

7. Alternative methods: checks, service centers, documentation

If none of the above methods worked, there are alternatives:

• 📋 Check or warranty card – in some stores (for example, M. Video or Messenger) the serial number is indicated in an electronic check, which can be restored by phone number or loyalty card.
• 🏢 Xiaomi Service Center — if the phone is warranty, provide a box and a passport. SN through service utilities (e.g. Mi Service Tool).
• 📧 Letter to the post office - when buying in official stores (for example, Mi Store) an email comes with order details, where the Serial Number is indicated.
• 🔧 Diagnostic stickers – on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) SN duplicated on the sticker under the slot cover SIM-Light the flashlight, sometimes you can see the number.

If you bought a phone on credit or installments, the serial number may be listed in the contract with the bank. Check the documents from Tinkoff, Sberbank or Alfa-Bank - often there is a section on "Facts of goods" with full information.

For Xiaomi corporate customers (for example, when ordering a batch of phones for the company), serial numbers are indicated in the invoice or acceptance certificate. If you lose documents, request a copy from the supplier.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When searching for a serial number, users often face typical problems:

• 🔄 They're messing. S/N s IMEI — These numbers are different! IMEI consist 15 numbers SN — letters and numbers, for example, ABC12345678). Don't use it. IMEI where appropriate SN.
• 📱 Use the number from the battery of the old phone – if you moved the battery from another Xiaomi, the serial number on it is irrelevant.
• 🌍 Trying foreign services – many online checkers (for example, online checkers, IMEI24) Do not work with Chinese models Xiaomi. Use only SNDoubleCheck or official Mi Account.
• 🔧 Don't update drivers ADB — If fastboot or adb commands don’t work, download the latest drivers from the Xiaomi Developer website.

Another common mistake is to try to use the SN from the box to unlock the Bootloader if the phone has already been repaired. Once the motherboard is replaced, the serial number changes and the old S/N ceases to work, in which case, contact the service center for a new sticker.

If you bought the phone with your hands and the seller refused to provide the box, check the SN through the settings and check it against the data on the Mi Verify website. If the number does not pass the check, there is a high probability that the phone is wanted or locked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions