Have you bought a used Xiaomi and want to check it for originality? Or are you planning to unlock the bootloader but don't know where to get an IMEI? Maybe you need to restore access to the Mi Account after a reset, and the system requires you to enter a serial number (SN). In this article, 7 working ways to find all device identifiers, including hidden methods for phones with a broken screen or a broken system.
We will look not only at the standard paths through the settings, but also at alternative options: from the label under the lid to the engineering menu and ADB commands. Separately, we will analyze how IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 differ on dual-sim models, why the serial number may not match the data on the box, and what to do if the identifiers are erased or tampered with.
All instructions are tested on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Black Shark 5 Pro devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS firmware. The methods are suitable for 95% of the brand’s models released after 2018.
1. Standard method: through phone settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in menu system. It works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the version of MIUI or HyperOS, and does not require additional tools.
Open the Settings app (cog icon) and follow the path:
Settings → About the phone → General informationHere you'll see:
- 📱 Model of device (e.g, 2304FPCD8G Xiaomi 13)
- 🔢 IMEI (One or two numbers for dual-sim phones)
- 🆔 Serial number (SN) — unique identifier of the device
- 🔄 Version. MIUI/HyperOS and firmware assembly date
If there is no General Information section, try an alternative path:
Settings → System → About the phone → All the characteristics💡
In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) IMEI It can be hidden behind the Status button. SIM-Stick on it to see the full data.
⚠️ Note: If the About phone section displays the words Unknown instead IMEI, This may mean software failure, damage to the communication module, or forgery of identifiers, in which case use the methods in section 5 or 6.
2. via USSD code: *#06#
A universal method that works on all smartphones, regardless of the brand and version of Android.
- Open the phone (calling) application.
- Enter the combination: *#06#.
- Press the call button (green tube).
After 1-2 seconds, a window with one or two numbers will appear on the screen. IMEI (depending on the quantity SIM-This method works even if the phone is not activated or locked with a pattern lock.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Quickly, no need to search for a menu.
- 🔒 It works without unlocking the screen.
- 📶 It does not require an internet connection.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. custom builds LineageOS), the *#06# command may not work. ADB Check the label under the battery.
3. On the box and under the battery: where to look for physical tags
If the phone doesn't turn on or the screen is broken, the identifiers can be found on physical media, and the manufacturer duplicates the key information in three places:
- The box is on a barcode sticker (usually on the end or bottom: 📋 IMEI1/IMEI2 — one-number. 🔖 S/N — serial. 🏷️ Model - model of the device (for example, M2101K7AG For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
Under the battery.
Redmi 9A
POCO M3
Turn off the phone → Remove the lid (if removable) → Remove the battery → Look at the sticker underneath it.Tray for SIM-map
Xiaomi Mi 11
Compare the data from the box and under the battery. If they don't match, it could indicate:
- 🔄 Replacement of motherboard (for example, after repair).
- 🚨 Fake device (especially relevant for purchases on AliExpress or Avito).
- 📦 Repackaging (when the original box is replaced by a fake box).
What to do if the sticker under the battery is erased?
| Location | IMEI | Serial number (SN) | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Under the battery. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| SIM tray | ⚠️ Sometimes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Phone settings | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
4. Through the Engineering Menu: Hidden Data
The Engineering Mode menu contains advanced information about the device, including: IMEI, MAC-Addresses and data on the communication modules to get there:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the command: ##4636###.
- Select the section Information about the phone.
Here you'll see:
- 📶 IMEI (It can be duplicated with data from settings).
- 📡 MAC-Wi-Fi address and Bluetooth.
- 📱 Build number and kernel version.
For models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, POCO X6 Pro), an extended engineering menu is available:
##225##It can check the status of the modem, SIM-cards and even test the network.
⚠️ 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 overheating of the device.
Correctness of display IMEI|Status. SIM-maps "SIM Status")|MAC-Wi-Fi address (must match the sticker)|Baseband version (Baseband version)-->
5.Using applications: third-party tools
If standard methods don't work (like custom firmware), use specialized applications that not only show IMEI and SN, but also provide additional information about the hardware.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- 📱 CPU-Z — show IMEI, motherboard model, processor and memory data. Download to Google Play.
How to use (as in DevCheck):
- Install and open the application.
- Go to the Hardware section.
- Scroll to the Phone block – IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 (if any) will be here.
- Search for the serial number in the System → Build section.
Advantages of applications:
- 🔍 Shows data that can be hidden in settings (for example, on custom firmware).
- 📊 Provide additional information about iron (useful for diagnosis).
- 🔄 They work without root rights.
⚠️ Note: Avoid apps with names like this IMEI Changer or SN Generator – they often contain malicious code and can damage the system. Official identifiers cannot be changed without interfering with firmware.
6. Through ADB: for advanced users
If the phone is not turned on or the screen is not working, USB-The debugging was included earlier, you can get IMEI through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a PC and minimal command line skills.
Instructions:
- Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- Get IMEI: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3 (for newer versions of Android, use: adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfo).
The result will be in the format of:
Device ID (IMEI): 123456789012345If you need both IMEIs (for dual-sim models), use:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 2To obtain a serial number:
adb shell getprop ro.serialno💡
Method ADB — the only way to get IMEI, If the phone screen is not working properly, USB-debugging was included in advance.
7. Verification of originality by IMEI and SN
Knowing the IMEI or serial number, you can verify the authenticity of the device, the date of production and even the history of repairs.
Official sources:
- 🌍 Xiaomi website - enter SN The system will show the model, the date of activation and the status of the warranty.
What you can learn from IMEI:
Signs of a fake device:
- 🚨 IMEI The box and the phone don't match.
- 🔍 Serial number does not pass the check on the Xiaomi website.
- 📦 The sticker under the battery looks fake (blurred font, low-quality glue).
⚠️ Attention: If during the inspection IMEI imei.info displays a model that does not match your device (for example, instead of Xiaomi) 12T Samsung Galaxy shows, it is a hundred percent sign of counterfeit or overstuffed board.