The digital codes on Xiaomi smartphones are unique identifiers that you might need to unlock a bootloader, restore access to an account, verify the originality of the device, or even warranty maintenance. The most important ones are IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier), serial number (SN) and model code. Without these data, you canβt perform many service operations, from linking to a Mi Account account to firmware via Fastboot.
The problem is that the manufacturer doesnβt always place the codes in obvious places. On new models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the IMEI can be hidden under a layer of software, and on older ones (such as the Redmi 4X) it can be put on a sticker under the battery, making it inaccessible without disassembly. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including those that work even on locked or faulty phones.
1.How to know IMEI through phone settings
The easiest method is to use Xiaomiβs standard menu, which is suitable for all working devices, regardless of the model or version of MIUI. Importantly, if the phone is locked with a pattern lock or password, this method will not work β alternative options will be required (see sections 3 and 4).
Instructions:
- π± Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- π Scroll down and select About Phone (on some firmware - About Device).
- π Tap on item All parameters or General information.
- π’ Find the lines. IMEI (There may be two numbers for devices with two SIM-maps) and serial number.
On models with MIUI 14 and newer, the path may be slightly different: Settings β About Phone β Device Data. If the IMEI is displayed as Unknown, this may indicate a software failure or hardware problem with the modem (for example, after a failed firmware).
Check it out. SIM-map (if inserted correctly)
Reboot the phone.
Update the firmware to the latest version
Reset network settings in Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting settings-->
β οΈ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X6 Pro) IMEI If the standard path didn't work, try typing the code ##4636## in the phone app and going to the phone information tab.
2. We recognize codes through the engineering menu (USSD-code)
If access to settings is limited (for example, due to a system failure), you can use service settings. USSD-This method works even on locked screens if the phone is accepting calls, and the main advantage is that you don't need to unlock or connect to your computer.
Major teams:
- π *#06# - shows IMEI (It works on 99% of Xiaomi devices).
- π§ ##4636## - Opens the engineering menu with advanced information (including: IMEI, MAC-Wi-Fi address and battery data).
- π‘ ##225## - displays data on the screen and sensor calibration (useful for diagnostics).
After entering the code *#06#, a window with one or two numbers will appear on the screen. IMEI (depending on the quantity SIM-This data can be copied or photographed. If the code doesn't work, check it:
- π Correctness of input (without spaces, with symbols * and #).
- π΅ Network availability (on some firmware codes work only when active) SIM-map).
- π Rebooting the phone (sometimes helps with modem glitches).
Through phone settings
USSD-codes (*#06#)
On a box or under a battery
Through computer (ADB/Fastboot)
I don't know what it is. IMEI-->
| Code. | Description | It works on a locked phone? |
|---|---|---|
| *#06# | Showing IMEI | β Yes. |
| ##4636## | Engineering menu with device data | β No (requires unlocking) |
| ##225## | Screen and sensor calibration | β No. |
| ##6484## | Hardware test | β No. |
3.Where to look for codes on the box and under the battery
If the phone doesn't turn on or is completely locked, physical tags become the only way to know the IMEI and serial number, and the manufacturer duplicates this data in several places:
On the box:
- π¦ Barcode sticker (usually on the end or bottom).
- π·οΈ IMEI and SN coded IMEI1/IMEI2 and S/N.
- π On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) the codes are hidden under a protective film.
Under the battery (for models with removable battery):
- π Sticker on the back cover under the battery (relevant to Redmi) 3S, Redmi 4A etc.).
- π οΈ On some devices (e.g., Mi) A1) IMEI metal-patterned.
On the tray. SIM-map:
- π± New models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) IMEI may be engraved on the tray.
- π Use a magnifying glass β the numbers are often small.
β οΈ Note: If the sticker under the battery is erased or damaged, do not try to restore it yourself. Xiaomi service centers may refuse warranty if they find signs of interference. IMEI via Mi Account (see Section 5).
What if the box is lost and the phone is not turned on?
4. How to find IMEI through a computer (ADB and Fastboot)
If the phone is on but the screen is not responsive to touch (or the device is locked), you can connect it to your PC and retrieve codes via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or Fastboot. This method requires pre-tuning, but works even in severe software failures.
Method 1: ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
- π₯οΈ Install. ADB-computer-driver.
- π± Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (original!).
- π Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices If the device is defined, perform: adb shell getprop ro.gsm.imei or for serial number: adb shell getprop ro.serialno
Method 2: Fastboot (if the phone doesn't boot)
- π Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Meals to enter the Fastboot.
- π₯οΈ Connect the device to your PC and type in the terminal: fastboot getvar imei or for serial number: fastboot getvar serialno
If the commands return an empty line, it can mean:
- π« Lack of rights (you need to unlock the bootloader).
- π§ Damage to the modem partition (reflashing required).
- π Problems with USB-cable.
π‘
If ADB canβt see the device, try enabling USB debugging manually: go to Settings β About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Then to Settings β Additional β For developers, turn on USB debugging.
5. IMEI Recovery through Mi Account
If you lost access to your phone but previously linked it to your Mi Account, you can try finding IMEI through Xiaomiβs official website, which only works for devices that have been logged in to your account and have not been untied.
Instructions:
- π Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
- π± In the section My devices find your phone.
- π Click on the model and a page with data will open, including: IMEI and serial number.
If the device does not appear in the list, check:
- π Log in correctly (you may have used a different email).
- π΅ Binding status (on some firmware you need to manually confirm the device in Settings) β Mi Account).
- π Last sync time (if the phone has not connected to the Internet for a long time, the data may not be updated).
β οΈ If your phone is stolen and locked through Find Device, recovery IMEI Your account may result in your device being blocked, in which case contact Xiaomi with your purchase documents.
π‘
Linking your phone to your Mi Account is the only way to restore your IMEI without physically accessing your device. Always check that sync is enabled in your account settings.
6. Alternative ways: through Google and third-party apps
If standard methods donβt work, you can try informal tools that are suitable for power users and require caution (the risk of installing malware).
Method 1: Google Dashboard (if your phone has been synced)
- π Go to Google Dashboard.
- π In the Android section, find your phone.
- π Check out the device information β sometimes itβs displayed there. IMEI.
Method 2: IMEI Reading Applications
Google Play has utilities like IMEI Info or Device Info that show advanced data about the device.
- β οΈ Do not install applications from unknown developers.
- π‘οΈ Before installing, check reviews and ratings.
- π Do not give applications unnecessary permissions (for example, access to the app). SMS).
Method 3: Through Backups
If you've been backing up through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, check your backup files, which may store device data, including IMEI.
- π Download the backup archive on PC.
- π Find a file with the.xml or.db extension.
- π Open it through a text editor and search for lines with imei or serial.