When a Xiaomi smartphone is locked, it can take anyone by surprise, whether it’s a forgotten pattern lock, a Mi Account lock, or a specific carrier, the solution is often to use the unlock code correctly. However, before you start any software manipulation or unlock code entry, you need to identify the device. The main identifier here is IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), a unique number stitched into the equipment in the factory.
Knowing how to know IMEI and what to do with unlock code is a critical skill for owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco. Without this dataset, it is impossible to officially unlock a bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool site, check the device for blacklist or restore access to the system after resetting. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for obtaining an identification number and how to apply unlock codes in various scenarios.
It should be understood that IMEI — It's not just a set of numbers, it's your device's passport on a network of mobile operators, if you try to unlock the bootloader or unblock it. SIM-The cards, the Xiaomi security system checks the data entered with the server records, and even a single digit error can cause the procedure to be interrupted and the account temporarily blocked for suspicious activity.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party paid services to generate unlock code carries risks.Never share your Mi Account details with third parties as this could result in the device being completely stolen through remote locking.
What is Unlock Code and why Xiaomi owners need it
In the Xiaomi ecosystem, the term unlock code can have two different meanings, and it is important not to confuse them. The first meaning refers to the bootloader unlock code, which allows you to install custom firmware, obtain root rights and modify the system, which is generated by the company's servers after linking an account to the device and waiting for a set timer (usually 168 hours).
The second value is the unlock code. SIM-Network Unlock Code, which is required if the phone is locked up under a specific operator, is often found with devices imported from other countries (for example, versions for China or India, resold in other regions). In this case, the unlock code is a long combination of numbers that must be entered when installing. SIM-card of another operator to start the phone to work on the global network.
The process of obtaining the code for the bootloader is official and free, but takes time.The user must apply through the MIUI Security app or Settings, after which he must wait for permission from the company.To unlock from the carrier, the procedure can be more complicated and often requires contacting the seller or using specialized servers if official unlocking is not possible.
- 🔓 Bootloader Unlock: Removes restrictions on changing the system partition, allowing you to install TWRP Custom ROM.
- 📶 Network Unlock: Removes the binding to the SIM card of a particular operator, making the phone universal.
- 🛡️ Mi Account Unlock: Resets account lock if the device was bought from hand and tied to someone else’s ID.
How to find IMEI on a locked and working smartphone
The easiest way to know IMEI is to look at the device box or the sticker on the back cover (if it's not removable). However, if the box is lost and the phone is turned on, you can use the system settings. Go to the Settings menu, then select About phone. In most MIUI and HyperOS shells, IMEI information will be available immediately or after clicking on General Information.
If the device screen responds to touch, but you cannot enter the menu due to locking, use the universal engineering method. On the lock screen or in the Phone application, type *#06#. This command works on any mobile device, regardless of the version of Android and network status, and the screen will instantly display one or two numbers. IMEI (for two-simulated models, as well as the serial number and MAC-address.
In situations where the smartphone is completely locked, the screen is not working or the system is not booting (bootloop), a physical inspection becomes the only option. IMEI It is often located on the back of the case, and the number can also be stamped in small print in the tray for the SIM-maps, although new devices are gradually moving away from this practice.
☑️ Where to find IMEI
Use of service codes and engineering menu
To get deeper and more hidden information about Xiaomi's device, you'll have a set of service codes. Unlike simple IMEI output, these codes allow you to get into the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu or engineering menu. To get there, type in the code ##64663## or ##4636##. Here you can check the status of all the phone modules, which is useful before sending the device to unlock.
Importantly, on global firmware versions, some codes can be locked or redirected to the standard testing menu. If the ##4636## code doesn't work, try installing the Phone Info app from Google Play, which software emulates access to this data, especially for the Redmi Note and Poco F series models.
You can also see the bootloader lock status on the engineering menu, look for Device Status or Bootloader Status. If it says Locked, unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool is mandatory for custom software installation. If Unlocked is open, you can also check if the phone is locked under the operator status.
| Team team. | Function | It works without a SIM. |
|---|---|---|
| *#06# | Displaying IMEI and serial number | Yes. |
| ##4636## | Testing menu and network information | Yes. |
| ##64663## | CIT menu to check hardware | Yes. |
| ##7780## | Resetting settings (caution!) | No (access required) |
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful in the engineering menu. Changing the settings in the Radio Information or Network Settings section without understanding their purpose can lead to signal loss or unstable operation of the communication module.
Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
The official method of obtaining the unlock code for the bootloader involves the use of a PC and the Mi Unlock Tool utility. This process requires a stable Internet connection and a Mi Account with a tied phone number. First, you need to turn on the option of Factory Unlocking (OEM Unlocking) in the phone settings (Advanced Settings -> For developers) and link the account to the device.
Once linked, the system will start a countdown timer. The standard wait time is 168 hours (7 days), but during periods of high load or for new accounts, the time period can be extended to 30 days.
When the waiting time expires, connect the phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (pressing the volume button when the phone is turned off). In Mi Unlock Tool, press the Unlock button. The system will check the status of the account on the server and, if all conditions are met, will confirm and unlock the bootloader.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Mi Account and activation blocking issues
The most difficult case is the Mi Account Lock, which occurs after a Hard Reset, where if a device has been searched for, it will require you to enter a password from an account that was synced earlier after rebooting, in which case the unlock code as usual will not help, you need a password or access to an account.
If you forget your password, the only legal way to re-establish access is through i.mi.com or account.xiaomi.com using a linked email or phone number.Trying to bypass this lock through flashing often fails, as the lock status is stored on Xiaomi servers and tied to IMEI and serial number.
There are bypass methods that exploit vulnerabilities in Android, but they are temporary and do not guarantee stable operation. Moreover, using such methods can be regarded as an attempt to hack, which will permanently lock the device. Legally unlocking if you lose access to your account often requires the submission of a check for purchase to an authorized service center.
- 📧 Recovery: Use the “Forgot Password” function on the official website.
- 📞 Support: Contact Xiaomi Support by providing purchase details.
- 🧾 Check and box - the main evidence of ownership of the device.
💡
Always save your smartphone check electronically.Photograph the box with IMEI stickers immediately after purchase - this will save you if you block Mi Account.
Checking the status of the device and preventing problems
Before buying a used device or carrying out serious manipulations with the software, it is recommended to check the IMEI status. This will let you know whether the phone is listed in the databases of stolen devices, and what its warranty status is. For Xiaomi, there are many online services where it is enough to enter a 15-digit number.
Regular checks also help identify gray devices that have been reflashed from the Chinese version to the global one as the region changes. These phones can have trouble with notifications, banking applications (Google Pay/Mirr Pay) and getting updates. Officially unlocking the bootloader and returning to stock firmware often solve these problems.
Remember that once you unlock the bootloader, some security features stop working, such as banking applications that fail to launch and NFC payment systems that function, and advanced users use Magisk and root-right concealment modules to solve this problem, but this requires additional knowledge.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the device warranty in most service centers, and it also reduces the overall security of the data stored on the phone.
💡
Unlocking a bootloader is a powerful tool for enthusiasts, but for the average user, the risks of losing warranty and security can outweigh the benefits of customization.