Have you ever noticed the mysterious 14-digit combination in your Xiaomi settings, marked as MEID? This code is often confused with IMEI, But it has a different role to play, especially if your smartphone is on the internet. CDMA (In this article, we'll look at what's behind the acronym. MEID, Why is it important for Redmi owners, POCO Mi and how to use it correctly without the risk of blocking the device.
I bet you think that MEID — Is it just another technical artifact that will never be useful? In practice, this ID can save you from having problems activating your phone after you buy abroad, help the carrier quickly link your number, or even become proof of the legality of the device during customs clearance. MEID Sometimes it is required to unlock the locks of the operator Xiaomi – for example, if you bought a smartphone from Verizon or Sprint and want to use it from the Russian market. SIM-card.
What is it? MEID and how it differs from IMEI
MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier is a unique 14-digit code that is assigned to devices running on networks. CDMA (unlike IMEI, practicable GSM). If IMEI Everyone knows it – it is asked when locking the phone or checking for originality, then MEID It is less common, but equally important in its segment.
The main differences:
- 📶 Network standard: MEID for CDMA (Verizon, Sprint in the United States), IMEI for GSM (Most operators in Europe and Asia).
- 🔢 Format: MEID It is always 14 digits (sometimes displayed with the 15th check digit), IMEI — 15.
- 🔄 Transformation: MEID convertible IMEI, adding the number 0 at the beginning (for example, MEID 12345678901234 → IMEI 012345678901234).
- 📱 Where to use: In Xiaomi MEID It is also available in the US market (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro). 5G Verizon).
Some Xiaomis have both identifiers and MEID, and IMEI. This is due to the support of hybrid networks (for example, the network, 4G LTE, which can work as GSM, so CDMA-Check which code is active on your phone, you can in the settings or through the engineering menu.
Where to find out. MEID Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways
If you need Suddenly, MEID (For example, for activation from the operator or checking for originality, here are all possible places where it can be found:
- On the device box: usually MEID It's on a sticker next to a barcode or serial number. MEID mobile ID.
- Under the battery: on older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 4X) MEID Could have been put on a sticker under the lid.
- In the phone settings: 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → General information. 🔍 Scroll down to the Status section or IMEI/MEID.
Through the engineering menu
*#06#Type this code in the Phone application - a window with IMEI and if there is) MEID.
In system files
adb shell getprop ril.meidThis team will MEID through ADB (You need to have Developer Mode enabled).
☑️ Verification MEID Xiaomi
⚠️ Attention: If MEID The box and the phone settings are not the same, this may mean that the device:
- 🔧 It was renovated with the replacement of the motherboard.
- 🚨 It is a fake (especially if purchased on dubious sites).
- 📦 Identifiers were changed (often found in "gray" importers).
Why do telecom operators need to MEID your Xiaomi
MEID — It's not just a set of numbers, it's the key to how your phone works on the carrier's network:
| Situation | Why do you need it? MEID | What if we don't give it to you? |
|---|---|---|
| Activation of a new phone from the operator CDMA (For example, Verizon) | Operator tethers MEID to your database number | The phone will not be registered on the network (no calls, SMS, mobile) |
| Unlocking the phone locked under the operator | MEID Check for the presence of unlocked devices in the “white list” | The operator will refuse to unlock, even if you paid for the service. |
| Theft/loss check | MEID Checking the databases of stolen phones (for example, CTIA rustic) | The operator can block the device if it is listed as stolen. |
| Customs clearance when importing into the country | MEID Proof of legality of the device (e.g., certification is required for the United States) FCC) | There may be problems with customs clearance or additional duties may be imposed. |
⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi for use on the web CDMA (For example, in the United States, check to see if MEID Some sellers on eBay or AliExpress sell phones with dirty IDs that can't be activated. MEID can be found on the operators' websites:
- 🌐 Verizon BYOD Checker
- 🌐 T-Mobile IMEI/MEID Check
Can we change? MEID Xiaomi and what is the threat
Technically, change MEID Xiaomi is possible – for this there are special programs like QPST or CDMA Workshop and engineering teams through ADB. However, this is not recommended for several reasons:
- 🚫 Blocking by the operator: If a new MEID If you blacklist your phone, it will stop working on the network.
- 🔒 Loss of warranty: Any interference with system identifiers voids Xiaomi warranty.
- 📵 Problems with updates: After the change MEID The phone may stop receiving OTA-update.
- 🕵️ Legal risks: In some countries (e.g. the United States) forgery MEID/IMEI It is considered fraud and is punishable by a fine.
The only legal way to change" MEID — This is an official carrier unlock, for example, if you bought the Xiaomi Mi 11 from Verizon and want to use it with another carrier. SIM-map, you need:
- Call for Verizon Support to Unblock MEID.
- Paying the possible fee (usually) $50–$100).
- Wait 24-48 hours for the change to take effect.
What happens if you accidentally erase it? MEID?
MEID and IMEI: How they are connected and whether it is possible to convert one to another
As we mentioned earlier, MEID and IMEI — The main similarity is that both codes uniquely identify a device on the network?
Technically, yes — MEID can be converted into IMEI, I'd like to add zero to the beginning:
- MEID: 268435791358024
- IMEI: 0268435791358024
However, reverse conversion (IMEI → MEID) It's not always possible. Here are the key rules:
- ✅ If IMEI start, MEID = IMEI zero-free.
- ❌ If IMEI Start with a different number (e.g. 35), and convert to MEID It's not possible. GSM-device.
⚠️ Note: Some verification services (e.g. IMEI.info) may show incorrect data if you enter MEID instead IMEI. Always check with the operator what identifier they need to activate.
💡
If you are not sure what code the operator is asking for (IMEI or MEID), In 90% of cases, the system automatically determines the desired format.
Problems with MEID Xiaomi: What to do if the code is not read or blocked
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that MEID on their Xiaomi:
- 🔍 Not displayed in settings or code *#06#.
- 🚫 Blocked by the operator (e.g. message "Invalid") MEID" activated).
- ⚠️ Doesn't match the data on the box.
Here is the algorithm for each situation:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| MEID not displayed | Damaged section. NV (identifiers) | Fly your phone through Mi Flash with an option clean_all_lock |
| MEID locked up | The phone is listed as stolen or unpaid | Contact the operator with proof of purchase (check, contract) |
| MEID doesn't match the box | Substitution of motherboard or counterfeiting | Check your phone through Xiaomi Authenticity Check on the official website |
| MEID "Dumped" after the firmware | Incorrectly selected firmware version (for example, Global instead of Global). CDMA) | Switch the version of the software corresponding to the region (for example, US ROM Verizon) |
If neither of these methods worked, there are two options:
- Contact the Xiaomi service center with a passport and a check.
- Buy a new phone (if the device is stolen or locked without unlocking).
💡
Never buy Xiaomi with manual changes MEID/IMEI — Even if the seller says, "It works," these devices can be blocked by the operator at any time.