Owning a device from Chinese giant Xiaomi often poses a challenge to the user: to understand the confusing nomenclature of the brand. You may know what you have in your hands "Xiaomi", but to find the latest firmware, buy a compatible case or contact the service center is not enough. the manufacturer is typical to produce the same gadgets under different names for different markets, creating a real maze of names Redmi, POCO and Mi.
Accurate model number identification is the first and most important step in the operation of your equipment. A single letter or digit error can lead to the installation of broken software or the purchase of accessories that will not physically fit your device. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of identification, from simple visual checks to the use of engineering codes.
Understanding the difference between a commercial name and a technical index model will save you a lot of problems in the future. Let's start with the most obvious but often ignored verification methods that do not require a computer connection or complex manipulation.
Visual identification: packaging and body
The most reliable way to know the exact marking of a device is to look at its physical shell. If you have the original box from a smartphone, tablet or smart device, the information you want is on a sticker, usually located on the side or bottom, and it shows the full model number, which consists of letters and numbers, for example, M2101K7BNY.
It is important to distinguish a marketing name that is printed large on the front of the package (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) from a technical index. It is the technical index, often starting with the letter M, that is unique to a particular modification, taking into account the region, memory capacity and supported communication frequencies.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely on only the engraved back cover of a device, if any.It often only lists the general device family or the series logo, but not the full technical code needed to find drivers.
In case the box is lost, carefully inspect the gadget itself. on many Xiaomi and Redmi models in small print on the back or under the tray. SIM-Although modern devices often remove this data for aesthetic reasons, on older models or devices for certain markets (China, India), such marking is mandatory.
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If the marking on the body is erased, try to shine a flashlight at an acute angle on the lower part of the back cover - sometimes the text is squeezed out and becomes visible only in lateral lighting.
Search for information in the MIUI system menu
The most accessible method for any user is to check through the operating system interface. Even if the device is locked or unstable, access to basic hardware information is usually saved. You need to go to Settings, and then select About Phone (or About Device).
Here you will see a large model name, but for detailed information, you need to click on the MIUI version line several times in a row (usually 5-7 times), this action activates the extended display mode, where additional lines will appear, including the internal code of the model, the Android version and the firmware build date.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the HyperOS shell or MIUI, but the logic remains the same. In some cases, especially on global versions of firmware, the full technical index may be hidden and only the commercial name will be displayed.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone for basic information.
- 🔁 Tapping the Version. MIUI before the appearance of hidden data.
- 📝 Write down the code starting with the letter M for an accurate search.
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The advanced settings menu is the fastest way to know the model without using third-party software or opening the device.
Use of the engineering menu and USSD-code
For more advanced users who don’t have a standard menu, the engineering section is accessible through special character combinations. The Phone app requires you to type ##64663##. This command opens the CIT (Customer Inspection Test) menu, designed to diagnose hardware components.
In the list of tests you should find the item Version or CI. Clicking on it will show you a detailed technical specification of the device, and it will not only show the full model number, but also the version information. PCB-board, display type and other internal components, which is critical when repairing.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful in the engineering menu.Do not run component tests (screen, speaker, vibration) unless you understand their purpose, as some tests may change the calibration of sensors or cause the system to freeze.
An alternative way is to use the *#06# code that displays the IMEI-code, though on its own. IMEI It's not a model number, and knowing it, you can break through the device in the databases. CIT-The menu is much more reliable and does not require an Internet connection.
What if the code doesn't work?
Verification through Google Play and third-party apps
If the built-in tools don't seem informative enough, Google Play apps will come to your aid. Utilities like CPU-Z, AIDA64 or Device Info HW collect exhaustive information about all the components of the gadget, and once you install the app, you will be provided with a full report.
In the "Device" or "System" section of these programs, the Model string will contain the desired technical index, the advantage of which is that the applications show not only the program name, but also the real name of the chipset, the resolution of the screen matrix and other parameters that help identify the device even if it is overflashed.
This method is especially useful if you bought a used device and want to make sure that its insides match the declared characteristics. Often unscrupulous sellers change the software shell to show a cheap model as a flagship, but it is more difficult to fool diagnostic utilities.
- 📥 Download. CPU-Z or AIDA64 log-store.
- 🔍 Open the Device section to view the features.
- ✅ Compare the data with the official specifications on the manufacturer's website.
Identification by IMEI and serial number
Each Xiaomi device has a unique identifier. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity, which is assigned in production, can be recognized by typing *#06# in the dialer or by looking at the sticker under the dialer. SIM-If you know this code, you can use the official checkout service.
There are many online services that use IMEI to get the exact model of the device, but the most reliable source is Xiaomi’s official website in the Warranty Check section, where you can enter the IMEI or serial number (SN), you will get information about the activation date, warranty status and, most importantly, the exact model of the device.
| Method | Accuracy of data | Access to the system is required. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box/Sticker | 100% | No. | Low. |
| Settings (About the phone) | 95% | Yes. | Low. |
| Annexes (CPU-Z) | 98% | Yes. | Medium |
| IMEI check | 100% | No (code needed) | Medium |
Differences between Redmi, POCO and Mi
Understanding the brand structure within the Xiaomi ecosystem helps you navigate models faster.For a long time, there was the Mi (flagships), Redmi (budget and mid-size segment) and POCO (sub-brand for online sales).However, from 2021-2022, the Mi lineup was abolished in favor of Xiaomi Number Series (for example, Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 14).
It is important to know that many POCO models are rebranded versions of Redmi released for the global market. For example, the POCO F3 is actually the Redmi K40. So, when looking for firmware or accessories, it makes sense to check compatibility with "brother" models using their codenames, such as alioth or vayu.
Codename is another identifier often used by custom firmware developers, and can be recognized through applications like Device Info HW or the same engineering menu. Knowing a codename (like cepheus for Mi 9) allows you to find information about a device even if you don't know its commercial name.
- 🏷️ Xiaomi brand now unites flagship series.
- 🔄 POCO It is often the global version of Redmi.
- 🆔 Codename is universal for all regions.