Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to know the exact version of the camera β whether it is to check the originality of the module after repair, diagnose problems with photography or install custom firmware such as GCam. However, the manufacturer does not always bring this information out in a prominent place. Depending on the model and version of MIUI, data may be hidden in different sections of the menu or require the use of special commands.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways, from standard settings to engineering menus and third-party utilities, and pay special attention to the nuances for popular series (Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5), where the location of menu items may differ, and learn how to distinguish the original camera from a fake by serial number and why the version of the camera driver does not always coincide with the hardware revision of the module.
1. Through standard camera settings (MIUI 12β14)
The easiest method is to use the Camera appβs built-in menu.It works on most modern Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, but may not be available on budget models or after installing custom firmware.
Instructions:
- π· Open the Camera app and tap the gear icon (βοΈ) top-right.
- π Scroll down to About (or Camera Information on some models).
- π The camera version of the app will be displayed here (for example, 4.8.0123.0) and, less commonly, hardware revision of the module (e.g, S5KGM1_Rev03).
β οΈ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) This menu only displays the camera software version, not the hardware version of the module.
2. via the About Phone menu (hardware information)
If the camera settings don't have the data you need, try finding it in the About Phone system menu, which is suitable for all MIUI devices, but requires knowledge of the camera model code.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β All the characteristics.
- Find the Camera Model or Camera Version line (in English, Camera Model or Camera Version).
- If the line is missing, tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to unlock the extended menu (does not work on all models).
π What do the signs mean?
The camera version is usually listed in the format [Manufacturer] [Sensor Model] [Audit].
- S5KGM1_Rev02 β Samsung ISOCELL GM1, audit 02.
- OV64B_Rev01 β sensor OV64B, first-in-commission.
- IMX707_Rev03 β Sony IMX707, Third revision (meeting at Xiaomi) 13 Pro).
π‘
If there is no camera data in the About menu, try entering the ##4636## code in the phone app, which will open a hidden test menu, where information about modules is sometimes displayed.
3. through the engineering menu (CIT or MTK Engineer Mode)
For advanced users, the most reliable way is to use an engineering menu that provides complete data on all hardware components, including camera serial numbers, and works on devices with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, but it requires caution that wrong actions can lead to failures.
For smartphones on Qualcomm (e.g. Xiaomi 12, POCO F4):
- π± Enter the code ##2486## (for new models) or #4636## (universal) in the phone application).
- π§ Choose Hardware Testing β Camera.
- π All connected cameras with detailed information will be displayed here: Sensor ID, Module ID, Driver Version.
For smartphones on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M5):
- π± Install the app MTK Engineer Mode from Google Play.
- π§ Go to the Hardware Testing section β Camera.
- π Check the lines Main Camera Info and Front Camera Info β there will be specified models of sensors and versions of modules.
β οΈ Note: In the engineering menu, do not change the parameters unless you are sure of their purpose! AF Calibration (autofocus) can cause permanent damage to the camera.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4. Through third-party applications
If standard methods don't work, specialized tools will come to the rescue, analyzing sensor data and displaying it in a convenient format. Below are proven applications that support Xiaomi devices:
| Annex | Supported data | Needs root? | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DevCheck | Sensor model, driver version, resolution | No. | Google Play |
| CPU-Z | Basic information about the camera (manufacturer, model) | No. | Google Play |
| Camera2 API Probe | Support for API, HAL versions, sensor details | No. | Google Play |
| AIDA64 | Complete hardware information, including serial numbers | Partially. | Google Play |
π How to use it:
Install any of the apps and open the Camera or Sensors section. For example, in DevCheck, the camera information is in the Hardware β Camera tab.
- Sensor Name is a sensor model (such as the Sony IMX766).
- Driver Version is the driver version (e.g. 4.19.157).
- Module ID is a unique identifier of the module (required to verify originality).
Install DevCheck from Google Play|Open the Hardware tab β Camera|Check the Sensor Name and Module strings ID|Compare the data with the official specifications of your model-->
5. Through ADB-Teams (for experienced users)
If you want the most accurate data, including serial numbers and calibration information, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and enabling USB debugging.
π§ Instructions:
- Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β Press 7 times β Return to Additional Settings β For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell dumpsys media.camera
- In the conclusion, find the CameraModule blocks - there will be listed all the connected cameras with detailed parameters.
π Example of inference:
Camera 0:
Facing: BACK
Sensor Name: imx766
Module ID: LCE_A_220518
Driver Version: 4.19.157-perf+
Serial Number: SN1A2B3C4D5The Serial Number is the only reliable way to distinguish the original camera from the fake one, compared to the data on the box or in the documents from the service center.
β οΈ Attention: Use ADB It can cause a crash if you type in the wrong commands. ADB without a clear understanding of the consequences!
6. How to check the originality of the camera according to version
One of the common questions is how to distinguish the original Xiaomi camera from a fake after replacement. The module version and serial number help do that, but you need to know where to look for reference data.
π Where to get official information:
- π On the device box (sometimes the model of the main sensor is indicated).
- π§ Documents from an authorized service center (if the camera was changed under warranty).
- π On official forums Xiaomi (for example, Mi Community) β there publish data for popular models.
π Signs of forgery:
- π« The serial number of the module is missing or does not match the data in the ADB.
- π« The sensor version is lower than the official specification (e.g. instead of the sensor version). IMX766 worth S5KJN1).
- π« The engineering menu displays the Camera hardware not found error.
- π« The quality of the photo is much worse than on similar devices (check through the DXOMARK).
π‘
If the camera serial number is missing or starts with 00000, it is a sure sign of a fake or unoriginal module.