Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to accurately identify their device, which may be required when searching for drivers, buying accessories, firmware or issuing warranties, but the labeling in the check or on the box does not always match what is displayed on the system, which causes confusion among users.
The variety of models in the Chinese giant’s ecosystem is huge, and visually distinguishing the global version from the Chinese version, or one memory modification from another, can be difficult. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for determining the exact code name and global model of your smartphone.
We will look at both standard software methods through the MIUI and HyperOS interface, and more advanced ways for power users. Understanding the differences between the marketing name and the technical code of the device will help you avoid errors when installing the software.
Check through the “About Phone” menu in the settings
The most obvious and accessible way to learn about a device is to look at system settings, which don't require an internet connection or additional software, but there's an important caveat: the marketing name that a user sees is often different from the technical code required for the firmware.
To find this data, you have to open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom, and that's where the section contains all the basic information about the gadget is, and depending on the version of the shell, the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same across all the devices of the brand.
Click on About Phone. On the screen that opens, you'll see a large image of the smartphone and a model name, like the Redmi Note 10 Pro. However, for technologists, that's not enough. To see the full list of identifiers, including SKU codes and the Android version, you need to do the following:
- 📱 Click on the operating system logo (large version number) MIUI or Android logo several times in a row until the extended menu opens.
- 📱 Note the line “Model” – there will be an alphanumeric code, for example, M2101K7AG.
- 📱 Find a line «SKU» or “Variant” indicating regional reference of the device.
It's important to understand the difference: a code starting with 2 (e.g., 2101...) usually indicates a global version, while a code starting with 1 is Chinese, a critical parameter when choosing firmware.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse Model Number with Codename (M2101K7AG), The second is a short name like sweet or vayu, which is used in the development communities.
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Remember or write down your device’s SKU code before resetting, as after a hard reset, some regional settings may get lost and the phone may start offering inappropriate updates.
This is a basic method and is suitable for most situations where you just need to clarify the modification of the phone, but if the system does not boot or the screen is broken, you will have to resort to other methods of identification.
Use of the engineering menu and USSD-code
If you have limited access to settings or want more technical information, you can use special codes. Xiaomi smartphones have hidden engineering menus that provide access to iron tests and detailed build information, a powerful diagnostic tool.
To enter the test menu, open the Phone app and type in the command ##6484##. This code may not work on some models or in certain regions, so try the alternative: ##4636##, which opens the Android test menu.
The CIT (Customer Information Test) menu that opens can find a hardware version, but more information about a particular board revision can often be obtained through debugging commands. If you have USB debugging enabled, you can use ADB, but there is an easier way through the same testing menu.
What to do if the code doesn't work?
Another useful code for getting basic information is *#06#. It displays IMEI, but the hardware version is often indicated at the bottom of the screen, which indirectly helps identify a device revision, which is especially true for models that have changed hardware stuffing during production.
- 🔍 Code ##6484## opens the full component testing menu.
- 🔍 Code ##4636## shows usage statistics and battery/network information.
- 🔍 Code *#06# outputs IMEI and sometimes hardware.
These codes are safe and do not require root rights, but be careful inside the engineering menu: changing unknown parameters can cause communication modules or sensors to malfunction.
Analysis of factory sticker and box
Physical labeling is the most reliable source of information, especially if the phone is not turning on. There is always a sticker on the back of the device (or below it if it is removable) and on the packaging box with technical information, which is primary and independent of software failure.
The back of the smartphone, usually at the bottom, has fine markings. Look for the Model line. That's where the certificate code we were looking for in the settings is listed, and it can also have the IMEI code and the date of production.
The packaging box contains even more detail, a sticker with barcodes on the side or end of the face, and in addition to the model, it often indicates the exact memory configuration (for example, 6/128 GB) and color, which helps distinguish visually identical models with different characteristics.
| Where to find | What is stated | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| About the phone setting | Model and SKU | M2101K7AG (Global) |
| Sticker on the case | Certificate number | M2101K7AG |
| Packaging (sticker) | Model + Memory + Color | Redmi Note 10 Pro 6/128 Black |
| Engineering menu | Hardware version | 10004 |
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The matching of the model code on the box and in the settings is the first sign that the phone did not change the case or motherboard after repair.
If you are buying a used device, be sure to check the code on the box (if any) with the code in the system. A mismatch can indicate that the phone is made from different parts ("Frankenstein"), which often happens after unqualified repairs.
Identification through computer and ADB
For advanced users who are engaged in firmware or system modification, the most accurate way is to connect to a computer. Using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging bridge allows you to get comprehensive information about the device that can not be hidden software.
To start, you need to enable USB debugging. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the build number to become a developer. Then, in the Additional → For developers, activate Debugging over USB.
Connect your phone to your PC with a cable. If you have ADB installed, open the command line and type in the command:
adb shell getprop ro.product.deviceThis command will return the device's codename (e.g., lmi for Poco F2 Pro), which is the most important name for searching firmware on forums like 4PDA or XDA.
adb shell getprop ro.boot.hwc☑️ Preparation for verification through ADB
This is indispensable when the phone screen is broken and you can't see the image, but the system works, and even in this state, the computer will see the device and be able to read its identifiers if you've previously been given permission to debug.
Definition of the model IMEI-code
The unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is assigned to each phone during production, and knowing that 15-digit number, you can break through the device in databases and find out its exact model, release date, and even warranty status.
Find out. IMEI You can type *#06# in a call, look at the sticker under the battery (if it's removable) or on the box. IMEI It is also often used on the slab for SIM-Maps – Take it out and look at the small print.
There are many online services available to verify IMEIs, the official Mi Community website or services like imei.info, which lets you enter a number and get a report, and the report will specify the exact model for which this IMEI was released.
⚠️ Note: Be careful when using third-party sites to check IMEI. Never enter this number on suspicious resources, as malicious users can use it to clone or block the device in blacklists.
The good thing about this is that it doesn't depend on the operating system. Even if the phone is "burst" and doesn't show signs of life, but it's turned on in boot mode, its IMEI can often be considered special utilities, which will confirm the hardware model.
Differences between the Chinese and Global Version
One of the most common questions is how to distinguish the global version from the Chinese version with the installed global firmware (Global ROM), which are fundamentally different things that affect the operation of banking applications, notifications and communication frequencies.
Chinese versions often have a two-symbol tray, where the second slot is combined with a memory card, or do not have a memory card slot at all. Global versions almost always support memory cards and have a full-fledged tray. CE Global Version in English.
Software-wise, the Chinese versions may not have Google Play preinstalled (although it’s easy to install) and contain a lot of Chinese software that can’t be removed. Global versions are Google certified and devoid of unnecessary “junk.”
- 🌏 Global version: model name often has the letter G, support for all frequencies LTE, eat NFC and Google Pay.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese version: model code often does not have the letter G or the letter C, some Band 20 frequencies may be missing (important for the model). 4G Europe and Russia).
- 📦 Packaging: there are many languages on the global box, including Russian, Chinese - only characters and English.
When buying a smartphone on marketplaces like AliExpress, it is common to sell a Chinese version with a global firmware flash, so the About Phone menu may display a global model, but when you try to upgrade over the air, the phone may lock or get Chinese firmware back. Always check the model code in the ##6484# # menu or through ADB.