How to determine the exact model of Xiaomi phone

Owning a Xiaomi brand or its sub-brands often requires users to identify the device accurately, which may be required when searching for drivers, buying a case, firmware or contacting a service center. Despite the recognizable logo, the Redmi, POCO and Mi lineups have hundreds of modifications that are visually almost identical. A version error can lead to incompatible software installation.

There are many ways to know the exact name of your gadget, from simply looking at the settings to using engineering codes. Accuracy is key here, as the global version may differ from the Chinese one, and regional modifications (NFC, number of cameras) have different code names. In this article, we will break down all the methods so you can be sure of the characteristics of your device.

Don’t rely on the name that appears on the desktop, as firmware can be customized or modified. We’ll look at the system’s regular tools, hidden developer menus, and physical tags. Understanding the difference between the marketing name and the model’s technical code will help avoid a lot of problems in maintaining a smartphone.

Verification of information in system settings

The most obvious and accessible method is to look at the standard operating system settings menu, but the path to the information you need can vary depending on the version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. In most cases, you just need to go to the About Phone section to see the basic data. This usually shows a marketing name, for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro.

However, for technicians or firmware searchers, this is not enough: you need to click several times in a row on the line called MIUI version. This action activates an extended menu, where the model technical code begins with the letter M. This code is a unique identifier for a specific revision of the board and regional binding.

• 📱 Go to Settings and select About Phone».
• 🔢 Press. 5-7 once-in-a-large-digit version MIUI/HyperOS.
• 👁️ Please note the line “Internal version».
• 📝 Write down the code starting at 21... or 22... for an accurate search.

It is important to distinguish between the global and Chinese versions, as they have different sets of supported frequencies. If you bought a phone in a gray market, the settings may indicate the Chinese model, even if the menu chooses Russian.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the software build number with the model code, V14.0.5.0) It indicates the firmware version, not the hardware of the device.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware, the About Phone menu can be changed by enthusiasts and not reflect the real model.

⚠️ Note: If you have repeatedly clicked on the version MIUI Nothing happens, it is possible that access to the engineering menu is blocked by the device administrator.

Use of the engineering menu and USSD-code

When settings are limited or the system is unstable, special service codes come to the rescue. Entering the combination ##64663## opens the engineering testing menu that is present in most Xiaomi smartphones. This tool is designed to diagnose components, but also contains detailed configuration information.

The CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu that opens will show you the Version or Device Information section, which will show the exact model code, serial number, and other technical details that are hidden from the average user, and this method works even on a locked screen if you have access to a dial.

Another useful code is *#06#. It displays information about IMEI. Although it's not a direct model name, the first eight digits of IMEI (TAC - Type Allocation Code) can accurately identify the model of the phone through special online databases, which is especially useful if the screen is broken and you can not see the inscriptions.

There is also code ##4636## that opens the testing menu, and the Phone Information section often duplicates the device model and network status, which helps you understand whether your device supports specific LTE or 5G frequency bands, which is critical when using SIM cards from different carriers.

Physical marking and packaging of the device

If the phone doesn't turn on, the only way to find physical tags is to find a model engraving on the body of modern Xiaomi smartphones, but the back sticker (often under a protective film or on a box) always has a barcode. Look for a Model string or just a set of numbers and letters.

The box from the device is your gadget's passport, and on one side there's always a white label with a detailed specification, which lists the model, color, memory, country of manufacture and IMEI, and keeping the box is not only useful for resale, but also for quick identification when warranty issues are involved.

In some cases, especially on the Chinese versions, the model may be written in small print on the end of the device or under the tray. SIM-Remove the tray with a scratcher and carefully examine its inside and outside, and there may be a microscopic text with the audit code knocked out.

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If the sticker on the case is erased, try to shine a flashlight at an acute angle - the remains of glue or depressed text can become more noticeable.

Diagnostics through ADB and computer

For advanced users who want 100% accurate results, the method of connecting to a PC is ideal. USB (USB Debugging allows you to access system files and commands. This will require installing Xiaomi drivers. USB Driver and utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge on your computer.

After connecting the smartphone and authorizing debugging on the phone screen, the command adb shell getprop ro.product.model is entered in the computer command line. The system will give the exact technical code of the device, which is used in factory firmware, this method is indispensable if the screen is partially not working, but the touchscreen reacts.

You can also use the adb device-l command, which often outputs not only the serial number but also the codename of the model. For example, instead of "Xiaomi 12" you will see "taurus" or "diting." Knowing the code name, it is easy to find the corresponding firmware on official forums.

adb shell getprop | grep"ro.product"

This requires a pre-production: turn on the developer mode, and you have to press the build number 7 times in the settings, and then activate the USB debugging slider, without this step, the computer will not be able to read data from the Android system.

Online services for IMEI and appearance

If the device turns on, but you doubt its authenticity or exact modification, online services will help. By typing in an IMEI (you can find it by the code *#06#) on specialized sites, you will receive a full statement from the factory, which will indicate which region the phone is built for and what its factory memory configuration is.

There are also directory sites where you can identify a model from a photograph, and by uploading a picture of the back and the camera block, the algorithm will pick the most similar models, which is useful if the logos are erased or replaced, but this method is less accurate, because the design of the camera blocks in Redmi and POCO is often repeated.

The official Mi Community website also has a support section where you can check the warranty status and the exact model name by the serial number (S/N), which is the best way to distinguish the original from the copy, since fakes either don’t have serial numbers in the database or belong to another device.

Differences between Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO brands

Understanding the company's brand structure helps you navigate the lineup faster. Xiaomi (formerly Mi) is the flagship lineup with the best cameras and body materials. Redmi is focused on the budget and mid-range segment, offering a balance of price and performance. POCO is a sub-brand focusing on maximum CPU power for games, often at the expense of body materials.

Often the same model is sold under different names in different countries, for example, what in China is known as the Redmi K50, in the global market can be released as the POCO F4. The specifications are identical, but the firmware may differ.

When looking for accessories, it's important to consider these differences: A case from the Redmi Note 11 may not fit the POCO M4 Pro, even if they look similar, due to the different location of the speakers or flash holes. Always check the exact model code, not just the marketing name.

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Codename is a universal key that combines different names of the same device in different regions of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)