Have you bought a used Xiaomi smartphone, lost your box, or just forgotten what model you have? Determining the exact modification of the device is critically important β it depends on the compatibility of firmware, the choice of cases, accessories and even repairs. For example, the battery from the Redmi Note 10 Pro is not suitable for the POCO X3 Pro, although the devices are similar on the surface. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, including hidden menus and decoding IMEI β from the simplest to the most advanced.
Xiaomi makes dozens of models annually, and the sub-brands Redmi and POCO only complicate the task. Even experienced users sometimes confuse the Mi 11 Lite with the Mi 11 Lite 5G NE - the difference in one character, and the iron is completely different. We have collected methods that work on all Xiaomi devices (including the old Mi A1 and the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra), regardless of the MIUI version or the screen condition.
1. The fastest way: look in the settings of the phone
If the phone is powered on and running MIUI (even on Chinese firmware), the model can be recognized in 10 seconds through the standard menu.This method is suitable for 99% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi and POCO.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Phone in English firmware).
- The first line is the device model (e.g. 2201116PG for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).
Here you will see the full model name (e.g. Xiaomi 13T Pro) and a code name (e.g. redwood) and a code name will come in handy if you are looking for custom firmware or mods. Some firmware (e.g. global EEA) may not have the full model name β only code (e.g. M2007J22G).
Model number (e.g. 2201116PG)
Full name (e.g. POCO F4 GT)
MIUI version (e.g. 14.0.5)
Code name (e.g. "ingres")
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β οΈ Note: On some devices POCO The About Phone section can be called Device or Phone Information. If you don't find it, search the settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and type in the "model" queryΒ».
2.Look for a model on a box or sticker under the battery
If the phone doesn't turn on or you don't have access to settings, check the original box. It always has a model on it -- usually on a barcode sticker.
- π¦ Model: 2201116PG (full-length)
- π¦ Xiaomi 12 Pro (consumer name)
- π¦ Made in India/China (production)
If there is no box, look at the sticker under the battery (on removable batteries) or under the back cover (on non-removable models).
- Turn off the phone.
- Remove the tray for SIM-cards (may need a paper clip).
- Illuminate the area around the slot with a flashlight - sometimes the model is indicated in small print.
Where else could there be a model sticker?
β οΈ Note: Fake Xiaomi phones often have fake stickers, and if the model on the box and in the settings doesn't match, it's a reason to check the device through the phone. IMEI (Also beware of typo stickers (e.g. Xioami instead of Xiaomi).
3. Use code ##4636## for the engineering menu
If the standard settings don't show the model or you doubt its validity, use the Android engineering menu. This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including devices with custom firmware. Type on the phone keyboard:
##4636##Once you enter, the Testing menu will open. Go to the Device Information tab and find the lines:
- π± Model of telephone, for example, M2007J22G)
- π± Assembly number (e.g, MIUI Global 14.0.4)
- π± Device name (codename, for example, courbet for Mi 11 Lite) 5G)
If the code doesnβt work (some versions of MIUI do), try an alternative:
##225##This code will open the Calendar menu, but a device model may appear at the top of the screen.
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If the engineering menu doesn't open, check if the security app (such as Security or Google Play Protect) is blocking it, temporarily turn off the protection in the security settings and re-enter the code.
4. IMEI model determination (even if the phone is not turned on)
IMEI β It's your phone's unique identifier, which you can use to identify the model, even if the device is not working. IMEI one-way:
- π’ On the box (near the barcode).
- π’ On the sticker under the battery.
- π’ In settings: About the phone β General information β IMEI.
- π’ Type *#06# and it will be displayed. IMEI (It works even on a phone with a dead battery).
When you have an IMEI, go to one of the services to check:
| Service | Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI.info | imei.info | Shows model, year of release, country of production |
| Xiaomi IMEI Checker | imei.info/xiaomi | Specializes in Xiaomi devices, shows codename |
| GSMArena | gsmarena.com | It allows you to compare characteristics with other models |
β οΈ Note: If the service shows a model that does not match the inscription on the box (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro instead of the model). POCO M2 Pro, your device may be:
- π Relabeled (e.g. Redmi sold as POCO).
- π οΈ Replaced motherboard (often after repair).
- π¨ Fake (remark).
Yes, I bought a used phone with a different model | Yeah, but I found it before I bought | No, it always matched | I didn't check.
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5. Check the model through Fastboot (for experienced users)
If the phone doesn't turn on but it does respond to a connection to the computer, you can recognize the model through Fastboot mode. This method requires ADB and Fastboot on the PC, but it gives a 100% accurate result.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power Button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:
fastboot getvar productYou will get a code name for the model (e.g. product: courbet for the Mi 11 Lite 5G).
| Code name | Xiaomi model | Year of release |
|---|---|---|
| cezanne | Mi 11X / POCO F3 | 2021 |
| alioth | POCO F3 GT / Redmi K40 Gaming | 2021 |
| lisa | Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE | 2021 |
| thor | Redmi K30 Ultra / Mi 10T Pro | 2020 |
A full list of Xiaomi codenames can be found on the XiaomiUI website. If fastboot does not recognize the device, install the Mi Flash Tool drivers.
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The code name for the model is a universal identifier that can be used to find firmware, cores and modifications. For example, the firmware for cezanne will work for both the Mi 11X and the POCO F3, since it is the same hardware.
6. Alternative methods: through applications and Mi Account
If none of these methods worked, try these options:
- π± Mi Community app: Open the official app, go to profile β My devices. This will show all the models attached to the Xiaomi account.
β οΈ Note: If you buy a used phone and the seller refuses to show the model through settings or IMEI, It's a reason to be alert:
- π§ It is made from different parts ("FrankensteinΒ»).
- π΅ Blacklist of operators (stolen/unpaid).
- π Unofficially delivered (may not support local networks).
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Before buying used Xiaomi check IMEI on the CIS-Deep. If the status of "Wanted" or "Lost", refuse the deal - the phone can be blocked by the operator.