Owning a device from a popular Chinese manufacturer often requires users to accurately identify the gadget. The phone model is not just a beautiful marketing name like the Redmi Note 12 Pro, but the technical code needed to find firmware, accessories or parts. Often owners confuse the series of devices, believing that all smartphones in the same line are identical in internal structure, which is a mistake.
Understanding how to view a Xiaomi model on a phone is critical when installing customized recavators, finding drivers or issuing warranties. Marketing name may match different versions (Global, China, EEA), but the technical index will differ. It is this index that determines the compatibility of the software with your particular hardware.
There are many ways to get this information, from simple interface actions to the use of special engineering codes, and we will look at each method in detail so that you can choose the most convenient for your situation, even if the screen of the device is partially out of order.
Checking through the system settings menu
The most obvious and safe method available to every user is to access the standard operating system interface, which requires unlocking the screen and finding the Settings app, which is usually geared, and scroll down to About Phone (or About Device) in the list that opens.
This section shows the basic information: the version of MIUI or HyperOS, the security patch level and, most importantly, the model name. However, it often indicates the marketing name. To see the technical code, you need to click on the line with the name of the firmware version several times in a row (usually 5-7 times).
After this action, the hidden menu version of MIUI will open, where the line "Inner version" appears at the top of the screen. It is this code (for example, 22101320G) that is the key identifier. It reports on the region (G - Global, C - China) and the specific hardware auditor of the device.
⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse the model code with the build number. The model code always has letter indexes at the end indicating the region, and the build number is the Android version digits and the model code is the same as the Android version. MIUI.
This method is universal and works on all current devices, including sub-brands POCO and Redmi. Even if the system interface is changed by a third-party theme, the path through the settings remains unchanged, since this is the system layer of Android.
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Remember or write down the last 3-4 characters of the model code – they often indicate the color of the case or the amount of memory that is important when ordering spare parts.
Use of the engineering menu and USSD-code
To get more insight into the hardware, Xiaomi has implemented special diagnostic codes that are entered through the standard Phone app, where they usually dial a number, and it works even when the screen is locked (if you have access to an emergency call) or when you have a touchscreen problem.
The most informative code is ##6484##. When you enter it, the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu automatically opens, where you can not only see the full model information, but also test each module of the smartphone: vibrator, display, microphones, proximity sensors.
Another useful code is *#06#. It displays it on the screen. IMEI-codes and, often at the bottom of the list, the technical name of the model, which is especially useful when you need to quickly verify data without going deep into the menu.
- 📱 Code ##4636## opens the testing menu, where you can see detailed network and device statistics in the Phone Information tab.
- 🔧 Code ##64663## is an alternative entry to the engineering menu on some older versions. MIUI.
- 📶 Code ##778## (PCB Configuration) shows the configuration of the board and the hardware version, which is useful for engineers.
These codes are safe and do not require root rights, but be careful inside the CIT menu: changing some settings without understanding their purpose can lead to sensors not working properly.
Analysis of factory packaging and documentation
If the smartphone doesn't turn on or the screen is completely broken, the only source of reliable information is the original packaging. The box from Xiaomi contains a barcode sticker that always shows the exact Model, which is the most reliable way to identify a dead device.
There's a white label on the back of the box or on the end, and look for a line that starts with "Model." Nearby, you'll usually have color and memory, which should match what you see in the settings of the device.
You can also find information on a warranty card or check if it's still there. Sellers often put the full model name on the invoice. The documents can include both the marketing name and the technical code, so check both options.
| Where to find | What is stated | Credibility |
|---|---|---|
| The sticker on the box | Exact technical code (e.g. 2201116SG) | 100% |
| About the phone menu | Marketing name + code on click | 100% |
| Back cover (sticker) | Model and IMEI (on older models) | 100% |
| Check/Guarantee | Often just a marketing name. | 80% |
Therefore, the box remains the main physical carrier of information about the specification of the gadget.
Model definition through computer and ADB
For advanced flashing users, the most accurate method is to connect the smartphone to a PC. Using USB debugging allows you to get comprehensive information about the system through console commands, this is especially true if the system interface is damaged or malfunctioning.
To start, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version. Then, in advanced settings, enable USB Debugging. Connect your phone to your computer with a cable.
Using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) toolkit, you can request the name of the model by the command:
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThis command returns the exact technical index of the device, and you can also use the command adb shell getprop ro.product.device, which will show the code name of the device (for example, diting for Redmi Note 11T Pro), this data is indispensable when searching for specific drivers.
⚠️ Attention: For work ADB Xiaomi drivers must be installed on the computer and ADB. Without them, the computer will not recognize the device in debugging mode.
If you don't have the ability to use the command line, programs like Mi Flash Tool or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools also display the connected model in the main window immediately after the connection, which is convenient for visual verification.
☑️ Check before connecting to the PC
Search for information by IMEI and serial number
Each Xiaomi device has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which allows you to break through the exact model of the device through official services or third-party databases, which is useful if there is no marking on the case and menus are not available.
Find out. IMEI You can use the code *#06# or look at the tray. SIM-maps (in some models it is struck with a laser). IMEI Often duplicated on a box next to a barcode.
Xiaomi’s official warranty check site (mi.com/global/verify) lets you enter IMEI and get full information about the device, including its exact model and activation date.This also helps verify the authenticity of the smartphone, as fakes often have incorrect IMEIs.
- 🌐 The imei.info website provides a detailed specification for the entered IMEI, including year of issue and region.
- 📱 In the application Services (Security) on the phone itself you can also find a section with information about the device and IMEI.
- 🔍 Search engines Google or Yandex on request "IMEI + The number is often given out forums where this model was discussed.
Using IMEI is particularly effective when buying a used device, and you can check in advance whether the model claimed by the seller corresponds to the actual characteristics broken through the database.
What to do if IMEI is not readable?
Visual differences and code names
Understanding Xiaomi’s naming system helps you navigate models quickly. Devices often have codenames that are used in the development community, such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro known as sweet, and the Xiaomi Mi 11 as venus.
Knowing the code name is useful when looking for modifications. Often the same model comes in versions with Snapdragon and MediaTek processors, and they have different code names despite the same marketing name.
Visually, the models can be distinguished by the location of the cameras, the presence or absence of a 3.5 mm connector, the type of fingerprint scanner (in the button or under the screen), but you should not rely on the appearance alone, since the design may differ slightly in different regions.
The technical index (e.g. M2102J20SG) stands for the first two digits (21) for the year of development (2021), the next two (02) for the month, the letters at the end indicate the region: G - Global, C - China, I - India, T - Taiwan.
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The exact technical code of the model (e.g. 2201116SG) is more important than the marketing name, as it ensures that the firmware is compatible with your hardware.