Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face a situation where it is necessary to accurately identify the device, which may be necessary to find a suitable case, check firmware compatibility or issue a warranty. However, the labeling in the settings menu and the real trade name of the model may differ, which is confusing.
The manufacturer uses a complex coding system where the same device can be called differently depending on the region of sale, for example, the global version and the version for the Chinese market have different code names, although they are externally and technically identical, understanding these differences is critical when reflashing or buying parts.
In this article, we will discuss all available methods for determining the exact code of the device, we will look at both software methods through the MIUI interface and physical marking on the case, accurate identification will help avoid errors in the maintenance of the gadget.
Checking through the smartphone settings menu
The most obvious and affordable way to find out about the device is to look at the system menu. To do this, unlock the screen and find the Settings icon. In the list that opens, you need to select About Phone, which is usually located at the top or in the Additional section.
On the screen that opens, you'll see the model name, which is shown in large print. However, this is often a marketing name, such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro. To see the technical code, you need to click several times in a row on the line MIUI Version or OS Version. This action activates the hidden menu or simply displays additional code in parentheses, for example, 2101GN7G.
This digital code is the unique identifier for your specific modification, and it tells you about your region, memory, and frequency support, and remember or write down these numbers, because that's what you're going to be looking for in the future.
💡
If clicking on the MIUI version does not show the code, try tapping 7-10 times on the "Android Version" or "Kernel Version" line to activate the developer mode, where the information can be more detailed.
It's worth noting that some HyperOS shells or newer versions of MIUI may have slightly different interfaces. If you didn't find the code right after the firmware version, try looking for the All Options button in the upper right corner of the screen, which often hides the full technical specification, including the project codename, like lmi or vayu.
Use of the USSD-code-menu
An alternative and very fast method of obtaining data is using a special system code. Open the Phone application and type the combination ##6484##. CIT-Menu (Customer Integration Test) used by engineers to test components.
Once you log in, you'll immediately see a list of all the hardware components and, importantly, the exact model of the device. Look for the Model or Project Name line. This shows exactly the code you need for firmware, like the M2010J19SG. This method works even if the touch screen is intermittent but responds to input.
- 📱 The code is available on 99% of Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO without exception.
- 🔧 Menus. CIT It also allows you to check the serviceability of sensors, screen and vibromotor.
- 🚫 No Internet connection is required to call the menu or SIM-map.
What if the code doesn't work?
It's important to understand that this menu is for diagnostics. Don't change the settings inside the CIT unless you know exactly what each item is responsible for. Accidental activation of some tests can block some of the phone's functions before rebooting.
Analysis of the sticker on the box and case
If the phone doesn't turn on or the screen is broken, only a physical examination remains. Some models (especially those with a non-removable battery) may have markings on the back wall, but most often they are under the lid. Access often requires a special blade and heating of the edges of the case, which can lead to a loss of warranty if the sloppy opening.
The most reliable source is the original box. On one side face or on the end is a white barcode sticker. It shows the full model name, color, memory and, most importantly, the model code (Model, M2101K7BNY).
| Location of data | Type of information | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| About the phone menu | Marketing name + code | Tall. |
| The sticker on the box | Full model code + IMEI | Maximum |
| Under the battery (if removable) | Serial number + model | Medium |
| CIT menu (code) | Technical code of the project | Tall. |
Note the IMEI code, which is also stamped on the box. The first 8 digits (TAC code) can tell you about the manufacturer and the base model of the device. Although they are more difficult to determine the exact modification (Global or China), they will help distinguish Redmi from Xiaomi or POCO.
☑️ Checking the data on the box
Model definition through computer and ADB
For advanced users who plan to unlock a bootloader or install custom software, the best way to connect to a PC is to install ADB drivers and Platform Tools. Connect the phone in USB debugging mode.
Open the command line on your computer and type in a command to query system properties, which will give you the most reliable information that you can't hide software if the phone is even partially functional.
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelIt is also useful to know the code name of the device that is used in the development communities (for example, on 4PDA or XDA).
adb shell getprop ro.product.deviceThe result is a short word, like cepheus or davinci, and knowing it will instantly find all the files and instructions you need, a method that is indispensable when the phone's interface doesn't display the full data because of software failures.
⚠️ Attention: For work ADB It is necessary to activate the developer mode in advance and enable debugging by USB Without it, the computer won't be able to read the information.
Differences between the Chinese and Global Versions
One of the main reasons why it is important to know the exact code of the model is the difference between versions for different markets. Chinese versions (CN) often have more powerful hardware or additional features, but lack important communication frequencies (Band 20) and Google services out of the box.
Global versions (Global) are adapted for Europe and the CIS, have Google Play preinstalled and support for all the necessary ranges. In model code, this is often reflected in the last letter: G (Global), I (India), C (China). For example, M2007J17G is a global, and M2007J17C is China.
When you buy a smartphone on marketplaces like AliExpress, you can stream Chinese versions into global ones, and the Global Version will be written on the outside and on the menu, but the model code will remain the Chinese index, which poses risks when you upgrade to the "over the air" (OTA).
- 🌍 Global versions work more consistently with Russian telecom operators.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese versions may have Band 20 blocked, making it worse 4G town.
- 🔄 Re-flashed devices may lose the ability to update the system automatically.
So always check the code in the About phone menu with the code on the box. If they're different or you see the C in the code and the seller says it's global, you should think about the origin of the device.
Search for information on IMEI in online databases
If none of these methods worked, you can use international databases. You can find the IMEI code by typing *#06# on any phone, even a locked phone, a 15-digit number that is unique to each device.
There are many services, such as IMEI.info or Xiaomi's official warranty check site, and by entering a number, you will receive a detailed report: release date, exact model, color and warranty status. This is especially useful when buying a used phone to make sure that the details have not changed and the device is not listed as stolen.
⚠️ Warning: Never give yours away IMEI And knowing this number, in theory, attackers can clone the identity of the device to access the networks, although in practice it is difficult.
Using online services also allows you to check whether the device is refurbished, and the report may indicate that the device has been serviced, which affects its market value.
💡
The most reliable way to verify this is to compare the model code in the settings menu to the code on the box's factory sticker, and complete matching ensures that the software matches the hardware.