Smartphone owners in China often face a situation where they need to identify a particular device, which may be necessary to find the right firmware, select accessories or contact a service center. Although the model name often appears on the box, the device itself may have an internal designation other than the marketing one.
Determining the actual model of a device is not just important for technologists; it is necessary for the average user when buying cases, glasses or when searching for drivers for a computer. There are many devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem with similar names, but different hardware.
There are several proven methods of identification, from viewing system settings to using engineering menus. The internal code of the model (for example, M2102J20G) is the only reliable way to distinguish the global version from the Chinese one.
Verification through MIUI and HyperOS system settings
The most obvious and safe way to do this is to look at the menu of the smartphone itself. The interface of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS contains all the information you need, but the location of the items may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system.
First, you need to unlock the screen and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear, and then you have to scroll down to the About Phone section, and that's where the basic summary of the device is collected.
At the top of the screen, you'll see the MIUI logo or HyperOS, and the system version, and a little bit below that will show you the name of the model you use in your daily life, but you'll need to click on the MIUI version or All settings for a precise identification.
- 📱 Go to the Settings menu on the desktop.
- 🔽 Scroll down and select About Phone.
- ℹ️ Click on the line with the model name or firmware version.
Once clicked, a detailed window will open, showing the full model code, consisting of letters and numbers, and information about the processor, RAM and Android version will be found here, which is critical when searching for files to flash.
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Write down the model code (e.g. 2201117SG) before going to the accessories store – this will ensure you buy a compatible case or glass.
Using engineering code for diagnostics
If you have limited access to the settings menu or the system is unstable, you can use a special engineering code, which works at the core system level and is available even in some interface failures, and allows you to see technical information without going deep into the menu.
To do this, open the Phone app and go to the dial tab. Enter the combination ##6484##. This command will automatically run the hidden CIT (Customer Interactive Test) menu for testing hardware.
At the top of the engineering menu screen, the device version and its exact code are often displayed. If you don't automatically transition, try the *#06# code that will display the device. IMEI-Although this is not the direct name of the model, IMEI Detection of the device through databases.
What if the code doesn't work?
Do not change the settings in the sections, the value of which you do not know, so as not to disrupt the operation of sensors or communication modules.
Analysis of the sticker on the case and box
Physical labeling remains one of the most reliable sources of information.Even if the phone is completely discharged or not turning on, a sticker on the back or tray SIM-This is especially true for devices purchased in China.
On most modern Xiaomi smartphones, the sticker is located on the back cover. If the device has a glass case, the information can be applied by a laser directly to the glass or be on the tray for the device. SIM-When you take out the tray, you can see the fine text with the model code.
The box from the device also contains all the necessary information. On one side facet, a white sticker with barcodes is usually pasted, and here you can see the model name, color, memory, serial number (S/N) and IMEI. Keeping the box is useful not only for identification, but also for warranty maintenance.
Note regional markings. Global versions often have the letter G at the end of the model code, Chinese versions have CN and Indian versions have IN. This distinction is important when choosing firmware, as flashing the regional version to the global version can lead to blocking.
Checking the model through Google Account
A convenient way to learn a phone model is to use Google services, because most Xiaomi devices are running Android and are linked to a Google account, information about them is synchronized with the searcher's servers.
Log in to your Google account from any other device (computer or tablet) and go to the device management section, which will display a list of all the gadgets that you sign in to, and the smartphone will be listed under its market name.
The good thing about this method is that it shows the device as the Google ecosystem sees it, but if the phone never connected to the Internet or the account was reset, the data may not be available, and it rarely specifies the exact technical code of the model.
| Method | Accuracy of data | Access to the OS is required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone settings | Tall. | Yes. | Low. |
| Engineering code | Maximum | Partially. | Medium |
| Sticker/Box | Maximum | No. | Low. |
| Google Account | Medium | Yeah (previously) | Low. |
Identification through computer and ADB
For advanced users who are engaged in flashing or deep tuning, the method of connecting to a PC is relevant. Using debugging over USB allows you to get comprehensive information about the hardware platform of the device.
To start, you need to activate the developer mode, and to do this, seven times click on the MIUI version number in the About Phone menu. Then, in the Developer menu that appears, turn on Debugging via USB.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. If you have Android SDK Platform Tools installed, you can use the ADB command. Open the command line on your PC and type in:
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThe team will return the exact internal name of the model, and you can also learn the brand and the device using ro.product.brand and ro.product.device, respectively, a professional method that eliminates any errors of interpretation.
☑️ Preparation for connection through ADB
Definition of the model IMEI-code
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique mobile device identifier, and knowing that number, you can find out the phone model through special online services or carrier databases, and this works even for completely locked devices.
You can find IMEI on a battery sticker (if it is removable), on a box or by typing *#06# in a call. Once you have a 15-digit number, type it on specialized directory sites.
This is a common approach used when buying a used phone, and you can check the model that the seller claims against the one on the IMEI database, which helps you avoid buying counterfeit or a device with modified firmware.
⚠️ Warning: Never give yours away IMEI-Knowing this number, it is theoretically possible to clone the ID, which could lead to the locking of your device by the operator.
Frequent Questions and Challenges (FAQ)
Why are the models different in the box and in the settings?
Can I change the phone model in the settings?
What does the letter at the end of the model code mean?
How to find out if the screen is broken and not working?
⚠️ Warning: When flashing your device, always check the model code. Installing firmware from another device (even with a similar name) is guaranteed to lead to a “bricking” of the smartphone.
Knowing the exact model of your Xiaomi is key to operating and maintaining your device properly. Use the methods described to be sure of the characteristics of your device. Always rely on technical codes, not just beautiful names.
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The fastest way to know the model is the About Phone menu, the most reliable (if the phone does not turn on) is a sticker on the case or box.