Modern electronics owners often face the need to accurately identify their device, especially when it comes to finding specific drivers, firmware or compatible remotes. In the case of Xiaomi’s brand and its sub-brand Redmi, determining the exact modification can be an unobvious task due to the huge number of versions released with similar names. Knowledge of the full code of the device is critical when contacting technical support or buying wall mounts, where the size and location of holes are important.
There are several proven ways to get this information, from a simple visual inspection of the case to a deep dive into the system files of the Android TV or PatchWall operating system. In this article, we will discuss each method in detail so that you can easily find the data you need, even if the box from the device is long lost and the stickers are erased.
It’s important to understand that the marketing name you saw when you bought it (e.g. Mi TV 4S 50) is often different from the technical article used by engineers. It’s the technical code, usually consisting of letters and numbers, that is required to download the correct updates. Ignoring this fact can lead to the installation of incompatible versions of the software, which can cause malfunctions of smart functions.
Visual inspection of the body and factory stickers
The fastest and most reliable way to know your TV model is by physically inspecting the device. Electronics manufacturers are required to place information stickers on the case containing key identification data. Usually, this sticker is located on the back, often in the center part or closer to one of the lower corners. If the TV is fixed on the wall close to it, you may need to carefully remove it or use a mirror and flashlight for inspection.
On the factory label, you should be interested in the fields of Model or Model No. This is where the full technical code is listed, which may look like a model. L50M5-5ARU or L43M6-5AQ. There is also a serial number often present. SN and MAC-This data is unique to each instance, and allows you to accurately determine not only the series, but also the region for which the device was intended.
Decoding codes on a sticker
Sometimes the sticker may be partially damaged or worn during use, so don't rely on the look alone. Note that some Redmi models may duplicate the information on a separate insert in the box if it's retained. However, if the box is lost, go to software verification methods.
Find information in the MIUI TV system menu
The operating system on your TV stores all the hardware information you need. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android TV or PatchWall shell, but the search logic remains the same. You will need a remote control to navigate the menu.
To start, click the setting button (usually depicted as a gear) on the remote or find the corresponding icon at the top of the main screen.
- 📺 Go to Settings and select About the device or About TV.
- 📺 In the menu that opens, find the Model or Version line, where the full device code will be indicated.
- 📺 Pay attention to the Android version and version MIUI for TV, They are also important for application compatibility.
- 📺 In some versions of the firmware, you need to click on the System Update bar to see detailed technical information.
If the menu only lists a marketing name (e.g., simply “Mi TV 4A”), try pressing the confirmation button (OK) several times in a row on the line with the software version. This is a hidden developer method that often opens an extended menu with technical data, including the exact code of the motherboard.
💡
If the standard path in the menu does not give the full model code, try to go to the "Status" or "Network" section, there is sometimes duplicated technical information about network adapters indicating the model of the chipset.
Use of remote to enter the engineering menu
For more advanced users, there is a way to get detailed technical information through the service menu, which allows you to see data hidden from the average user, including the type of matrix, the number of cycles on and the exact revision of the board.
⚠️ Warning: Entering and changing the parameters inside the menu can cause a color recalibration or disruption of the TV. Don't change the settings unless you know exactly what they're responsible for!
To get into the service menu, turn on the TV and wait for the main screen to load. Then quickly press the button combination on the remote. For most Xiaomi and Redmi models, the combination works: the Settings button (cog) + Volume Down button (simultaneously). On some remotes without the setting buttons, you need to press the Back and Up button.
When you see a technical menu (usually a black screen with white or blue text), look for a Product Name or Model line, which will show the code you want to use. To exit the menu, just turn off the TV with the power button on the remote or press the Exit button if you have one.
Checking through the Mi Home mobile app
If your TV is connected to a Wi-Fi network and is tied to the smart home ecosystem, you can recognize its model through your smartphone. This is a convenient way if the remote is lost or not working. This will require the installed Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home) on the phone with the same Mi Account account as on the TV.
Open the app and find your TV in the device list. Click on the device icon to go to the control panel. Then click on the three dots in the upper right corner or select Settings (cog icon). General Information or Device Data shows the exact model name, MAC-address and current firmware version.
The advantage of this method is that the data is synchronized with the server, so you see the actual information even if the local firmware of the TV is buggy, and you can also see the date of the first activation of the device, which is useful when buying used equipment.
| Parameter | Where to find out. | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Model (Model) | Sticker at the back / Menu "About the device" | L43M6-5ASP |
| Serial number (SN) | Sticker / Engineering menu | R19B0001234 |
| Android version | Settings -> About the device | Android 9.0 |
| MIUI TV version | Settings -> About the device | 3.0.158 |
Documentation analysis and boxes
If you've bought a TV recently or you're storing a package, the easiest source of information is the box, and there's always a large barcode sticker on the side of the cardboard box, and it's duplicated all the key data: model, serial number, date of production, and configuration.
You can also find information on the warranty card or user instructions, if they are preserved. On the warranty card, the seller often enters the model manually or stamps the name of the device, which is a legally valid document, so the data there must match reality.
The user manual, especially on the front pages, always gives the full name of the series. However, remember that the manual may describe an entire line (for example, "Mi TV 4S Series"), rather than a specific diagonal. So check the data against the sticker on the box for 100% accuracy.
☑️ Checking data before contacting the service
Differences between Chinese and Chinese (CN vs Global)
One of the common problems Xiaomi TV owners have is the confusion between the Chinese version (CN) and the global (Global) (which may look identical but have different software and even different model codes. Chinese versions often have the prefix -CN at the end of the code or feature a lack of certain Wi-Fi frequencies and language support.
Global versions for the European and Russian markets have CE certification and support for a language package, including Russian. In the model code, this can be reflected by the letters RU or EU. If you try to install firmware from the global version on a Chinese TV (or vice versa), the device can turn into a “brick” or stop seeing air channels.
To determine the version, look at the power supply (if external) or the sticker: the presence of the CE sign indicates the European standard. Also, the Chinese versions often have a flat-type power plug that requires an adapter, whereas the global ones are equipped with a C (euro) or F fork.
💡
Never stitch a TV with firmware designed for another region without a deep knowledge of the implications, which may block the possibility of future upgrades.