How to know exactly the model of the Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

The Chinese giant’s device owners often face a situation where it is necessary to accurately identify a gadget, such as searching for drivers, firmware, accessories, or simply to clarify technical specifications in the secondary market. Despite the apparent simplicity, model identification is sometimes difficult due to differences between marketing names and actual hardware codes.

The diversity of brands in the company’s ecosystem, including Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco, creates confusion. The same device can be sold under different names in different regions of the world. For example, what is known in Europe as the Redmi Note 10 Pro may have a completely different name in China. Understanding this difference is critical, especially if you are planning to reflash or buy parts.

In this article, we will take a look at all the methods available to identify your device, including standard system settings, hidden engineering menus, box and documentation checks, and the use of special computer utilities, and learn to distinguish between global and Chinese versions, which will prevent errors when installing software.

Verification of information in system settings

The most obvious and affordable way to do this, without having to connect to a computer or have a box, is to use the menu of the smartphone itself. The Android operating system with the MIUI shell or HyperOS stores basic information about the hardware in the settings section. However, it often displays the commercial name, rather than the technical code of the model.

To find this data, you need to go to the Settings menu and scroll down to About Phone. At the top of the screen, you'll see a large image of the device and its name. That's what's in the brochures. But for more accurate identification, you need to click on the MIUI version or OS version multiple times to activate the extended menu, although newer firmware versions often provide detailed information right away.

⚠️ Note: The About Phone section often only lists a marketing name (e.g., Redmi Note 12).This may not be enough to find firmware or parts, as one model may have multiple CPU or screen modifications.

If the standard path isn't enough, try to find the line "Device model" or "Model." In some cases, the system hides the detailed code by showing only the serial number. Then you should pay attention to the build number. The combination of letters and numbers at the end of the string of the firmware version often indicates a region (CN - China, Global - world, RU - Russia / CIS), which indirectly confirms the origin of the device.

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Remember or take a picture of the build number, as it contains the region code, which is important when choosing the right firmware version to restore the system.

Use of the USSD-code and engineering menu

A more reliable method that works even on locked screens or when interface failures is the input of a special device. USSD-Universal team for all. GSM-The device allows you to display hidden technical information, including IMEI and often the exact code of the model.

To do this, open the Phone app and type *#06#. Once you enter the last grille, the menu will open automatically. You will see a list of identifiers. If you have a dual-symbol device, there will be two IMEI codes. Below or next to them is often the line "Model" or "MEID".

• 📱 IMEI 1 is a unique identifier of the first SIM card, tied to the communication module.
• 📱 IMEI 2 – identifier of the second SIM card (relevant to Dual) SIM).
• 🆔 Model - the technical code of the device (for example, 2201116SG), spare-parts-finding.
• 🔧 MEID — Equipment ID used in networks CDMA (less common in CIS).

The resulting model code (usually made up of numbers and letters, such as the M2101K7BG) is the most accurate key to search for information. The first two or four digits often indicate the year of release, and the letter suffix at the end indicates the region. For example, the suffix G usually stands for Global version, and I is the Indian version. Knowing this code, you can never go wrong when ordering a display or battery.

Analysis of the sticker on the body and packaging

If the phone doesn’t turn on or the screen is broken, physical labeling becomes the only source of truth. Most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones (especially in the Chinese versions) have a factory sticker on the back, and the global versions may not have it because of the design requirements, but it’s always on the box.

This label contains all the information you need: serial number (S/N), IMEI, production date and, most importantly, exact model. Look for the line "Model." It also lists the battery type and charging inputs, and this information is duplicated on the original cardboard box, usually on one of the side faces or on the bottom.

It is important to compare the data from the sticker and the data that the phone gives out software (if it turns on). If you bought a device from hand and found a discrepancy between the code on the box and the code in the system, this is an alarm signal.

Decoding of Xiaomi model codes

Understanding the logic of the name helps you navigate the characteristics quickly. Model engineering codes are not random. They follow a certain system, knowing which, you can determine the approximate year of release and the series of devices without going to the search engine.

Modern codes often start with numbers that indicate the year and month of development or announcement. For example, model 2201116SG. Here 22 points to 2022, 01 - January. Next comes the project number. The letters at the end, as mentioned, speak about the region. This helps distinguish the Chinese version from the global version, which is critical for banking applications and NFC.

Below is a table with examples of decoding popular suffixes and prefixes found in model codes:

Using this data, you can quickly determine if you are trying to sell the Chinese version under the guise of global. Chinese versions often lack the Band 7 and Band 20 bands needed to work in Europe and the CIS, which leads to poor reception in rural areas.

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The suffix at the end of the model code (G, I, CN) is more important than the name on the box, as it determines the set of supported communication frequencies and the presence of Google services out of the box.

Use of AIDA64 application and third-party utilities

To get the most detailed information about the hardware, including the exact name of the processor, the type of screen matrix and the model of the camera sensor, built-in tools may not be enough, in such cases, specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue.

One of the most authoritative tools is the AIDA64 app. Once installed and launched, it conducts a deep scan of the system. In the Device section, you will see not only the model, but also the codename of the platform, for example, lmi for Poco F2 Pro or gauguin for Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. This name is critical for advanced users engaged in firmware through Fastboot.

Other useful tools, such as CPU-Z or Device Info HW, also let you know the model. The CPU-Z tab on Device displays the exact name of the model and hardware platform. These applications are useful when you need to check whether the service center has swapped the original display or battery for a cheap counterpart, and there may be unknown vendors in the description of the components.

Definition of the model through the computer and Fastboot

If the phone is in a “brick” state (not booting into the system) or the screen is completely black, but the device responds to buttons, the model can be recognized through a PC connection.

To enter Fastboot mode, turn off your phone and press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android, or the words FASTBOOT. Connect the device to your computer via USB. If you have an ADB/Fastboot driver installed, you can open the command line and type in:

fastboot getvar all

In the output of the command, among the many lines, there will be a product (bootloader) or (bootloader) variant option that will indicate the code name of the model. Even without commands, when connected in this mode, Windows Device Manager often displays the device as “Android” with the model code in parentheses or description, if the drivers are installed correctly.

⚠️ Warning: Don't click the Start or Download button in your firmware (Mi Flash) unless you're sure of compatibility. Simple connecting to view information is secure, but any recording activity can erase data.

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