How to find out the version of Xiaomi: the complete guide

Users often face the need to pinpoint specifications of their device, especially when searching for drivers, firmware or when communicating with technical support. The question of how to find out the Xiaomi version is one of the most common, as the company produces hundreds of models with different modifications of memory and processors. Understanding the exact revision of the gadget helps to avoid errors when installing software.

There are several levels of identification in the Chinese manufacturer’s ecosystem: it can be a commercial name (e.g. Redmi Note 12), a codename for the model, or a version of the MIUI and HyperOS operating system. Each of these parameters plays an important role in certain situations, for example, you will need a code name to unlock the bootloader, and to select a case – an exact commercial name.

We’ll look at all the methods available, from standard settings to an engineering menu, so you can get a comprehensive information about your device.It’s important not to confuse the Android version with the shell version, as these are different software layers. Xiaomi provides a variety of diagnostic tools that are hidden from the eyes of the average user, but are available to everyone.

Verification of MIUI and HyperOS through Settings

The most obvious and affordable way to find out the current build of the operating system is to use the standard settings menu, which displays the information you need to understand the relevance of your software. Usually, users look for the build number when they want to check whether the next security update or a new feature has arrived.

To get the data, you need to open the Settings app and scroll to the top. On the About Phone homepage, you'll see the MIUI or HyperOS logo. If you click on this logo, the animation will run and below it will be detailed technical information. The Android version is also listed here, which is important for app compatibility.

The interface may vary slightly depending on whether you have an old MIUI or a new HyperOS. HyperOS has made the design more minimal, but the location of the key data remains the same. Note the OS version line, where the build number is indicated.

💡

The build number is a unique identifier of a particular firmware version, which can accurately determine the release date and the list of changes in the patch note.

Device model identification and code name

Knowing the exact model of a smartphone is critical when buying accessories, parts, or when searching for specific drivers for a PC. The commercial name you saw on the box is often different from the technical identifier used in system files. The difference between the two can be significant, especially for global versions.

To find this information, go to Settings → About Phone. In the settings list, find the "Device Model" line. By clicking on it a few times, you can see more detailed information or copy the serial number. The codename is often hidden and requires careful review of the specifications on the forums, if it is not displayed explicitly.

• 📱 Commercial Name – the name under which the phone is sold in retail (for example, Xiaomi 13).
• 🔧 Model Number: A technical index consisting of letters and numbers (e.g, 22101320G).
• 💻 Codename is the internal name of a project for developers (e.g., fuxi).

It's important to understand that the same model can have different code names depending on the region of release. For example, the Chinese version and the global version of the same smartphone can differ not only in firmware, but also in hardware, such as support for frequency ranges. The engineering menu can also contain this data, but access is limited.

Using the Engineering Menu for Diagnostics

To test the hardware and software version in depth, there is a special diagnostic interface known as the CIT Engineering Menu, which is designed to test all components of a smartphone before sale or after repair, and is accessed through the standard Phone app.

To enter the menu, open the "ringer" and dial the combination ##64663##. Once the last digit is entered, the screen will automatically switch to the test list. Here you can check the display, sensor, speakers and cameras. The hardware version is often duplicated in one of the items on this menu.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when changing the settings in the engineering menu. recalibrating the sensor or changing the network parameters without understanding the process can lead to malfunction of the device.

In some models, especially newer versions of HyperOS, CIT entry can be blocked or changed. If the standard code doesn't work, try ##4636##, which opens the phone information testing menu, and it displays battery status and usage statistics, which is also useful for diagnosis.

Definition of Android Version and Security Patch

Many users confuse the MIUI shell version with the Android version of the underlying operating system. These are two different indicators: Android is the foundation, and MIUI/HyperOS is the add-on above it. Some applications or games require a minimum version of the green robot to be installed, which must be checked separately.

This can be found by clicking on the “Android Version” section of the About Phone section, usually after a few clicks, a screen with a logo and version number (such as Android 13 or 14) appears, and the date of the security patch is also indicated here, which is important for protecting against vulnerabilities.

Regular updates to security patches protect your personal data from new threats. If your device stops receiving security updates, it signals that its life cycle is coming to an end.

💡

If the Android build number doesn't change after the MIUI update, that's fine.The base OS version is updated less often than the shell.

Search for information through ADB and computer

For advanced users who want to get the most accurate data without logging into the phone menu, USB debugging is a great way to do it. Connecting to a computer allows you to unload the full system log, which contains information about every piece of hardware and software, which is indispensable if the touch screen is damaged.

You'll need to turn on developer mode, activate USB debugging, and install ADB drivers on your PC. Once you've connected your phone, run the command line: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental. It'll return the exact build number. Use adb shell getprop ro.product.model to get the model.

adb shell dumpsys window | grep mCurrentFocus

This command will show the current active window, which can be useful for debugging the interface. Using the command line gives access to hidden system properties that are not displayed in the user interface. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a powerful tool in the hands of a specialist.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete or modify system files through ADB, If you don't know exactly what each parameter is responsible for, it can lead to a bootloop).

Frequent questions and problems with version definition

Users often ask why the version number doesn't match across resources or how to find out the firmware region. Identity problems can arise after flashing the device from the Chinese version to the global version, in which case system information can be changed or hidden by modifiers.

Sometimes the phone shows one version in the settings and the other when checked through the PC, which is typical of custom firmware or devices that have passed through the service centers with flashing, the only way to know the "native" version in this case is to look at the sticker under the battery (if it is removable) or on the original box.