Owning a Xiaomi device often requires users to specify specifications for a device, such as finding a suitable case, checking firmware compatibility, or getting a warranty from a service center, but the Mi lineup is so extensive that it can be difficult to visually distinguish some versions.
Understanding how to recognize the Xiaomi Mi model is a fundamental skill for any owner of the brand ecosystem. Incorrectly defined modification can lead to the installation of incompatible software, which can lead to data loss. We will look at all the available identification methods, from simple software methods to hardware tags.
In this article, we will take a look at the software and physical methods for determining the version of your device, learn how to read the factory label and understand the difference between the global and Chinese versions, and this knowledge will help you avoid mistakes when upgrading your system or buying accessories.
Identification through Android system settings
The easiest and safest way to know which Xiaomi Mi model you have is to look at the menu of the device itself. The MIUI or HyperOS operating system stores this information publicly available to the user. You do not need special skills or a computer connection.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section, which is where all the key hardware and software information is concentrated. Depending on the shell version, the line with the model name may be called differently, but it's usually at the top of the screen.
Note the line "Device model." Here you'll see an alphanumeric code that is unique to service centers. For example, the Xiaomi Mi 9 may hide the M1903F3G code. This code is critical when looking for drivers or firmware.
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Write down the alphanumeric code of the model (e.g. M1903F3G) and not just the marketing name (Mi 9).
A marketing name such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro is used for sales, whereas a technical code is used to accurately identify components. In some cases, the same model may have different codes depending on the region of sale.
Use of the engineering menu and USSD-code
If you have limited access to the settings menu or want more technical information, you can use special codes. Entering certain combinations in the Phone app opens up hidden sections of the engineering menu.
The most universal code for Xiaomi devices is ##6484##. Entering this combination automatically triggers the CIT (Customer Interface Test) menu, where you can not only check the performance of the sensors, but also see the exact name of the model at the top of the screen or in the Version Information section.
- 📱 Code *#06# - displays IMEI and a serial number that can be broken into the database.
- ⚙️ Code ##4636## – opens the testing menu, where the phone information section often lists the model.
- 🔍 Code ##6484## Directly hitting the Engineering Menu.
It is important to understand that on some global firmware versions, access to the engineering menu may be restricted by the manufacturer for security reasons, in which case the system may simply ignore the input or show an error message, which is normal behavior for the latest versions of Android.
Physical marking: box and back panel
When the device is turned off or is not showing signs of life, the only source of information is its physical shell and packaging materials, and the factory sticker on the box contains the most complete and reliable information about the particular instance.
There's always a white barcode label on the end of the box, and here you'll find the "Model" line, followed by the technical code of the device, and it also shows the color, the amount of internal memory, and the region that the batch of gadgets was intended for.
⚠️ Warning: Never throw away the box immediately after purchase. In case of warranty, the service center may require the original packaging or at least a photo label from the product. IMEI model.
If the box is lost, check the back cover of the smartphone. Many Xiaomi models, especially those released for the Chinese market, have model information in small print on the back, but this information is often missing on global versions due to minimalist design requirements.
You should also pay attention to the tray. SIM-On some models, such as the Mi Mix or the flagship Mi series, the model number can be engraved on a metal tray frame, which requires good lighting and possibly a magnifying glass to read.
Checking by IMEI and serial number
The unique identifier of any mobile device is the IMEI number. Knowing this code, you can find out the model of the phone through official databases or verification services, this is especially useful when buying a used device.
You can find IMEI on the box, in the settings (“About Phone”) or by typing the universal code *#06# in the call. Once you have a 15-digit code, you can enter it on specialized sites such as miui.com or third-party warranty check services.
The system will provide a detailed report, which will specify the exact model, date of first inclusion and status of warranty service, which allows you to identify the regurgitated housings or devices assembled from different parts, which is sometimes found in the secondary market.
☑️ Checking the device before buying
Serial number (SN) is also an important parameter, although it is less versatile than IMEI. It is unique to each device and is tied to a specific production cycle. When calling in support of Xiaomi, operators first request SN.
Identification through computer and ADB
For advanced users who are engaged in flashing or deep diagnostics, the most accurate method is to connect to a computer. Using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging bridge allows you to get direct information from the system.
Once you connect your smartphone to your PC and you enable USB debugging, you can run a command that will display all the properties of the device, which is the most reliable way, since the data is read directly from system files that are difficult to forge software.
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThis command will return the technical name of the model, but if you need to know more about the code of the device, use the command:
adb shell getprop ro.product.device⚠️ Attention: To work with ADB You need to install Xiaomi drivers USB Driver and Android Platform SDK Without drivers, the computer will not be able to correctly identify the connected device.
The command line is advantageous if the phone's screen is broken and you can't see the image, but the sensor is partially working, or if the system is loading but the interface is not responding. It's a professional diagnostic method.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Table of popular models and their codes
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of devices, we've created tables for marketing names and technical codes, which will help you quickly navigate if you see the code in the settings, but don't remember what kind of phone it is.
| Marketing name | Technical code (Model) | Code name | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | M2011K2G | venus | 2021 |
| Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro | M2007J3SY | apollo | 2020 |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 | M1903F3G | cepheus | 2019 |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 | M1807E8A | dipper | 2018 |
Knowing a code name (like cepheus) is especially useful when searching for custom firmware on developer forums like 4PDA or XDA. Often discussions are conducted under code names rather than commercial names.
Differences between the Chinese and Global Versions
One of the most common problems is confusion between the global (Global) and Chinese (CN) versions of the same device, which may be identical on the outside, but the technical code of the model will differ by the last letter or number.
For example, the Xiaomi Mi 10 model can have code ending in G (Global) or C (China), which is critical, since the firmware from the global version will not stand on the Chinese version without unlocking the bootloader and changing the region, and vice versa.
Global versions typically have a wider range of supported LTE frequencies and Google services pre-installed. Chinese versions may lose some Band 20 (frequency), which is important for residents of Europe and Russia using 4G in rural areas.
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Always check the last letter in the model code. For Russia and Europe, the best versions with the ending of G, E or RU. Versions with the ending of C or A are designed for the markets of China and the United States, respectively.
When buying a device by a gray importer, be sure to check the code on the box with the code in the menu. If they differ, this may indicate that the Chinese version has been reflashed to the global version, which sometimes leads to problems with notifications and banking applications.