How to know exactly the model of Xiaomi smart watches: from the box to hidden codes

Xiaomi smartwatches are some of the most popular wearables on the market, but their variety of models (from Mi Band to Watch S3) sometimes baffles users. Have you bought a used gadget without a box, lost documents or simply forgotten which version your watch has? Without the exact model name, it is difficult to find firmware, accessories or repair instructions. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of identification – from the obvious (inspection of the case and packaging) to the hidden (service menus and ADB- commands).

Xiaomi’s peculiarity is that even seemingly similar models (such as the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 7) can have different specifications and firmware compatibility. Misiding to define a model can cause the device to fail after an incorrect upgrade or buying incompatible straps. It is important to use several methods of verification – especially if the watch was bought from hand or brought from abroad.

1. Inspection of the case and back of the watch

The fastest way is to look closely at the device itself. On most Xiaomi smartwatches, the model is listed on the back of the case, next to sensors or charging contacts. The exception is some Mi Band models, where the name can be printed in fine print under the strap.

What to look for:

  • πŸ” Model inscription: for example, Mi Watch Lite, Watch S1 Pro or Mi Band 7 NFC. Sometimes only series is specified (for example, M2129 is the internal code for Watch S1 Active).
  • πŸ“ Size and shape: Square watches are most likely Watch series (e.g. Watch 2 Pro), oval watches are Watch S or Watch GT.
  • πŸ”‹ Type of charging connector: magnetic contacts (for the Mi Band) or wireless charging (for the Watch).

If the text is erased or not visible, try flashlighting it β€” sometimes it is laser-engraved and not visible in normal lighting. On Mi Band 5/6/7 models, the name can be hidden under the strap: carefully remove it to see the marking.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the serial number (e.g., M2129B1) with the model name. The serial number is for warranty service, and the model is for firmware and accessories. If the case is only code (e.g., M2229), use the match table below.

Verification of packaging and documents

If you have the original box or documents, the model is indicated:

  • πŸ“¦ On the front of the box (in large font, for example, Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro).
  • πŸ“„ In the warranty card or check (in the section "Name of goods").
  • 🏷️ On a barcode sticker (usually at the bottom of the box) – there may be an internal model code (e.g., M2129 for the Watch S1 Active).

Look for an article (e.g., BHR4305GL for Mi Band 7 NFC) that you can type into a search engine to find an exact model. If the box is from another device (e.g., headphones), check if it has QR- code stickers on it, sometimes they lead to a product page indicating the model.

Internal code (on the case/box)Serial number (example)Name of model
M2129M2129B1Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
M2229M2229D1Xiaomi Watch S2
XMSH15HMXMSH15HMBMi Band 7 Pro
M2029M2029W1Mi Watch Lite

If there is no box, but the watch has been purchased officially, check your email – many stores (for example, Mi Store, AliExpress, Wildberries) send checks with the model name in the subject line or a PDF- file attached.

πŸ“Š Where do you usually store boxes of machinery?
Throwing it away.
I've been keeping it for 1-2 years.
I keep all the boxes.
I don't buy machinery in boxes.

3.Use of the Mi Fitness (Zepp Life) application

The official Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) automatically detects a watch model when connected.

  1. Install the Mi Fitness app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  3. Click Profile β†’ Add the device and select your watch from the list.
  4. Once connected, the model will appear at the top of the device’s screen (e.g., Xiaomi Watch S2).

If the watch is already connected, you can see the model:

  • πŸ“± In the list of devices on the app's home screen.
  • βš™οΈ In the settings of the watch: Profile β†’ [Clock Name] β†’ Device Information.

⚠️ Warning: In some regions (e.g. Europe), Mi Fitness may display a model prefixed with NFC or Global (e.g., Mi Band 7 NFC Global).

If the app doesn’t automatically determine the model (for example, after resetting your settings), try:

  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the watch (Profile β†’ [Device] β†’ Disable β†’ Reconnect).
  • πŸ“‹ Manually select a model from the list when you add (if you know a series, for example, Mi Band).

β˜‘οΈ Testing the model with Mi Fitness

Done: 0 / 4

4. Service menu and hidden codes

On some Xiaomi models (especially on the Watch series), you can call a service menu that displays complete information about the device, including the model and firmware version.

For the Xiaomi Watch S1/S2/S3 and Watch 2 Pro:

  1. Go to the main screen of the clock.
  2. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
  3. Click on the Settings icon (βš™οΈ).
  4. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device).
  5. Tap the Model Number or MIUI version several times to open the hidden menu.

For the Mi Band 5/6/7:

  1. On the main screen, swipe up to open the menu.
  2. Select Settings β†’ About the device.
  3. Hold your finger on the screen for 5-10 seconds and a service menu with technical information will appear.

In the service menu, look for the lines:

  • πŸ“Ÿ Model Name is the full name (e.g. Xiaomi Watch S2).
  • πŸ”’ Model Number is an internal code (e.g., M2229).
  • πŸ“± Firmware Version is a firmware version (in handy for updates).

If the service menu does not open, try another method - ADB- commands (more in the next section).

What to do if the service menu is not opened?
If nothing happens after 10 clicks on Model Number, your firmware version blocks access to hidden settings, in which case use the Mi Fitness method or connect the watch to your PC via ADB (see Section 5).

5. Model definition via ADB (for advanced)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can connect the watch to your computer and get information through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for watches on Wear OS (such as Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) or devices with an unlocked bootloader.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB-tool.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable for connecting a watch (usually USB-Type-C or a special charging cable).
  • πŸ“± Included debugging on USB on the watch (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Assembly Number – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings β†’ System β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging on USB).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the watch to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
  2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:
adb devices

(Your device name should appear, such as the M2229xxxx device.)

  1. Enter a command to get model information:
adb shell getprop ro.product.model

In response, you will receive an internal code (e.g., M2229) or a full name (e.g., Xiaomi_Watch_S2).

If the team is not working, try:

adb shell cat /system/build.prop | grep "ro.product"

This method is guaranteed to show an accurate model, even if it is not displayed in the settings. However, it requires command line skills and may not be available on some models with a locked bootloader.

πŸ’‘

If ADB does not recognize the watch, try restarting it in fastboot mode (press the power button for 10 seconds) and reconnect.

Search by external features and characteristics

If you don't have access to a box, documents or settings, you can define the model by its appearance and specifications. Compare your watch with the table below:

Sign.Mi Band 6/7Watch S1/S2Watch 2 ProMi Watch Lite
Shape of the hullRectangular (fitness bracelet)Round.Square.Square (flattened)
Case materialPlastic.Metal/ceramicsMetal/glassPlastic.
Screen.AMOLED, 1.56"AMOLED, 1.43"AMOLED, 1.43"TFT, 1.4"
Buttons1 physical2 physical1 physical + sensory1 touch
NFCOnly in the NFC versionYes.Yes.No.

Additional features:

  • πŸ”‹ Charging type: Magnetic cable with two contacts - Mi Band or Watch Lite. Wireless charging (Qi) - Watch S1/S2 or Watch 2 Pro.
  • πŸ“Ά SIM: If the watch supports eSIM (e.g., Watch S1 Pro), this narrows the range of models.
  • 🎨 Case color: Some models were produced in unique colors (e.g., the Watch S1 Active is green, Mi Band 7 NFC is orange).

If you find a similar model, but are not sure, compare it to photos in the official Xiaomi store or on sites like mi.com. Pay attention to the small details: the location of the sensors, the shape of the strap, the design of the dial.

πŸ’‘

If your watch has a square screen and runs on Wear OS, it’s almost certainly the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – the brand’s only model on that platform.

7 Serial Number Check or IMEI

The serial number (S/N) or IMEI (for SIM models) can be used to identify the model through official Xiaomi services or databases.

Where to find the serial number:

  • πŸ“¦ On a box (barcode sticker).
  • πŸ“± In the settings of the watch: Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Serial number.
  • πŸ–₯️ In the Mi Fitness: Profile β†’ [Device] β†’ Device Information.

How to check:

  1. Go to the Xiaomi authentication site.
  2. Enter the serial number or IMEI.
  3. The system will show the model, the date of production and the status of the guarantee.

If Xiaomi doesn’t recognize the number, try a database like:

  • 🌍 IMEI.info (for models with SIM)
  • πŸ” SNDeeP (Serial Number Base)

⚠️ Warning: Do not enter serial numbers on questionable sites - this can lead to data leakage. Use only official Xiaomi resources or trusted services.

Frequent errors in model definition

Even experienced users sometimes confuse Xiaomi models, and here are the most common mistakes:

  • πŸ”„ Confusion between Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 7 Both bracelets are almost identical in appearance, but the Mi Band 7 has a larger screen (1.62" vs. 1.56"), and the heart rate sensor is shifted to the left. Also, the Mi Band 7 supports the always-on display.AOD).
  • πŸ“± Watch S1 vs Watch S1 Pro: Watch S1 Pro has a metal body, sapphire glass and eSIM support, while Watch S1 is a plastic case and only Bluetooth.
  • πŸ”‹ Watch 2 Pro vs Watch S2: Watch 2 Pro runs on Wear OS (Google), and Watch S2 runs on proprietary Xiaomi firmware. They have different interfaces and capabilities (e.g., Watch 2 Pro supports Google Assistant).

If you are in doubt, compare your watch photos to the official Xiaomi images.

  • 🎨 Dial design (e.g., the Watch S1 has classic arrows, and the Watch 2 Pro has digital arrows).
  • πŸ”§ Button location (Watch S2 has two physical buttons, Watch Lite has one touch).
  • πŸ“‘ The presence of antenna lines (models with NFC or GPS have metal strips on the body).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I identify a model by the MAC- Bluetooth address?
No, the MAC- address only shows a unique device identifier on the network, not a model. However, the first characters of the MAC can identify the manufacturer (for example, 78:6C:1C is Xiaomi), but not the specific model.
What if none of the methods worked?
If you have exhausted all options, contact the Xiaomi service center with photos of the watch (especially the back panel and packaging, if any).
How to distinguish a fake Xiaomi smartwatch?
Signs of counterfeiting: πŸ“¦ Poor packaging quality (blurred text, curved seams). πŸ“± In the Mi Fitness app, the model is not identified or displayed as "Unknown." πŸ”§ No serial number on the case or box. πŸ”‹ Fast battery discharge (fakes are often equipped with weak batteries).
Where can I find the firmware for my model?
Official firmware is downloaded through the Mi Fitness app (Update section). For manual installation, use the resources: 🌍 Official site MIUI (section "Wearables"). πŸ”§ XiaomiUI (unofficial firmware). Attention: Install firmware only for your model! The firmware from Mi Band 7 is not suitable for Mi Band 6.
Can you determine the year of the watch?
Yes, the first characters of the serial number or internal code: M20xx – 2020 (for example, Mi Watch Lite); M21xx – 2021 (for example, Watch S1); M22xx – 2022 (for example, Watch S2); M23xx – 2023 (for example, Watch 2 Pro). The exact date of production can be found through the verification service Xiaomi.