The codename of Xiaomi devices is a unique model identifier used by the manufacturer for internal classification. Unlike a commercial name (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro), the codename consists of a short set of characters, usually associated with mythology, animals or abbreviations (such as rubens, vili or monet), Knowledge of this name is critical for advanced users who want to install custom firmware, unlock the bootloader or find compatible software modifications.
In this article, weβll look at 4 proven ways to learn the codename of your Xiaomi device, from standard methods through settings to using developer tools, and why a typical user might need this information and where to put it into practice. If you plan to stitch your phone, install TWRP, or search for root rights, this guide will be your starting point.
Why do I need a codename for Xiaomi devices?
At first glance, a code name may seem like an unnecessary technical detail, but it actually solves several key problems:
- π§ Custom firmware installation: Firmware files (such as those for LineageOS or Pixel Experience) are often named by codename rather than by the model's commercial name. K20 Pro, you're at risk of getting a brick".
- π Unlock bootloader: Tools like the Mi Unlock Tool can request codename to confirm device compatibility.
- π οΈ Search for modifications and patches: Camera Mods (GCam), kernels or recovery (TWRP) They're tied to a specific codename. For example, davinci is Mi. 9T Pro, and grus - Mi 9 SE.
- π‘ Debugging and Development: When Working with ADB Fastboot codename helps identify the device in logs and scripts.
Moreover, some Xiaomi services (such as the Mi Flash Tool) use codename to determine firmware compatibility. If you try to flash a device with a file intended for another model with the same chipset but a different code name, the process will end up with a invalid image error.
β οΈ Note: Do not confuse codename with model number (e.g., codename, M2007J3SY The model number indicates hardware revision and region, and the codename indicates the platform of the device. One codename can correspond to several model numbers (for example, joyeuse is the Redmi Note 11 Pro). 5G, and POCO X4 Pro 5G).
Method 1: Recognize codename through phone settings (without PC)
The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI tools. It does not require you to connect to a computer or install additional programs, but does not work on all versions of the firmware.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Go to the About Phone (or About Tablet) section.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row to activate the Developer Mode.
- Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
- Scroll down to the Device Information block β the Device Codename line may be displayed here.
If you donβt have a codename, try an alternative path:
- In Settings β About the phone, find all the characteristics.
- Scroll to the Model block β sometimes the codename is listed next to the model number in the M2101K7AG format (alioth).
β οΈ Note: On some devices (especially with MIUI 14+) The code name may be hidden, in which case use the following methods.
Developer mode is on
The device is charged at least 50%
VPN and proxy are disabled (can block access to system data)
Backup of important data (in case of resetting settings)-->
Method 2: Used ADB-Teams (for experienced users)
If the codename doesnβt appear in the settings, it can be pulled out via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) β Android Debugging Tool: This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and installing it. ADB-driver.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb.exe and fastboot.exe).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings β For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and do:
adb devices(Your device should show up with a serial number. If not, check the drivers or cable.)
adb shell getprop ro.product.deviceIn the answer, you will see the codename, for example:
viliAlternative commands for verification:
adb shell getprop ro.product.name
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelIf the command returns an empty line, try:
adb shell cat /system/build.prop | grep "ro.product.device"π‘
If ADB doesnβt recognize the device, try switching USB connectivity mode to File Transfer (MTP) in the phoneβs notification curtain.
Method 3: Viewing through MiFlash or Fastboot
If the phone doesnβt turn on or you prefer to work with Fastboot, codename can be learned through the MiFlash Tool or command line in bootloader mode.
Instructions for MiFlash:
- Download and install the MiFlash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC.
- Run MiFlash β Codename will appear in the Device field (e.g. tucana for Mi 10).
Instructions via command line:
- In Fastboot mode, open the cmd in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Follow the command:
fastboot getvar productThe answer will be in the format:
product: alioth
finished. total time: 0.001sIf the team is not working, try:
fastboot getvar allLook for product, hw.platform or ro.boot.product.hardware.sku.
| Team team. | Example of response | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| fastboot getvar product | product: surya | Direct display of codename |
| fastboot getvar hw.platform | hw.platform: msm8998 | The chipset platform (not codename!) |
| fastboot getvar ro.boot.product.hardware.sku | ro.boot.product.hardware.sku: 198 | Hardware SKU (may match codename) |
What if the fastboot doesnβt recognize the device?
Method 4: Third-party applications (without root)
If previous methods have failed, you can use Google Play apps that read system information.
- π± DevCheck: Shows codename in the Hardware section β Model (e.g. Model: M2007J20CG (curtana)).
- π CPU-Z: Device tab β Model (sometimes codename is listed in parentheses).
- π οΈ AIDA64: Section System β The device β Model.
- π MIUI Hidden Settings: Specialized app for Xiaomi, shows codename in Device Info section.
An example of display in DevCheck:
Note that some apps may not show a codename but a model number.
- Codename is a short word (e.g., cezanne, venus).
- Model number: A set of numbers and letters (e.g., M2007J3SC).
Through phone settings
ADB-team
MiFlash/Fastboot
Third-party annexes
Another way.-->
Where to find a codename list for Xiaomi devices?
If you want to know your modelβs codename in advance (for example, before buying or firmware), use official and unofficial sources:
- Xiaomi official website: Go to the support page for your model (e.g. mi.com/support). The Specifications section sometimes indicates codename (rarely, but encountered).
Important: Codename can differ for global (Global), Chinese (China) and Indian (India) versions of the same model, for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro in the global version is sweet, and in the Indian version is sweetin.
| Xiaomi model | Codename (Global) | Codename (China) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | veux | pissarro | Different Chipsets (Snapdragon vs Dimensity) |
| POCO X3 Pro | vayu | vayu | The same for all regions |
| Mi 11 Ultra | star | star | The exception is the universal codename. |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When defining a codename, users often face the following problems:
- π Confuse codename with model number: For example, M2007J20CG β The Redmi Note 9 Pro is the model number and its codename is joyeuse.
- π Ignoring regional differences: China's version of Mi 10 β umi, and global β umi_eea. The firmware from one version will not fit another!
- π§ Not updated. ADB-Drivers: Outdated drivers can lead to error no devices/emulators found out in the execution ADB-team.
- π± Do not activate developer mode: Without this, many system data (including codename) will be hidden.
β οΈ Note: If you plan to flash the device, double-check the codename before downloading the firmware. An error can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the phone. K20 Pro) not compatible with raphaelin (Indian version of the same model).
π‘
Always check the codename with official sources before firmware (for example, the compatibility table on the XDA forum).