How to Check if Xiaomi is Global or Chinese: The Complete Guide

You bought a Xiaomi smartphone and you wonder if it has global firmware or a Chinese version of MIUI? It's not just the interface language that depends on it, but also the availability of Google services, LAN support, and sometimes even warranty maintenance. In this article, we'll look at all the ways of checking, from visual features to hidden technical parameters.

Chinese versions of Xiaomi (for example, for the Chinese market) are often cheaper, but have limitations: there is no Google Play, some features may work differently, and updates come with a delay. Global firmware (for example, MIUI Global or EEA for Europe) are adapted to international standards, but sometimes lack some “chips” available only in China.

We have tested all the methods on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13T models – the instructions are relevant for most of the brand’s devices released after 2018. If your smartphone is older, some points may differ (we will warn you about this separately).

1. Check by model number (the most reliable way)

Each Xiaomi modification has a unique article that encrypts the region information, for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G can be sold as:

• 🌍 2201116PG — Global version (Global version)
• 🇪🇺 2201116PE — European (EEA)
• 🇮🇳 2201116PI — version
• 🇨🇳 2201116TC — Chinese version (China)

Where can I see the model number?

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the line "Model" (sometimes hidden under the item "All characteristics").
3. Compare the last 1-2 characters with the table below.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) The suffix may not be available – in this case, see the version. MIUI next section.

2. Analysis of the MIUI version in settings

The MIUI firmware version directly points to the region.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip several times on the line "version" MIUI", Until further information is available.
3. Notice the format of the version. Examples: 🌍 MIUI Global 14.0.5 – Global firmware 🇨🇳 MIUI 14.0.5.0.TMBCNXM — Chinese (note the Chinese language) CN) 🇪🇺 MIUI 14.0.5.0.TMBEUXM — European EU) 🇷🇺 MIUI 14.0.5.0.TMBRUXM — Russian (suffix) RU)

A critical feature of Chinese firmware: the absence of the letters "Global" in the MIUI version and the presence of the suffix "CN" or "China" in the full build number.

If you have custom firmware installed (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience), this method may give the wrong result. IMEI (section).

The version contains the word "Global"|Suffix of the region: EU, RU, IN, ID (not CN)|Google (Play Market, Gmail)|All languages, including Russian, are supported-->

3. Visual differences: what can be seen with the naked eye

Some signs can be seen without immersing in the settings:

• 📱 Interface language: Chinese firmware only has Chinese and English by default, and the global versions support Russian, Spanish, French, etc.
• 🔍 Google Search: The home screen of global versions usually has a Google search widget. In Chinese versions, it is replaced by Mi Search or Baidu.
• 📦 Pre-installed annexes: 🌍 Global: Google Play, YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps. 🇨🇳 Chinese: Mi App Store, Mi Video, Mi Music, Weibo, Alipay.
• 📶 Network support: Chinese versions may not support some ranges 4G/5G, used in Europe or Russia (e.g., Band) 20 EU).

Pay attention to the boot screen (splash screen when turned on): on the global versions usually the inscription "Redmi powered by MIUI", and on the Chinese - characters or the Mi logo without English text.

⚠️ Note: Some vendors install global firmware on Chinese smartphones manually, in which case everything will look “right” visually, but there may be problems with updates or the module operation. NFC/5G. Check this moment through IMEI (section 4).

4. IMEI Verification: The Most Accurate Method

Each smartphone is assigned a unique IMEI, which can be used to determine the region of production.

1. Find out your device’s IMEI: Dial in the phone app *#06#. Or look at Settings → Phone → General information. Or on the device box (usually there is an IMEI sticker).

IMEI.info

IMEI

• The model must match your model (see section 1).
• Market – This will include a region (e.g. Global, China, India).
• "Firmware" is a firmware version.

This method also helps to identify fake Xiaomi smartphones where the firmware can be changed but the hardware doesn’t match the original.

⚠️ Note: If you see secure: no in the fastboot getvar all output, it means that the bootloader is unlocked. Such devices may have been modified and their firmware may not match the original region.

6. Verification through applications (without manual data entry)

If you don't want to go through the settings, use specialized applications that automatically define the firmware region and the device model.

• 📱 Device Info HW — show-off MIUI, region and even information about the loader.
• 🔍 MIUI Version Checker – compares your firmware to official builds for different regions.
• 🛠️ MIUI Hidden Settings (requires unlocked bootloader) – shows hidden system settings, including region.

Example of the report from Device Info HW for the Chinese version:

Device: Redmi K50 Pro




MIUI Version: 14.0.4.0.TLKCNXM




Region: China




Bootloader: Locked

If the app shows Region: Unknown, you probably have custom firmware, in which case use IMEI check (section 4).

💡

The MIUI version verification apps only work on official firmware, and if you have custom build installed (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), they may show incorrect data.

What if the version is not global?

If you’ve figured out that your Xiaomi was originally designed for China, you have a few options:

• 🔄 Install global firmware: Official way: via Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocking the bootloader).Unofficial: via Xiaomi.eu or other custom builds (risk of losing warranty).
• 🛒 Return to the seller: If the device is recently purchased and the seller has positioned it as a “global version”, you can request a refund or exchange under consumer protection law.
• ⚙️ Adapt: install Google Services Framework manually (for Chinese firmware) or use alternative services (for example, Aurora Store instead of Google Play).

Before you re-flash the device, consider:

• Unlocking the bootloader resets all data.
• Some features (such as NFC for payment) may not work properly on non-original firmware.
• Xiaomi’s warranty does not apply to devices with modified software.