You may need to know the firmware version, model or specifications of a Xiaomi smartphone in a variety of situations: before installing custom firmware, when contacting a service center, to check compatibility with applications or just to see if it is time to update. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi phones (including sub-brands Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) have a unique MIUI shell that imposes its own features on the version verification process.
In this article, weβll look at all the current methods, from standard methods through the settings menu to hidden engineering commands and third-party utilities, not only how to view the MIUI and Android version, but also how to determine the exact model of the device (for example, distinguish between the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 11 Pro + 5G), as well as where to find information about hardware revision.
1. Method: Through the About Phone menu in the settings
The simplest and most versatile method is to use a standard settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of MIUI version or firmware region.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (some versions may call About Device or Phone Information).
- In the window that opens, you will see the basic information: π± Model of device (e.g, M2101K7AG For the Redmi Note 10 Pro). π Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5). π€ Android version (such as Android 13). π§ Assembly number (e.g, SKQ1.211006.001).
On some devices (especially those with MIUI 12 and older), you may need to click on the MIUI version bar several times to reveal the full information, which will open a hidden developer menu with additional data.
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If you POCO-Smartphone, the path may be slightly different: Settings β System system β On Black Shark, version information is hidden in Settings. β About the device β POS version.
Method: Use of engineering USSD-code
For those who prefer quick solutions, special solutions are suitable. USSD-codes. They work even if the phone doesn't load normally (e.g., it's stuck on the logo) The main condition is that the device should turn on and respond to input.
Enter the Phone app (as if you were going to call) one of the following codes:
- π ##4636## β Opens the Testing menu, where the phone information section will show the version MIUI Android and data about the model and hardware platform.
- π’ ##225## - will show information about the update calendar (relevant for devices with a new update). MIUI 13+).
- π‘ ##232338### - display MAC-Wi-Fi address and firmware version of wireless communication module.
Once you enter the code, the menu will open automatically β no additional actions are required. Please note that some firmware (e.g. Chinese) may have these codes disabled.
What to do if the code doesn't work?
3. Method: Through Fastboot Mode (for locked phones)
If the phone is not turned on or locked (for example, after a failed update), the firmware version and model can be recognized through Fastboot mode. This method requires a connection to the computer, but even works on bricks.
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
- π οΈ Quickboot (part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Loudness Down + Power button for 10-15 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
fastboot getvar allIn the conclusion, find the lines:
- version-bootloader is the version of the bootloader.
- Version-baseband is the version of the modem.
- product is the code name for the model (e.g., surya for POCO X3 NFC).
Download Android SDK Platform-Tools|Install Xiaomi drivers|Prepare original USB-cable|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)-->
4. Method: Through third-party applications
If standard methods donβt work (like custom firmware), you can use third-party utilities that not only show you the MIUI and Android versions, but also provide advanced hardware information.
Top.-3 tested applications:
| Annex | What shows | Download link |
|---|---|---|
| CPU-Z | Processor model, MIUI/Android version, memory, camera, sensors data. | Google Play |
| AIDA64 | Full device specification, including hardware revision and component temperature. | Google Play |
| DevCheck | The kernel version, data on the display, battery and supported processor frequencies. | Google Play |
The advantage of these apps is that they even run on unofficial firmware and show data that is hidden in standard settings. For example, AIDA64 can determine whether a phone has UFS 2.1 or UFS 2.2 installed, which is important for performance evaluation.
5. Method: On the label under the lid or on the box
If the phone doesn't turn on at all, you can't find out the firmware version, but you can tell the model and the hardware revision by physical markings, and that information can be used to find the right firmware or parts.
Where to look:
- π¦ On the box: the full name of the model is usually indicated (e.g. Redmi Note). 12 Pro 5G 8/256GB) and serial number.
- π Under the removable cover: on the label under the battery (for models with a removable rear panel, for example, Redmi). 9A) or under-tray SIM-map.
- π On the sticker under the protective film: on some devices (for example, POCO F3) Model code is applied under the factory film on the back panel.
On the label you'll find:
- Model is a code designation (e.g., M2007J20CG for Redmi Note 9 Pro).
- S/N is the serial number (required for warranty service).
- IMEI is a unique identifier (you can use it to verify the originality on the IMEI.info website).
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The model code on the label and in the settings may differ! For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro in the settings is displayed as sweet, and on the box - as M2101K7AG. To find firmware, use the code from the settings (About phone β Model).
6 How to distinguish the global version from the Chinese version
Xiaomi devices have three types of firmware: Global (international), China (Chinese), and EEA (European), and the type of firmware that determines whether Google services are available, the interface language, and even some frequency support on the network.
| Sign. | Global/EEA | China |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play availability | β There is. | β Not (only on some new models) |
| Interface language | Russian, English, etc. | Chinese only (on old firmware) |
| Designation in MIUI version | MIUI Global 14.0.5 | MIUI 14.0.5.0.SKJCNXM (CN letters at the end) |
| Support LTE-range | All European and Russian | Only Chinese (may not work 4G in Russia) |
If you have Chinese firmware but need Russian, you can either install Global ROM (risky for beginners) or use patches like MoreLocale 2. Devices with Chinese firmware purchased from official Xiaomi Russia stores can usually be reflashed to the global version without losing warranty.
What is the danger of Chinese firmware?
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When checking the phone version, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
- π "I can't find the "About Phone" section: On some firmware (e.g., on some firmware, MIUI for POCO) This section is hidden in Settings β System. Also check if it's hidden through launcher settings (relevant to custom shells).
- π΅ "USSD-* codes don't work": Try entering codes without * and # characters (like just 4636), or use the Shortcut Master app to call hidden menus.
- π§ "Fastboot doesn't recognize device": Make sure drivers are installed correctly (use Mi Flash Tool for automatic installation). Also check the cable - cheap Chinese cords often don't support data transfer.
- π "Version. MIUI No updates": Check the firmware region (Chinese versions are updated on a different schedule) and it is also possible that your model is no longer supported (e.g. Redmi). 4X No updates are received after MIUI 12).
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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check the firmware version through Settings β About the phone. Chinese with Chinese firmware can cost less, but its flashing on the global version will cost 1000-2000 rubles in the service center.