How to check the Xiaomi phone version: MIUI, Android and device model

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, we’ll 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.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
  2. Scroll down and select About Phone (some versions may call About Device or Phone Information).
  3. In the window that opens, you will see the basic information: πŸ“± Model of device (e.g, M2101K7AG For the Redmi Note 10 Pro). πŸ”„ Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5). πŸ€– Android version (such as Android 13). πŸ”§ 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:

  • πŸ“ž ##4636## – Opens the Testing menu, where the phone information section will show the version MIUI Android and data about the model and hardware platform.
  • πŸ”’ ##225## - will show information about the update calendar (relevant for devices with a new update). MIUI 13+).
  • πŸ“‘ ##232338### - display MAC-Wi-Fi address and firmware version of wireless communication module.

Once you enter the code, the menu will open automatically – 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?
If after entering the code nothing happens, check: - Are there any spaces or extra characters (the code should be entered without separators). - Is access to the engineering menu blocked (relevant for devices with corporate firmware). Is there a custom firmware installed that can remove standard firmware? USSD-team.

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:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).
  • πŸ› οΈ Quickboot (part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Loudness Down + Power button for 10-15 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.
  3. Connect the phone to the computer.
  4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
fastboot getvar all

In 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 don’t 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:

AnnexWhat showsDownload link
CPU-ZProcessor model, MIUI/Android version, memory, camera, sensors data.Google Play
AIDA64Full device specification, including hardware revision and component temperature.Google Play
DevCheckThe 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.

πŸ“Š How do you usually check the firmware version?
Through phone settings
USSD-code
Third-party applications
Through Fastboot/ADB
Never checked.

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:

  • πŸ“¦ On the box: the full name of the model is usually indicated (e.g. Redmi Note). 12 Pro 5G 8/256GB) and serial number.
  • πŸ”– 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.
  • πŸ” 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/EEAChina
Google Play availabilityβœ… There is.❌ Not (only on some new models)
Interface languageRussian, English, etc.Chinese only (on old firmware)
Designation in MIUI versionMIUI Global 14.0.5MIUI 14.0.5.0.SKJCNXM (CN letters at the end)
Support LTE-rangeAll European and RussianOnly 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?
Chinese firmware often contains: - No Google services (no Play Market, Gmail, YouTube). - Limited support for languages (on older versions only Chinese). - Other update policy (updates may come later or not at all). - Risk of blocking the Mi Account when trying to unlock the bootloader.

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:

  • πŸ”„ "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).
  • πŸ“΅ "USSD-* codes don't work": Try entering codes without * and # characters (like just 4636), or use the Shortcut Master app to call hidden menus.
  • πŸ”§ "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.
  • 🌐 "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.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

πŸ” How to find out the version MIUI, if the phone doesn't turn on?
If the phone doesn't respond to the power button but it's charging (the indicator is on), try: Connect to charging and wait 30 minutes - sometimes a dead battery blocks the turn on. Hold Volume Up + Power for 20 seconds for a forced reboot. If nothing helps, use the method with Fastboot (section 3 of this article). If the phone is not showing signs of life, contact the service center - perhaps a problem in the hardware.
πŸ“² How to distinguish the Redmi Note 11 from the Redmi Note 11 Pro?
Externally, these models are almost identical, but there are key differences: Redmi Note 11: Processor: Snapdragon 680 Camera: 50 MP core module (Samsung) JN1). Charging: 33W Redmi Note 11 Pro: Processor: MediaTek Helio G96. Camera: Basic module 108 MP (Samsung) HM2). Charging: 67W. The exact model can be found by code in the settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Model: Redmi Note 11: 2201116PG (Global version: Redmi Note 11 Pro: 2201116PI (global).
πŸ”„ Can I roll back the version? MIUI?
Technically yes, but with reservations: πŸ“‰ Through Recovery: You can install an older version, but only if the bootloader is unlocked. ⚠️ Risks: Data loss (required to back up!) Possible breeze (turning the phone into a brick) if the firmware is incompatible with hardware revisions. Warranty breach (if the device is warranty, rolling back the firmware can cancel it). πŸ”§ Instructions: Download the desired version MIUI from the official website. Rename the file to update.zip And put it in the root of the phone's memory. Go to Recovery. + Power with your phone turned off. Select Install update.zip and confirm installation. ⚠️ Warning: A rollback to a version older than the one installed on the phone out of the box could result in a lockdown IMEI. This is impossible without contacting the service center.
πŸ“‘ How to check the modem version (baseband) on Xiaomi?
The modem version is responsible for the mobile network (2G/3G/4G/5G). To find out: Enter the Phone application code ##4636##. Go to the Phone Information tab. Scroll down to the Baseband version. If the modem version is not displayed or has a Unknown value, this may indicate: Firmware problems (you need to reflash the modem via Fastboot). Hardware defect (for example, damage to the antenna module).
πŸ”‹ Does the version affect MIUI battery-time?
Yes, and very significant. MIUI They often optimize power consumption, but sometimes they make bugs that actually increase the charge: MIUI 12.5: added Ultra Battery Saver mode, which extends the work to 5-7 days in standby mode. MIUI 13: Background data consumption optimized, but some devices (like the Redmi Note 10) have reported fast discharge due to a bug with Google Play Services. MIUI 14: a new process control algorithm is implemented that reduces battery heat and consumption by 10 to 15 percent. If the battery starts to run down faster after the upgrade: Check the flow rate in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery usage. Turn off auto-update applications in the background. Reset to factory settings (pre-backup!).