The Chinese giant’s device owners often face the need to identify their gadget accurately, such as when searching for firmware, selecting cases, selling a device or making a warranty. However, there is no single standard for spelling a name: on the box, in the system settings and on the manufacturer’s website, the same device can be called differently. Codename often differs from marketing name, which causes confusion.
It can be difficult to understand this nomenclature, especially given the many regional versions. For example, the global version may be called Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, and the Chinese version may be called Mi 10i. Knowing the exact model number saves you from errors when downloading software. Below we will discuss in detail all available methods for identifying your device.
Search for information in the settings of the Android system
The most obvious and accessible way is to look at the menu of the smartphone itself. The MIUI or HyperOS shell interface contains all the technical information you need, you have to open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom, and there's the About Phone section, which contains the basic data.
This menu displays the model name, Android version and build number, but often it only shows the commercial name, not the technical code. To see the full list of characteristics, including the code name, you need to tap the line "Version" several times. MIUI» Or "OS version." This action activates a hidden menu of extended specifications.
In the window that opens, you will see the line "Model" -- this code (e.g., 2201117SG) is a unique identifier for service centers, and there's also a lot of duplicate code name (e.g., mondrian), which is critical when flashing, and without knowing this parameter, installing a custom recavator or ROM can lead to errors.
⚠️ Note: Don't confuse "Device Name" (which can be changed manually in Bluetooth menus) with the actual hardware model.The device name is just a tag for the network, not a technical passport.
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Remember or write down a codename (e.g., 'vayu' or 'alioth') as it is the name that is used to search for firmware files on developer forums.
Use of the engineering menu and USSD-code
If you have limited access to the settings menu or the system is unstable, you can use special service codes that allow you to log into the engineering menu or immediately display technical information. To do this, open the Phone app and type the combination ##64663##. This is the standard code for entering the CIT (Customer Information Test) mode.
The test menu that opens often displays the exact model at the top of the screen or in the Version section. However, a more reliable way to quickly check is to enter the code *#06#. It displays information about IMEI, but in some versions of firmware, a device model can also be displayed under this data, which works even on a locked screen (if you have access to an emergency call).
There's also code ##4636## that opens the test menu, and if you go to Phone Information, you can see detailed network and device statistics, and it's often the manufacturer and the modem model that indirectly confirms the version of the device, and it's useful in diagnosing communication problems.
- 📱 Code ##64663## - Full iron testing and model version.
- 🔢 Code *#06# - Quick viewing IMEI and sometimes.
- 📡 #4636### - Network and phone information.
- ⚙️ Code ##7780## - Reset settings (use with caution, the model will not show, but it is useful to know the code).
Analysis of markings on the shell and packaging
Physical media is often the only source of truth if the phone doesn't turn on. The back cover of most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones has a sticker with technical information. Even if the device is sealed in film, this label contains a model number, serial number and IMEI.
Notice the fine print at the bottom of the sticker, and it will show the line "Model:" followed by alphanumeric code, like M2102J20SG. It's important to understand that the box also stores this information. There's always a sticker on the end of a branded white or orange box with a barcode and data, and that data should match the data on the system.
If the sticker on the case is erased (which often happens with plastic back covers), look for information under the tray. SIM-On some models, especially older or regionally specific versions, the model can be engraved with a laser on a metal frame or printed in fine print under the tray.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used device, be sure to check the model on the box and in the settings. If they are different, the phone is likely to have been opened or has a rebuilt fee (rebuilt).
For clarity, here is an example of decoding popular codes that you can find on boxes:
| Model number | Marketing name | Code name | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21061110DG | Redmi Note 10 5G | camellia | Global |
| M2010J19SG | Redmi Note 9 Pro | curtana | Global |
| 2201116SG | Redmi Note 11 Pro | pissarro | Global |
| M2102K1G | Xiaomi Mi 11 | venus | Global |
Checking through computer and ADB
If the smartphone screen is broken or the touchscreen is not working, but the system is booting, you can recognize the model through a connection to the PC. This will require an installed ADB driver (Android Debug Bridge). Connect the phone with a cable to the computer and open the command line. Enter the command adb devices to make sure that the device is visible.
Once the connection is confirmed, use the command to output a list of all system properties.
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThis command returns the exact model value recorded in the system, and you can also get more detailed information about the manufacturer and device using the commands adb shell getprop ro.product.brand and adb shell getprop ro.product.device. The latter option often returns the code name required for the firmware.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
An alternative way to avoid ADB installation is to use management software like the Mi Flash Tool or Mi PC Suite, which automatically reads the identity of the connected device when connected with the original cable. In the Mi Flash Tool, the model is displayed in the upper corner of the window or in the list of devices before starting the firmware.
Definition of the model by IMEI code
The universal key to any mobile device is its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which is a 15-digit number unique to every phone in the world, and knowing the IMEI, you can break through the exact model, color, memory capacity and activation date through official or third-party services.
There are several reliable online services to check. Xiaomi’s official website has an authentication page where you can enter IMEI. There are also specialized databases such as imei.info or sndeep.info. By entering a number, you will receive a report where the exact modification will be indicated in the “Model” field.
This method is especially useful when buying a device from hand: You can ask the seller to dictate the IMEI (it is printed on the box or under the battery if it is removable) and check the history of the device remotely, which will help avoid buying stolen devices or “restored” Chinese versions, re-flashed to the globalist.
- 🌐 Official check on the website mi.com/global/verify.
- 🔍 Database aggregator services IMEI.
- 📞 Request for operator support IMEI.
- 📦 Reconciliation with the database of customs declarations (for gray imports).
⚠️ Note: Never post your full post. IMEI It's open-source on the Internet, and it can be used by attackers to clone or block a device on a blacklist.
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IMEI is a phone passport, and you can find out everything from the date of first activation to the region of the initial sale.
Frequent identification issues and problems
Users often wonder about the differences in names. Why is the settings one name and the box another? This is due to regional certification features. Chinese versions (CN) often come out earlier than global versions (Global) and have differences in communication frequencies and preinstalled software. When you reflash the Chinese version to global firmware (Global ROM), the code name remains the same, but the marketing one changes.
Another problem is fake devices: cheap Android copies can change the build.prop file to display the name of the flagship (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) even though it has budget hardware inside, and you can check this through applications like CPU-Z or AIDA64, which read real data of the processor and screen, ignoring software forgeries.
Also worth mentioning is the reset, which is that after you completely reset your phone, it goes back to factory settings, and the model in the system is displayed correctly, according to the firmware, and if the model crashes or becomes unknown after the reset, it's a sign of serious damage to the system partition or poor firmware.