Owning a Xiaomi brand or its sub-brands is often confusing, especially when it comes to accurately identifying the device.Users may find themselves in a situation where it is necessary to know a specific modification of the gadget to buy a case, search for firmware or authenticate.The appearance of the MIUI or HyperOS interface can be the same on dozens of models, which complicates the task without special knowledge.
There are many ways to get this information, from simple visual techniques to the use of engineering menus. Accurate knowledge of the global model code (for example, M2101K7AG) is critical when flashing, as installing inappropriate software can lead to the failure of the device. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from the simplest to professional, so that you can easily identify your device.
Use of system settings of the device
The most obvious and safe way to find out about your gadget is to look at the settings menu. The Android operating system interface, even with add-ons from the manufacturer, always contains a section with technical information. You do not need third-party applications or complex calculations.
You need to unlock the screen and find the Settings icon (usually a gear) and then the algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same. Find the About phone or About device section. This is where all the basic information is concentrated.
In the menu that opens, you will see the name of the series in large font, for example, the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13 Pro. However, for accurate identification, you often need to see the technical index of the model. MIUI Android several times in a row until the extended menu opens.
Here you can see the key parameters: build number, CPU version and, most importantly, model code, and write down this code, because it is a unique identifier for your revision.
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
- ℹ️ Go to the About Phone section at the bottom or top of the list.
- 🔍 Find the line "Device model" or "version" MIUI».
- 👆 Press. 5-7 Once on the logo of the system version to see the full code.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the marketing name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) with the technical code (e.g., Redmi Note 11 Pro, 21091116AG). To search for spare parts or firmware, it is the technical code that is needed.
Checking through the engineering menu and USSD-code
If you have limited access to the settings menu, or if you want to access more technical information, you can use the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system that's designed to test equipment by engineers in the factory.
You don't have to be a programmer to enter this mode, just open the standard Phone app and enter a special numeric code, and once you enter the last digit, the menu opens automatically, you don't have to press the call button.
In the list that opens, select Version Information or just look at the top of the screen, and it will show Project Code and all the hardware information, which works even on locked screens if you have access to an emergency call, but not on all devices.
Codes may vary depending on the processor (MediaTek or Qualcomm), the most common is ##64663##, which opens the Engineering Testing Menu (CIT), and you can find the exact model name in the top corner of the screen.
- 📞 Open the standard bell.
- 🔢 Enter the code ##64663## to enter the test.
- 🛠 Use the *#06# code to check. IMEI model.
- 📝 Write down the information displayed to check with the base.
There are many variations of code, and some of them can be blocked by the carrier or manufacturer in newer versions of firmware. If one code doesn't work, try an alternative.
Why can codes not work?
Analysis of information on the case and box
Physically inspecting the device and its packaging is an "analog" method that is often ignored, but it is the most reliable if the phone doesn't turn on.The back cover of the smartphone is usually marked fine.
In the lower back or under the tray SIM-You can find a laser engraved card or a sticker on some of the cards, and it says, Made in China, the certification logos, and, importantly for us, the model, and look for a line that starts with the letter M (for Xiaomi) or numbers.
The packaging also stores all the information it needs, and there's a barcode sticker on the side or back of the box, and this sticker has duplicated IMEI, serial number (S/N), and model, and even if the box is dented, it's often left readable.
If the back cover is glass and the sticker is removed by the previous owner, carefully inspect the tray for the SIM-Pull it out and look at the end or the inside -- sometimes the manufacturer writes the model code down there.
☑️ Physical tag verification
Identification through IMEI and online services
Every mobile device in the world has a unique identifier called IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), a 15-digit code that allows you to track the origin of the phone and its exact model in global databases.
You can find out IMEI by typing *#06# in the call, finding it in the settings (About Phone → All Specs → Status), or looking at the sticker under the battery (if it is removable) or on the box. Knowing this number, you can use specialized sites.
There are resources like imei.info or miui.com that will give you a detailed specification of the device on request, which is especially useful if the phone is bought with your hands and you suspect that its body or screen has been replaced with a non-original one.
| Method of obtaining IMEI | Where to find | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| USSD-request | Dial *#06# | Tall. |
| Android settings | About the phone → General information | Tall. |
| The sticker on the box | Barcode on the side of the package | Medium (if the box is not native) |
| SIM tray | Micro-engraving on a metal frame | Tall. |
Using online services not only allows you to know the model, but also check whether the device is listed in the database of stolen ones, which is an important step when buying used equipment.
Use of third-party applications for diagnosis
If the built-in tools are unavailable or the information seems incomplete, Google Play Market apps come to the rescue, and they read the data directly from the system and present it in a convenient, structured way.
One of the most popular and authoritative tools is the CPU-Z app. It shows not only the model name, but also detailed information about the processor, sensors, battery and screen. The Device tab contains the Model field, which corresponds to the technical name.
Other useful utilities include AIDA64 and Device Info HW. The latter is particularly good for determining the type of screen array and camera manufacturer, which is often hidden in standard Xiaomi settings.
It takes a couple of minutes to install these software, but it gives you a comprehensive picture of hardware, which is useful if you bought a phone in China (CN Version) and want to understand what LTE frequencies it supports in your region.
- 📥 Download. CPU-Z or AIDA64 Play Market.
- 🚀 Launch the application and wait for data collection.
- 📱 Go to the tab "Device" or "System».
- 📝 Find the “Model” line for the exact identifier.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful of applications that require excessive permissions. To determine the model, basic rights are sufficient, such programs do not need access to contacts or a microphone.
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Applications like CPU-Z will also show real screen resolution and pixel density (DPI), which is useful for customizing the interface and fonts.
Differences between the Chinese and Global Version
Xiaomi phone branding is often complicated by the existence of different regional versions of the same device.The Chinese version (CN) and Global version (Global) may have the same marketing name, but differ in model codes and frequencies supported.
Chinese versions usually have model code ending in the CN Global versions are marked with the letters of regions: E (Europe), G (Global), R (Russia), I (India, M2101K7BG — It's a global version.
The difference is critical when buying: the Chinese version may not support certain 4G/5G ranges of your carrier, and may not have Google services pre-installed (although these can be installed).
When you flash the Chinese version to Global ROM, the model code in the system may change or remain the same, but the functionality will expand, but unlocking the bootloader for this procedure requires waiting and binding the account.
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Always check the alphabetic index at the end of the model code with your region of residence to ensure that all communication bands and the presence of Russian out of the box.