How to accurately determine the model of the Xiaomi device: from a smartphone to a smart light bulb

Have you just bought a used Xiaomi smartphone without a box, or your Mi TV suddenly stopped updating with an error of "incompatible firmware"? Or maybe you need to find drivers for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, but you are not sure that this is the model? Determining the exact brand of a Xiaomi device is the first task when setting up, repairing or selling equipment. Without this, you can not find firmware, cases, parts or even correctly interpret the results of the diagnosis.

The problem is complicated by the fact that Xiaomi produces dozens of models per year, often with similar names (Redmi Note 11 vs Redmi Note 11 Pro vs Redmi Note 11S). In addition, in the Chinese market, the same devices can be sold under different brands - Mi, Redmi, POCO or even Black Shark. In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable ways to determine the model of any Xiaomi device - from smartphones to smart watches and routers, including cases when the gadget does not turn on or the box is lost.

1. Verification through device settings (for working gadgets)

The most obvious way is to look at the model in the settings menu, which is suitable for smartphones, tablets, TVs and even some smart devices with a screen (for example, Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro).

On smartphones and tablets:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the About Phone (or About Tablet) section.
  3. Find the line Model device or model number, and it will indicate the full name, for example, 2201116SG (this is Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).

On Xiaomi TVs:

  • πŸ“Ί Press the Settings button on the remote β†’ select the Device β†’ On TV.
  • πŸ” Look for the Model Name string (for example, L43M6-6ARG for Mi TV 4A 43").

On smartwatches and fitness bracelets:

  • ⌚ Go to the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp for Amazfit) β†’ Choose your device β†’ About the programme.
  • πŸ“‹ The model will be specified in the format M2129B1 (For example, for the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially custom ones) may not display the model name correctly. msm8953_64 Instead of a normal title, use other methods in this article.

πŸ’‘

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t turn on but reacts to charging (the indicator is on), try to pinch Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds – this will trigger the Fastboot menu, where the model will appear at the top of the screen.

2. Examination of the box and documentation

If you still have the original packaging, you can identify the model in seconds. Xiaomi always indicates the full name of the device on the box, but you need to know where to look:

  • πŸ“¦ On the front of the smartphone box is usually written in large font series name (for example, Redmi Note 12), but not always the exact model.
  • πŸ” Look for the exact designation on the sticker on the side or bottom of the box - there will be a code of the view 22101316C (This is a Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ 5G).
  • πŸ“„ The warranty card or instructions for the model are listed in the Model No. or Device Name section.

For smart devices (lamps, routers, vacuum cleaners), the rule is the same: the model is listed on the box sticker in DJT11LM format (for example, for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite). If there is no box, look at the sticker on the device itself - usually located on the bottom or back panel.

Type of deviceWhere to look for a modelExample of model code
SmartphoneSticker on the box (bottom/side)23049RAD8G (POCO F5)
TelevisionA sticker on the back of the TV.L50M6-6AER (Mi TV Q2 50")
routerUnderbody sticker of the deviceR3G (Mi Router 4A Gigabit)
Smart lamp.Sticker on the baseZNCJ02LM (Mi LED Smart Bulb)

⚠️ Note: On fake devices (especially popular to fake Redmi and other devices). POCO) The stickers on the box can be re-adhesive. Always check the data against other methods if you doubt the authenticity.

πŸ“Š Where do you usually look at your Xiaomi model?
In the device settings
On the box.
Through IMEI
I don't know where to look.

3.Using IMEI for smartphones and tablets

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for your device that allows you to identify a model even if your phone is not turning on.

  1. Find it. IMEI: πŸ“± On a working phone: enter in the call *#06# - the screen will appear 15-digit code. πŸ“„ On the box or under the battery (if removable): look for a sticker that says IMEI. πŸ–₯️ Through the computer: connect the phone to the PC, open the Device Manager β†’ Ports (COM & LPT) β†’ properties of your device.
  2. Check it out. IMEI web-based: 🌐 IMEI.info – Enter the code and get the full model data. 🌐 IMEI24.com β€” Alternative service with Xiaomi base.

Example: If your IMEI starts with 8637... and the service shows the 2201116PI model, this is the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G for the Indian market. Note that some services may show a codename (for example, vili for the Redmi Note 10 Pro) – in this case, use the match table below.

Codenames of popular Xiaomi models
vili - Redmi Note 10 Pro sweet - Redmi Note 10 Pro (Indian version) alioth - POCO F3 / Redmi K40 lmi - POCO F2 Pro / Redmi K30 Pro davinci - Redmi K20 / Mi 9T

Important: IMEI does not work for SIM-free devices (TVs, smartwatches, routers).

4. Model definition through Mi Account and applications

If your device is tied to a Xiaomi account, you can recognize its model through official services, a method that is suitable for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and even some IoT gadgets (for example, Mi Home Security Camera).

Method 1: Through the Mi Cloud Site

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. In the Devices section you will see a list of tied equipment with models.

Method 2: Through the Mi Home app

  • 🏠 Open Mi Home β†’ Go to the Profile tab.
  • πŸ“± Click on your device. β†’ Settings β†’ About the programme.
  • πŸ” The model will be specified in the format DM81_1 (For example, the Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2).

Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to USB-Debugging, you can pull the model through the command:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model

This command will return the exact name, for example, 21091116AG for Redmi 10 Prime.

⚠️ Note: If the device was purchased from hand and not untied from the previous Mi Account, you will not be able to see it on your list, in which case you will need to reset to factory settings (but this will delete all data!).

Make sure your device is connected to the Internet |Authorize in one account on your phone and in Mi Cloud | Check that the gadget is not tied to someone else's account |Use official apps (Mi Home, Mi Fitness)

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5. Visual identification (for non-functioning devices)

If your Xiaomi doesn't turn on but it's in the physical form, you can identify the model by its signatures, and this method requires knowledge of the design of Xiaomi's lineups, but we'll give you some clues.

For smartphones:

  • πŸ“± Location of the fingerprint scanner: Behind the center - Redmi Note 9/10/11. In the power button β€” POCO X3/X4 or Redmi 10. Under the screen - Xiaomi 12/13 or Mi 11.
  • πŸ” Camera: Four cameras squared - Redmi Note 10 pro POCO X3 Pro: Three cameras with a large main - Mi 11 Lite, two cameras vertically, Redmi. 9A/9C.

For TVs:

  • πŸ“Ί Screen Frame: Thin Metal – Mi series TV Q1/Q2. Plastic with rounded corners - Mi TV 4A/4S.
  • πŸ”Š Sound system: Speakers from below - Mi TV 4X. Speakers on the sides - Mi TV Q1 75".

For a smartwatch:

  • ⌚ Body shape: Round metal - Xiaomi Watch S1. The rectangular plastic is the Mi Watch Lite. Round with a rotating crown is the Amazfit. GTR 3 (owned by Xiaomi).

For accurate identification, check the official Xiaomi catalog, where you can filter devices by external signs.

πŸ’‘

If you have the designed by Xiaomi label on the back of your smartphone, but the POCO or Redmi logo, you should focus on the logo. These are different sub-brands with their own lines.

6. Checking through system utilities (for Windows/macOS/Linux)

If your Xiaomi device is connected to a computer, you can identify the model through system tools. This works even if the phone screen is broken, but it's not a good idea. USB-ported.

On Windows:

  1. Connect the device via USB.
  2. Open Device Manager (Win + X β†’ Device Manager).
  3. Deploy the Ports (COM&LPT) branch or Portable Devices.
  4. Right-click on your device β†’ Properties β†’ Information tab.
  5. In the drop-down menu, select the equipment ID - the values will be a row with the model, for example, VID_2717&PID_FF88&MI_00 (It's Redmi. 9).

On macOS/Linux:

Open the terminal and enter the command:

lsusb

In the conclusion, look for a line with Xiaomi.

Bus 001 Device 003: ID 2717:ff88 Xiaomi Inc. Redmi 9 (MTK)

For more detailed information, use:

adb devices

Then:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model

⚠️ Note: On some devices (especially with MediaTek processors) to work ADB It is necessary to pre-include USB-If the phone doesn't turn on, it won't work.

7. Appeal in support of Xiaomi (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked (for example, you have a rare device or it is badly damaged), you can contact official support Xiaomi.

  • πŸ“§ Through email: Write to support@mi.com With the theme "Model Identification Request". Attach photo: Stickers on the device/box (if any). IMEI (Any distinguishing features (color, camera design, etc.).
  • πŸ’¬ Chat: In the Mi Community app (Support section) or on the website mi.com/support.
  • πŸ“ž By phone: For Russia β€” 8 800 775-65-55 (call-off).

The answer will send you an exact model and, if necessary, instructions for further actions (for example, where to download firmware), the average response time is 1-3 business days.

Important: Never send IMEI photos or serial numbers to unofficial chat rooms or forums.This data can be used to lock the device through Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi model definition

My Xiaomi is showing a model 2201116SG – what kind of device is this?
This is Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (global version). The first digits (2201) indicate the year and month of release (January 2022), and the letters at the end (SG) are the region (e.g. I - India, C - China). The full list of transcripts can be found on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
How to distinguish a fake Xiaomi from the original model?
Fakes are often used: πŸ” Non-existent model codes (e.g. Redmi) X99 Pro - there is no such model). πŸ“¦ Typographical errors in the box (e.g. Xioami instead of Xiaomi). πŸ“± Incorrect data in *#06# (IMEI Check the model through the official Xiaomi website or IMEI.info service.
Can I identify a Xiaomi model by serial number?
Yes, but not directly. The serial number (S/N) itself does not contain model information, but it can be used with other data: Find S/N on the box or in settings (Settings β†’ Phone β†’ General Information). Contact Xiaomi support by providing S/N and a photo of the device β€” they identify the model from the database. Some services (for example, SNDeeP.info) allow authentication by S/N, but they do not show the model.
How to know the Xiaomi model if it doesn’t turn on and there’s no box?
Try the following steps: πŸ”‹ Connect charging - if the indicator is on, press Volume up + Power for 10 seconds to log into the Fastboot.The model will appear at the top of the screen. πŸ” Look at the sticker under the battery (if it is removable) or on the back (for monoblocks). πŸ–₯️ Connect to a PC and check through Device Manager (see Section 6). πŸ“Έ Take a picture of the device from all sides and compare it to models on GSMArena.
What are the differences between Xiaomi models for different regions (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G)?
Main differences: Global version (e.g. 2201116SG) Chinese version (e.g. 2201116TC) Indian version (e.g. 2201116PI) 5G Support There is (if there is 5G in the name) There is (but there may be no support for global frequencies) There is (optimized for Indian operators) Global ROM firmware (MIUI with Google services) China ROM (without Google, with Chinese services) India ROM (with local applications) Guarantee in Europe, Russia, Latin America Only in China UI Acts (optimized for Indian operators) There is a limited risk in India, but more than 10-20% of regional data.