The Chinese giant’s device owners often face the challenge of knowing the exact name of a gadget, which may be required when searching for a case, ordering a spare part, or installing a specific firmware, and identifying a model is the first step toward solving most of the technical issues surrounding the Mi ecosystem.
The company's lineup is so extensive that even power users sometimes get confused in titles. The differences between the global version and the Chinese original can be significant. In this article, we'll look at all the methods available to identify your device, from software to physical features.
There are several reliable ways to get this information, and we'll look at the standard paths through the operating system menu, the use of special engineering codes, and visual inspection of the case, and correct identification will help avoid mistakes when buying accessories.
Search for information in system settings
The easiest and most affordable method is to look at the menu of the smartphone itself, the MIUI or HyperOS operating system stores the full hardware data in the public domain, and you don't need third-party apps or complex manipulations.
The algorithm is almost identical to all firmware versions. Open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find the About phone (or About phone) item. This is where all the basic information is.
In the menu that opens, you’ll see a major marketing name, like the Redmi Note 12 Pro. However, for an accurate search for parts or firmware, this isn’t enough. Click a few times on the line with the name of the MIUI version or look for the line “Device model”.
- 📱 Click on the OS version name 7-10 to see the full code name (for example, 22101320G).
- ℹ️ Note the letter at the end of the code: G stands for Global, C stands for China, R stands for Russia.
- 🔍 Copy the full model code to look for compatible accessories in online stores.
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Remember that the 11-character model code (numbers and one letter at the end) is the most accurate identifier for searching for parts on AliExpress or eBay.
It's important to distinguish between global and regional versions. If you try to install firmware from the Chinese version to the global version, the device can turn into a brick. Always check the letter index at the end of the model code.
⚠️ Please note: Do not confuse the line "version" MIUI» The model looks like a set of numbers, and the firmware version looks like a set of numbers. V14.0.2 or.
Use of engineering code and USSD-request
If the smartphone screen is broken or the sensor is intermittent, it can be difficult to get into the settings menu, in which case special codes come to the rescue, which are entered through the phone application, which works even when the screen is locked if you have access to a dial.
Type ##6484## on the keyboard. This is the standard command for logging into the engineering menu. CIT (CIT — Customer Interactive Testing: Once the last star is entered, a hidden test menu will open.
At the top of the screen or in the first menu item (usually called “Version” or “Information”), the exact model code will be indicated, and information about the Android version, kernel and build date will be displayed.
##6484##An alternative way is to enter the code *#06#. It displays information about the IMEI-Although the model may not be written directly here, it is IMEI You can easily break the device into databases.
- 🔢 Code *#06# will show IMEI, This is how you can determine the model through online services.
- 🛠 Menus. CIT (##6484## is available on 99% of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices.
- 🚫 If the code doesn’t work, you may have a modified firmware installed or a third-party call is worth it.
☑️ Checking through the Engineering Menu
Keep in mind that some new versions of HyperOS have full access to the full version. CIT-The menu may be restricted to ordinary users for security reasons, in which case the system may request a password or simply show basic information.
Visual definition by body and stickers
When the device is completely out of service or not turning on, only a physical examination remains, manufacturers are required to mark the case, most often the information is on the back cover or on the tray for the device. SIM-map.
On older Redmi and Mi models, data was printed directly on the back in fine print. On modern smartphones with a single case and a glass back cover, look for a sticker on the box or on a protective film that was pasted when sold.
Also check out the tray for SIM-On many models (especially the Poco and Redmi Note), the model code is in microscopic font on the metal frame of the tray.
| Searching spot | What to look for | Example of designation |
|---|---|---|
| Back cover (bottom) | Small text, Model. | M2101K7BNY |
| Tray SIM-map | Engraving on a frame | |
| The original box. | Barcode sticker | |
| Under the battery (rarely) | Sticker under the battery |
What to do if the sticker is erased?
Don't try to disassemble the phone completely if you don't have experience. In modern devices, the battery is glued, and a careless opening can damage or ignite it. Restrict yourself to external inspection and removal of the SIM tray.
Model definition through computer and ADB
For advanced users who have access to a PC, there is a method of connecting via USB debugging, which allows you to get detailed information about the system, including the exact code name, which is not always obvious on the menu.
To do this, the phone should have USB debugging enabled in the Developer menu. Connect the smartphone to your computer with a cable. You will need the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) utility.
In the command line of the computer, type the command adb shell getprop ro.product.model. The system will give the exact code of the model. The adb device command will show a list of connected devices, confirming the connection.
adb shell getprop ro.product.model
adb shell getprop ro.build.productThis method is especially useful if the system interface “flys” or works incorrectly, but the Android itself loads. ADB You can pull out the logs and exact specification of the hardware».
- 💻 Driver installed required ADB computer-based.
- ⚙️ The phone should be allowed to “debug by” USB».
- 📝 The team gives out the technical code, not the marketing name.
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Using ADB is the most reliable software method, as it reads data directly from Android system properties, bypassing the GUI.
Analysis IMEI-code-base
The unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is your phone's passport. Knowing it, you can recognize the model even if nothing is displayed on the screen. The IMEI is often duplicated on a box or check.
There are many online services, such as imei.info or miui.com, and by entering a 15-digit code, you will receive a detailed report, and the report will indicate the exact model name, color, memory capacity and release region.
This is the only way to know if your phone is lost but you have a box or a check from your purchase, and IMEI can also check if the device is stolen or locked by the operator.
⚠️ Note: Be careful when entering IMEI Use only proven resources to avoid passing your device data to fraudsters for cloning.
Remember that in two-sim devices IMEI-They have the last digit, and you can only check the model with any of them, because they're tied to the same device.
Differences between the Chinese and Global Versions
Understanding the difference between versions is critical. Chinese versions (CN) often have the default unlocked bootloader, but lack the features that are important to us (Android Auto, Google Pay/NFC in some banks, notifications may come with a delay).
Global versions (Global) have built-in Google Play, support for all bands (Band 20) operating in Europe and the CIS, and a translated menu.
For example, the Xiaomi 13 model may have code 2211133C (China) or 2211133G (Global). The letter C at the end is China, G is Global, R is Russia, I is India.
When buying a used phone, be sure to check this setting. Marketplace sellers often sell Chinese versions with “overstamped” global firmware, such devices can get locked by region or stop updating “over the air”.