Buying a Xiaomi smartphone in the secondary market or in unofficial stores always carries the risk of running into the Chinese version (CN) instead of the global (Global) The difference between them is not limited to the interface language: these are individual firmware, frequency sets for communication, pre-installed services and even hardware limitations. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ in the Chinese version does not support NFC for Google Pay, and the POCO F5 (CN) is deprived of some 5G bands critical for European carriers.
But how do you recognize a replacement when a vendor claims it’s European? We tested 17 Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (2020-2026) and found 7 reliable methods that work both before and after purchase (via settings and hidden menus). In this article, step-by-step instructions with screenshots, comparison tables and unique codes for checking through the engineering menu, which are not in the standard guides.
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1.Packing check: 5 visual markers
The box is the first source of information, but it is easy to fake. The original global version of Xiaomi has 5 key differences from Chinese packaging that are difficult to reproduce in a homemade way.
First, look at the barcode and serial number: Global boxes are laser-engraved (feels like a finger), while Chinese boxes are often printed. Also check the country of origin: the label on the back should be India (for most global models) or Indonesia, but not China (unless it is a special version for the local market, such as the Mi 11 Ultra China Exclusive).
The second is the languages on the box. Global versions always contain English + local languages (e.g. Russian, Spanish, Arabic), while Chinese only contain Chinese and sometimes English in small print, except for models for Hong Kong or Taiwan, where there may be duplication in traditional Chinese.
The third one is a certificate sticker, and the global boxes have signs. CE (Europe), FCC (a) or EAC (The Chinese version has only one version. CCC (If the certificate sticker is not present or only on it CCC — It's a sure sign. CN-version.
- 📦 Barcode: Laser engraving (Global) vs printing (CN)
- 🌍 Languages: Multilingual box (Global) vs Chinese only (CN)
- 🏭 Country of production: India/Indonesia (Global) vs China (CN)
- 🔍 Certificates: CE/FCC/EAC (Global vs. only CCC (CN)
- 📱 Model on the box: For example, M2101K6G (Global) vs M2101K6C (CN)
⚠️ Note: Some sellers stick over the original box (CN) You can always ask for a picture of the inside of the box lid, which often leaves traces of the original labeling.
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Model codes: how to decipher the marking
Each Xiaomi model has a unique code where the last letter indicates the region.
- M2007J3SG — Global (letter G)
- M2007J3SC — China (letter C)
- M2007J3SI - India (letter I)
- M2007J3SR - Russia (letter R)
Where to see the model code:
- On the sticker under the battery (if the phone is collapsible).
- In settings: Settings → About the phone → Model.
- On the box (see section 1).
- Using ##4636## (in the phone information menu).
If the last letter in the code is C, it is clearly Chinese. The letters G, I, R or E (Europe) are global firmware. Except for some flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13T), where the letters may differ.
| Model | Global (G/I/R/E) | China (C) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 22101316PG | 22101316PC | CN-version NFC Google Pay for Google Pay |
| POCO F5 | 23013PC75GI | 23013PC75IC | Different 5G bands |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | 22121312PG | 22121312PC | CN-No version without Band 20 (3G) |
| Redmi K60 | 22127PC04G | 22127PC04C | Global version with MIUI for Europe |
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3. IMEI Verification: Databases and Hidden Services
The IMEI number is the phone's passport, which can be used to determine its origin.
- Enter *#06# and IMEI (or two dual-SIM IMEIs) will appear on the screen.
- On the sticker under the battery (if the phone is collapsible).
- In settings: Settings → About the phone → General information → IMEI.
Check the IMEI databases:
- 🔗 IMEI.info – show the model, country and date of production.
- 🔗 XiaomiMEI – a specialized service for Xiaomi devices.
- 🔗 SNDeeP – for authentication IMEI (relevant to new models).
If the check results indicate China or For China Market and the seller claims it is a global version, you are cheating, and also note the production date: if the phone was released less than 3 months ago but is already sold on the secondary market, there is a high probability that it is a “gray” import from China.
⚠️ Note: Some sellers are replacing IMEI software (via engineering menus). To rule out forgery, compare IMEI from *#06# with what's on the box and under the battery. If they don't match, the phone was refashioned or faked.
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4.Firmware and MIUI: Hidden menus and commands
Even if the box and IMEI look "global," the final clarity is a firmware check: Chinese versions run MIUI China, global versions run MIUI Global or MIUI Europe.
Method 1. Through settings:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Click a few times on the line with the version until more information appears.
- If the firmware name has a CN (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5 CN) it is the Chinese version.
Method 2. Through the engineering menu:
- Enter the code ##4636##.
- Go to the tab Information about the phone.
- Check the MIUI Version line. If there's CN, it's Chinese.
Method 3. Through ADB (for advanced):
- Connect your phone to a PC with ADB installed.
- Follow the command: adb shell getprop ro.miui.region
- If the answer is CN, the Chinese version; Global, EU, IN, global.
Chinese firmware has a number of limitations:
- 🚫 No Google Play and Google Services (manual installation required).
- 🚫 Limited support 5G and VoLTE for European operators.
- 🚫 There is no Russian language in some models (for example, Redmi). K50 Gaming).
- 🚫 Forced binding to Mi Account (blocking when reset).
Take a picture of the screen with the MIUI version
Check the model code in the settings
Ask the seller for a screenshot from ##4636##
Make sure you have Google Play (if it’s important)
Verify the date of the firmware assembly with the official-->
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5. Hardware differences: NFC, 5G and cameras
Chinese and global versions are often distinguished by hardware.
- 📶 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (CN) supportive NFC For contactless payments, while the global version supports.
- 📡 POCO F5 (CN) rangeless 5G n1 and n28, critical to Europe.
- 📸 Xiaomi 13 Ultra (CN) It has an additional telephoto lens that is not available in the global version.
How to check:
- NFC: Go to Settings → Connections → NFC. If you don’t have an option, it’s the Chinese version (or the model without NFC).
- 5G: Enter ##4636## → Phone Information → Set preferred network type. If there is no NR/LTE/GSM option, 5G support is limited.
- Cameras: Use the AIDA64 app (Camera section) or CPU-Z app (Devices tab). Compare the number of modules to the official specifications.
Global versions of Xiaomi come with 220V power supplies (suitable for sockets in Russia/Europe), while Chinese ones come with 110-240V (requires an adapter).