How to determine Global Version on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways to check

Why it is important to know the firmware version of your Xiaomi

Buying a Xiaomi, Redmi or Smartphone POCO There are hidden risks in the secondary market or in informal stores, chief among them regional firmware binding. ROM) and Chinese (China) ROM) They are identical in appearance, but they differ critically: from the lack of Google Play Services to the problems with the game. 4G-networks in Russia. For example, Xiaomi 13T The Chinese version of the Pro does not support ranges. B20 (800 MHz), which leads to poor signaling in rural areas.

Even worse, the blocked bootloader on some Chinese models (e.g., the Mi 11 Ultra for the domestic market), which requires a 168-hour wait and a link to the Chinese Mi Account, which is impossible without a VPN, but the global versions are unlocked in 72 hours through the standard process.

In this article, we will cover all the current methods of verification, including hidden methods for models with MIUI 14/15 and the latest HyperOS. We will discuss how to distinguish the global version even if the seller hid the box or dropped the phone to factory settings.

Method 1: Checking through phone settings

The fastest method is to look at the firmware version in the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones except custom firmware devices like LineageOS.

  1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
  2. Tap a few times on the MIUI version (or HyperOS on new models) until the Additional options menu appears.
  3. Select the kernel version or build number.

Look for the following markers in the build title:

  • 🌍 Global - Global inscriptions, EEA (Europe), RU (Russia), IN (India, an example: V14.0.5.0.TMGEUXM (where EU — Europe).
  • 🇨🇳 China — CN, China, an example: V14.0.4.0.TMGCNXM.
  • ⚠️ Suspicious, if you see. ING (Indonesia) or TW (Taiwan is not a global version for Russia, but it can support Google.
What if there is no MIUI version?
On some firmware (for example, on POCO F5 with HyperOS), the path is different: Settings → About the phone → Device Information → Software version. If there is no data there, then a phone with custom firmware, and you can not trust such a check.

Notice the model code in the same menu, for example:

  • 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G global — 22101316G (gram).
  • 📱 The same phone for China — 22101316C (letter-C).

⚠️ Note: Some Chinese phones (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra may show "Global" in the settings, but it's a fake - check more through IMEI.

Method 2: Analyze IMEI through official services

IMEI is a unique phone identifier that lets you know the original regional reference, and it works even if the phone is unlocked or stitched with a custom version of MIUI.

  1. Find out about IMEI: Dial *#06# and a window with a 15-digit code will appear. Or look at Settings → About Phone → General Information → IMEI.

IMEI.info

IMEI24

Check

In the results, look for fields:

  • 📌 Models must match your model (for example, 2201116PG For the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Global).
  • 📌 Market - if indicated by China, CN Or Asia, it's the Chinese version.
  • 📌 Carrier – For global versions, usually Unlocked.
📊 How to Check Your Phone Before Buying?
I'm looking at the box and the documents.
Checking IMEI online
I'm asking the seller.
Not checking.
Another way.

For accuracy, check the model code from IMEI with the official list on the Xiaomi website:

  1. Go to the verification page.
  2. Enter IMEI and CAPTCHA.
  3. The system will show the original version (e.g. Global Version or China Mainland).

⚠️ Note: Some vendors are forging stickers with IMEI Always check the code that appears on the phone, not on the package.

Method 3: Visual inspection of the box and documentation

The original Xiaomi packaging contains regional version markers, but you need to be able to read them.

ElementGlobal VersionChina Version
IMEI stickerThe model code ends in G (Global), R (Russia), EU (Europe).The code ends in C (China) or CT (China Telecom).
Language of instructionMultilingual (Russian, English, Spanish, etc.).Chinese only (sometimes English in small print).
CertificatesLogos CE, FCC, EAC (for Russia).CCC (China Compulsory Certificate)
ComplementationType C/F, an adapter with 220V support.Type A/I Chinese plug, 110V adapter

Note the serial number on the box and on the phone (in Settings → About Phone). They should match. If not, you either have a fake or a phone made from spare parts ("Frankenstein").

Example of markup on the original Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Global box:

Model: 22101316G


Made in India for Global Market




IMEI1: 123456789012345




IMEI2: 123456789012346

💡

If the vendor says the phone is "striped to the global version," but the Chinese box is a hoax, the firmware can be changed, but the hardware binding (modem, antennas) can not.

Method 4: Check through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

The Engineering Mode contains radio module and supported frequencies that differ in the global and Chinese versions, a method that is suitable for models with Qualcomm processors (such as the POCO X5 Pro 5G or Redmi K60).

Instructions:

  1. Open the phone app and dial: ##4636##
  2. Select Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down to the Band or Supported Bands block.

Compare the supported ranges with the official specifications:

  • 📶 Global - there should be ranges B1/B3/B7/B20/B28 (for Europe/Russia).
  • 📶 China is often absent B20 (800 MHz) and B28 (700 MHz).

For models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 12), use the code:

##36446337##

Then go to Connectivity → Band Mode.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu! incorrect settings can lead to network loss or modem overheating.

Compare supported 4G/5G bands with official | Make sure B20/B28 is available for Russia | Check the region at "Network Operator" | Do not save changes!

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Method 5: Verification through ADB (for technical users)

If the phone is unlocked, but you doubt its origin, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for deep diagnostics, which will show the original firmware, even if the custom one is installed on top.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Download the Google Platform Tools.
  2. Turn on the phone to debug. USB (Settings → The phone. → Stick 7 times on "Version" MIUI" → Developer settings → Debugging by USB).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb.exe folder.
  4. Enter the command: adb shell getprop ro.miui.region

Possible results:

  • 🌍 Global, eea, in – Global version.
  • 🇨🇳 cn - Chinese version.
  • ❓ Unknown - custom firmware or modified software.

To check the hardware binding, use:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model


adb shell getprop ro.product.device

Check the output with the official model codes on the Xiaomi website.

💡

If ro.miui.region returns the cn, but the phone is stitched with a global MIUI, it is not the original global version, but a re-stitched Chinese device.

What to do if you buy a Chinese version

If your check shows you have a China ROM, there are several ways to do this:

  1. Under the Consumer Protection Act, you can return the product within 14 days if it does not meet the declared characteristics (Articles 18, 25 of the ZoZPP).
  2. Reflash to the global MIUI: 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires binding to Mi Account). 📥 Download official firmware from Xiaomi website (choose Global or Google) EEA). 🔧 Install via Fastboot or Recovery (instructions are available on the XDA Developers).

Use as is.

  • ✅ Install Google Play Services manually (via APKMirror).
  • ❌ Accept the absence of some ranges 4G/5G.

Important: Firmware re-flashing voids the warranty and may result in:

  • 🔋 Fast battery discharge (due to unoptimized software).
  • 📡 Network problems (if the firmware does not support hardware modules).
  • 🔒 Mi Account Block (if the phone was linked to a Chinese region).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) after flashing from Chinese to global stops working NFC contactless.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s global versions

Can a seller be fooled if he checks the IMEI through his service?
No. IMEI is tied to the phone's hardware and doesn't change when you flash it, and the only way is to physically replace the chip (which is extremely difficult and expensive), and if you use official Xiaomi services (such as mi.com/verify), you'll see the original version.
Why are AliExpress phones cheaper than official stores?
Most likely, these are: Overstretched Chinese versions (with the risk of blocking the account); "Gray" shipments are phones for other regions (for example, India), which may not support Russian or local languages. LTE-Fakes are clones under the Xiaomi brand (check out) IMEI!). Official global versions for Russia are supplied only by Mi Store Russia and authorized retailers (for example, Svyaznoy, M.Video).
How to check the version on a phone with HyperOS?
On new HyperOS smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the path is: Open Settings → About Phone → Device Information. Tap a few times on the HyperOS Version. In the menu, select the Software Version. Look for the suffixes G, EU, RU in the build title. For the Chinese versions, there will be CN or no regional marker.
Can the store sell the Chinese version under the guise of a global one?
Yes, it's a common practice at sites like Avito, Yula, or small online stores: 📦 The box is in Chinese, but the seller says he has "stitched under the global flag". 💰 Price for 20–30% below-market. 📡 The characteristics do not indicate the supported ranges 4G/5G. Demand a video with verification IMEI via Xiaomi’s official service before purchase.
Which Xiaomi models have never been released in the global version?
Some flagships and exclusive series are sold only in China, for example: Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 - only for the domestic market, Redmi K60 Ultra - no official global version (only re-stitched). POCO F5 Pro in China called Redmi K60 - these are different models with different modems! Before buying, check the model on the GSMArena website under the "Network".