Why it is important to know the version of Xiaomi
Did you buy Xiaomi at a bargain price but not sure if it’s a global version? Or are you planning to buy and want to avoid firmware issues? Distinguishing the global version from the Chinese version (China ROM) is critically important — it affects the language of the interface, the availability of Google services, security updates and even the legality of use in some countries.
Chinese versions of Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO are often cheaper, but have a number of limitations: no Google Play, Cyrillic in system fonts, binding to Chinese servers and the risk of blocking your Mi Account when trying to unlock a bootloader. Global ROMs are free of these problems, but can cost 15-30% more. In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable methods of verification, including box analysis, IMEI, firmware and hidden menus.
This information is especially relevant for buyers with hands: on AliExpress, in Chinese online stores or from dealers, Chinese versions are often sold under the guise of global ones. And the difference in price between the Redmi Note 12 Global and Redmi Note 12 China can reach 5-7 thousand rubles with identical characteristics.
Method 1: Checking the box and stickers
The fastest way is to look at the original packaging, and the manufacturer puts key labels that clearly indicate the region of the device, and look for the following items:
- 📦 Serial number sticker: it must be Global Version or an abbreviation EEA (Europe), RU (Russia), IN (Chinese versions marked CN.
- 🏷️ Barcode and article: global models have suffixed articles /Global, /EEA or /RU. Example: Redmi Note 12 4G global — 22101316G, Chinese — 22101316C.
- 📄 Documentation: complete with the global version comes instruction in several languages (including Russian), whereas the Chinese version contains only characters.
⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often fake stickers or sell devices in repackaged boxes. If the package looks suspicious (scotch, autopsy marks, mismatches of serial numbers on the box and on the phone), use other methods of checking.
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Take a picture of the serial number from the box and compare it to the number in the phone settings (Settings → About Phone → General Information).
| Sign. | Global version | Chinese version |
|---|---|---|
| Marking on the box | Global, EEA, RU | CN or unmarked |
| Article (model number) | Ends with G (Global) | Ends in C (China) |
| Languages in instruction | Russian, English, European | Only Chinese. |
| Certification | Logos of CE, FCC, EAC | CCC only (China) |
Method 2: Analysis of IMEI and serial number
Each Xiaomi device is assigned a unique IMEI (or two for dual-SIM models) from which you can determine the region of production.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → General information → IMEI.
- Copy the first IMEI (if there are two).
- Use the IMEI.info or MIUI ROM Checker service for analysis.
Global versions will be marked in the results:
- 🌍 Global Version or International
- 🇪🇺 EEA (Europe for European models
- 🇷🇺 Russia CIS for official deliveries in the CIS
The Chinese version is labeled as China or Domestic.
Also, look for the serial number (SN), which starts with the letters that indicate the factory:
- B, C, D – China (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with SN B4K1... – Chinese version).
- G, H, J are global models (e.g. POCO X5 Pro with SN G7M2...).
Method 3: Verification through MIUI settings
The most reliable way is to look at the information in the system itself.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 5-7 times on the line MIUI version until the message appears "You became a developer!".
- Go back to the main settings menu and select a new item for developers.
- Scroll down to the MIUI version block, where the regional reference will be indicated.
A critical feature of the Chinese version is the presence of the "Region Restrictions" item in this menu or the inscription Stable (China) in the MIUI version. Global firmware is marked as Stable (Global), EEA or Russia.
Also check:
- 📱 Model of the device in Settings → The phone. → Model. Global versions have Global suffixes, EEA or RU (case: 23049RAD8G — Redmi Note 12).
- 🌐 System languages: Chinese version does not include Russian in the list (Settings) → Additionally. → Language and input).
- 🔍 Google Services: If the menu doesn’t have Google Play or doesn’t work, it’s 100% Chinese firmware.
No Google Play and Google | services
MIUI version contains "China" |
No Russian language |
There is a clause "Region restrictions" in the developer settings-->
Method 4: Hidden Engineering Menus (for Advanced)
If the previous methods didn't give a definitive answer, you can use engineering codes to get technical information about the firmware and the hardware platform.
Enter the following commands in the phone application:
- #4636### - Testing will open. In the Device Information section, look for the Software Version line. Global firmware contains global or eea.
- #7594## is a fast network switch (not available on all models) and some 4G/5G bands may not be supported in Chinese versions.
- ##225## is an authentication calculator, and if you send an error message after you type in, it may indicate a modified firmware.
⚠️ Note: Not all engineering codes work on new Xiaomi models (e.g., Xiaomi) 13/14 series or Redmi Note 12). On some devices, these menus are blocked by the manufacturer. Do not try to enter codes from other brands (for example, Samsung or Huawei) - this can lead to a system failure.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 5: Checking through official Xiaomi services
The manufacturer provides tools to authenticate and region the device, and here's how to use them:
- Mi Account: Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in. Find your smartphone in the Devices section. Global/China version will be shown opposite the model.
MIUI Version Checker
- Download APK from miuirom.org (official sources only!).
- The app will show the current firmware and its region.
⚠️ Note: If the device was sewn with unofficial firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU or custom recavers), official services may show incorrect data (IMEI, serial).
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Xiaomi's official services are the most reliable way, but they only work for devices with original firmware. If the phone has been re-flashed, use alternative methods.
What to do if you have a Chinese version?
Did you find out that your Xiaomi is a Chinese version? Don't panic: there are a few ways out:
- 🔄 Official flashing: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11/12, POCO X4 Pros support transition to China ROM Globally ROM You need to use Mi Flash Tool. This is: Unlock the bootloader (official unlock tool). Download the official global firmware from the Xiaomi website. Swipe through Fastboot (instructions are available on the site). 4PDA or XDA Developers).