How to accurately determine the model of the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: from the box to the engineering menu

Why it’s important to know the exact model of your Xiaomi Redmi

You bought a used smartphone, lost a box, or just forgot which Redmi model you were holding? Defining the exact modification is not a whim, it's a necessity. It depends on compatibility with firmware, covers, accessories and even repair parts. For example, the battery from the Redmi Note 10 Pro is not suitable for the Redmi Note 10S, although the devices are almost identical on the outside.

Another trap is the fake Xiaomi, which is often disguised as popular models. According to 2023 statistics, up to 15% of Redmi smartphones in the secondary market are replicas with simplified iron. Knowing the exact model, you can check its characteristics on the official website and avoid cheating. Next, we will analyze 7 working methods, from the simplest to the most technically complex.

⚠️ WARNING: If you buy a smartphone with your hands, never rely on just the inscription on the back cover.Swindlers often stick stickers with the name of the more expensive model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Replace the Redmi Note 12 Pro with the system tools.

Method 1: View the box and documents

The most obvious, but often ignored, method is to examine the original packaging. On the Xiaomi Redmi box, the model is listed in at least three places:

• 📦 On the front side - large font under the logo (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G).
• 🏷️ On the side of the sticker, along with IMEI, serial number and model code (e.g, 2201116SG For the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).
• 📄 In the documents - in the warranty card or invoice (if you bought officially).

If there is no box, check the case (some original accessories have a model engraving) or the battery sticker (on models with a removable back cover). For example, the Redmi 9A has the M2006C3LG code, which can be decrypted through the Xiaomi database.

⚠️ Attention: In the secondary market, smartphones are often sold in boxes from other models, and if the name on the box and in the settings does not match, you are either a fake or a "collection hodgepodge" of spare parts of different devices.

Method 2: Check in Android settings

The most reliable way is to look at the system information.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device on MIUI 14+).
3. Click on the Model – the full name will be here (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed Edition).
4. For more information, tap on All characteristics or specifications.

Some firmware may have different paths, such as Redmi with global MIUI 13, where you have to go: Settings → About Phone → Device Data → Model. If you have custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), the model name may not be displayed correctly, so use other methods.

💡 Useful life hack: Take a picture of the screen with the information about the model and save the photo to the cloud, this will help when you go to the service center or buy accessories.

Method 3: Use USSD codes and engineering menus

If the phone is on but access to settings is limited (e.g., a pattern lock is blocked), you can recognize the model through service codes. These commands work on all Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi, POCO and Mi.

Enter the following combinations in the Phone application:

• 📱 ##4636### – Testing menu will open, where the model will be specified in the Device Information section.
• 🔢 *#6# - will show IMEI, This is a model that can be used to determine a model through services like IMEI.info.
• 🛠️ ##225## – displays calibration data, including device name (not working on all firmware).

For advanced users, there is an engineering menu (MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Service Mode) to get there:

1. Enter #36446337## (for MediaTek processors) or #7780## (for Qualcomm).
2. Go to the Hardware Info or Device Info section.
3. Find the Model Name or Product Model lines.

⚠️ Warning: Don't change the settings in the engineering menu unless you understand their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to network loss, overheating or even "bricking" of the smartphone. RF Band Selection may block access to mobile networks.

Method 4: Install specialized applications

If system methods don't work (for example, on custom firmware), use third-party utilities, which will not only show the model, but also provide complete information about the hardware.

For example, in AIDA64 The model is displayed in the Device section → Note the line Model Code is an internal designation of Xiaomi (e.g., Xiaomi, 2201116TI For the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G). This code can be found with the exact specification on the site. MIUI Doc.

🔍 Critical information: If the app shows a model that doesn't exist in Xiaomi's official listings (like the Redmi Note 13 Ultra), you're 100% fake.

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If the app doesn't define the model, try disabling root access (if any) or temporarily uninstall Magisk. Some utilities conflict with modified firmware.

Method 5: Determine by external features and characteristics

If the phone doesn't turn on, but you know the look of it, you can identify the model by the design and arrangement of the elements.

• 📸 Camera: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ three-lens + The sensor is 200 MP and Redmi Note 12 Pro – 50 MP. 10C The camera is located in a vertical block, and the Redmi 10A — squarely.
• 🔋 Charging: Models with support 120W (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo has a more massive connector. USB-C. The old Redmi 9 has a microUSB connector.
• 📏 Sizes: Redmi Note 11S thinner (8.09mm) than the Redmi Note 11 Pro (8.34mm).Measure with a rod or ruler.
• 🎨 Unique shades: Redmi Note 10 Pro was released in the color Onxy Gray, and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — Mystique Purple.

For accurate identification, use the GSM Arena database, which has filters by year of release, screen diagonals and processor, for example, if your smartphone has:

• Screen 6.67" with a frequency of 120 Hz,
• Dimensity 1080 processor,
• 200 MP camera,

This is the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G code 22101316C.

Method 6: Check by IMEI or serial number

Each Xiaomi smartphone is assigned a unique IMEI (15 digits) and serial number (S/N, 11-14 characters), which can be used to determine the model even without the phone turning on.

🔍 Where to find out. IMEI:

• 📞 *#06# - a window will appear IMEI (Or two if the smartphone supports two. SIM-map).
• 📦 On a sticker under the battery or on a box (near the barcode).
• 🖥️ In settings: About the phone → General information → IMEI.

Check the IMEI through the official services:

1. IMEI.info – will show the model, year of release and country of manufacture.
2. IIMEI.net will provide full specifications, including processor and memory.
3. MIUI Doc – Type IMEI into the search box to find the model code (e.g. 21091116C for the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

⚠️ Note: If the service shows that IMEI It belongs to another brand (like Samsung or Oppo), your Redmi is a fake" IMEI, Check the number on several sites.

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IMEI is the only way to know the model of a broken smartphone. If the phone doesn't turn on but the IMEI is saved (for example, in the picture of a box), you can still identify the modification.

Method 7: Disassemble the phone and see the markings

If all previous methods have failed (e.g., the phone doesn't turn on and there's no box), disassembly is left, and this is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires care and can void warranty.

🛠️ Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 60°C) or use a suction cup to disassemble.
3. Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the corner next to the power button.
4. Under the battery or on the motherboard, find a labeled sticker.Look for the lines: Model: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G PCBA: 2201116SG (model code) IMEI1/IMEI2

📌 Examples of marking:

• Redmi Note 10 Pro is M2101K6G (global version) or M2101K6I (India).
• Redmi 9T — M2010J19SG.
• Redmi K50i — 22041216I.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools when disassembling, they can damage plumes or antenna tracks. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact a service center. ₽) cheaper than repairs after a failed disassembly.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes get it wrong when defining the Xiaomi Redmi model, and here are the most common pitfalls:

• 🔄 Confusion with regional versions, like the Redmi Note 11 Pro for China (2201116C) The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (2201116SG) — Different devices with different processors (Dimensity 920 vs Snapdragon 695.
• 📱 The case is often versatile, and the Redmi Note 12 doesn't mean it's the model inside.
• 🔋 The Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max are different smartphones (the second camera has 108 MP). 9A redmi 9AT (second NFC).
• 🔄 They don't verify authenticity. IMEI. Fraudsters can reflash fake Redmis, replacing them with a IMEI. Always check the data with official sources.

💡 Tip: If you buy a smartphone with your hands, ask the seller to take a screenshot from the Mi Check app (showing warranty status and originality). IMEI In the settings with what is on the box and under the battery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions