How to know exactly the model of your Xiaomi: from the box to the engineering menu

You bought Xiaomi from hand, found an old smartphone in a drawer or just forgot what model you have? Determining the exact modification of the device from this brand can be difficult: externally, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X3 Pro are almost indistinguishable, and the settings often indicate only the code name (for example, surya instead of POCO X3). In this article, we will analyze all possible ways, from obvious to hidden, which work even on locked or defective phones.

Why does it matter? Knowing the exact model is necessary to:

• 🔧 Search for original spare parts (battery, screen, camera)
• 📥 Download the correct firmware or recovery
• 🛠️ Diagnostics of malfunctions by typical "diseases" series
• 💰 Phone sales – buyers often check model compliance

Some methods require the phone to be turned on, others will work on the brick, so let's start with the simplest ones and move on to the advanced ones.

1. Check box and documentation

The most reliable way is to inspect the original packaging. The Xiaomi boxes show the model:

• 📦 On the front side - in large font (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G)
• 🏷️ On the side of the sticker, along with IMEI, serial number and model code (e.g, 22101316C Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed)
• 📄 In documents - a warranty card or instructions (first page)

⚠️ Note: If the box is from another device (for example, the seller slipped a package from the POCO X3, The phone is actually a Redmi Note. 9S), This method won't work. Always check the data with your phone.

The model code on the sticker (for example, M2007J22C) can be decrypted through official sources.

1. Go to the Xiaomi authentication site
2. Enter the IMEI or serial number from the sticker
3. The system will show the exact model and production date

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If the sticker on the box is erased, try to light it with a flashlight at an angle - UV ink often helps to read the code.

2. Phone settings: where the model is hiding

If the phone turns on, the quickest way is to look at the settings. MIUI:

For MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the Model or Model Name block
3. The full name (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite 5G) and code name (e.g. taoyao) will be indicated.

For older versions of MIUI (up to 12):

1. Go to Settings → System → About the phone
2. Click on the MIUI version several times to unlock More information
3. In the Hardware section, there will be a line Model

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially custom) in this section may only display a codename (e.g., alioth for POCO F3). To decrypt it, use the table below or services like Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

3.Use of the engineering menu (#4636##)

The hidden engineering menu is on all Android devices, including Xiaomi, which displays technical information, including the model, to open it:

1. Open the phone application
2. Enter the combination: ##4636##
3. Select the Device Information tab

In this menu, look for the lines:

• Model phone – full name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G)
• Model number – code name (e.g. veux)
• Hardware version – may contain additional modification data

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may have the engineering menu blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try an alternative combination: ##225## (displays calibration information).

4. Applications for model definition

If the standard methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and they will not only show the model, but also provide detailed information about the hardware.

• 📱 AIDA64 — Shows model, code name, version MIUI, CPU and memory data. Look for Device section → Model.
• 🔍 CPU-Z — The Device tab contains a Model line with the full name.
• 🛠️ DevCheck is a modern analogue AIDA64 It's a user-friendly interface. It's displayed on the home screen.
• 📊 MIUI Version Info – a specialized application for Xiaomi devices, shows the firmware version and model.

Download apps only from Google Play or AppGallery. Avoid APKs from unknown sources - they may contain malicious code.

Important: Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A with firmware for India) may show applications that are incorrect, in which case, check the data against the box or use the method with ADB (section 6).

Install AIDA64 from Google Play| Open the app and wait for the scan | Go to Device | Check Model and Codename | Compare the data to the official Xiaomi--> list

5. Definition by IMEI

Each phone is assigned a unique IMEI — 15-digit code that you can use to identify a model. IMEI:

• 📞 Dial *#06# - the code will appear on the screen.
• 📄 Look at the sticker under the battery (on removable batteries) or on the back (on non-removable batteries).
• 📦 Find on the box - usually next to the barcode.

When the IMEI is known, check it out through:

1. Xiaomi official website: authentication.
2. Services like IMEI.info (shows model, year of release and specifications).
3. Applications such as IMEI Analyser (available on Google Play).

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI is not defined or displayed as 000000000000000000, this is a sign:

• 🔧 Unoriginal firmware (possibly the phone was flashed through Fastboot).
• 🚨 Fake device (relevant for cheap replicas Xiaomi).
• 🔋 Hardware damage to the communication module (for example, after a fall).

6. Advanced Methods: ADB and Fastboot

If the phone is not switched on or locked but is responsive to a PC connection, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or Fastboot.

Method 1: ADB (if the phone is turned on but the screen is not working)

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect your phone via USB and enable USB Debugging (in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. In the command line, type: adb shell getprop ro.product.model A model will be displayed (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Method 2: Fastboot (if the phone is not turned on)

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect to your PC and type in the command: fastboot getvar product In response, get a code name (for example, sweet for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB/Fastboot If you see a device unauthorized message, confirm the debugging on the phone screen.

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ADB and Fastboot are the only ways to recognize a model on a phone with a broken screen or a broken display, but they require pre-setting the debugging over USB.

7. Visual identification (if the phone is not turned on)

If the device is completely malfunctioning, you have to rely on external signs.

• 📏 Connectors and buttons: Redmi Note 11 has a 3.5 mm audio jack, but Xiaomi 12 does not have an infrared port (IR) for most Redmi, but not for the Redmi. POCO F-series. Side-button fingerprint scanner is a sign of Redmi Note 10S or POCO M4 Pro.
• 📷 108 MP main camera – Redmi Note 11 Pro+ Xiaomi 11T. Three cameras in a vertical block — POCO X3 Redmi Note 9: Underscreen front camera: Xiaomi Mi Mix or Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
• 🔋 Charging: Charging 120W — Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Xiaomi 12T Pro. Charging. 33W — Most Redmi Notes 2021-2022.

For accurate identification, take a photo of the phone from different angles and compare it with the images on the sites:

• GSMArena (Filter by Brand and Year)
• The official website of Xiaomi (Devices section).
• XiaomiUI (Photo and Specification Database)

⚠️ Note: The visual method may give inaccurate results because of the:

• 🔄 Repainted housing (e.g, POCO X3 Redmi Note 9 in color).
• 🛠️ Replaced modules (camera or back panel from another model).
• 📦 Replica (fake Xiaomi often copy flagship designs).

FAQ: Frequent questions