Have you bought a used Xiaomi smartphone, lost a box or just forgotten what model you have? Without the exact name, it is difficult to download firmware, buy a case or accessories, and sometimes even update the software. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to find out the brand of a Xiaomi phone - from standard (through settings) to little-known (by IMEI or engineering menu).
The peculiarity of the Xiaomi brand is that under its auspices several lines are released at once: Redmi, POCO, Mi (now renamed Xiaomi), as well as devices for other regions (for example, Mi A for Europe with pure Android), because of this, even seemingly similar models can belong to different series, we will show how to distinguish them from each other and avoid errors in identification.
1. Verification of the model through the phone settings
The fastest and most reliable way is to look at the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of MIUI version or firmware region.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone.
- Click on the model or model name.
In the window that opens, you will see the full name, for example: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G or POCO X5 Pro. Note that sometimes after the model name comes the code name (for example, 22101316C for Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed), which is an internal identifier for service centers, you can ignore it.
Check if the section is hidden in "Additional settings"|Update. MIUI last-minute|Use an alternative method (see below)|Try entering ##4636##-->
If you have custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the model name may not be displayed correctly, in which case you move on to the following methods.
Packaging and document identification
If you saved the box from your phone, the model is on the sticker on the back or on the side.
- 📦 Redmi 10C (220333QNY) — full-time + code-mark.
- 📄 POCO M5s — model only, without technical details).
- 🔖 Mi 11 Lite 5G NE — for the old flagships of the Mi series.
The model is also duplicated in:
- 📑 Warranty card (if the phone was purchased officially).
- 🛒 Check or invoice from the store (in the line "Name of goods").
- 📋 Sticker under the battery (if you took the phone apart).
Where else can the model be listed?
Attention! On fakes, the model name on the box may not match the actual device. Always check the data with other methods.
3. Use of IMEI to define the model
Each phone is assigned a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) that tells you not only the model, but also the year of release, the region of sale.
- Type the code on your phone keyboard: *#06#.
- Write down or copy a 15-digit number (e.g., 861234567890123).
- Go to IMEI.info or IMEI24.
- Enter the IMEI in the check box and click Check.
You'll see in the results:
- 📱 The exact name of the model (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro 5G).
- 📅 Date of production (month/year).
- 🌍 Region of sale (e.g, EUR Europe, IND for India).
Yeah, when you buy a used one.|Yeah, out of interest.|No, I didn't know about that possibility.|No, I don't see the point.-->
The IMEI can show the model even if the phone is not turned on or locked (for example, after a reset via Mi Account).
4. Hidden engineering codes for advanced users
If standard methods don't work, you can use service codes, which give you access to technical information, including model, firmware version, and hardware data, and importantly, these codes are safe, but don't type them on phones with corrupted software.
| Code. | What shows | Example of the result |
|---|---|---|
| ##4636## | Phone and battery information | Model Number: 2201116PG (Redmi Note 11) |
| ##225## | Calendar and assembly time | Manufacture Date: 05/2022 |
| ##6484## | Test of hardware components | Device Model: POCO F4 GT |
| ##64663## | MIUI version and core | MIUI Version: 14.0.5 (TKQCNXM) |
Once you enter the code, you will be taken to the engineering menu, look for lines with Model, Device or Product Name. If the menu is in Chinese, use a camera translator (like Google Lens).
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If the code doesn't work, try typing it without the last # or adding * at the beginning. Some firmware may have different formats.
5. How to distinguish Redmi from POCO and old Mi
Xiaomi’s brand often confuses users because of its many sub-brands, and here are the key differences:
- 🔴 Redmi: budget and mid-budget smartphones. The name always has the word Redmi (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro). A2, which is Redmi).
- 🟠 POCO: It's a game and a performance device. POCO (for example, POCO F5 Pros often have aggressive designs and powerful processors.
- ⚪ Xiaomi (formerly Mi): flagship models. formerly called Mi (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra), now just Xiaomi (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro).
If you see only the Xiaomi logo on the box or in the settings without specifying, it is most likely a flagship model.
| Linea | Example of model | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 200 MP cameras, AMOLED-screen, mid-price segment |
| POCO F | POCO F5 Pro | Snapdragon 8+, 120 Hz processor, cooling system |
| Xiaomi (Mi) | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Leica cameras, ceramic case, premium assembly |
| Redmi A | Redmi A2+ | Cheapest models, weak processor, big battery |
Attention! Some POCO models are identical to Redmi (e.g., the POCO X3 NFC and Redmi Note 9 Pro). To make sure you don't make a mistake, check the official Xiaomi website by serial number.
6. Definition of the model by appearance (visual differences)
If the phone doesn't turn on, but you have access to the body, you can try to identify the model by design.
- 📸 Camera Location: Redmi Note 11: Vertical 4-camera unit. POCO X5 Pro: Two large cameras + Xiaomi 13: Three cameras in a round module.
- 🔋 Charging connector: USB-C: post-model 2018 Micro-USB: Old Redmis 4A/5A.
- 🎨 Color of the case: POCO: often bright colors (yellow, green, blue). Xiaomi: premium shades (black, silver, green "forest").
For accurate identification, compare your phone to photos on the sites:
- 🛒 Official Xiaomi catalog (filter by year).
- 📸 GSMArena (technical specifications) + photo).
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Visual inspection is only suitable for approximate identification. Use IMEI or settings to accurately define the model.
7. Checking through a computer (ADB and Mi Flash Tool)
If the phone is on, but the screen is not working or the settings menu is not available, you can connect it to the PC and find out the model through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or the Mi Flash Tool.
The ADB method:
- Install Platform Tools from Google.
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB (enable USB debugging in the developer settings).
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in: adb shell getprop ro.product.model
The answer will give you the exact name of the model, for example: 22041216UC (this is Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).
The way with the Mi Flash Tool:
- Download the utility from the official website.
- Connect the phone off in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- The program will display a model (for example, the surya is POCO X3).
Attention! Using the Mi Flash Tool can cause a data reset if you accidentally press Flash. Do not do anything other than view the information!