Have you bought a used Xiaomi Redmi Note, lost a box, or just wanted to refine your smartphone? Determining the exact model is a critical step before firmware, accessories or repair. A single-digit error (e.g., a Redmi Note 10 instead of a Redmi Note 10 Pro) can lead to parts incompatibility, improper software installation, or even loss of warranty.
In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to identify a model, from the obvious (sticker on the box) to the hidden (engineering codes and hardware tags), paying special attention to the differences between the global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions, which are often confused by users. All methods are tested on devices with MIUI 12โ14 and relevant for the Redmi Note 5โ13 lines.
1.The easiest way: look at the box and stickers
If you still have the original packaging, you're in luck. The manufacturer duplicates the key information in several places:
- ๐ฆ Front of the box: the full model name is usually indicated (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ 5G). But beware โ there may be no prefix Global or China.
- ๐ท๏ธ Side sticker: contains a Model Number (e.g, 22101316C For the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G). It's the most accurate identifier.
- ๐ Barcode: It is often hidden under it IMEI, This is a model that can be used through services like IMEI.info.
โ ๏ธ Warning: For fake boxes (especially gray boxes) the model may be incorrectly specified. Always double-check the information through other methods if you buy the device from hand.
2. Through phone settings: where the full name is hidden
Even if there's no box, you can recognize the model directly in the MIUI interface.
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (or Device in New Versions).
- Scroll down to the Model or Model Name block.
Here you will see one of two:
- ๐ฑ The name of the game is Redmi Note 11 Pro. 5G โ easy to understand, but not always accurately reflects the hardware revision.
Find the "About the Phone" section"|Compare the name of the model with the box|Write down the model code (e.g, 2201116PG)|Check the version. MIUI (Is the firmware relevant)-->
โ ๏ธ Note: Some firmware (especially custom firmware) may not display the model name correctly. If you see something like miatoll or vili, it's the code name of the platform, not the model for the user.
3. Engineering codes: secret commands for accurate identification
If the MIUI interface is modified or you doubt the information displayed, the service menu will help. Enter the following commands in the Phone application:
| Code. | What shows | Example of inference |
|---|---|---|
| ##4636## | Device information, including model and hardware platform | Model Number: 2201116PI |
| *#06# | IMEI (it can be used to determine the model through online services) | IMEI: 861234567890123 |
| ##225## | Date of production and serial number | Serial Number: ABC12345678 |
Once you enter the code #4636##, you will be taken to the Testing menu.
- ๐ฑ Device information: Model Number is the exact identifier.
- ๐ง Hardware info: will show hardware revision (useful for repairs).
What if the code doesn't work?
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you understand their purpose! For example, accidentally changing the settings in the Radio Information section can lead to loss of the network.
4.External features: how to distinguish models visually
If the phone doesn't turn on or you buy it blindly, visual inspection will help. The Redmi Note has a few key differences between generations:
- ๐ธ Camera module: Redmi Note 8/9/10: vertical or square camera arrangement. Redmi Note 11/12: arch-block AI Camera. Redmi Note 13: metal-frame.
- ๐ Charging connector: Up to Redmi Note 10: Micro-USB (obsolete standard: USB-C (plug-in).
- ๐ถ Logo: Old models: Redmi under the screen. New models (starting with Note 11): logo only on the back.
For accurate identification, take a photo of the back and compare it to the official images on Xiaomiโs website.
- ๐จ Color of the case: some colors were only available for certain markets (for example, Note 10 Pro in Onxy Gray color is a global version).
- ๐ Size and weight: Even the appearance of similar models can differ in thickness (for example, the Note 12 Pro is thinner than the Note 12 Pro).+ 0.3 mm).
๐ก
If you buy a phone from hand, ask the seller to remove the back cover (if possible without damage).There is usually a sticker underneath the battery with the exact Model Number and production date.
5. Software Methods: Applications for Model Definition
If the standard methods didnโt work, use third-party utilities, which will not only show the model, but also provide additional information about the hardware:
- ๐ฑ CPU-Z (Free, Google Play: Open the Device tab. The Model string is a username (e.g., Redmi Note 11 Pro). Hardware string is the codename of the platform (e.g., vili for Note 11 Pro).
- ๐ง AIDA64 (Google Play: The paid version of the system โ Device. shows Model, Brand, Codename and even release date.
- ๐ MIUI Version Checker (for firmware check): Determines the exact version MIUI It's also compatible, and it's useful if you're planning on reflashing the device.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some applications (especially from unverified sources) may collect device data. Install only programs from official stores (Google Play or AppGallery).
๐ก
Apps like CPU-Z show not only the model, but also a precise revision of the hardware platform, which is critical for repair (for example, replacing the screen with a Redmi Note 9 Pro may vary depending on the batch).
Online Services: IMEI and Serial Number Check
If you have an IMEI (you can find out via *#06# or on the box), you can check the model on specialized sites:
- Go to IMEI.info or IMEI24.com.
- Enter the IMEI in the search box.
- In the results, find the lines Model and Brand.
Example of output for the Redmi Note 10 Pro:
Brand: Xiaomi
Model: M2101K6G (Redmi Note 10 Pro)
Manufacturer: Xiaomi Communications Co LtdYou can also use the official Xiaomi Verify service (you need to enter S/N - serial number from the box or from the settings), this method is suitable for authenticating the device before buying.
โ ๏ธ Note: Online services may show inaccurate information for modified devices IMEI (In this case, trust only the physical tags on the phone.