How to know exactly the Xiaomi phone model: from the box to hidden settings

Have you just bought a used Xiaomi or found an old smartphone in your desk drawer but can't identify its model? Or maybe you want to check if the original device was sold to you? Defining a Xiaomi model is the first step before you get your firmware, accessories or repairs. Without the exact model name, you run the risk of downloading the wrong firmware, buying the wrong case, or even damaging the device when you try to unlock the bootloader.

In this article, we have collected all possible ways - from the obvious (look at the box) to the hidden (through the engineering menu and the scaling-up of the scaling-up box). ADB-Particular attention was paid to common errors that lead to confusion between similar models (for example, Redmi Note 10 vs Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Redmi Note 10). POCO X3 vs POCO X3 NFC). You will also learn how to distinguish the original from the fake by labeling and why some methods can give inaccurate results.

1. The easiest way: look at the box or documentation

If you still have the original packaging, you're in luck. Xiaomi boxes show the model in at least three places:

  • πŸ“¦ On the front side – usually in large font under the brand logo (for example, β€œRedmi Note 12 Pro”)+ 5G").
  • 🏷️ On the side sticker, the serial number is also indicated (S/N) and IMEI.
  • πŸ“„ In documents – in a warranty card or instructions (sometimes with the code of the model, for example, 22101320G For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

⚠️ Note: If the box says only "Mi 11" and you see that the phone supports 5G, It could be Mi 11. 5G or Mi 11 Ultra. check the serial number on the Xiaomi Verify website.

πŸ“Š Where do you usually look for your smartphone?
On the box.
In the phone settings
On the back cover.
In the documents
I don't know where to look.

2. Looking for a model on the phone itself: back cover and SIM-tray

If there is no box, check out the device itself. Most Xiaomi models (except flagships with ceramic back panel) show the model:

  • πŸ“± Under the logo - small print (for example, "Redmi Note 11 Pro") 5G").
  • πŸ” Near the camera, on some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT).
  • πŸ“Ά Nana SIM-Take out the tray and look at its end (sometimes there is a code model, for example, M2101K6G For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

πŸ”Ž Tip: If the inscription is erased, try to light up with a flashlight at an angle, sometimes the text becomes visible.

Phone seat.Example of modelNotes
Under the Mi/Redmi/POCO logoRedmi Note 12 Pro+ 5GNew models can only have code (e.g. 2304FPCD0G)
Near the camera.Xiaomi 13 UltraMore often found on flagships
Nana SIM-trayM2007J3SC (POCO F2 Pro)It can only be code without a model name.
Under the battery.2201116PG (Redmi Note 11S)It requires a phone parsing.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra can be printed with paint that wears off over time. If you see only part of the inscription (e.g., "Note 10..."), don't guess, use other methods.

3. Through phone settings: where exactly to watch

The most reliable way to look at the settings without disassembling the device is to look at the settings. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI (including POCO and Redmi):

  1. Open the settings (cog icon).
  2. Go to About the Phone (or About the Device).
  3. Slip on the model or the name of the model.

You’ll see either the full name (e.g., β€œPOCO X5 Pro 5G”) or the model code (e.g., 22101320G). If the second option is to use the table below or check the code on the Xiaomi Device website.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the model through settings

Done: 0 / 4

πŸ” Nuance: Some firmware (especially custom ones) in this section may display incorrect information "MSM8998" Instead of a model name, it is a processor code, not a phone model.

4. How to decrypt Xiaomi model code (e.g. 22101320G)

If you only see code like 22101320G or M2007J3SC in the settings or on the box, it can be decrypted. The first digits usually denote:

  • πŸ“… Year and month of release - for example, 2210 = 2022.
  • πŸ”’ The 132 series of devices could mean the Redmi Note 13 Pro.
  • 🌍 Region - last letter (G) = global version, C = China, I = India).

Here are some examples:

Model codeThe real modelTranscription
22101320GRedmi Note 12 Pro+ 5GOctober 2022, Series 132, Global Edition
21091116CXiaomi 11T ProSeptember 2021, Series 116, China
M2007J3SCPOCO F2 ProJuly 2020, J3S Series, China
2304FPCD0GPOCO F5April 2023, FPC series, global

⚠️ Note: Some codes may be different models depending on the region, 2201116PG β€” This is a Redmi Note. 11S For the global market, but Redmi Note 11 Pro for India!

Why are Xiaomi Model Codes So Weird?
The codes are generated by Xiaomi’s internal logic: the first 4 digits are the date of certification (not always the same as the release), the next ones are the internal project index, the letter is the region. For example, β€œ2201” does not mean January 2022, but may be the date of the tests.

5. Advanced methods: engineering menu and ADB-team

If standard methods don't work (like custom firmware), try these methods. They take a little more effort, but they give 100% accuracy even on modified devices.

Method 1: Engineering Menu (CIT)

Enter the phone code in the appendix:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Device Information β†’ Model. This displays the actual model, even if it is hidden in the normal settings.

Method 2: ADB-Team (for experienced users)

If you have a computer, connect your phone over USB with debugging enabled and do:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model

This command will return the exact name of the model, regardless of the firmware.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may have the engineering menu disabled. If the code ##4636## doesn't work, try an alternative:

##225##

πŸ’‘

If the engineering menu doesn't open, check if the service codes are locked in your firmware. Try entering the code through the Symbols app (enter numbers and symbols manually).

6. How to distinguish the original Xiaomi from a fake model

Fake Xiaomis often copy designs, but rarely internal labels.

  • πŸ” Model code mismatch – if on the box 22101320G, a in settings MT6750 (It's a processor, not a model).
  • πŸ“± No model on the back cover – the originals always have the markings.
  • 🌐 Wrong region – if you bought the β€œglobal” version and the code ends in C (China).
  • πŸ”§ Disparity of characteristics – for example, in the settings specified 8 GB of RAM, and in fact 4 GB.

πŸ”Ž Checking by IMEI:

  1. Type *#06# and IMEI will appear.
  2. Check it out at IMEI.info.
  3. Check the model against the one on the box.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters can be faked IMEI! If the site shows a model different from the one on the box, it's 100% fake. IMEI box-and-phone.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to verify originality is to check the model code from the settings, IMEI and the labeling on the box, and if one item doesn't match, it's a fake or a "gray" import.

7 Frequent Errors: Why You May Not Define a Model

Even experienced users sometimes confuse Xiaomi models, and here are the most common mistakes:

  • πŸ“± The confusion between Redmi and POCO β€” for example, POCO X3 NFC Redmi Note 9 Pro is similar in appearance, but has different codes (M2007J20CG vs J11S).
  • πŸ”‹ Ignoring Suffixes – Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro – Different Devices with Different Firmware.
  • 🌍 Ignoring regional versions - Mi 11 for China (M2011K2C) Global Mi 11 (M2011K2G) different modules 5G.
  • πŸ”„ Trust the seller at their word - often used phones are sold under the guise of more expensive models (for example, POCO F3 instead POCO F3 GT).

πŸ”Ž Example: Users bought Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro, but when checked it turned out to be Mi. 10T (without the "Pro" price difference β€” ~15 000 rubles, and in the characteristics – camera and screen.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to flash your phone, an incomplete or incorrect model name can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you identify a Xiaomi model by serial number (S/N)?
The serial number (S/N) should be checked on Xiaomi Verify's official website, which will show the model, production date and warranty status, but this method only works for original devices.
I see the settings for MSM8998 instead of the model.
This is not a model, but a processor code (in this case, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835), so you have custom firmware that doesn't display information correctly. Use the engineering menu (#4636##) or ADB-team.
How to find out the model if the phone is not turned on?
There are three ways: Look at the box or documents; remove the back cover and check the labeling under the battery (requires parsing skills); connect the phone to the PC in Fastboot mode. + Power and command: fastboot getvar product
Why do different websites have different names?
Xiaomi uses different names for different markets, such as: Redmi K50 in China = POCO F4 GT globally, Mi 11 Lite 5G NE = Mi 11 Lite 5G (updated version), Always focus on the model code (e.g. 21121210G) rather than the name.
Can you tell if your phone supports 5G?
Yes, but not always obvious. Focus on the suffix in the title: If the model has "5G" (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G) - supports. If there is no mention of 5G, but the model code ends in 5G (for example, 2203121C5G) - also supports. Models without 5G in name and code (for example, Redmi 10C, 220333QNY) - only 4G. For a precise check, enter the model code on the GSMArena website.