How to accurately identify the Xiaomi Redmi model: from the box to hidden codes

You're holding a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, but you're not sure what model it is? You may have bought it from hand, lost the box, or just wanted to make a modification before you buy a case or firmware. Determining the exact model is critically important, because it depends on the compatibility of accessories, the correct installation of software and even the possibility of warranty repair.

In this article, we will look at 7 proven ways to identify a model, from the obvious (sticker on the box) to the hidden (service codes and hardware tags). Particular attention will be paid to the rare cases when the model on the box does not match the real one (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has 3 hardware revisions with different processors).

For convenience, we’ve put together a unique table of external differences from the popular Redmi 2020-2026 models, which will help you visually identify the device even without access to settings. And if you doubt the authenticity of the phone, there’s a checklist at the end of this article to check for counterfeits.

1.The fastest way: look at the box and stickers

If you have the original packaging, this is the most reliable source, and the Xiaomi boxes have a model in at least 3 places:

• 📦 The front side is a big name (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ 5G). But there can only be a series without an exact code (e.g. Redmi 10 instead of Redmi 10 2022).
• 🏷️ Side sticker – there is always the full name with hardware revision (for example, M2101K6G For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 🔍 Barcode – under it is often indicated in small print model (for example, 2201116PG For the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).

⚠️ Note: On boxes for the Chinese market (China) ROM) You can see the model in hieroglyphics, look for Latin characters in Mxxxxxx or 2xxxxxx — That's the hardware code.

If there is no box, check the documents (warranty card, check) - there should be a model, too. But be careful: in some countries, sellers indicate a simplified name in checks (for example, Redmi 9 instead of Redmi 9C NFC).

2. Through phone settings: where the full name is hidden

Even if you don't know where to look, the system will tell you the model.

1. Settings → About the phone
2. Scroll down to the Model or Model Name block.

Here you will see either the full name (e.g. Redmi Note 11S) or the hardware code (e.g. 2201117TY), the latter option being more accurate, you can find the exact modification on the Xiaomi website or in the GSMArena database.

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If the settings show only the model code (e.g., M2007J22C), copy it and type it into the search engine with the word "Xiaomi." The first results will show the exact model and its characteristics.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware smartphones (such as LineageOS), the model name may not be displayed correctly.

3. Service codes: how to find out the model through the engineering menu

If the phone is turned on but the model doesn’t show up in the settings, use the service codes. They work on all Xiaomi smartphones, including older models like the Redmi 4X or Redmi Note 5.

Open the phone application and enter:

• 📱 ##4636## — Testing will open. Go to the Device Information tab and find the Model line.
• 🔢 *#06# - not only will it show IMEI, but also a model in some firmware.
• 🛠️ ##225## – Alternate code for older devices (until 2019).

If the code doesn’t work, try typing it without stars or with one # at the end. On some models (e.g. Redmi K50i), the engineering menu may be blocked, in which case use the ADB method (described below).

4.External features: how to distinguish models by design

If the phone doesn't turn on or you don't have access to settings, visual inspection will help narrow down the search, and we've collected the key differences between the popular Redmi series in the table:

Notice the little things:

• 🔍 For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro was released in the color Graphite Gray, and Note 11S — Twilight Blue.
• 📏 Dimensions: Redmi 10 is thinner (8.9 mm) than Redmi 10 Prime (9.6 mm).
• 🔋 Charging port: Models until 2020 often equipped with Micro-USB, new - only USB-C.

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If the back is labeled "5G", this does not always mean support for fifth-generation networks, for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G are different models with different processors (Snapdragon 695 vs Dimensity 920).

5. Hardware tags: where secret inscriptions are hidden

Every Xiaomi smartphone has hidden tags with hardware code, and you can find them in the following places:

1. Under the battery (for removable models, such as the Redmi 5A): unplug the back panel and find a sticker with the code Mxxxxx.
2. In the tray for SIM-maps: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) the code is printed in small print next to the slot.
3. Under protective film: On new devices (e.g. Redmi K50 Ultra), the code can be hidden under the factory film on the back.

⚠️ Attention: If you remove the back cover, do it carefully - on models with a non-removable battery (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) you can damage the plumes.°C).

Use plastic mediator | Turn off phone |Warm the edges with a hairdryer (not higher than 60°C) |Photograph the location of the plumes |Do not force the battery-->

If you are afraid of damaging your phone, contact the service center to read the hardware code using diagnostic equipment (for example, DC-Phoenix or UFi Box).

6. Through computer: ADB and specialized utilities

If the phone is turned on but the model is not defined in standard ways, connect it to your PC and use the developer tools:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command: adb shell getprop ro.product.model It will return the exact model (e.g. 2201116PG).

Alternative commands for ADB:

• 📋 adb shell getprop ro.product.name is the code name for the platform (e.g. sweet for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

For Windows users, there is a handy utility Mi Phone Assistant, which automatically detects the model when you connect your phone. download it only from the official Xiaomi website to avoid viruses.

7.Authentication: How not to run into a fake

If you buy a Xiaomi Redmi handheld, the risk of getting a fake is high — especially for popular models like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi K60.

• 🔍 IMEI: Enter *#06# and check the number on IMEI.info. IMEI Starts with 86 (China) or 35 (Global).
• 📦 Box: The original packaging has a holographic sticker with the Mi logo that changes color when tilted.
• 🔋 Charging: Fake phones are often equipped with power supplies without the Xiaomi logo or with typos in the inscriptions.

⚠️ Warning: Fake Redmis often impersonate the originals in the settings:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. If the firmware version has a.CN postfix (for example, MIUI 14.0.3.0.CKHCNXM), but the phone is positioned as a global one, it is a fake or a “gray” import.

FAQ: Frequent questions about defining the Xiaomi Redmi model