How to accurately determine the model of Xiaomi phone: a step-by-step guide

Why it is important to know the exact model of your Xiaomi

You bought a used Xiaomi smartphone, lost your box, or just forgot what model you have? This information is critical not only for the selection of cases and accessories. The exact name depends on the compatibility of firmware, the availability of MIUI updates, and sometimes even the performance of the device after repair. For example, the firmware from Redmi Note 10 Pro is not suitable for the POCO X3 Pro, although they are almost identical on the surface.

The manufacturer produces dozens of models annually, and some series (for example, Redmi Note) have 5-7 modifications with minimal external differences. Misdefinition of the model can lead to irreversible data loss if you incorrectly firmware or buy incompatible parts.

Spoiler: If your phone doesn't turn on, skip the first 3 methods and go straight to the IMEI section or fastboot. There are solutions even for bricks.

Method 1: View the phone settings

The fastest method is if the smartphone is working properly, suitable for all devices on MIUI (including POCO and Black Shark):

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click on the Device Model or Device Information.
4. In the Model or Model Name bar, you will see an exact designation, for example: 2201116PG (this is Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially global ones) may display a simplified name like Mi 11 Lite instead of the full model code, M2101K9AG), Tap several times on the line with the name of the model.

Check the "All Features" section at the bottom of the About Phone page |

Restart your phone – sometimes the interface glitch hides the data |

Update MIUI to the latest version (in old display bug firmware)|

Use an alternative method (see below)

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If you only see a marketing name (POCO F3) on this menu, and not a technical code, it's no problem.

1. Go back a step and select all the features.
2. Scroll down to the General Information block - there will be a line of Model Code.

Method 2: Through packaging, stickers and documents

If the phone is new or you have saved the box, look for information here:

• 📦 A sticker on a box: usually on the end or bottom. Look for lines of Model or Type: M2007J3SC — It's Redmi. 9C.
• 🏷️ Battery sticker: If the back cover is removed, there may be a label with the model code (for example, 21091116C for POCO M4 Pro).
• 📄 Warranty card: in the column "Model" or "Device Model" the exact code is indicated.
• 🛒 Check or invoice: in online orders (Wildberries, AliExpress) the model is indicated in the name of the product.

⚠️ Attention: For fakes (especially cheap Redmi clones), stickers are often forged, and if the code on the box doesn't match what you're settings for, you might have a non-original device. IMEI (see method 4).

I'm throwing it away |

I have 1-2 months to keep in case of return |

I keep all the boxes as a memory"|

I use it to store accessories |

I haven't bought a new phone in a long time.

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Method 3: Use USSD codes and engineering menus

If the phone turns on, but there is no model data in the settings, try special commands:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636### (for older models) or ##225## (for newer models).
3. In the menu that appears, select Device Information.
4. Look for the Model Number or Device Model lines.

Some firmware (especially POCO) runs the ##6484## command, which opens the MIUI Version menu, where the exact model code is listed at the top.

⚠️ Warning: Don't type random codes from the Internet! Some combinations (e.g. ##7780##) reset settings to factory settings. Use only the verified commands in this article.

Another working option is the IMEI verification team:

*#06#

Once you type it in, you'll see one or two IMEI numbers on the screen, and copy them and check them through IMEI.info, and you'll see the model of the device.

Method 4: IMEI model definition (even if the phone is not switched on)

IMEI — It's a unique identifier for your device, and you can tell the model from it even if the smartphone doesn't respond to the power button. IMEI:

• 📱 On a working phone: enter *#06# or look at Settings → The phone. → General information.
• 🏷️ On the box/sticker: look for the inscription IMEI or IMEI1/IMEI2.
• 🔋 Under the battery: on some models IMEI indicated on the battery sticker.
• 💳 Check/guarantee: the purchase documents always indicate IMEI.

When you have an IMEI, check it through one of the services:

1. IMEI.info – shows the model, year of release and specifications.
2. SNDeeP – even the rare Xiaomi models.
3. IMEI24 provides extended information including the firmware region.

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If the service shows the wrong model, try entering a second IMEI (IMEI2) - on dual-sim phones, the data sometimes differs.

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI It starts with 000000 or consists of repeated digits - it was dropped (possibly after repair). IMEI It won’t work, use other methods.

Method 5: Fastboot (for broken phones)

If the phone doesn't turn on but it's responding to a computer connection, you can recognize the model through fastboot mode.

• USB cable (preferably original).
• A computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download here).
• ADB and Fastboot program.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Down + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
5. If the device is determined (its serial number appears), type: fastboot getvar product The answer will be a product line: [model code], for example: cepheus (this is Xiaomi Mi 9).

If you see something like unknown or not found instead of a model code, try another command:

fastboot getvar all

In the output, look for the lines version-bootloader or secure: yes – next to the model can be specified.

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Model codes in fastboots are often displayed as pseudonyms (e.g., raphael is Redmi). K20 See the full list of aliases in the official database MIUI.

Method 6: By external signs (if the phone is not turned on)

If your smartphone is completely dead but you have access to it physically, try identifying the model by design.

• 📏 Size and weight: Measure the phone with a ruler and check it against the GSMArena base. 10 Pro sizes 164×76.5×8.1 mm.
• 🔍 Camera location: count the number of modules and their location. POCO X3 Pro 4 cameras in a square block, and the Mi 11 Ultra has a huge round block with 3 cameras.
• 🔌 Type of connector: Xiaomi uses USB-C (Modern models or Micro-USB (old, up to 2018).
• 🎵 Headphone jack: if it is not a flagship (there is no connector in the Mi 11 and the newer 3.5 mm).
• 📶 Tray for SIM: single-handed SIM — Budget model, two middle segment, two nano-SIM + MicroSD is probably a Redmi Note.

To clarify, take a photo of the phone from different angles and compare it with the photos on the sites:

• Xiaomi official website (Section "Products").
• GSMArena (brand filter).
• PhoneArena (there is a comparison of models).

⚠️ Attention: Looking similar models may have different processors and memory. For example, the Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro are almost identical on the outside, but the hardware inside is completely different!

Method 7: Through third-party applications (for working phones)

If the standard methods didn’t work, install one of these apps (available on Google Play):

• 📱 CPU-Z: It shows the model, the processor, the memory and other specs.
• 🔍 AIDA64: System section → Device will be the full name of the model.
• 📊 AnTuTu Benchmark: In device information displays model code.
• 🛠️ DevCheck: user-friendly interface with Hardware section, where the model is specified.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may show the wrong model, in which case check the data against the sticker on the box or IMEI.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When defining a Xiaomi model, users often face these problems:

1. The marketing name is confused with the model code. Example: POCO X3 NFC is the marketing name, and the real code is M2007J20CG. Always look for a technical designation.
2. For example, the old Redmi (until 2019) used the code #3646633##, but the new MIUIs have it blocked.
3. The same smartphone may have different codes for China (M2007J3SC), global (M2007J3SG) and India (M2007J3SI).
4. Trusting unreliable services. Some sites misidentify the IMEI model. Use only the proven resources in this article.

If you bought a phone with your hands and you found a mismatch in the settings and on the box, that's a reason to be wary.

• 🔄 Re-switched to another model (frequent practice for deception when selling).
• 🛠️ Made from different parts ("Frankenstein").
• 🎭 Fake (especially relevant for Redmi Note and POCO).

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If the model is defined as unknown or not found in all ways, it is likely that the phone has damaged firmware or changed the IMEI, in which case only diagnostics in the service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions