How to see what processor is in Xiaomi: all the ways for smartphones and tablets

You bought a used Xiaomi smartphone and you want to make sure that the seller did not cheat with the specs? Or you plan to install custom firmware but do not know if your chipset supports it? Or maybe just curious, which processor is hiding under the body of your Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro? In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to find out the model of the processor on Xiaomi devices - from standard settings to hidden engineering menus.

The manufacturer does not always specify the exact modification of the chipset on the box or in the documentation (for example, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 can be in versions of the SM7450-AB or SM7450-AC with different core frequencies). And in some cases - as with MediaTek Dimensity - even the same model of processors can have different revisions (for example, MT6893 vs MT6893Z), which affects the performance and compatibility with firmware. So it is important to know not only the series of the chipset, but also its exact designation.

We tested all methods on current devices (2023-2026) and weeded out outdated methods that stopped working after the MIUI updates. At the end of the article, you will find a table of methods compatibility with different versions of firmware and FAQ for typical problems.

1. Through the standard Android settings

The easiest and safest way is to use the system’s built-in tools, which is suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models, regardless of the MIUI version (even on the old MIUI 10-12).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
  2. Go to About Phone (or About Tablet for Xiaomi Pad).
  3. Slip on the item All characteristics (in some versions - Device characteristics).
  4. Find the line β€œProcessor” or β€œCPU Model” – here will be the series of chipset (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).

⚠️ Note: In the latest versions MIUI 14-15 (based on Android 13-14) the manufacturer can hide the exact model of the processor, showing only its trademark (for example, instead of using the same name). SM8550-AB You will see the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and then you will see the following methods.

πŸ’‘

If the settings only show the CPU frequency (e.g., 2.84 GHz) but not the model, try updating the firmware. Sometimes, after the MIUI update, full information about the chipset appears.

2.Use of the CPU-Z application

CPU-Z is the gold standard for testing hardware, showing not only the model of the processor, but also the revision, number of cores, process and even real-time temperature, and can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play or AppGallery (for devices without Google services).

How to use:

  • πŸ“± Install. CPU-Z and open it.
  • πŸ” Go to the "SoC" tab (or Β«CPUΒ» older).

βœ… Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ”Ή It works on all devices, including Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader.
  • πŸ”Ή It shows a chipset revision (for example, SM8475 vs SM8475-Pro For Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1), which is critical for choosing custom firmware.
  • πŸ”Ή Doesn't require root rights.

Exact model in SoC| Core architecture (Cortex-X2, A710, etc.)| Process technology (4 nm, 5 nm)| Supported frequencies (L1/L2/L3 cache)| Processor temperature under load-->

3. via the engineering menu (#4636##)

The Android Hidden Engineering Menu provides advanced hardware information, including processor data, which works on most Xiaomi devices but can be disabled on some MIUI models for the European market (due to Xiaomi’s policy of restricting access to service functions).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636## (some devices may require the input ##225## or ##36446337###).

πŸ” Decoding the code names of Xiaomi processors:

Codename on the Engineering MenuThe real model of the processorExamples of devices
taroSnapdragon 870 (SM8250-AC)POCO F3, Redmi K40
aliothDimensity 1200 (MT6893)Redmi K40 Gaming
lmiSnapdragon 865 (SM8250)Xiaomi Mi 10, Black Shark 3
monetSnapdragon 8 Gen 1 (SM8450)Xiaomi 12, Redmi K50 Pro
ditingDimensity 9000+ (MT6893Z)Xiaomi 12T Pro

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global, after upgrading to Android 13, the engineering menu may be blocked:

##225## – To check the screen calibration (sometimes shows the chipset)
#36446337## - alternative code for hardware information

Qualcomm Snapdragon|MediaTek Dimensity|Apple (yes, it happens!)|Other (clarify in the comments)|I don't know, that's why I'm looking.-->

4. Through ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If standard methods fail, you can get information about the processor through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but gives the most complete and accurate information, including the serial number of the chipset and its firmware.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (path: Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times to tap according to the version β†’ return to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  2. Open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo For more details, use: adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi adb shell getprop ro.hardware
  3. In the conclusion, find the lines: Hardware is the code name of the platform (for example, mt6893 for Dimensity 1200), Processor is architecture (for example, ARMv8 Processor rev 4), Serial is the serial number of the chipset (useful for warranty cases).

πŸ’‘ Example of output for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G:

Hardware        : mt6893


Processor       : AArch64 Processor rev 4 (aarch64)




BogoMIPS        : 50.00




Features        : fp asimd evtstrm aes pmull sha1 sha2 crc32 atomics fphp asimdhp cpuid asimdrdm lrcpc dcpop asimddp ssbs

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+ access /proc/cpuinfo In this case, use an alternative command:

adb shell dumpsys cpuinfo

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
1. Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers (you can download it on the official website). 2. Try another one. USB-cable (cheap cables often do not support data transmission). 3. Reboot your smartphone and PC. 4. Include in the developer settings the option Debugging by USB (Security settings) and Allow debugging (charging only). 5. If you use macOS/Linux, Check the rights to adb with the chmod command +x adb.

5. Through firmware files (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader, you can extract the CPU information directly from the firmware files, a method that is suitable for enthusiasts who install custom recovery (TWRP) or firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

How to do this:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (choose Fastboot or Recovery).

πŸ”Ž How to Find a Xiaomi Service Center:

    ⚠️ Warning: Be careful with β€œunofficial” service centers. Some workshops may pose as Xiaomi partners but don’t actually have access to original spare parts and diagnostic software.

    Comparative table of methods

    To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

    MethodprecisionDifficultyPC requiredIt works on a locked loader.Suitable for
    Android settings⭐⭐ (basic)⭐ (simple)❌ No.βœ… Yes.Quick check of chipset series
    CPU-Z⭐⭐⭐⭐ (detailed)⭐ (simple)❌ No.βœ… Yes.Get complete information about the processor and other components
    Engineering menu⭐⭐⭐ (middle-class)⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)❌ No.βœ… Yes.Devices without root that do not work CPU-Z
    ADB⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (maximum)⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Advanced users need detailed information
    Firmware files⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high-pitched)⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)βœ… Yes.❌ No (needs an unlocked bootloader)Developers and enthusiasts of custom firmware

    FAQ: Frequent questions about processors in Xiaomi

    πŸ” Why the Settings don’t show the exact CPU model, but only the series (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 without code) SM8550)?
    This is a MIUI restriction for European and global firmware, where the manufacturer hides detailed hardware information to make the interface easier for ordinary users, and to see the exact model, use CPU-Z or ADB.
    ⚠️ Can you damage your smartphone by checking the processor through an engineering menu or ADB?
    No, CPU inspection commands (#4636## or adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo) alone cannot harm the device. However, if you accidentally change other settings in the engineering menu (such as network settings or screen calibration), this can lead to unstable operation. Always follow the instructions and do not edit unknown settings.
    πŸ“± How to find out the processor on Xiaomi if the phone does not turn on?
    If the device does not respond to the power button but is charging (indicators are burning), try: Connect the smartphone to the PC and check it through the Mi Flash Tool (the program will show the device model and the chipset when connected in EDL mode). Remove the back cover (if possible without damage) and look at the marking on the processor itself (for example, Qualcomm SDM765 for Snapdragon 765G).
    πŸ”„ Can the processor in Xiaomi differ from the one on the box?
    Yeah, that happens in three cases: πŸ”Ή Regional differences: For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G The Snapdragon 695 is available in the global version, and the MediaTek Dimensity 920 is available in the Chinese version. πŸ”Ή Replacement during repair: If the device was not repaired in an official service, the processor could be replaced with a similar, but different revision (for example, the Snapdragon 865 on the Snapdragon 865).+). πŸ”Ή Fraud: When buying used devices, sellers can replace boxes or stickers, passing off a cheap model as a flagship (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro instead of the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO F3). Always check the processor software!
    πŸ”§ Which is better: Snapdragon or MediaTek in Xiaomi?
    It depends on your tasks: πŸ”Ή For games and long-term autonomy: Snapdragon (especially series) 8 Gen 2/3) Usually more effective in games and less warm. πŸ”Ή For photos and videos: MediaTek Dimensity (e.g, 9000/9200) often outfitted with the best ISP (image processors). πŸ”Ή For budget devices: MediaTek Helio G (e.g., MediaTek Helio G, G99) It is more common in inexpensive Redmi, but inferior to Snapdragon 4/6 series-on-production. πŸ”Ή For custom firmware: Snapdragon is better supported with more unofficial cores and modifications. For more chipset tests, see GSMArena or TechDroider.