How to accurately identify the Xiaomi phone model: from the box to the engineering menu

Have you bought a Xiaomi smartphone from your hands, lost your box, or simply forgotten what model you have?Without the exact name of the device, it is difficult to find firmware, cases or accessories. In this article, we have collected all possible ways, from the obvious to the hidden, that work even on locked or faulty phones.

An error in model definition can result in the installation of inappropriate firmware, the purchase of incompatible parts, or even the loss of warranty during repair (if the service center detects a serial number discrepancy).

1. Checking the box and documents

The easiest way is to inspect the original packaging. The Xiaomi boxes show the model:

  • πŸ“¦ On the front (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G large-print)
  • 🏷️ On the sticker on the side or bottom (small text next to the barcode)
  • πŸ“„ In the warranty card or check (if saved)

Note that on Chinese versions (e.g. China ROM) the model may be different from the global one. For example, the Redmi K50i in China is the Poco F4 for other countries.

⚠️ Note: If the box is from another device (for example, the seller slipped a package from Redmi Note 11, and inside Poco) X3 Pro, this could be a sign of fraud.

Phone settings: Where to look at the model

If the phone is turned on and running, you can find out the model through the standard menu:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon)
  2. Go to About the Phone (or About the Device)
  3. Find the lines: Device model (e.g., 22101316C is Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G) Model name (full name, e.g., Xiaomi 12T Pro)

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14), the path may be different: Settings β†’ System β†’ About Phone β†’ All specs. If you have Poco, look for the About Poco section.

Check if the section is hidden in mode for children |Update MIUI to the latest version |Reset the settings to the factory (if the phone is unstable) |Try alternative methods from this article-->

3. Codes for the Engineering Menu (##)

Hidden service codes allow you to get technical information, including the model. Enter the phone (as a normal number) in the application:

  • πŸ“± ##4636### – Testing menu will open, where the device information section will be the Model line
  • πŸ”’ *#6# - will show IMEI, This is a model that can be used in databases (below)
  • πŸ› οΈ ##225## is an alternative code for some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A)

If the code doesn't work, try typing it without stars or with one # at the end. On newer versions of MIUI, some codes may be blocked.

What do I do if the codes don't work?
On some firmware (for example, MIUI for Europe) the engineering menu is disabled. In this case: 1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Mode (for Snapdragon). 2. ADB-commands (computer and debugging required) USB). 3. Check the model through fastboot (the way for power users, described below).

4. IMEI model definition

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is your phone's unique identifier, and you can tell not only the model, but also the year of manufacture, the country of origin, how to find it.

  • πŸ“ž Dial *#06# and the screen will show a 15-digit number (or two if the phone supports two). SIM-map).
  • πŸ“„ Look under the battery (on older models) or on the sticker under the slot SIM-map.
  • πŸ–₯️ In the box - usually on the same sticker where the barcode.

Check the IMEI through the services:

ServiceReferenceWhat shows
IMEI.infoimei.infoModel, technical specifications, country
MIUI Officialverify.mi.comOfficial information from Xiaomi (IMEI and Captcha required)
GSMArenagsmarena.com/imeiModel and basic specifications

⚠️ Attention: If during the inspection IMEI The service shows a model that does not match the inscription on the box (for example, Redmi Note 10 instead of Poco). M3), This may mean that the phone has been tampered with or tampered with. IMEI. It is better not to use such a device - it can be on the blacklist of operators.

Yes, I always check when I buy | Checked once out of interest | Never checked | I don't know what it is-->

5. Physical examination of the phone

If the phone is not turned on, the model can be determined by external signs:

  • πŸ” On most Xiaomi models, the name is engraved in small print under the logo (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro). 5G). On Poco usually a large inscription POCO + model.
  • πŸ“ Sizes and arrangement of elements: For example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra has a square block of cameras labeled Leica, and the Redmi Note 12 has a vertical strip with three lenses.
  • πŸ”‹ Type of charging connector: Older models (until 2020) often have Micro-USB, newer ones β€” USB-C. Flagships (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) supports wireless charging.

For an accurate definition, compare your phone to photos on the sites:

  • GSMArena (there is a filter by year and characteristics)
  • Official Xiaomi catalogue

πŸ’‘

If the inscription on the back is erased, try to light it up with a flashlight at an angle or take a magnification picture, sometimes the text is only visible in a certain light.

6.Methods for experienced users

If standard methods don’t work, try these options (technical skills are required):

The following is from ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

  1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional β†’ For Developers).
  2. Connect the phone to your computer and type in the command line: adb shell getprop ro.product.model The answer will be the model code (e.g. 2201116PG is Xiaomi 12 Pro).

Through Fastboot:

  1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
  2. Connect to your PC and type: fastboot getvar product Commands fastboot getvar all will show all the options, including the model.

Through recovery:

  • Press Volume up + Power when the phone is off.
  • In the Recovery menu, the model can be displayed at the top of the screen or in the Apply update section.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot teams and ADB They can cause a data dump or lock your phone if you entered it incorrectly.

7. Online services for model definition

If you do not want to dig into the settings, use the automatic services:

  • 🌐 IMEI24 β€” defines the model IMEI or serial number.
  • πŸ” FCC ID Database – Enter the code from the sticker under the battery (e.g, 2AFZZ66C For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
  • πŸ“± eBay app – scan the barcode from the box and the system will show the model.

Xiaomi forums (such as Mi Community) have themes where users help identify the model from the photo. Upload photos of the back, cameras and ports - experienced owners will prompt the exact option.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way is to combine the data from the box, the IMEI and the physical examination, so if all three sources show the same pattern, there can be no errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I identify a model if the phone is not switched on and there is no box?
Remove the back cover (if it is removable) and find the sticker under the battery, which shows the model, IMEI If the lid is fixed, look at the slot. SIM-maps: sometimes the model is shown on the frame.
Why isn’t my code model from the box on Xiaomi’s website?
You probably have a regional version. For example, the Redmi K40 for China is the Poco F3 for the global market. Check the model code on forums or through IMEI.
Can I tell by serial number if the phone is original?
Partially. Check the serial number on Mi Verify. If the system doesn't recognize it, it could be a fake or a phone with a changed number. Also check the serial number against the sticker on the box, they should match.
How to distinguish Xiaomi from Poco or Black Shark?
The Poco and Black Shark brands are owned by Xiaomi, but have separate lines. Poco usually has a bright design and POCO inscription on the back, Black Shark has gaming accents (backlighting, additional buttons), and they also have different branded shells in the settings: MIUI for Poco or JOYUI (Black Shark).
What if all the different models are different?
This is a sign that the phone: Has been questioned with a change in IDs (for example, Chinese firmware to global), assembled from parts of different models (Frankenstein), has a fake IMEI or serial number, in which case it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center for diagnosis.