Why is it important to know the exact model of your Xiaomi Redmi?
Have you bought a used smartphone, lost your box, or simply forgotten which Xiaomi Redmi model you own? This information is critical not only for buying cases or glasses. The model depends on firmware compatibility, the availability of MIUI updates, battery options, and even the ability to unlock the bootloader. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro will not be suitable for the Redmi Note 10 - you risk getting a "brick".
The manufacturer produces dozens of modifications annually, and the names often differ by just one letter: Redmi 9A vs Redmi 9AT vs Redmi 9A Sport. A mistake in determining the model can cost time to return goods or even money - if you order the wrong part. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden ones, which work even on locked phones.
Method 1: View on a box or in the documentation
The most obvious, but often ignored, method is that if you still have the original packaging, the model is:
- 📦 On the front of the box - large font under the logo Xiaomi (for example, "Redmi Note 12 Pro")+ 5G").
- 🏷️ On the side or bottom of the sticker - in format M2101K6G (This is the model code, you can find the exact modification).
- 📄 In the warranty card or instructions – usually in the top corner of the first page.
Important: The sticker on the box may contain a commercial name (e.g. Redmi 9C) and a model code (e.g. M2006C3LG). This code will help distinguish regional versions. For example, the Redmi Note 11 for India and the global version have different codes, although they are externally identical.
⚠️ Note: If the box is from another phone (for example, the seller slipped a package from Redmi 9, and inside Redmi). 9A), This method will give the wrong result. Always double-check with other methods.
Method 2: Check the phone settings
This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the version of MIUI.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone.
- Click on the device model or model name.
You’ll see either the full name (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G) or the model code (like 22101316C). If the name is displayed in Chinese, you’ve got a version for the Chinese market (China ROM).
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If the settings show only the model code (e.g., M2007J3SC), copy it and type it into the search engine with the word "Xiaomi." The first results will show the exact modification and regional version.
| What is displayed in the settings | What does it mean? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full name (e.g. Redmi 9C NFC) | European or Global version with NFC support | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G |
| Model code (e.g. M2101K7AG) | A universal identifier that can be used to find an exact modification | 2201116SG → Redmi Note 11S |
| Name in Chinese (for example, Note 10 Pro) | China market version, possible problems with Google services | K40 → Redmi K40 |
Method 3: Use the engineering menu (#4636##)
The Engineering Menu is a hidden feature of Android that gives you access to technical information.
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##4636## (no spaces).
- Select the tab Phone Information.
Here you'll find data on the model, MIUI version, IMEI and even battery status.
- 📱 Model phone - full name (e.g. Redmi) 9T).
- 🔢 Model number – manufacturer code (e.g, M2010J19SY).
- 📡 Baseband Identifier – shows network support (e.g, MT6769V/CB for Helio G80).
⚠️ Note: Some firmware may have the engineering menu blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try an alternative combination: ##225## (shows version) MIUI model).
Method 4: Check by IMEI (even on a locked phone)
IMEI is your smartphone's unique identifier, which allows you to identify a model even if your phone is not switched on or locked.
- 📞 Dial *#06# and the 15-digit code will appear on the screen.
- 📄 Look at the sticker under the battery (if removable) or on the back panel.
- 📦 On the box, next to the barcode.
Check the IMEI on one of the services:
- 🌍 IMEI.info – show the model, year of release and specifications.
- 🔍 IMEI24.com — It also features rare Xiaomi modifications.
- 📱 Mi Account Tech – a specialized service for Xiaomi devices.
If the service shows a different model than the one specified in the settings, your phone could have been flashed to another version of MIUI, a common practice when selling used devices from China.
Remove the IMEI from the box or via *#06#|
Check IMEI on 2-3 services for cross-checking |
Verify the result with the data in the phone settings |
Make sure the model matches the appearance of the device-->
Method 5: Determine by external signs
If the phone does not turn on, but you have access to its body, you can determine the model by the characteristics:
| Model | Distinctive features | Photo (description) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Camera with 3 lenses + 200 MP sensor, metal body | Large camera block with the inscription "200MP" under the flashlight |
| Redmi 10C | Dual camera, fingerprint scanner on the back, 3.5 mm connector | Redmi logo in the center of the back cover |
| Redmi 9A | Single camera, no fingerprint scanner, plastic case | The inscription "Designed by Xiaomi" at the bottom |
| POCO X3 Pro | Large POCO logo on the back, 4 cameras | Bright logo highlighting at notifications |
Also note:
- 🔌 Connectors: 3.5mm audio or IR-Port (infrared transmission) narrows the range of models.
- 📏 Dimensions: Measure the screen diagonal with a ruler - Redmi Note is usually 6.5-6.7 inches, and Redmi without Note - 6.0-6.3 inches.
- 🎨 Colors: Some models were produced in unique colors (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro in Onxy Gray).
How to measure the diagonal of the screen without a ruler?
Method 6: Find out the model through Fastboot or Recovery
If the phone doesn’t turn on but responds to a PC connection, you can identify the model via Fastboot or Recovery modes.
Through Fastboot:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: fastboot getvar product The answer will be in product format: [model code].
Through Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power before the Recovery menu appears.
- The menu will show the model at the top of the screen (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro).
⚠️ Note: If the fastboot getvar command returns an error in Fastboot, try fastboot oem device-info. K30 Pro) this will give more data, including the bootloader version.
Method 7: Use third-party applications
If the phone turns on but you don’t trust the data in the settings, install one of these apps:
- 📱 AIDA64 — Shows complete information about the hardware, including model code, processor and version MIUI. Look for the Device section → Model.
- 🔍 CPU-Z — The Device tab contains the Model and Manufacturer. Suitable for authentication (Chinese clones often impersonate Xiaomi).
- 🛠️ Mi Check is Xiaomi’s official diagnostic app, showing model, serial number and warranty status.
The advantage of the apps: They read data directly from the chip, so they will show the real model even if the phone is overflashed or fake. For example, AIDA64 will distinguish the Redmi 9C from the Redmi 9A on the motherboard code.
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If the app shows a different model than the one on the box, you're either a fake or a phone with a modified firmware, then check the IMEI on Xiaomi's official website.