Why it is important to know the exact model of your Redmi
Have you bought a used Xiaomi Redmi without a box, lost documentation, or just not sure what modification your smartphone has? Determining the exact model is not a whim, it is a necessity. It depends on the compatibility of accessories, the correct choice of firmware, the possibility of warranty repairs and even the cost of the device when resold.
For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has multiple versions: global (M2101K6G), Chinese (M2101K6C) and Indian (M2101K6I) with different 4G frequencies, trim levels and even design! And the Redmi 9 and Redmi 9A are almost identical on the outside, but different processors, cameras and batteries on the inside. A model identification error can lead to the purchase of an incompatible case, incorrect firmware or even loss of warranty when you go to a service center with someone else's IMEI.
In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable ways to learn the Xiaomi Redmi model β from the obvious (box, sticker) to the hidden (engineering menu, ADB-Each method is illustrated with screenshots and is accompanied by step-by-step instructions!
Method 1: View on a box or in the documentation
If you still have the original smartphone packaging, this is the fastest way. On the boxes of Xiaomi Redmi, the model is listed in several places:
- π¦ On the front side - usually in large print (for example, "Redmi Note 11 Pro")+ 5G").
- π·οΈ On the side of the sticker - there is also indicated IMEI and serial number.
- π In the documentation - in the warranty card or user manual (section "Technical characteristics").
Note: on the boxes of the Chinese versions, the model can be indicated by characters or with the prefix CN. For example, the Redmi K40 for China is the M2012K11AC, and the global version is the M2012K11AG.
β οΈ Note: If the box and phone were purchased separately (e.g. on Avito), there is a risk of mismatch.
Method 2: Sticker under the lid or on the tray SIM-map
All Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (except monolithic models without a removable rear panel) have a factory sticker with technical information.
- π§ Under the removable cover - on the battery or inside the body (relevant for older models, for example, Redmi). 4A).
- π± On the tray. SIM-cards - on the back (more common with new devices such as the Redmi Note 12).
- π Under the protective film β sometimes the sticker is hidden under a transparent film on the back panel.
On the sticker, look for the lines:
- Model or Model Number is the full name of the model (e.g. 2201116SG for Redmi Note 11S).
- IMEI is a unique identifier (which can also be used to define a model, see Method 4).
| Model Redmi | Typical location of the sticker | Example of model code |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9C | Under the lid, on the battery. | M2006C3MG |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | On the tray. SIM-map | M2101K6G |
| Redmi K50i | Under the protective film on the back. | 22041216UC |
If the sticker is erased or missing, donβt despair β we have 5 more ways!
π‘
If the sticker is on the battery, take a picture of it before you change the battery, which will help avoid confusion in future repairs.
Method 3: Through Phone Settings (MIUI)
The most versatile method that works on any Xiaomi Redmi regardless of the condition of the case.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Scroll down and select About Phone.
- Slip on the device model or Full specification (newer versions of MIUI).
Here you'll see:
- π± Model name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G).
- π’ Model code (e.g, 2201116SG).
- π‘ Version MIUI Android (which is useful for finding firmware).
On some firmware (especially Chinese), the model name may be displayed in characters, in which case, look at the Model number, which is the code of the device to search in the database.
Open "Settings"|Find the "About the Phone" section"|Tapping "Device model"|Write down the model code (e.g, 2201116SG)-->
β οΈ Note: On customized firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the About Phone section may display a flawed model. In this case, use Method 5 (Engineering Menu) or Method 6 (ADB).
Method 4: By IMEI through online services
Each Xiaomi Redmi smartphone has a unique IMEI, a 15-digit number that can be used to identify a model.
- On the phone keyboard, type *#06#.
- Write both down. IMEI (If the phone supports two SIM-map).
- Go to one of the services: IMEI.info (English) SND Deep Info (Russian)
IMEI
You'll see in the results:
- π± The exact name of the model (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet)).
- π§ Technical specifications (processor, memory, screen).
- π Release date and country of manufacture.
The advantage of this method is that it works even if the phone is not turned on or locked, but note that some services may display ads or ask for payment for advanced information. Free model data is usually enough.
What to do if IMEI is not determined?
Method 5: Engineering menu (for advanced users)
If the previous methods didn't work, you can look at the Engineering Mode, which is a hidden section of MIUI that contains low-level information about the device.
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial the combination: ##4636###.
- In the menu that opens, select Device Information.
Here you will find:
- π The full name of the model (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse)).
- π§ Platform code name (for example, sweet for Redmi Note 10 Pro).
- π‘ Information about modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, network).
Note that some firmware may have blocked or missing the engineering menu, in which case try an alternative combination: ##225## (showing calibration information).
β οΈ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you understand their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to network loss, overheating or even a device blink.
Method 6: Through ADB (for PC)
If the phone is connected to a computer, you can recognize the model using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for devices with unlocked debugging over USB.
- Install Platform Tools from Google.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings β About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings β Additional β Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThe command will return the exact model name, for example: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. To get the code of the device, use:
adb shell getprop ro.product.deviceThis method is especially useful if the phone is not turning on, but is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode.
fastboot getvar productπ‘
ADB β The only way to know the model is if the phone screen is broken, but USB-Port is in good working order, suitable for devices with damaged display or broken sensor.
Method 7: Visual Identification (by external signs)
If the phone doesn't turn on and you don't have access to settings, you can try to identify the model by the exterior. Xiaomi Redmi has a few key differences:
| Model | Distinctive features | Photo (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 | Camera in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners, the inscription "AI Camera" under the module. | π· [Example] |
| Redmi 10C | Double camera in a vertical block, texture back panel with a wavy pattern. | π· [Example] |
| Redmi K50 | Three cameras in a round module, a metal frame, the inscription "Redmi" at the bottom of the screen. | π· [Example] |
To clarify the model:
- Compare the location of the cameras, buttons and connectors with the official images on the Xiaomi website.
- Pay attention to the color and texture of the back panel β many models have unique colors (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro in the color βOnxy Grayβ).
- Check the connectors: π 3.5mm audio β most Redmis have but are not available in the Redmi K-series. π Charging port type β USB-C MicroUSB (in older models).
For clarity, watch the video comparison of popular Redmi models:
π₯ Redmi Note 11 and Redmi 10 on YouTube
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When defining a Xiaomi Redmi model, users often face typical problems.
- π "The model in the settings does not match the box" β That means that the phone has customized firmware installed. Use Method 4 (IMEI) Method 5 (Engineering Menu).
- π΅ "Phone is not turned on, screen is black" β Try Method 6 (ADB) Or visual identification (Method 7). If the device is not detected by a computer, there may be a hardware problem.
- π "The label erased the model code" β Use a magnifying glass or take a close-up picture of the sticker, then zoom in on your computer.
- π "Service IMEI shows the wrong model" β Check if you're introducing MEID (14 digits instead IMEI (15 digits. Also make sure the phone is not cloned (check out) IMEI originality here).
If none of these methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check or warranty card. Specialists will be able to identify the model by serial number or internal tags on the board.