How to know exactly the model of the smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9: from settings to engineering menu

Xiaomi Mi 9 is one of the most popular flagships of the brand, but even its owners sometimes face the need to clarify the exact modification of the device. The reasons can be different: finding firmware, ordering spare parts, selling a phone or even diagnosing malfunctions. The problem is that the name "Mi 9" hides several versions - from the base M1902F1G to the global M1902F1A and the Chinese M1902F1T. A mistake in determining the model can lead to the installation of inappropriate software or the purchase of incompatible battery.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from obvious (settings, box) to hidden (engineering menu, ADB-Particular attention will be paid to the differences between the versions of the Mi 9, Mi 9. SE mi 9T, You'll also learn how to avoid common identification errors and what to do if the phone doesn't turn on.

1.The fastest way: check in the phone settings

If your Xiaomi Mi 9 is turned on and running, you should start with the settings menu. This method requires no additional tools and takes less than a minute. Open the Settings app, scroll down and select About Phone. Here you are interested in two options:

• 📱 Device model – shows a marketing name (e.g. Mi 9).
• 🔢 Model number – the real code is hidden here (for example, the code is hidden here, M1902F1G global version).

Important: If you only see Mi 9 without the code in About Phone, tap the Model Number several times, which will reveal additional information. Also, pay attention to the MIUI Version line: if it ends in CN, you have Chinese firmware, if it ends in EU or Global, it is international.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may display the model number incorrectly if you see strange characters (e.g. cepheus instead of the cepheus). M1902F1G), It is the code name of the platform, not the phone model.

For convenience, add the data to the table:

2. Engineering menu: hidden codes for power users

If the standard settings don't give you the full picture, you can go to the engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, because it requires you to enter service codes. Open the Phone app and enter one of the combinations:

• 🔢 ##4636## – displays phone information, including model and firmware version.
• 📡 ##225## - shows the production calendar (not to be confused with the model!).
• 🔧 ##6484## - Hardware test (in some versions) MIUI pattern).

Once you enter the code ##4636##, you will be taken to the Testing menu. Here, select the Device Information tab. At the top of the screen, the phone model is the code you want (e.g., M1902F1G). If the menu doesn't open, check if your launcher or antivirus is blocking it.

Note that on some firmware, the engineering menu may display a codename (e.g., cepheus) instead of a model number, in which case, check the codename against the table above or use other methods.

3. Physical inspection: where to look for a model on the case and box

If the phone doesn’t turn on or you prefer visual techniques, check the device’s case and original packaging. On most Xiaomi Mi 9 smartphones, the model is listed in two places:

1. Under the removable cover (if any) - on the sticker next to the IMEI.
2. On the tray for SIM-Maps – sometimes the manufacturer duplicates the information here.

The box shows the model on a barcode label (usually in the M1902F1x format, where x is the letter index).

• 🌍 Global Version – International Version (M1902F1A/G).
• 🇨🇳 China Version - Chinese version (M1902F1T).
• 📦 Special Edition - may indicate Mi 9 SE or limited series.

⚠️ Note: On fake phones, the model on the box and sticker often doesn't match the real one.If you see discrepancies (e.g., on the Mi 9 box, and in the settings, the model on the phone is different from the real one). M1810F3LG — This is the Mi 8 Lite, the device is probably not original.

For clarity, compare the location of the markings on the original Mi 9 and the fake:

4.Use of computer: ADB and Mi Flash Tool

If the phone is turned on but access to settings is limited (e.g., a pattern lock is blocked), you can determine the model through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires a computer and minimal command-line skills.

Connect the Mi 9 to your PC via USB, enable Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers) and execute the command in the terminal:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model

You will get the exact model number (e.g. M1902F1G) and if the ADB doesn't recognize the device, check:

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable debugging on USB customized|Use the original USB-cable|Launch. ADB on behalf of the administrator-->

• 🔌 Original cable is connected (some cheap cables don't transmit data).
• 🖥️ Are Xiaomi drivers installed? ADB Interface (you can download it on the official website).
• 🔄 Is the phone rebooted after debugging is enabled.

An alternative way is to use the Mi Flash Tool. Connect the phone turned off in Fastboot mode (press Volume Down + Power), launch the utility and press Refresh. The list of devices will display a model in cepheus format (for Mi 9) or grus (for Mi 9 SE).

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If ADB does not identify the device, try switching the USB connection mode in the notification curtain to File Transfer (MTP) or PTP.

5. Online services: IMEI and serial number check

If you have access to an IMEI or serial number (on the box, under the battery or in settings), you can check the model through official and third-party services. The official way is Mi Verify, where the device is authenticated by IMEI, but it does not always show the exact model.

More informative services:

• 🌐 IMEI.info - enter IMEI and get data on the model, year of release and characteristics.
• 🔍 IMEI-Pro shows the code of the model (M1902F1x) region.
• 📱 IMEI24 — Provides the full specification of the device by serial number.

Example of IMEI decoding for Mi 9:

• The first 8 digits (86372404) are the manufacturer's code (Xiaomi).
• The next 6 digits are the serial number of the model.
• The last figure is the checksum.

⚠️ Attention: Do not enter IMEI Official services (e.g. IMEI.info) provide basic information for free, and don't trust services that promise to unlock your phone. IMEI — it's a scam.

If you buy the Mi 9 with your hands, be sure to check the IMEI on the box, in settings (Settings → Phone → General Information → IMEI) and under the battery. discrepancies indicate a fake or "prefabricated" device.

6. Specialized applications for model definition

Google Play has apps that automatically read the device data and output the exact model. The best options for Xiaomi Mi 9:

• 📲 Device Info HW — Shows model, code name (cepheus) and hardware specifications.
• 🔧 AIDA64 — Details information about the processor, memory and firmware.
• 📱 Phone INFO ★Samsung★ — Despite the name, it works with Xiaomi, displays hidden parameters.

Once you install the Device Info HW, open the Device tab to show the exact code (e.g., M1902F1G) in the Model bar. In AIDA64, similar data is in the System → Device section.

• cepheus — Mi 9.
• grus — Mi 9 SE.
• Davinci is the Mi 9T (not to be confused with Mi 9!).

The advantage of apps is that they work even on locked phones (if Play Market access is enabled), but avoid programs that request superuser rights (root) to read the model only, which is redundant and insecure.

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Applications like AIDA64 or Device Info HW show not only the model, but also the originality of the firmware. If you see an informal build in the System section (e.g. xiaomi.eu), this can affect the correctness of the model display.

7.How to distinguish Mi 9 from Mi 9 SE and Mi 9T: key differences

Users often confuse the Mi 9 with its "brothers" - Mi 9 SE and Mi 9T. Despite the similar name, these are different devices with unique characteristics.

Visually, the Mi 9T is easily recognizable by the retractable front camera (the Mi 9 and Mi 9 SE have it in the bangs). The Mi 9 SE is smaller – its screen is 0.42 inches smaller and the body is thinner. Also note the headphone jack: it is only available in the Mi 9 SE and Mi 9T, but is missing from the base Mi 9.

If you are not sure what model you are holding, use a combination of methods:

1. Check the model number in the settings.
2. Compare external features (size, camera, connectors).
3. Use the AIDA64 app to confirm the features.

Frequently asked questions