Determining the exact modification of a smartphone is often a critical step when restoring a system or installing custom firmware. Users are faced with the need to identify a device when the sticker on the back cover has worn off and only the general marketing name of the series is displayed in the settings menu. Fastboot mode is a low-level debugging protocol that allows you to interact with the Android bootloader directly, bypassing the operating system.
Unlike the standard MIUI interface, where information can be hidden or changed by the manufacturer, the fast boot mode provides access to hardware identifiers. This is especially true for owners of devices with an unlocked bootloader or those who plan to flash through the Mi Flash Tool. Understanding the real codename of your gadget is the foundation of safe operation with system software.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available methods for reading model information using standard debugging tools and specialized utilities, learn how to interpret the technical data displayed in the console, and understand how the global version differs from the Chinese version at the identifier level.
It is important to note that the procedure requires a connection to the computer and a minimum set of drivers. Errors at this stage can lead to the fact that the computer simply will not see the device, so it is worth paying attention to the preparation of the workplace.
Preparation of the working environment and drivers
Before you go to the direct reading of data, you need to ensure a stable connection between the smartphone and the PC. USB-driver ADB Without them, Windows will not be able to recognize the connected device in a special boot mode.
Most often, problems arise during the identification stage of the equipment, and if the device manager displays an unknown device with an exclamation mark, then the drivers are installed incorrectly or there is no digital signature. Xiaomi often requires manual installation of drivers through file android_winusb.inf, component SDK Platform Tools.
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Use the original. USB-The cable that comes with the kit, or the quality analogue with the support of data transfer. Cheap cables "charging only" do not transmit the signal, and the computer will not be able to determine the model of the device.
Also, make sure that your computer has the necessary Visual C++ libraries that are often required for console utilities to work, and the absence of these components can lead to command line errors or incorrect display of text in the terminal.
โ ๏ธ Note: Using unverified drivers from questionable sources can lead to malware installation or damage to Windows system files.Download tools only from official Google or Xiaomi resources.
After installing the drivers, it is recommended to restart the computer so that all changes in the registry take effect. Only after that you can start transferring the smartphone to fast boot mode.
Translation of the smartphone to Fastboot mode
To enter debugging mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Don't use the reboot function, it is the complete shutdown that guarantees the procedure to start correctly. Once the screen is out, press the volume down and the power button at the same time.
Hold both keys for a few seconds until a distinctive image appears on the screen - usually a hare in an uchank fixing an android, or the FASTBOOT logo is orange or blue. Blue usually indicates a locked bootloader, and orange - unlocked.
โ๏ธ Fastboot login algorithm
In some models, especially tablets or devices without physical navigation buttons, the combination may be different. For example, some devices require a USB cable to be connected to a computer after the volume button is pressed. If the standard method does not work, try plugging the cable with only the volume button and then briefly press the power.
Make sure the battery is at least 20-30% charged, and working with low-level protocols when the battery is discharged can cause a sudden power outage at a critical time of data recording, with serious consequences for the bootloader.
Use of the command line for identification
The most reliable and informative way to learn a model is to use the command fastboot devices. After connecting your smartphone in Fastboot mode, open the command prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the folder with ADB utilities. Enter the command and press Enter.
fastboot devicesYou'll get a line that contains the serial number of the device and the word fastboot, but this command only confirms the connection. You'll need to use the fastboot getvar all command to get detailed information about the model.
fastboot getvar allThis command will output a huge list of variables. We're interested in lines that start with product: or variant:. That's where the code name of the device is, like cepheus for Mi 9 or umi for Mi 10, which is the key to finding the right firmware.
If the output of the command is too large and scrolls quickly, you can redirect it to a text file for easy analysis, which is especially useful if you want to copy the exact model name without errors.
fastboot getvar all > device_info.txtAfter this command is executed, a file will appear in the tool folder. device_info.txt, This is an approach that eliminates errors when reading fast-flicking text in the console.
Analysis of loader variables and code names
The output commands getvar all have a lot of technical parameters, and the key to us is the value of the product variable. It doesn't always match the commercial name, for example, the popular Redmi Note 10 Pro can be called sweet or sweetin depending on the region.
And you also have to look at the serialno variable, which is a unique device identifier, and although it doesn't tell you directly about the model, it confirms that the connection to the specific hardware is correct, and sometimes, from the first characters of the serial number, experienced engineers can identify the manufacturer.
Hidden variables of Fastboot
Understanding the structure of code names helps you navigate device lines, which are not usually meaningful to the user, but are strictly anchored to the hardware platform, and a single-letter error when searching for firmware by that name can lead to incompatible software installation.
Below is a table of matching some popular models and their code names, which you will see in Fastboot:
| Commercial name | Code name (Product) | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | venus | Flagship |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | curtana | Budget/Mid-range |
| POCO F3 | alioth | Performance |
| Xiaomi 13 | fuxi | Flagship |
| Redmi Note 12 | sunstone | Budget |
Using a codename is the only guaranteed way to avoid a device breeze when running firmware, as commercial names are often duplicated in different regions with different hardware.
Application of the Mi Flash Tool utility
For those who prefer a graphical interface to the command line, an excellent tool is the official Mi Flash Tool. When connecting the device in Fastboot mode and pressing the "Refresh" button, the program automatically reads information about the connected device.
Not only will the serial number be displayed in the list of devices, but the path to the device as well. Moreover, if you choose the device, you can often see a hint at the bottom of the window or in the properties about compatibility or the current status of the bootloader, which makes it easier for beginners who are afraid to work with the console.
โ ๏ธ Note: Mi Flash Tool may not display the model correctly if the drivers are not fully installed or if you use an older version of the program. Always update the tool to the latest version from the official website.
The advantage of using the Mi Flash Tool is visual indication: If the program sees the device but can not determine its type, it can give an error or leave the model field blank, which in itself is a diagnostic sign of problems with drivers or cable.
In addition, the program logs, which can be opened through the Help menu or found in system files, often contain more detailed technical information about the handshake process between the PC and the phone, which mentions the exact hardware ID.
Solving and diagnosing problems
The most common problem is that the computer makes the connection sound. USB, But the device is not defined in the command line or in Mi Flash, and you need to check Windows Device Manager (COM and LPT)" or "Xiaomi Devices".
If the device is displayed as"QHSUSB_BULK" or Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader means that the phone is in Emergency Download mode (EDL), It's a deep recovery mode that requires an authorized Mi Account for firmware or special methods to bypass authorization.
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Fastboot mode is displayed as "Android Bootloader Interface," and EDL (Qualcomm) mode requires completely different tools and access rights. Don't try to flash EDL with standard Fastboot methods.
Another reason may be a faulty one. USB-Try to switch the cable to the port. USB 2.0, located directly on the motherboard (back of the system unit), bypassing the front panels or USB-hubs, ports USB 3.0 sometimes conflict with older versions of downloaders.
If nothing helps, replace the cable. Even if the cable is working to charge, it can have damaged data lines, making it impossible to exchange information with the bootloader.