How to determine the model of Xiaomi smartphone, if it does not turn on: a step-by-step guide

You've become a lucky Xiaomi owner, but the device suddenly stopped turning on, or you've found an abandoned machine without charging, and there's only a black screen on the screen? The first thing you need to do before you repair or sell is to specify the exact model. Without this information, you can't pick up firmware, batteries or parts, and service centers can refuse to diagnose.

In this article, we’ve compiled all the working ways to know Xiaomi’s model (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) even if the phone is completely dead, from visual inspection of the case to hidden tags under the battery. Each method is illustrated with examples and contains warnings about possible errors.

⚡ How to find out how to find a model in 1 minute

If your phone doesn't respond to the charging and power button, start with the simplest methods. They don't require disassembling the device or special tools.

• 📦 Box and documents: The original Xiaomi package shows the model on a barcode sticker (example: Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G). Also check the warranty card or check – there may be a serial number, which determines the model.
• 🔍 Inscriptions on the case: Turn the phone over and inspect the back cover. On most Xiaomi models (except for the flagships with glossy glass), the model is engraved in fine print next to the Mi or Redmi logo: M2101K6G — This is a Redmi Note 10 Pro.
• 🔋 Battery (if removable): On some older models (e.g. Redmi) 4A or Mi A1) The model is duplicated on the battery sticker. Careful: not all Xiaomi batteries are removable - 90% of modern smartphones have a battery glued to the battery!

If these methods didn’t work, don’t despair. Below we’ll discuss advanced techniques, including working with IMEI, service tags, and even disassembling the device (with step-by-step photos).

🔎 Where to look for a Xiaomi model on the case: decoding the markings

The manufacturer puts identification data on the phone's body, but it's often disguised as regulatory signs or hidden in unexpected places.

1. Under the camera: Many Redmi models (like the Note 9 Pro or Note 8T) have the model in small print to the left of the camera module.
2. Next to USB-C connector: On some devices (such as the POCO X3 NFC), the model is engraved on the end of the case near the charging port.
3. Under the removable cover: In budget models (for example, Redmi 5A), the model can be hidden under the back panel - it will have to be carefully tampered with a mediator.

If you find a code like M2004J7AC, but do not know what model it is, use the Kimovil database or enter the code in the search engine with a request for Xiaomi M2004J7AC model.

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If the lettering on the case is erased, try to wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, sometimes the dirt masks the engraving.

📱 How to find out the model through IMEI (Even if the phone doesn't turn on)

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each phone, and it can tell you not only the model, but also the country of manufacture, the date of release, and even the history of repairs.

• 📄 On the box: IMEI It is indicated on a sticker next to the barcode (look for the inscription). IMEI1 or IMEI2).
• 🔋 Under the battery: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 4X) IMEI duplicated on a sticker under the battery.
• 🖥️ A computer: If the phone is at least somehow responsive to the connection to the USB (light up the charger), IMEI You can pull out via Device Manager in Windows (see the instructions below).

When an IMEI is found, check it through one of the services:

1. IMEI.info – will show the model, specifications and lock status.
2. SND Deep Info – will give you full details about the device, including the date of production.
3. IMEI24 – Suitable for authentication Xiaomi (will detect a clone).

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI It starts with 00000 or repeating numbers, which is a sign of a fake or a software failure.

🛠️ Disassembly of the phone: where to look for a model under the body

If external methods fail, you'll have to partially disassemble the device, and we warn you, it's risky if you don't have experience, if you don't disassemble it properly, it can damage plumes or antennas, but if you're ready, follow the instructions.

Turn off your phone from charging for at least 10 minutes

Prepare a plastic spatula or mediator

Take a picture of the location of the screws before unscrewing

Use an antistatic bracelet or touch a grounded object

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Disassembly steps (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro):

1. Remove the back cover: Warm up the hair dryer on the edge of the body (temperature no higher than 60°C), then gently tuck the shoulder blade. Start at the corner near the USB-C connector.
2. Disconnect the battery: Find the battery plume (usually black or red) and turn it off with a flat screwdriver. Don't pull the wires -- just the connector!
3. Look for a sticker: Most Xiaomi models have a model listed on: White sticker under the battery (example: Redmi Note 8 Pro + serial number). Matrix (on the screen plume) - look for a code type M1906G7G. Protective film on the board (for example, MSM8998 is Mi 8).

If you're afraid of damaging your phone, go to the service center, and it's 500 to 1,000 rubles, but you get 100% accurate results without risk.

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On non-removable battery models (such as the Mi 11), the data sticker is often hidden under a metal plate, and it requires the plumes to be soldered off to access it, a task for professionals.

💻 Software Methods: Defining a Model Through a PC

Even if Xiaomi does not turn on, but reacts to the USB connection (the indicator lights up, the computer makes the connection sound), the model can be determined through special software.

1. via Mi Flash Tool (for phones on Qualcomm)

This utility is used for firmware, but also recognizes connected Xiaomi devices:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and install it.
2. Connect the phone to the PC in mode EDL (Hold the volume up + Loud down and insert USB-cable).
3. Run the program and a model will appear at the bottom (for example, tucana is Redmi Note 8).

2. via ADB (if the phone is loaded into fastboot)

If you connect to a PC and your phone is defined as Android or Fastboot, use the command:

fastboot getvar product

In response, you will receive the model code (e.g., cezanne is the Mi 11 Lite 5G). The full list of Xiaomi codenames is here.

3. via ChipGenius (for MediaTek)

ChipGenius utility reads data from the processor:

1. Connect the phone when it is off.
2. Start the program and press Refresh.
3. The Device Name bar will have a model (e.g., Redmi 9A MT6765).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, but Mi Flash Tool doesn't see it - it's a sign of "brick" (program death.

📊 Table of correspondence of code names and models Xiaomi

If you come across code like raphael or phoenix, use our table to decrypt it. We have collected the current code names for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (2018-2026):

The full list of codenames can be found on XiaomiUI or in XDA Developers themes (see Xiaomi codename list on request).

🔧 What to do if the model cannot be determined?

If none of these methods work, you have 3 options:

1. Contact the service center: Official partners of Xiaomi (for example, Mi Service) have access to the database by serial numbers.
2. Photo board: Upload a photo of the motherboard to forums like 4PDA or MIUI Su – experts will help identify the model by the location of the chips.
3. Buy a universal charger: If the goal is just to charge your phone, take a charge with Quick Charge 3.0 support (suitable for 90% of Xiaomi models). 65W The original adapter from the Redmi Note 11.

If the phone is not turning on due to a discharge, try leaving it on charge for 2-3 hours. Sometimes the power controller blocks the switch on until the minimum charge level (usually 5-10%) is reached.

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On models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 9A), press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds to force charging.

❓ Frequently asked questions