How to know exactly the Xiaomi Redmi 4 model: from the box to hidden settings

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget devices of the brand, released in several versions. But here's the problem: they are almost no different from the outside, and the version depends on the compatibility of firmware, accessories and even the price of spare parts. If you bought the device from hand, lost documents or just forgot what model you have in your hands - this article will help you understand.

We tested every possible way to identify, from the obvious (see the box) to the hidden (engineering menu codes), and we focused on the nuances of why some Redmi 4s don't have a battery sticker, how to tell the Redmi 4 Pro from the Redmi 4 Prime, and what to do if the phone doesn't turn on, and at the end, you'll find a table with key differences in all versions and answers to frequent questions.

Important: Some methods require disassembling the device or special commands, and if you're not sure about your skills, use the safe methods in the first three sections.

1. Checking the box and documents

The easiest and most reliable way to do this is to look at the original packaging. On the Xiaomi Redmi 4 box, the model is listed in three places:

• 📦 On the front side - under the Mi logo in small print (for example, "Redmi 4 Pro" or "Redmi") 4A").
• 🏷️ On the side sticker, next to the barcode and serial number (look for the line "Model:").
• 📄 In documents – in the warranty card or instructions (usually on the first page).

If there is no box, check check checks or emails confirming purchases. In official stores (for example, Mi Store or AliExpress), the model is always indicated in the product name. Note: in the markets, it is often sold "gray" devices with regated labels - if the data on the box and on the phone do not match, this is a reason to be wary.

⚠️ Warning: For fake boxes, the model may be incorrect. Always double-check the information through your phone's settings (see next section).

2. Model definition through Android settings

If the phone turns on, the quickest way is to look at the system settings. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device).
3. Find the Model or Model Name, and it will show one of the values: Redmi 4 (base version, code name prada), Redmi 4A (simplified, rolex), Redmi 4 Prime (improved, markw), Redmi 4 Pro (flagship in line, markw) Redmi 4X (updated 4A, santoni)

Some firmware (such as custom firmware) may not display the model name correctly. If you see strange characters or acronyms like HM4X, it's a sign of unofficial software, then use alternative methods in the following sections.

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If the settings only say "Redmi 4" without specifying, but you are sure that this is not the basic version, check the command ##4636##.

3. Engineering menu codes: hidden data

Manufacturers hide some of the information in the service menu. For Xiaomi Redmi 4, the following commands work (enter them as a phone number):

• 📱 ##4636## – opens the Testing menu, where the device information section will contain the phone model line.
• 🔢 *#6# - will show IMEI. First 8 digits (TAC-code) will indicate the model (checked through services like imei.info).
• 🛠️ ##225## - displays calibration data. In some firmware versions, there is a Project string codenamed (e.g., santoni for the santoni code). 4X).

Important: Some Redmi 4 versions may have the engineering menu blocked, so if nothing happens after you enter the code, try another method or check if you have custom firmware installed.

4. Visual differences: how to recognize a model by appearance

If the phone doesn't turn on or you don't want to dig into the settings, check out the case. Here are the key signs of each Redmi 4 modification:

Pay special attention to the charging connector: only Redmi 4 Pro/Prime are equipped with USB Type-C, the rest of the models are Micro-USB. Also check the location of the speakers: in the Redmi 4A/4X they are on the rear panel, and in the Redmi 4/4 Pro - on the lower end.

⚠️ Warning: Some vendors deliberately put Redmi 4 Pro logo stickers on the base versions. Always check the charging connector - this is the most reliable visual marker.

5. Disassembly of the device: sticker under the battery

If the phone doesn't turn on and the box doesn't, you'll have to look inside, and the data sticker is under the removable lid, which is under the battery on non-removable models.

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map

Put the lid on the edge with a plastic card (do not use metal!)

Take it off carefully, starting at the corner with the card slot

Don’t pull the plumes – they can come off.

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On the sticker, look for the lines:

• 🔖 Model No. – full name (e.g., "2016010" for Redmi 4 Pro).
• 🔢 IMEI — It can be used to determine the model through online services.
• 📡 FCC ID — Unique identifier for the United States (for example, "2AFZZ-MZB6198IN" for Redmi 4A).

Important: Some devices may have their sticker erased or missing (especially if the phone is being repaired), so note the marking on the motherboard, which usually has a code name engraved there (e.g., santoni for 4X).

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If you are not sure about your skills, do not disassemble the phone yourself. Contact the service center: they will determine the model by payment or firmware in 5-10 minutes.

6. Checking through a computer (ADB and Mi Flash)

For advanced users, there's a way to define a model through a PC connection.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (original)
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Or Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions for ADB:

1. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
3. Enter the command: adb shell getprop ro.product.model The answer will be the exact model name (e.g., "Redmi 4X").

If your phone is not turning on, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the program from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Connect the phone off in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. The program will display a model of the device (for example, "Santoni" for Redmi 4X).

⚠️ Note: If you connect to a PC, your phone is defined as “Qualcomm”. HS-USB" or "MTK The preloader is a sign of hardware failure, and then you can only recognize the model on the board or through the service center.

7. Online services by IMEI and serial number

If you know IMEI or S/N, you can identify the model through specialized services.

• 🌍 IMEI.info – enter a 15-digit code and get data on the model, year of release and specifications.
• 🔍 IMEI-Pro – shows a code name (e.g. markw for Redmi 4 Pro).
• 📱 Xiaomi official website – if the phone is tied to the Mi Account, the model will appear in the profile of the devices.

Important: some services may show incorrect information for devices with custom firmware or cloned Xiaomi. Always double-check the data through 2-3 sources. If IMEI begins with the numbers 86, this is a sign of the Chinese version (global models have 01 or 35 at the beginning).

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If the service shows a Redmi Note 4 model instead of a Redmi 4 model, don't be afraid. This is a database error: check the code name (e.g., mido is Note 4 and santoni is Redmi 4X).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the definition of the Redmi model 4