Have you bought a used Xiaomi without a box, lost your documents or just forgotten what model you have? Or maybe the phone does not turn on, but you need to find firmware urgently? In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to determine the model of a Xiaomi smartphone, from basic to advanced, which work even on โbricksโ.
The manufacturer produces dozens of devices a year, and sometimes distinguishing the Redmi Note 12 from the POCO X5 only by appearance is difficult โ especially if the label is erased on the back. Fortunately, there are at least 7 reliable methods, and you do not need to disassemble the device or contact the service center. Next, step-by-step instructions explaining which methods work on the phone turned off and which only work.
Important: If you plan to flash your device, buy accessories or parts, the exact name of the model is critical. A single-digit error (e.g. Redmi 9A instead of Redmi 9C) can lead to incompatibility of the firmware or components.
1. The easiest way: through the settings of the phone
If the smartphone is turned on and running, start with the most obvious method, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark and even older devices on the MIUI 8-9.
Open the Settings menu โ About the phone. Depending on the version of MIUI, the path may be slightly different:
- ๐ฑ MIUI 12-14: Settings โ The phone. โ Model (or โName of model").
- ๐ MIUI 11 and older: Settings โ System system โ The phone. โ Model of the device.
- ๐ฎ Black Shark: Settings โ The phone. โ Device information.
You'll see the full name here, like 2201116PI (Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G) or M2010J19SG (POCO X3 NFC), if it's in letter and number format (codename), it can be decrypted through special services, which is discussed in the next section.
๐ก
If the settings show only the code name (for example, tucana or phoenix), copy it and check through the Xiaomi Device website - there is a database of all models with decryption.
2. How to decrypt the Xiaomi code name (MIUI Device Code)
Xiaomi assigns each device a unique code of letters and numbers (e.g., M2007J20CG or 21091116AG) and it's not a random set, it's a model that you can pinpoint.
| Symbols | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 digits | Year of issue (2021 = 2021) | 21091116AG โ 2021 |
| 3-4 | Release month (09 = September) | 21091116AG โ September 2021 |
| 5-6 numbers | Certification Day | 21091116AG โ 11th |
| Last letters. | Region and Modification (AG = Global) | 21091116AG โ global |
To avoid guessing, use online services:
- ๐ Xiaomi Device โ Enter the code in the search and the site will show the full name of the model.
- ๐ XiaomiUI โ a database with photos and characteristics.
- ๐ฑ Kimovil โ Here you can compare models by code.
Example of decryption of code 2201116PI
3. IMEI model definition (works even on a locked phone)
IMEI is a unique phone identifier that tells you not only the model, but also the country of manufacture, the date of release.
- ๐ The phone is locked with a pattern lock;
- ๐ Not on (but charged);
- ๐ฆ No box and no documents.
How to find out IMEI:
- Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# - a window with a 15-digit number will appear.
- If the screen is not working, look at the IMEI on the sticker under the battery (on removable batteries) or on the box.
- Enter IMEI on one of the services: IMEI.info (paid report, but shows the model); SNDeeP (free, but not for all regions); IMEI24 (shows the brand and model).
Yeah, to find out the model.|Yes, to check for originality.|No, but now I know how to do it.|No, I don't plan on.-->
โ ๏ธ Note: Some services may show an inaccurate model if Xiaomi has released multiple devices with the same model. IMEI-range (e.g. Redmi) 9A redmi 9C In this case, check the data with other methods.
4 Where else to see the Xiaomi model: box, battery, SIM-tray
If the phone doesnโt turn on but you have the original packaging or components, the model can be found there:
- ๐ฆ Box: The barcode sticker has the full name (e.g. Redmi Note). 10 Pro 6/128GB) model code (M2101K6G).
- ๐ Battery: Removable batteries (old models) have a sticker with a code, BM47 โ This is a Redmi Note 7.
- ๐ถ SIM-: On some models (e.g., on some models, POCO F3) code engraved on the tray for SIM-map.
- ๐ Charging: Original power supplies sometimes indicate a compatible model (but this is an unreliable way to do so).
If there is no box, but the phone is turned on in Fastboot mode (black screen with a rabbit and a lettering). FASTBOOT), You can see the model in the Product Name bar:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
- Connect to your PC and use the command: fastboot getvar product
Barcode sticker (model and serial number)|Model code (e.g, M2004J7AC)|Producing country (CN, IN, Global)|Date of production (if indicated)-->
5. Advanced Methods: ADB, Mi Flash and Engineering Menu
If the standard methods didn't work and the phone turned on, you could use debugging tools, which require a PC and minimal technical skills.
Method 1: ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
- Turn on the developer mode on the phone (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings โ Additional โ For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type: adb shell getprop ro.product.model A model like M2101K7AG (Redmi Note 10 Pro) will be displayed.
Method 2: Using the Mi Flash Tool
If the phone is in Fastboot mode but the model is not displayed:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- In the Device field, the model code will appear (e.g. tucana for Redmi K30 Pro).
Method 3: Engineering menu (for experienced)
Type ##4636## on your phone keyboard, then go to the Device Information tab, which may show a model or code name.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you know what they mean! This can cause network loss, battery drain or resetting.
6. How to know the Xiaomi model by appearance (visual differences)
If the phone doesnโt turn on and you donโt have access to settings, you can try to identify the model by design and arrangement of elements. Xiaomi often uses unique features for different lines:
- ๐ธ Redmi Note 12 โ three vertical cameras + circle-sensor; POCO X5 โ Two large cameras in a rectangular block; Mi 11 is a huge core module + two-foot.
- ๐ Connectors: 3.5 The Redmi audio connector is available and POCO, But is missing from the flagships Xiaomi 12/13; Infrared port (upper end) โ most models except Black Shark.
- ๐จ Colors: Redmi Note 11 โ there is a variant of Graphite Gray with matte texture; POCO F4 โ Unique Moonlight Silver; Xiaomi 13 Lite - pastel shades (Lite Pink, Lite Blue).
For visual comparison, use:
- ๐ท GSMArena โ photos of all models from different angles;
- ๐ฅ YouTube โ Search for disassembled reviews (e.g., โRedmi Note 12 Pro vs. POCO X5 Pro").
๐ก
If there is a POCO or Black Shark label on the back, itโs Xiaomiโs separate sub-brands โ look for models in their lineups, not among Redmi or Mi.
7 What to do if the model cannot be determined?
If none of these methods work, the last options remain:
- ๐ ๏ธ Disassembly: The motherboard usually has a model marking (for example, the Vili for the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
- ๐ In the official service centers Xiaomi has scanners to determine the model by serial number.
- ๐ฌ Ask on the forums: Upload a photo of the phone (front, back, side) on 4PDA XDA-Developers โ Experienced users will help identify.
If the phone doesn't turn on and you're planning to flash it or repair it, it's best not to risk the "pumpkin method." A mistake in choosing a firmware can lead to:
- ๐ฅ Hard Brick (full brick, not even included in Fastboot);
- ๐ต Poose. IMEI (phone doesn't catch the net);
- ๐ Fast battery discharge (due to incompatible firmware).
๐ก
If you bought a used Xiaomi and canโt identify a model, check it for originality through IMEI. Counterfeiting often poses as popular models (like the Redmi Note 10), but has a different hardware code.