You took an old Xiaomi smartphone out of the box, but you don't remember its exact model? Or you want to sell it, but you can't tell the customer the specifications? The situation is familiar to many: over time, the names of gadgets disappear from memory, especially if we are talking about the budget series of Redmi or Poco, where the models differ only in one digit. In this article, we will examine all possible ways to define the model, from standard methods through menus to little-known tricks with the engineering mode.
It’s important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of the MIUI firmware, the state of the device (whether it works, whether the bootloader is unlocked), and even the year of release. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 5 (2016), the path to model information will be different from on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (2022), we took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will work even on the oldest devices.
If your smartphone is not turned on or locked, don’t rush to hand it over to the service — there is a section on solutions for dead devices at the end of this article. And for those in a hurry, we have highlighted the fastest way: checking through a sticker under the battery or on the box (works 90% of the time).
1. Standard method: through MIUI settings
This is the most obvious and secure method, but it requires the device to turn on and be unlocked. Even if you forget the password from your Mi Account, access to the basic settings is usually saved. The instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI from 8 to 14, but the location of menu items may vary slightly.
Open the Settings app (cog icon) and follow one of the paths depending on the firmware version:
- 📱 MIUI 12-14: On the phone → Model (first item on the list) Here you will see the version MIUI, assembly number and other technical data.
- 📱 MIUI 8-11: On the phone → Background → Model name. On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X) The path may be shorter: On the phone → Model.
- 📱 Old versions (up to) MIUI 7): On the telephone → Device information → Model: On Xiaomi Mi 3 or Mi 4, the menu can be called About the tablet (yes, even on phones!).
If there is no model information in the About Phone section, try clicking on the MIUI version 5-7 times in a row, and on some devices this activates a hidden menu for developers, where the full model name is displayed (for example, the M2007J3SC instead of the Redmi Note 9 Pro).
⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the model name may not be displayed correctly or at all.
2.Using the engineering menu: code ##4636##
The Engineering Menu is a hidden section of Android that contains detailed hardware and software information.It is available on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the MIUI version, but requires you to enter special code.The method works even on locked phones (if the screen is unlocked).
Open the phone application and enter the combination:
##4636##Then you'll be taken to the Testing menu. Go to the Device Information tab and find the lines:
- 📌 Device model – This can include both a marketing name (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) and a code name (e.g. begonia).
- 📌 The model number is an internal identifier (e.g., the model number, M1906G7G), You can find the exact model through Google search.
If the code doesn’t work, try alternative combinations:
- 🔢 ##225## – displays calendar and model information (works on old Xiaomi until 2018).
- 🔢 *#06# - shows IMEI, This is a model that can be used to determine a model through services like IMEI.info.
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If the engineering menu doesn't open, check to see if it's disabled through security policies, and some firmware (e.g., corporate) locks those codes.
3.According to the label under the battery or on the box
This is the most reliable way to do this if the phone is not turning on or locked, and the manufacturer puts the model information in several places.
- Sticker under the battery (relevant for devices with removable battery, for example, Redmi) 3S or Mi 4i). Open the back cover (you'll need a mediator or a plastic card) and find a white label with fine print: 🏷️ Model: MZE7 (For example, for Redmi 5A). 🏷️ Type: M1804C3DG (full-length).
Sticker on SIM-lot
Xiaomi 12T
Box from the device
Redmi Note 10 Pro 6/128GB
If the sticker is erased or the box is lost, try finding the IMEI model (indicated on the label under the battery or on the box).
- Copy the 15-digit IMEI number.
- Go to IMEI.info or IMEIPro.
- Enter the number in the search box – the service will show the exact model, year of release and even the country of manufacture.
What to do if the label is damaged?
4. via computer: ADB and Fastboot
If the phone turns on but the screen doesn't work (for example, after a fall) or the device is locked, you can connect it to the computer and get model information via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or Fastboot.The method requires installing drivers and minimal command line knowledge.
Method 1: ADB (if the phone is on)
- Install Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB and enable USB Debugging (in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Open the command line in the folder with adb.exe and type: adb shell getprop ro.product.model The command will return the model name (for example, Redmi K20 Pro).
Method 2: Fastboot (if the phone is not turned on)
- Turn off the device and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command: fastboot getvar product The answer will be in product format: [name], for example, product: begonia (codename Redmi Note 8 Pro).
Then, Google a combination of chipset labeling and other components (such as Wi-Fi or memory) to help narrow down the possible models.
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If the phone doesn't turn on and there are no external tags, the only reliable way is to disassemble the device to look for the markings on the board or battery, but it takes experience so as not to damage the plumes or connectors.