How to accurately determine the version of the gateway Xiaomi Gateway: from sticker to SSH

The Xiaomi Gateway is the central device of the Mi Home ecosystem, which depends on the version of sensor compatibility, stability and available features. However, the manufacturer does not always clearly label the models: the box can simply indicate “Gateway”, and the application can be a generic name, which creates confusion, especially when buying used devices or updating firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to determine the version, from visual inspection to technical methods using SSH and Telnet. You will learn how to distinguish Gateway v1 from v2 and v3, why it is important for integration with Home Assistant or Yandex Alice, and what to do if the gateway does not display the version in the application.

Why it is important to know the version of Xiaomi Gateway

The lock model depends on:

• 🔌 Compatible with sensors: Gateway v1 Does not support new MiJia devices (e.g. 2023 door opening sensors).
• 🔄 Firmware capability: v3 requires a different process of updating than v1/v2.
• 🌐 Integration with third-party systems: Home Assistant and OpenHAB work with different protocols for each version.
• 📡 Zigbee ranges: v3 It supports Zigbee 3.0 and v1 — only Zigbee HA 1.2.

For example, if you plan to connect the gateway to Apple HomeKit, then Gateway v3 will cope with this task out of the box, while v1 will require additional software. And when buying a used device on Avito or AliExpress, sellers often indicate the wrong version – our guide will help to avoid fraud.

Method 1: Visual inspection of the device and box

The easiest way is to look at the labels on the case and the packaging, and the manufacturer puts the labels on them, but they're not always obvious.

• 📦 Box: The back side below may be indicated DGNWG01LM (v1), DGNWG02LM (v2) or DGNWG05LM (v3).
• 🏷️ Sticker at the bottom of the gateway: Look for a Model line or TYPE. For example, LX06 — it v3 European market.
• 🔍 Color of indicator: Y v1 LED yellow, y v2/v3 — white-coloured.
• 🔌 Power connector: v1 round-connector DC 5V, v2/v3 — USB-Type C.

If the sticker is erased or the box is not, pay attention to the shape of the case:

• v1 - square case with rounded corners, matte plastic.
• v2 is the same square, but with a glossy front panel.
• v3 - rectangular, with a notch under the button below.

Method 2: Checking with the Mi Home app

The official Mi Home app displays basic information about the gateway, but doesn't always specify the exact version.

1. Open Mi Home and go to the Devices tab.
2. Find the Xiaomi Gateway in the list and tap it.
3. In the upper right corner, press ⋮ → Settings → About the device.
4. Look for the line Model or firmware version.

What you'll see:

If the app only displays lumi.gateway without a version, try changing the region to China in your account settings - sometimes this reveals hidden data. Also check voice commands: v3 has Alice and Google Assistant support, whereas v1 only works with Mi AI.

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If the gateway doesn't show up in Mi Home, reset it to factory settings: press the button on the case for 10 seconds until the yellow indicator flashes. After reset, connect again.

Method 3: Analysis MAC-addresses and network data

Each version of the gateway has unique ranges. MAC-This method is useful if you don't have physical access to the device (for example, when buying online).

How do you know? MAC-address:

1. Connect the gateway to the router.
2. Go to the router control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Find a list of connected devices and copy MAC-gateway address (starts with 78:11:DC, 7C:49:EB or 48:E1:E9).

Compare the first 6 characters MAC-table-head:

⚠️ Attention: MAC-addresses may overlap with v1 and v2 (for example, 7C:49:EB). In this case, use additional verification methods, for example, firmware analysis via Telnet.

Method 4: Connect via SSH/Telnet (for advanced)

If previous methods failed, you can connect to the gateway via SSH or Telnet and execute commands to determine the version, which requires skills in working with the terminal and disabling protection (on new SSH firmwares, it is disabled by default).

Instructions:

1. Install PuTTY (Windows) or use the built-in terminal (Linux/macOS).
2. Connect to IP-Gateway address (recognise it in the router) by port 22 (SSH) or 23 (Telnet. default login/password: root/password (firmware).
3. Follow the command: cat /proc/cmdline Look for lines like board=lumi-gateway-v3 in the output.
4. Alternative team: miio --info (It requires Python-Miio installation).

Example of output for Gateway v3:

board=lumi-gateway-mgl03


model=lumi.gateway.mgl03




firmware=1.6.0_0055

⚠️ Note: On firmware newer than 1.5.4 SSH It's disabled by default. To enable it, you'll need to hack the firmware through Mi Home Hack or OpenMiHome, which cancels the warranty and can result in your device being locked.

Find out. IP-gateway

Install PuTTY or Terminal

Check the firmware version (new ones block SSH)

Prepare a backup copy of the gateway settings

Have a handy resetting instruction in case of error-->

Method 5: Disassembly of the gateway and analysis of the board

If the gateway doesn't turn on or you buy it "as is" without the ability to test it, it's all about disassembling the case and exploring the board, and this is an extreme method -- use it only if other options are not available.

What to look for on the board:

• 🔧 Chip marking: Y v1/v2 Realtek is worth it. RTL8197D, bal v3 — Realtek RTL8710BN.
• 📌 The label on the board: May contain V1.0, V2.2 or V3.0.
• 🔌 Connectors: v3 It has an additional connector for the Zigbee antenna.
• 🖥️ Memory: Y v3 Winbond chip installed 25Q128JV (16 MB), y v1 — 25Q64 (8MB).

Photos of different versions of the boards:

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the gateway will void the warranty and may damage the device if you do not handle the Zigbee and Wi-Fi antennas carefully. If you are not sure about your skills, contact a specialist or use other version-finding methods.

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The most reliable way is a combination of visual inspection (sticker + connectors) and verification through Mi Home. SSH and disassembly are only needed in extreme cases.

Xiaomi Gateway Version Comparison: Which One to Choose

If you are just planning to buy a gateway, here is a quick comparison of versions:

Selection recommendations:

• 🏠 For basic automation (light, motion sensors) is suitable v2 — cheaper v3, It supports most devices.
• 🛡️ For integration with Home Assistant or Yandex, take Alice v3 — It is more stable and supports new protocols.
• 💰 If the budget is limited, v1 You can find it for 1,000-1,500. ₽, But note that it doesn't support new MiJia sensors after 2020.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Gateway