Accurate knowledge of the technical model of a smartphone, for example SM-G991B instead of the marketing Samsung Galaxy S21, becomes a decisive factor when searching for compatible drivers, ordering accessories or trying to flash the device, since an error in the identifier can lead to the installation of incorrect software.
In the operating system Android there is no single universal “Find out model” button, so how each manufacturer makes its own changes to the interface. However, there are several reliable methods to obtain this information, regardless of brand. We will consider both standard ways through the settings menu, as well as more advanced methods for cases when the system is unstable.
The accuracy of the determination is important not only for owners, but also for service center specialists. An error in one letter of the model code can lead to the installation of incompatible firmware, which will turn the device into a “brick”. Therefore, it is important to use trusted data sources inside the gadget itself.
The standard path through the system settings
The most obvious and safest way is to use the standard settings menu. The interface may differ depending on the version Android and shell of the manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section containing technical information about the device. Usually it is at the very bottom of the list of parameters.
On a clean one Android (as in Google Pixel or Motorola smartphones) the path looks as simple as possible. Go to Settings → About phone. In the list that opens, you will see the line “Model” or “Model Number”. The build number and security version are often indicated here. This is enough for most everyday tasks, such as checking the warranty.
Owners of devices with proprietary shells, such as MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung, sometimes have to make an extra click. In MIUI, the information is hidden deeper: Settings → About phone → All parameters. Only after clicking on this button will a full technical description be revealed, including processor codes and an exact board revision.
⚠️ Attention: In some Chinese firmware versions, the model name may be displayed in hieroglyphs or internal code that is incomprehensible to the average user. In this case, it is better to use alternative verification methods.
Please note that in the “About phone” section, not only the model, but also the amount of RAM is often indicated, which is useful when diagnosing performance. If you plan to sell the device, a screenshot of this screen will be the best proof of its characteristics for the buyer.
If the model is not displayed in the settings menu or is written as "Unknown", try rebooting the device. Sometimes the system process responsible for reading the registry fails after an unsuccessful update.
Using the engineering menu and USSD codes
When access to settings is limited or the system does not work correctly, special codes come to the rescue. The engineering menu is a hidden section designed for testing equipment. You can enter it through the “Phone” application by entering a specific combination of characters.
There is no universal code for all devices, but there are popular combinations. For many smartphones based on processors MediaTek the code ##3646633##works. Once entered, the menu will open automatically. The Hardware Testing or Version tab often contains detailed data about the hardware. For devices Samsung a code *#1234#is often used, which shows the AP, CP and CSC versions.
It is worth considering that on modern versions Android (starting from 9 and higher), many manufacturers have blocked access to engineering menus via USSD codes for security purposes. In this case, when you enter the combination, nothing will happen, or a connection error message will appear.
- 📱 Code
*#06#— displays the IMEI, which can be used to check the model on the manufacturers’ websites. - 🔧 Code
##4636##—testing menu, contains the “Information about phone." - 📊 Code
#0#—an extended screen and sensor test menu (mainly Samsung). - ⚙️ Code
##4636##—an alternative test menu for some operator versions.
Why are the codes not work?
On new smartphones, access to hidden functions through dialing is often blocked by the manufacturer or telecom operator. This is done to protect users from accidentally changing critical radio module settings or sensor calibrations, which can lead to signal loss or incorrect sensor operation.
The use of these codes does not require superuser rights (Root), which makes them a safe express diagnostic tool. However, be careful: changing parameters in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose may disrupt the network.
Physical marking and documentation
If the device does not turn on or the screen is broken, software methods become useless. In such situations, the only source of truth remains physical markings. Manufacturers are required to apply identification information to the case or packaging in accordance with international standards.
On most modern smartphones with a removable back cover, the label is located under the battery. It indicates Model, serial number and production date. If the battery is non-removable, look for an engraving or sticker on the back of the device. Often only a simplified name is indicated there, but sometimes a full technical index is also found.
The most reliable source is the original box. Information about the model, color, memory capacity and IMEI is always duplicated on the side or on a sticker at the bottom of the box. This data is checked against the manufacturer's database when the warranty is activated. Saving the box also simplifies the process of returning the product to the store.
| Search location | Type of information | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Back cover (engraving) | Commercial name | Always visible |
| Label under the battery | Exact model, IMEI, S/N | Only with a removable battery |
| Packaging box | Full specifications, barcode | Requires preservation of the container |
| Warranty card | Model, date of sale, store stamp | Depends on filling |
Pay attention to the barcode on the box. Often the model code is duplicated under it in small print. This is especially true for devices imported under “gray” schemes, where a sticker in Russian may be missing or pasted on top of the original one.
⚠️ Attention: Do not trust stickers pasted by the seller in a store over the factory markings. They may contain errors or intentionally mislead regarding modification of the device.
Diagnostics via connection to a computer
Connecting a smartphone to a PC allows you to access system data even if the touch screen is partially not working. The computer's operating system recognizes the device and can display its name in the device manager or through specialized software.
When connected via USB in file transfer mode (MTP), the computer sees the device as a media player. However, to get an accurate model, it is better to use the debug mode. Enable For developers → USB debugging in your phone settings. After connecting, the PC will be able to read the detailed hardware identifier.
Third-party utilities, such as AIDA64 for PC (in conjunction with the mobile version) or proprietary apps like Samsung Smart Switch i Xiaomi Mi PC Suite, automatically detect the connected gadget. They display not just the name, but the full specification: from the kernel version to the light sensors.
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThis command, executed in the computer command line with ADBinstalled, will instantly return the exact code name of the model. This is a professional method used by developers and engineers. It works even on devices with an unlocked bootloader, where other methods may fail.
☑️ Preparing for diagnostics via PC
If the computer does not see the phone, try changing the USB port or cable. Often the problem lies in a damaged wire that can only charge, but not transmit data. In this case, the model cannot be determined via a PC.
Third-party identification applications
Store Google Play offers hundreds of utilities that can tell you more about your device than standard settings. These applications scan system files and display information in a convenient, structured form. They are indispensable when you need to find out not only the model, but also the exact version of the sensor or the type of screen matrix.
One of the leaders in this niche is the application CPU-Z. It's free, doesn't require root access, and provides comprehensive data. The tab Device contains the Manufacturer, Model and Product fields. The difference between Model and Product often indicates the regional variation of the device. Other popular tools, such as Android, allow you to go deeper into the details. They can show which camera module is installed (which is important for the same models with different hardware in different batches), and the type of RAM.
Other popular tools such as Device Info HW or AIDA64 for Android, allow you to go deeper into the details. They can show which camera module is installed (which is important for identical models with different hardware in different batches), and the type of RAM.
- 🚀 CPU-Z - a classic of the genre, a minimalistic interface, accurate processor data.
- 📱 Device Info HW - ideal for checking the compatibility of cameras and screens.
- 🛠️ AIDA64 - cross-platform solution with a detailed report on all sensors.
- 📊 Phone Info SAM —a specialized application for Samsung devices that checks the warranty status.
The use of such applications also helps to identify a fake. If the settings say Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the CPU-Z application shows the processor MediaTek and low screen resolution, this is a high-quality copy, not the original.
⚠️ Attention: Download diagnostic applications only from the official Google Play store. Third-party sites may distribute modified versions that contain viruses or spyware.
Third-party applications are the best way to double-check the data if you doubt the authenticity of the device or are buying a used smartphone. They read real hardware, which cannot be replaced programmatically in the settings.
What to do if the model is not detected
In rare cases, the system may display the model incorrectly or hide it. This often happens after unsuccessful experiments with custom firmware, obtaining root access, or when using devices intended for other markets (for example, Chinese versions of global models).
If the settings indicate “Generic” or the name of the processor instead of the phone model, try resetting the settings to factory settings. Be sure to back up your data before doing this. The reset will restore the original system files, where the correct identifiers are registered.
For advanced users who have the skills to work with ADB, it is possible to check the system properties directly. The command adb shell getprop displays a list of all system variables. Look for lines starting with ro.product.model or ro.build.product.
In situations where the phone does not turn on at all (black screen, reaction only to charging), you can determine the model only by external signs or by connecting to a PC in Download Mode (for Samsung) or Fastbootmode. In these modes, flashing utilities often display the device code before starting work.
How to find the model by IMEI without turning on the phone?
Find the IMEI on the box or under the battery. Enter this number on the manufacturer's official website in the warranty check section or on third-party services like imei.info. The database will return the exact model name corresponding to this unique number.
Why are there two different models in the settings?
This is normal. One line (Model) indicates the technical code for developers (for example, M2101K7AG), and the other (Marketing name) indicates the commercial name for buyers (Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE). They refer to the same device.
Is it possible to change the phone model in the settings?
Without root access, it is impossible to change the display name in the “About phone” menu. If you have Root access, you can edit the system build.prop file, but this does not change the actual hardware and can lead to errors in the operation of applications.
Does the region of purchase affect the model code?
Yes, a small letter or number in the model code often indicates the region (for example, B for Europe, U for the USA). They may be identical in hardware, but differ in communication frequencies or the presence of NFC.
Where to find the model if the screen is broken?
Connect the phone to the TV via a USB-C to HDMI adapter (if the device supports video output). The image is duplicated on the TV, and you can enter the settings with a mouse connected via a USB hub.