How to find the name (model) of a device on Android: 5 proven methods

Have you ever encountered a situation where you urgently need to find out the exact model of your Android smartphone or tablet? For example, to install custom firmware, search for drivers, sell a device, or contact a service center. It turns out that model name can be found in at least five different ways - and not all of them are obvious.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods: from standard settings to hidden engineering menus and commands for developers. You will learn how to determine the model even on a locked device, why sometimes manufacturers hide the real name of the device, and what applications will help if standard methods do not work. And also - we will reveal a secret method that works even on bricks (non-working phones) through a computer.

1. Standard method: through Android settings

The simplest and most obvious method is to view information about the device in the system settings. This method works on all versions of Android from 4.0 to 14, including modified shells like MIUI, One UI or ColorOS. Here are step-by-step guide:

Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu). Next, go to the section: About phone → Device information → Model (or Model name).

On some devices the path may be slightly different. For example, on Samsung Galaxy this is: Settings → Phone information → Model, and on Xiaomi — Settings → About phone → Model.

• 📱 On Google Pixel and pure Android: Settings → System → Phone information → Model
• 🤖 On Huawei/Honor: Settings → About phone → Model (sometimes duplicated in Status)
• 🍎 On OnePlus: Settings → About device → Model name

Please note: some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Realme) may show marketing name (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) instead of the technical model code. If you need the code (for example, for firmware), look for the line Model number or Model number.

2. Through the engineering menu (USSD codes)

If for some reason the settings are not available (for example, the smartphone is locked or glitchy), you can use service codes. These combinations work on most Android devices, but may be disabled on some operator or corporate devices.

Dial one of these codes on the phone keypad (as if you were making a call):

• 📞 ##4636## - will open the menu Testing, where in the section Device information there will be a line Model
• 📱 *#06# - will show IMEI, and on some devices the model (does not always work)
• 🔧 ##2664## - sensor test, where the model is sometimes displayed

After entering The menu code will open automatically - you don’t need to press any buttons. If the code doesn’t work, try another one or check if your operator is blocking it (for example, MTS or Beeline sometimes they restrict access to engineering menus).

What to do if the code does not work?

If nothing happens after entering the code, try:

1. Delete the characters * i # (on some devices you need to simply enter 4636).

2. Use an application to type codes (for example Secret Codes).

3. Check if the engineering menus are disabled in the developer settings (enable USB debugging and restart the phone).

⚠️ Attention: Do not enter random codes from the Internet! Some combinations (for example ##7780##) may reset settings or damage data. Use only verified service codes.

3. Using ADB (for advanced users)

If your device is connected to a computer, and USB debugging enabled, you can find out the model via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is useful if the smartphone screen does not work, but the device itself turns on and is detected by the PC.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Download and install Platform Tools from Google (included in the Android SDK).
2. Connect your phone to the computer via USB and enable debugging (a prompt window should appear on your phone).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.
4. Enter the command:

   adb shell getprop ro.product.model

In response you will receive the exact name of the model, for example: SM-G991B (for Samsung Galaxy S21) or 2201116PG (for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+).

If you need additional information (for example, manufacturer or Android version), use these commands:

• 📌 adb shell getprop ro.product.brand — will show the brand (samsung, xiaomi etc.)
• 📱 adb shell getprop ro.product.name — internal code name (for example, davinci for Redmi K20 Pro)
• 🔄 adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release —Android version

Download Platform Tools from the official website

Enable USB debugging in the developer settings

Install drivers for your device (if Windows does not recognize the phone)

Connect the phone with the original one cable (not all USB cables support data transfer)

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⚠️ Attention: If you have never worked with ADB, be careful! Incorrect commands can disrupt the system. For example, adb reboot bootloader will reboot the phone into bootloader mode, which can be dangerous for inexperienced users.

4. Through third-party applications

If you don’t want to delve into settings or enter codes, you can use specialized applications. They will not only show the device model, but also provide additional information: processor version, amount of RAM, battery information, etc.

Here are the top 3 tested ones. applications:

Application	What it shows	Link (Google Play)	Features
CPU-Z	Model, processor, RAM, storage, sensors	Download	An analogue of the well-known app for PC. Shows code name devices (for example, beyond0 for Galaxy A50)
DevCheck	Model, Android version, hardware characteristics, sensors	Download	User-friendly interface, export data to file
AIDA64	Full information about the device, including processor temperature and battery data	Download	Paid version without unnecessary extras water. Shows even serial number and IMEI

All these applications are free (with advertising or limited functionality in the free version). data-i="158">—there will be a line with the name of the model. Device or System — there will be a line with the name of the model.

Through Android settings

Using engineering codes

I use applications like CPU-Z

I look at the box or receipt

I don’t know, I’ve never looked-->

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (especially from unknown sources) can collect data about your device. Install only proven apps from Google Play with a high rating and a large number of reviews.

5. By external signs (box, stickers, documents)

If the phone does not turn on or is completely locked, you can try to determine the model by physical characteristics. Here's where to look:

• 📦 Original box: usually the model is indicated on a sticker with a barcode. (for example, SM-A326B/DS for Galaxy A32).
• 🏷️ Sticker under the battery: on removable batteries (for example, Samsung Galaxy J or LG), the model is indicated on a white sticker.
• 📄 Documents: the model is always specified in the warranty card, receipt or instructions.
• 🔍 Design and connectors: some models have unique features (for example, Google Pixel 6 easy to recognize by the camera strip).

If you don’t have a box, but have IMEI (you can look under the battery or through the code *#06#), use services like IMEI.info or SNDeeP. They will show the model by serial number.

On some devices (for example, iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S/Note) the model is also indicated in small font on the back panel. To do this, you will have to remove the case and take a close look at the bottom of the case.

6. Special cases: bricks, custom firmware, clones

If your device does not turn on (the so-called "brick") is detected by the computer, you can try the following methods:

• 🖥️ Through Windows Device Manager: connect the phone to the PC, open Device Manager → Portable devices. Sometimes the model is displayed in the name (for example, Samsung Android Phone).
• 🔌 In bootloader mode (Fastboot): if the phone boots into fastboot (press Volume down + Power), enter the command:

  fastboot getvar product

• 🛠️ Via EMMCDL (for Qualcomm): if you have a phone with a processor Snapdragon, you can use the utility EMMCDL to read information from the memory chip.

If the device has custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard methods may show the wrong model. In this case:

1. Look in the firmware settings (usually in the section About phone).
2. Use the ADB command: adb shell getprop ro.vendor.product.model.
3. Check the name of the firmware file (for example, davinci in davinci-ota.zip corresponds Redmi K20 Pro).

⚠️ Attention: On Chinese clones (for example, counterfeits of iPhone or Samsung) all methods can show false information. In this case, the real model can only be determined by hardware components (for example, through disassembly) or. specialized utilities like MTK Droid Tools for devices on Mediatek.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about determining the Android model

Is it possible to find out the phone model by IMEI without the Internet?

Yes, but only if you have offline IMEI databases. Usually these are specialized apps for service centers (for example, GSMArena Offline Database or IMEI Analyzer Pro).The model cannot be determined manually by IMEI - you need background information.

Why is the incomplete model name displayed in the settings (for example, only "RMX3363")?

This is manufacturer’s internal code. (for example, Realme 9 Pro+) can be found through Google or on the brand’s website. Sometimes the code indicates a modification (for example, RMX3363 is the version for India, and RMX3366 is the global one).

How to find the model if Is your phone locked with a pattern key?

Use one of these methods:

1. Enter the engineering code ##4636## —it works even on a locked screen.
2. Connect your phone to your computer and look at the model in Device Manager.
3. If USB debugging is enabled, use ADB (command adb shell getprop ro.product.model).

If all else fails, all that remains is factory reset settings (but this will delete all data!).

Is it possible to determine by the model whether the phone is original?

Indirectly - yes. Check the model with the official list on the manufacturer's website. For example, if you allegedly have iPhone 13, and in the settings the model MT6580 (processor Mediatek), this is 100% fake. Also check the IMEI through services like SNDeeP —they show the activation date and country of sale.

Where is the model information stored in the Android file system?

Model data is stored in system files:

• /system/build.prop — line ro.product.model
• /vendor/build.prop —additional data from the manufacturer
• /proc/cpuinfo —information about the processor (indirectly indicates the model)

To view these files, you need root access or ADB with superuser rights.