Xiaomi Mi Band 5: how to distinguish the original from the fake – a complete guide with photos and videos

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness bracelet remains one of the most popular activity-tracking gadgets, but its success has caught the attention of fraudsters. According to AliExpress and Amazon, up to 30% of Mi Band 5 bracelets sold are fakes that are almost indistinguishable from the original, and copies often have stripped-down functionality, inaccurate sensors and short battery life.

In this article, we will discuss 15 key differences between the original Mi Band 5 and fake, from packaging to firmware. IMEI, QR-Mi Fit code and proprietary application, as well as what hidden defects in copies can harm your health — FAQ Frequently answered questions and video instructions for visual inspection.

1.Packaging: 7 signs of counterfeiting that are immediately visible

The original Mi Band 5 box is the first and most reliable authentication indicator, and scammers often save on packaging, so you can find up to 7 differences here:

• 📦 Cardboard quality: the original is made of thick matového material with a clear embossed Xiaomi inscription. Counterfeiting uses glossy or thin cardboard that bends when pressed.
• 🔍 Barcode and QR-code: on the original box, the codes are laser-painted and not rubbed off. On copies, they are often printed with paint and can be blurred.
• 🎨 Color gamut: the real packaging has a unique shade of blue (Pantone 300 C) that is difficult to reproduce.
• 📏 Box sizes: original — 105×60×25 Mm. Copies are often on 1–2 mm is already or higher due to another bracelet attachment inside.

Pay special attention to the serial number on the sticker, which in the original matches the number in the Mi Fit app and on the bracelet itself (under the capsule), and for fakes, these numbers often do not match or duplicate.

2.The appearance of the bracelet: 5 parts that give a copy

Even if the package looks perfect, check out the bracelet itself. Mi Band 5 fakes often come out:

• 🔦 Screen: The original has AMOLED-resolution-screen 126×294 pixel-brightness 450 Copies use cheap ones. TFT-screens with blurred fonts and dim lighting.
• 🔄 Sensor button: the original one barely visible (casi does not protrude above the body.
• 🎨 Body color: the real Mi Band 5 has a matte coating that doesn't collect prints.The copies are glittery and quickly scratched.
• 🔌 Charging connector: the original has gold contacts, the fakes have silver or copper contacts, and check the magnet: the copies have a weaker one, and the bracelet can detach when moving.

Screen authentication test: turn on the bracelet and look at the corners of the display. AMOLED The black color is deep and uniform, and TFT-The copies in the corners are noticeable gray tint ("backlighting").

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Before buying, try wearing a bracelet. The original Mi Band 5 strap has special locking slots that prevent it from scrolling through the arm. For fakes, the strap often walks or is too tightly fastened.

3. IMEI and serial number check: step-by-step instruction

Each original Mi Band 5 has a unique IMEI and serial number that can be verified through official Xiaomi services.

1. Find the serial number: On the box (side sticker). On the bracelet itself (under the capsule, with the screwdriver removed). In the Mi Fit app (Profile → Mi Band 5 → Device Information).
2. Check out Xiaomi: Go to mi.com/global/verify. Enter the serial number and captcha. The original will show the XMSH10HM (for global version) or XMSH10H (for Chinese).

Check the IMEI.

• Dial *#06# on the phone and the bracelet should display a 15-digit IMEI.
• Check it against the number on the box. For fakes, they often don't match.

Attention! Some fakes simulate verification through fake sites. Always use the official mi.com domain (note https:// and the green lock in the address bar).

Verify the serial number on the box and bracelet

Check the number on mi.com/global/verify

Make sure the XMSH10HM (global) or XMSH10H (China) model is

Confirm IMEI by *#06# and on the box-->

4.Mi Fit proprietary application: what should alert

The original Mi Band 5 only works with the official Mi Fit app (or Zepp for newer versions).

• 📱 Do not connect to Mi Fit: copies may require third-party applications such as Mi Band Master or Notify & Fitness.
• 🔄 Have reduced functions: no sleep monitoring, measurement SpO₂ (oxygen saturation) or heart rate notifications.
• 📊 Inaccurate data are shown: for example, the pedometer overstates the results by 1.5-2 times, and the pulsomer gives a stable 72 beats / min regardless of activity.
• 🔋 Fast discharge: the original holds the charge for 2 weeks, the copy - 2-3 days.

The authenticity test with Mi Fit:

1. Connect the bracelet to the app.
2. Go to Profile → Mi Band 5 → Update firmware.
3. The original will prompt you to upgrade to the latest version (e.g. 1.0.9.54) and the forgery will show an error or find no updates.

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If the bracelet connects to the Mi Fit but doesn’t update, it’s 100% fake. Xiaomi’s original devices receive updates for 2-3 years after release.

5. Quality of assembly and materials: what is hidden under the capsule

Having dismantled the bracelet (carefully tucking the capsule with a plastic card), you can find several more differences:

• 🔋 Battery: Original battery has 125 mAh battery labeled ATL or SDI. Counterfeit products have a capacity of 80-100 mAh, and the inscriptions are often erased.
• 🛠️ Fee: The original board has Xiaomi laser engraving and production date. Copies are collected on "naked" boards without marking.
• 🧲 Vibrational motor: the original motor ERM (eccentric, counterfeits have cheap LRA, squirming.

⚠️ Warning! Disassembling the bracelet will void the warranty.If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact Xiaomi service center for a check.

Another test is waterproofing. Put the bracelet in the water for 30 minutes. The original 5 ATM will remain functional, and a fake IP67 can jam or fail altogether.

Price and place of purchase: how not to run into a fake

The average price of the original Xiaomi Mi Band 5 (2026) in official stores:

• 🌍 Global version (XMSH10HM): 2 500–3 500 ₽.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (XMSH10H): 1 800–2 500 ₽ (but without Russian in the firmware).

⚠️ If the seller offers a bracelet for less than 1,500 ₽ — This is a guaranteed fake. Also avoid buying on the market:

• 🛒 AliExpress has sellers with ratings below 98% and reviews over 6 months.
• 📦 Avito/Yula without original packaging and check.
• 🌐 Suspicious websites with domains like mi-band-official.shop.

Official Xiaomi dealers in Russia (2026):

• Svyaznoy, M. Video, Eldorado (with a guarantee of 12 months).
• Official store mi-store.ru.
• Wildberries and Ozon (only with verified vendors with an Official Partner badge).

7 Video Instructions: How to Distinguish Original From Fake in 2 Minutes

For clarity, we recommend watching a video comparison of the original Mi Band 5 and copies from the Xiaomi Today channel:

Key points from the video:

• 0:45 - comparison of packages (original vs counterfeit).
• 1:30 - screen test for the angles of lighting.
• 2:10 - Serial number check via Mi Fit.
• 2:45 – disassembly of the bracelet and inspection of the fee.

If the video is not available, note the 3 main visual differences:

1. The Mi logo on the original capsule is convex, the copy has a flat one.
2. Charging contacts of the original are gold, the fake is silver.
3. The strap of the original bends at an angle of 90 ° without cracks, the copy cracks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions