How to Check Xiaomi’s Firmware for Originality: A Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem of unoriginal firmware - whether it is fake versions MIUI These firmwares not only deprive the device of warranty, but can also contain malicious code, impair performance or block key features like Google Pay or Widevine. L1 viewable HD-In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to verify the originality of firmware, including hidden menus, official tools and analysis of system files.

The peculiarity of Xiaomi devices is their dual nature: on the one hand, the company actively supports enthusiasts through unlocking the bootloader and custom firmware, on the other hand, strictly controls the distribution of official software. In the secondary market, it is not uncommon to sell devices with re-stitched regional versions (for example, Chinese firmware under the guise of global) or even pirated assemblies. MIUI, Deprive the user of critical security updates.

It is important to understand that checking the originality of the firmware is not only a matter of trust in the seller, but also a guarantee of stable operation of the device in the long run. Fake firmware often causes sudden reboots, problems connecting to mobile networks, or even bricks (complete failure) after trying to upgrade via a mobile phone. OTA. Next, we will look at methods that will help to identify such risks before or immediately after the purchase.

1. Verification through “Settings” and version MIUI

The fastest way to get the first information about the firmware is to look at the standard settings menu, which requires no additional tools and works on all Xiaomi models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About the Tablet Device) section.
3. Click on the line Version MIUI Several times until you have the message You are a developer! (this will unlock the hidden options).
4. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section → Version. MIUI.

Here, pay attention to the following parameters:

• 📱 Build Number: Must match official releases, like the global version, it'll be something like V14.0.4.0.TMBMIXM, where M at the end indicates stable firmware, and MI — global.
• 🌍 Firmware region: if you bought a device for Russia, but you see CN (China) or IN (India, that's a reason to be wary.
• 🔄 Status updates: Fake firmware often lacks the ability to verify OTA-updates or it leads to third-party servers.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters sometimes only replace the visual shell MIUI, leaving the system core from another firmware. MIUI a non-existent assembly number (e.g, V99.9.9), It's 100% fake.

2. Analysis. IMEI and device data

Each Xiaomi device has unique identifiers that can be checked against the manufacturer’s database, which helps to identify not only fake firmware, but also the fact that the device is a replica (for example, a clone of the Redmi Note under the Xiaomi brand).

1. Type ##4636## on your phone keyboard and it will open the Testing menu.
2. Go to the tab Phone Information and write down the values IMEI, Model number and Android ID.
3. Check the model number with the official list on the Xiaomi Verify website, for example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ code — 22101316C.

You can also use IMEI.info to verify authenticity. IMEI. Pay attention to the following signs of fraud:

• 🚨 Model mismatch: the service shows one model (e.g. Redmi) 9A), And the box says another.
• 🔧 Absence of data: if IMEI not found in the database, it could mean it was faked or the device was assembled from spare parts.
• 📅 Incorrect release date: if the production date is a year newer than the model release date, it is a clear sign of forgery.

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If the seller refuses to provide IMEI before purchase or asks to pay in advance without checking is an excuse to refuse the transaction. IMEI free-for-free.

3 Use of the official Mi Flash Tool

For advanced users, the most reliable way to check is through the Mi Flash Tool, Xiaomi's official firmware tool, which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and installing drivers, but gives you 100% results.

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website (version no lower than 2023.4.1).
2. Install drivers for your model (can be found in the firmware archive on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start MiFlash.exe.
5. Press Refresh – if the device is determined, the utility will show its real model and current firmware.

In the Mi Flash Tool, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Model Match: If the utility shows Redmi K50i, It says on the box. POCO F4 — it's a fake.
• 📦 Firmware version: Compare it to the latest official releases on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site. 12T Pro current version for March 2026 — V14.0.8.0.TLBMIXM.
• 🔒 bootloader status: If it is unlocked, it may mean that the firmware has been changed.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool does not detect the device or shows an Invalid device error, this may indicate a fake memory chip or modified bootloader!

4. Verification of the integrity of system files

Fake firmware often contains modified system files that can be detected through checksum or signature analysis. ADB (Android Debug Bridge and basic commands. Follow the instructions:

1. Turn on the debugging. USB In the developer settings (how to unlock - see section 1).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
3. Execute the command to check key files: adb shell ls -l /system/bin/su adb shell md5sum /system/build.prop

You need to compare the results to the reference values for your model, for example:

• 🔐 Absence of file /system/bin/su: It should not be in the original firmware (this is a sign of root rights).
• 📄 Hash amount build.prop: must match the official (can be found on the forums) XDA Developers).
• 🚫 Suspicious Processes: Perform Adb shell ps -A Check if there are any unknown services (e.g. com.ads.service).

To automate the verification, you can use a script called Xiaomi-check-firmware, which analyzes key authentication markers, and it produces a report in the format of:

[OK] Bootloader: Locked




[OK] Build fingerprint: Xiaomi/taoyao_eea/taoyao:13/TKQ1.221114.001/V14.0.6.0.TMCEUXM:user/release-keys




[WARN] Ro.build.type: userdebug (expected: user)




[FAIL] Ro.product.brand: custom (expected: Xiaomi)

⚠️ Note: If the adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprint output does not mention Xiaomi or contains the word test-keys, the firmware is definitely unoriginal. This can be both custom build and fake. MIUI scammer.

5. Verification through Google and Widevine services

Xiaomi’s original firmware is Google certified and supports secure content through Widevine L1. If these functions are disabled or work incorrectly, this is a sure sign of unoriginal software:

1. Install the Root Checker app and run root rights check. In the original firmware, the result should be Root access: Not available.
2. Download. DRM Info and check the status of Widevine: 🔴 L3 or unsupported - the firmware is modified. 🟢 L1 — backup HD-content (Netflix, Disney)+ high-resolution).

Settings → Google → Google Play Services

Google Pay

It is also worth paying attention to:

• 🔒 SafetyNet Certificate: Take the test through the SafetyNet Test application. The original firmware must be tested on ctsProfile: true.
• 📱 Google Pay: If the app refuses to add cards or writes about an uncertified device, the firmware is precisely changed.
• 🎬 Reproduction DRM-Content: Try running a high-resolution movie on Netflix or Amazon Prime. L3 Maximum quality will be limited 480p.

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If the device is not checked by SafetyNet or Widevine, it will show L3, It doesn't always mean fake firmware, maybe the bootloader was unlocked to install Magisk or TWRP. However, for most users, this is equivalent to losing key features (banking applications, streaming in the Internet). HD).

6.Visual and indirect signs of fake firmware

Even without technical checks, you can suspect something wrong on indirect grounds.

• 📱 Interface mismatch: Fake firmware often lacks Xiaomi branded animations (e.g., logo downloads) MI), Or they're replaced by cheap ones.
• 🔊 Localization errors: typos on menus, untranslated phrases in Chinese or mixed languages (e.g. English) + Hindi).
• 📶 Network problems: original firmware supports all ranges 4G/5G If the smartphone is not catching the networks that need to be maintained (check on FrequencyCheck), it is a sign of a fake.
• 🔋 Abnormal battery consumption: Fake firmware often contains hidden processes that drain the battery in a matter of hours.
• 📦 No Apps for the Original Apps: MIUI They're supposed to be Mi Community, GetApps, Mi Video, and their absence or replacement with unknown analogues is a worrying sign.

Especially careful is the use of devices purchased in the secondary market or in informal stores, and here are typical fraud scenarios:

• 💰 "Grey import: Seller claims device is global, but it's actually Chinese version (CN) And these machines can suddenly lose support. OTA-update.
• 📦 Xiaomi-branded clones: look like the original, but have a different processor, camera and firmware. POCO.
• 🔄 Re-flashed "to order": some sellers install custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), passing them off as "optimized" MIUI".

⚠️ Note: If you are turning on the device you see the logo does not Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO, and another brand (such as Techno or Infinix) is in front of you. 100% It's a fake, even if it's loaded. MIUI, It's not the original device.

What to do if the firmware is unoriginal?

If the check reveals that the firmware is modified or fake, follow the following algorithm:

1. Save data: transfer photos, contacts and files to a PC or cloud, and after flashing them, they will be deleted.
2. Download the official firmware: For global devices: official Xiaomi website. For Chinese versions: Xiaomi Firmware Updater (choose China Stable version).
3. Unlock the bootloader (if it is locked): Apply for unlock via Mi Unlock Tool. SMS with confirmation (may take up to 72 hours).
4. Sweep through the device: Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode for full cleanup. For models with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 download the firmware in.tgz format.
5. Check the result: Make sure Widevine shows L1. Run the update. OTA — It needs to find the right patches.

If there are problems after the firmware (for example, the mobile network or the camera is not working), it is possible that the device is a clone or has damaged radio modules.

• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi service center (if the device is original, but with broken software, the firmware is guaranteed free of charge).
• 💸 If the device is a fake, try to return money through the site (for example, AliExpress or Wildberries have customer protection programs).

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Never buy Xiaomi with your hands without checking. IMEI Even if the seller shows a working device, the fake firmware can appear in a week (for example, after updating or resetting to factory settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware verification