How to Identify Xiaomi Phone: A Detailed Guide to Originality Checking

Have you bought a Xiaomi smartphone from hand or in a questionable store and doubt its authenticity? Or just want to make sure that your device is not a replica before selling? Identifying Xiaomi phones is not only a test of originality, but also a way to know the exact model, year of release, firmware region and even repair history. In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable methods that will help you determine whether Xiaomi is real in front of you, as well as identify key characteristics of the device.

Xiaomi smartphones are becoming more and more counterfeit, especially among low-end models like the Redmi Note or Poco. Fraudsters copy not only the look but also the software, making it difficult to verify. However, there are unique markers of originality that cannot be forged without physical access to factory data, such as the IMEI + S/N bundle in Xiaomi’s database or checking through official Mi PC Suite software, and we will show you how to use these tools without having to disassemble the phone.

Important: some methods require an Internet connection or additional apps, and if you buy a phone from hand, prepare a laptop or second smartphone in advance to check, this will save time and help avoid cheating.

1. IMEI check: the main identifier of the phone

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device. It is registered in several places on Xiaomi phones: on the box, under the battery (if removable) and in the system. Fraudsters often fake IMEI on stickers, but you can check its authenticity online.

To find out the IMEI of your Xiaomi:

• 📱 Enter *#06# on the phone keyboard and one or two will appear on the screen. IMEI (two-device SIM-map).
• 📦 Look at the barcode sticker on the original box (if it survives).
• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → General information.

Check all three sources: if the codes are different, you're 100% fake. IMEI through official services:

• 🌐 IMEI.info – will show the model, year of release and country of manufacture.
• 🔍 Official Xiaomi Verifier – will confirm the authenticity of the manufacturer’s database.

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If IMEI.info shows a Xiaomi model but the year of release differs from the seller’s stated 2+ years, it could be a flashed phone from another region or a replica.

⚠️ Warning: Some fakes mimic the *#06# menu, showing a random set of digits. IMEI boxed-up!

2. Analysis of the serial number (S/N) and data from the box

Serial number (S/N) — second most important identifier after IMEI. It's made up of 11–14 It contains encrypted information about the model, production date and factory. S/N duplicated:

• 📦 On the sticker of the box next to IMEI.
• 🔋 Under the battery (for models with removable battery).
• ⚙️ In settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Serial number.

You can decrypt S/N according to the following scheme (relevant for most models of Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco):

If the serial number on the box and in the phone do not match, or its format does not correspond to the table, the device is either fake or has undergone unofficial repairs with the replacement of the motherboard.

3. Check through official software: Mi PC Suite and Mi Account

The manufacturer provides two official device identification tools: Mi PC Suite (for PC) and Mi Account binding, which work even if the phone is unlocked or reflashed.

Method 1: Mi PC Suite

1. Download the program from the official website.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version by pressing 7 times on the line with the version).
3. Start Mi PC Suite – the program will automatically determine the model and show its original name.

Method 2: Linking to Mi Account

The original Xiaomi phones allow you to link the device to your Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Link the device. If you enter the username and password, there is an error “This device is not supported”, you are facing a fake or a device with an unofficial firmware.

4. Visual Signs of the Original Xiaomi

Fakes often come out with poor builds or design mismatches with the original.

• 📸 Camera: On the original Xiaomi camera lenses do not protrude more than 1-1.5 mm from the body.Fakes often have convex lenses or uneven slices around the module.
• 🔋 Charging port: The originals have a connector USB-C (It's symmetrical, without backlash, and counterfeits often use a cheap, skewed port.
• 🎨 Color of case: The original Xiaomi have a matte or glossy coating without stains.Counterfeit can shine like plastic or have an uneven color.
• 🔊 Speakers: In the original models, the speaker grid is attached without gaps. On replicas, it can move away or be curved.

Pay special attention to the Mi or Redmi logo on the back, and on the original devices, it's:

• It is applied by laser engraving (does not erase when friction).
• It has clear edges without blurring.
• At a certain angle reflects light (holographic effect on new models).

⚠️ Some fakes even copy a box and documents, but give them poor print quality – blurred fonts, mismatch of logo colors or the absence of a hologram.

5. Check firmware and hidden menus

Xiaomi's original phones run on MIUI firmware with the manufacturer's digital signature to verify its authenticity:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click 5-7 times on the line with the version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Go back to Settings → Additional → For developers and find the Mi Unlock Status item.

If the status "Device unlocked" or "Not supported", this may indicate:

• 🔓 Informal firmware (castom) ROM).
• 🛠️ Device after repair with replacement of motherboard.
• ⚠️ Fake (repeats are often imitated) MIUI, But without Xiaomi's signature).

Check out the hidden engineering menus:

Enter in the telephone application:
#4636## - information about the battery and network.
#6484## is a camera and display test.
#64663## - Check the sensors.

In the original devices, these menus open without errors and show detailed technical information, forgeries can give empty screens or an error "Connection is not maintained".

Check the version of MIUI with the official version for your model on the Xiaomi website

Check the status of Mi Unlock in the developer menu

Make sure all engineering menus (#codes###) are open

View the battery information in ##4636## (original shows accurate data)-->

6. Online services for authentication

In addition to IMEI, there are specialized services that analyze these devices and compare them with the base Xiaomi.

• 🔍 Xiaomi official verifier – checks by IMEI and S/N, The model and status of the guarantee.
• 🛡️ SNDeepInfo – Deciphers the serial number and shows the date of production.
• 📊 IMEI24 — IMEI.info with advanced model information.

Example of the report from SNDeepInfo for the original Redmi Note 10 Pro:

Model: M2101K6G (Redmi Note 10 Pro)




Production Date: 2021-03-15




Factory: India (C3L)




Authentication: Passed (Genuine Xiaomi Device)

If the service issues a “Device not found” error or shows another model, the device is either fake or has undergone deep flashing with the change in identifiers.

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The most reliable way is to combine IMEI + S/N verification through Xiaomi’s official verifier, so if both codes are validated, the probability of forgery is minimal.

7. Checking of equipment and accessories

Xiaomi’s original phones come with branded accessories that are hard to fake exactly.

• ⚡ Charger: The original power supply indicates: Model (e.g, MDY-12-EQ for 33W-The Mi logo with the holographic effect, the inscriptions in English and Chinese without errors.
• 🎧 Headphones (if included): The original ones have symmetrical plugs, clear markings and soft plastic.
• 📄 Documentation: The original kit includes: Warranty card with the stamp of the store, a brief guide in several languages (including Chinese), sticker with the IMEI and S/N (must match the box).

If the kit is missing at least one of the listed elements, or accessories look suspicious (for example, charging without a logo or with typos), this is a reason to doubt the authenticity of the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi identification