How to distinguish the original Xiaomi from the fake: the full guide 2026

The market for fake Xiaomi gadgets is growing every year: according to Customs Statistics China, in 2023, more than 1.2 million counterfeit devices of the brand were confiscated, and fakes are becoming more sophisticated — some copies are seemingly indistinguishable from the original, but hide cheap components, stripped iron or even spyware. This article will help you understand how to verify the authenticity of Xiaomi before buying and what to do if you already own a dubious device.

We have analyzed Xiaomi’s official guidelines, customs reports and service centers’ experience to gather up-to-date verification methods, POCO, Mi, smartwatches (Mi Band, Watch), headphones and even routers, and we will pay special attention to the hidden signs of counterfeiting, which are not noticeable on a cursory inspection, but are critical for the safety and durability of the device.

1. Packaging check: 7 details that give off fake

The box is the first filter to weed out 80% of fakes. Copymakers often save on packaging, so there are a lot of inconsistencies here. Xiaomi's original boxes are made of thick matte-coated cardboard, and fonts and logos are stamped or UV-printed (they are not erased by friction).

Here's what to look out for:

• 📦 Serial number on the sticker: must match the number on the device itself and in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Fakes often have random numbers or duplicate numbers.
• 🔍 Security hologram: on the original boxes Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO There's a holographic sticker with the brand logo that changes color when it's tilted, and the fakes either don't have it, or it's just a shiny, ordinary film.
• 📏 Print accuracy: check text alignment, fonts and indentations. Forgeries often have curved inscriptions, blurred logos or typos (e.g., "Made if China»).
• 🔖 QR-code and barcode: scan them with the Mi Home app or any scanner, the original codes lead to the official Xiaomi website with information about the model, fake ones to suspicious pages or not at all scanned.

⚠️ Warning: some scammers use repackaged original boxes from other models, such as a Redmi Note 12 box that can be put in a fake box. POCO X5. Always check the model on the box with the inscription on the back of the device!

If you buy a handheld device, ask the seller to send a picture of the package before the meeting. Compare them with the official images on the website mi.com - often fakes even give out the color of the box (for example, the Mi 11 Lite original box peach shade, and fakes - normal white).

2. External inspection of the device: what should alert

Even if the packaging looks perfect, the device itself could be a fake.

Materials and assembly:

• 🔧 Gaps and backlashes: the original Xiaomi has all the elements tightly fitted. If the battery cover (on older models) or the back wobbles, this is a sure sign of fake.
• 🎨 Paint quality: counterfeits often show dashing, uneven color transitions or flaky coatings. Original devices are painted evenly, without defects.
• 🔍 Mi logo: on the back, it should be clear, with flat edges. Fakes often have a blurred or shifted logo relative to the center.
• 📱 Screen: Turn on the device and check the color rendering.Original displays AMOLED (In the Mi 11, Redmi models K50) They have a deep black color, and the fake screen is grayish even at maximum brightness.

Buttons and connectors:

• 🔘 Tactile button recoil: On original smartphones, the power and volume buttons are clearly pressed with a characteristic click. Counterfeiting is often equipped with soft or creaky buttons.
• 🔌 USB-Xiaomi uses a Type-C port (except for very old models) if you see a Micro-USB on a device released after 2019, it is 100% fake.
• 🎧 3.5 mm connector: on models where it should be (e.g, POCO X3 Pro, check its location. Fakes often have a shifted or backlash connector.

Special attention is paid to the camera. Fakes often have decorative modules (for example, instead of a triple camera, one lens and two stubs). Check the performance of each camera in the Camera application: if one of the eyes does not focus or gives a blurred image, it is fake.

Check the serial number on the box and device|Evaluate the quality of logo printing|Press all buttons – they should click.|Look at the screen from an angle - is there no yellowness?|Check all cameras.-->

3.Serial number check: official Xiaomi services

The most reliable way to verify authenticity is to use official Xiaomi tools (S/N) or IMEI They can be found:

• On the box (barcode sticker).
• Under the battery (on removable batteries).
• In settings: Settings → The phone. → General information.
• On the back (of some models).
• Through code *#06# (shows) IMEI).

Please use one of the official services:

If the service gives a "Device not found" error or the data doesn't match the model, you're looking at a fake. IMEI It is original, but it can be identified through the engineering menu (more on this below).

⚠️ Note: on AliExpress and other marketplaces, sellers sometimes indicate in the description “original” IMEI». It's a hoax — IMEI You can't make it original, it's assigned to the factory» IMEI For a fee, this is a fraud.

For smartwatches (Mi Band, Watch) and headphones (Redmi Buds), the serial number can be checked through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app. If the device does not connect or is defined as a "Unknown device" is fake.

💡

If you buy the device from hand, ask the seller to check with you. IMEI You can use *#06# and check it against the number on the box. Fraudsters often replace boxes, but they forget to check with codes.

4. Software inspection: Hidden signs of forgery

Even if the device looks like the original, the stuffing can be fake. The first thing to do is check the firmware and system applications. Counterfeiting often runs on customized versions of Android with stripped-down features or malware.

How to check firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Compare the version with the official one on MIUI Downloads.
3. If the version is missing from the list or is significantly outdated (for example, on a new smartphone is not available). MIUI 10 instead MIUI 14) is a forgery.

Signs of fake firmware:

• 📱 No branded apps: the original Xiaomi preinstalled Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps. If they are not or they are called differently (for example, “Browser” instead of “Mi Browser”) – this is fake.
• 🔒 Unable to update: Try running an update in Settings → The phone. → System update: Fakes either fail to find updates or give out an error.
• 🛠️ Engineering menu: enter code ##4636###. The original devices will open a testing menu. On fakes, either nothing happens or an error appears.

Counterfeit products are often equipped with weak processors (for example, instead of the Snapdragon 870 is Helio). G85). Check the "iron" through applications such as CPU-Z or AIDA64. Compare the data with the official characteristics of the model on the Xiaomi website.

5. Checking the "iron": how to identify the replacement of components

Fakes are often equipped with cheap, low-end components like smaller batteries, low-end screens, or fake memory chips. Here's how to check this out:

Battery:

• 🔋 Check the actual capacity through the AccuBattery app, if it is significantly lower than the stated capacity (for example, 3500 mAh instead of 5000 mAh), it is a fake.
• 🔥 Xiaomi's original batteries have a holographic sticker with a serial number, which is not on fakes or it easily peels off.

Screen:

• 📺 Use the "broken pixel" test (see the Screen Test app in the Play Market). Fake screens often show defects, even if they are new.
• 🎨 Check the color reproduction: on the original AMOLED-The black color is really black (pixels are turned off), and on fakes it is gray.

Camera and sensors:

• 📸 Take a photo on the main and front cameras in low light. Xiaomi’s original smartphones do well at night, and fakes give out “soap” shots.
• 🧲 Check the proximity sensor, hold your hand to the top of the screen when you call. The original devices go out, the fakes don't.

For a deep check of the "iron" you can use test commands:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model

This command (introduced through ADB) It's going to show you a real model of the device, and if it doesn't match the one you said, it's a fake.

💡

Fake components not only worsen the user experience, but also dangerous: cheap batteries can swell or ignite, and uncertified chargers can damage the smartphone.

6. Verification through Mi Account and service centers

If you have already bought a device and doubt its authenticity, the most reliable way is to check through the official Mi Account.

1. Sign up or sign in to your Mi Account on your device.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. Click "Find the device." If the gadget is original, it will appear in the list with the correct model.

If the device is not identified or identified as another model, it is a fake, and you can also check the status of the warranty:

1. Go to the Mi Warranty website.
2. Enter the serial number or IMEI.
3. If the warranty is not confirmed or the data do not match, the device is unoriginal.

If the online check does not give a clear answer, contact the service center Xiaomi. the addresses of the official SC can be found on the Mi Service website. Employees will conduct diagnostics and issue a certificate of authenticity. Note that for checking a fake device can be charged (about 500-1000 rubles).

⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse official Xiaomi service centers with “unofficial workshops” – the latter often pass off fakes as originals or offer “left” parts.

7.Where to buy Xiaomi, so as not to run into a fake

The best way to avoid counterfeiting is to buy the devices only from official sellers.

If you still decide to buy Xiaomi on AliExpress or similar sites, follow the rules:

• 🛡️ Choose sellers with a rating of at least 98% and a number of orders from 1000.
• 📄 Require photos of the real device (not stock pictures) and packaging.
• 💳 Pay only through secure methods (for example, “Buyer Protection” on AliExpress).
• 📦 After receiving, check the device according to this instruction and film the process on video.

If the seller refuses to provide a serial number or a photo of the package, this is a reason to be wary, and you should avoid “too profitable” offers (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro for 20,000 rubles is a clear sign of fraud).

8 What to do if you have already bought a fake

If after checking it turned out that your device is fake, act on the algorithm:

Step 1: Gather evidence:

• Take a picture of the device, packaging and checks.
• Shoot video showing inconsistencies (e.g., broken sensors, fake) IMEI).
• Keep correspondence with the seller (if you bought online).

Step 2. Contact the seller:

• If you bought on a marketplace (Wildberries, AliExpress), open a dispute through customer support, indicate that the product does not match the description, and attach evidence.
• If you bought with your hands, demand a refund. If the seller refuses, write a statement to the police under article 159 of the criminal code ("Fraud").

Step 3: Check the device for viruses:

• Fake gadgets often contain spyware. Install antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and scan the system.
• Do not enter logins/passwords from important accounts on a fake device.

Step 4: Dispose of the counterfeit:

Do not use a fake device for everyday tasks – it can be dangerous (for example, due to an uncertified battery). If you can not return the money, hand over the gadget for recycling (many electronics reception points even accept faulty equipment).

⚠️ Please note: do not try to reflash a fake device "to the original" - this can lead to breakage or loss of data. Also, do not sell the fake further: in some countries (including Russia), the sale of counterfeit products is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles.

💡

If you are a victim of fraud, be sure to leave a review of the seller on the site (for example, on AliExpress or Avito), this will help other buyers avoid cheating.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi fakes