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

Xiaomi, a Chinese brand, has long won the love of users around the world thanks to a combination of high technology and affordable prices. However, popularity is generating demand — and not only legal. The market is flooded with fakes for the original Xiaomi smartphones, which are almost indistinguishable from real ones, but in terms of build quality, performance and security are inferior to them by many times. According to the official website of Xiaomi, up to 15% of devices sold through uncertified channels are counterfeit.

Buying a fake Redmi, POCO Or Mi is not only a source of frustration from poor performance, but also a risk to data security. Counterfeit devices often contain malware, personal information leaks, or even back doors for remote access. How do you avoid getting into fakes when you buy? In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways to verify the originality of Xiaomi in 2026 – from visual inspection to deep diagnostics through service menus.

1. Packaging check: 5 signs of forgery

The box is the first thing that catches your eye when you buy it, and counterfeiters pay minimal attention to it, so you can find a lot of leads here. Xiaomi's original packaging is always made of dense cardboard with clear print, without blurred fonts or curved lines.

Pay particular attention to:

• 📦 Serial number and barcode: on the original box, they are laser-marked (not a sticker!) and match the data on the sticker under the battery.
• 🔍 Logo. Mi/Xiaomi: on fakes it can be displaced, unevenly colored or made in the wrong shade (original - Pantone) 7536 C).
• 📏 Box sizes: original Redmi Note boxes 12 or POCO X5 They have a very specific size (for example, 165×85×35 for most models, the deviation is more than 2 Mmm, a reason to be wary.
• 🖼️ Photos of the device: counterfeits often use low-resolution stock images or outdated renders (e.g. Mi 11 instead of Mi 13).
• 🔖 Documentation: the original box always has a booklet with instructions in several languages (including Russian for official deliveries) and fakes contain only the Chinese version or low-quality printing.

If the box is already open, check the film on the screen. Xiaomi's original devices come with a two-layer protective film: the top layer is matte transport, the bottom layer is glossy working, and fakes often glue one cheap film with bubbles.

⚠️ Warning: Some scammers repack fakes into boxes from original devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 in the Note 10 Pro box).Always check the model on the box with the inscription on the back of the smartphone!

2. Visual inspection of the smartphone: details that give fake

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

Back panel and logo:

• 🔎 Camera microlenses: on the original Xiaomi, they are symmetrically arranged, without backlash. On fakes, there are often gaps between modules or a mismatch in height.
• 🎨 Color of the case: the original devices have a uniform color without divorces. For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra in the color Olive Green has a deep hue that can not be reproduced on cheap plastic.
• 📱 Regulatory information sticker: the original one is in the center, the font is clear, without typos. Fakes often have errors in the model or certificates (for example, for example, the model or certificates are not correctly printed, CE instead CE RED).

Screen and buttons:

• 📺 Oleophobic coating: swipe across the screen off. The original print is barely visible, the fake is fatty divorces.
• 🔘 Tactile button recoil: The power and volume buttons on the original Xiaomi have a clear stroke with a slight click. On fakes, they often "wander" or require excessive effort to press.
• 🔊 Speakers and microphones: the original devices have symmetrical speaker holes without barbs. On fakes, the grid may be uneven or absent at all.

Pay special attention to the connector USB-C. On the original devices, it has a metal frame with a uniform glossy coating, and on fakes, the connector is often plastic, with roughness or backlash when connecting the cable.

3.Verification IMEI Serial Number: How to Calculate a Clone

Every Xiaomi smartphone has unique identifiers: IMEI, S/N (serial number) and MAC-These can be checked through the official services of the brand.

Where to find IMEI:

1. On the box (barcode sticker).
2. Under the removable battery cover (for models with removable battery, for example, Redmi). 9A).
3. In settings: Settings → About the phone → General information → IMEI.
4. By code: enter in the dialer *#06#.

How to check:

1. Compare. IMEI It's on the box, under the battery, and in the settings. Any mismatch is 100% fake.
2. Check it out. IMEI The original device will display the model, the date of production and the status of the warranty.
3. Use third-party services like IMEI.info to check the country of origin. The original Xiaomi for Russia has codes 228 (CIS) or 460 (China for official imports).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters can be cloned» IMEI If the test was successful, but the price is too low (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro for 20 000). ₽), It's a question of doubt. Use additional verification methods!

4. Diagnostics through firmware and service menu

Fakes are often given out by software. Xiaomi's original smartphones run on a proprietary shell. MIUI with unique features that cannot be fully copied.

Verification of the version MIUI:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. The original firmware has a format MIUI {version by Xiaomi (e.g, MIUI 14.0.5 by Xiaomi. MIUI v12 non-specifically.
• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → System update: The original device will find updates through official servers, and the fake will either give you an error or prompt you to download a file from a third site.

Service menu (Engineering Mode):

1. Enter the number ##4636##.
2. In the original MIUI It opens a menu with battery, network and usage statistics, and for fakes, it either doesn't work, or it opens a simplified menu in English with errors.

Camera test:

• 📸 Take a photo on the main camera in low light conditions. The original Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi) 12S Ultra uses Night Mode 2.0 algorithms that give clear shots even at 1 lux.
• 🔍 Check for branded modes in the camera app: Magic Zoom, Document Mode or AI Skyscaping, their absence is a sign of fake.

💡

If the smartphone is not defined in the Mi Assistant program (the official software for the PC from Xiaomi), it is a complete fake.

5. Hardware inspection: what is hidden under the body

If you've had experience disassembling machinery, look inside your smartphone. Counterfeiting often contains:

• 🔋 Battery unknown manufacturer: the original Xiaomi uses batteries from the ATL (Amperex Technology Limited or SDI (Samsung SDI) And fakes are often labeled with cheap batteries without identification marks.
• 🛠️ Board with low-quality components: original boards have clear labeling, protection from moisture and dust (for example, IP53 Fake soldering elements are sloppy, there may be no screen plumes on the Redmi Note 12.
• 📡 Antenna modules: original devices support all declared ranges (e.g, 5G NSA/SA for POCO F5). Fakes often have dead antennas or only support them. 2G/3G.

To check the antennas:

1. Put it in. SIM-operator card supporting 5G (For example, MTS or Beeline).
2. Check for network availability 5G In the status bar, the indicator can show on fakes. 5G, But the speed will be consistent. 4G.
3. Use the NetMonster app to analyze networks.The original device will display all supported ranges (e.g., the NetMonster app, n1/n3/n7/n28 Xiaomi 13).

6. Check through official Xiaomi services

Xiaomi provides several tools for authenticating devices, and here are the most reliable ones:

1. Mi Verify (checking by check) IMEI/SN):

• 🌐 Go to the official page.
• 🔢 Enter. IMEI Serial number (located on the box or in the phone settings).
• ✅ The original device will display the model, activation date and warranty status.

2. Mi Account (link to the account):

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and try to sign in or create an account.
• 🔒 The original device will do this without any problems, and the fake will either keep you out or offer a pirate version. MIUI without reference to Xiaomi servers.

3. Xiaomi Service Centers:

• 🏢 If you are in doubt, contact the official service center, specialists will conduct diagnostics on the Xiaomi database. 1-2 day-day.
• 🔧 In the service center you can also check the originality of spare parts (screen, battery, cameras) using the Mi Genuine Parts scanner.

💡

If the device does not pass the test in at least one of the official Xiaomi services, it is a guaranteed fake. Even if the appearance of the smartphone looks perfect, its internal “stuffing” can be completely copied from low-quality components.

7.Price and place of purchase: how not to run into scammers

One of the most obvious signs of counterfeiting is a suspiciously low price. 13T Pro's for sale on 30-40% cheaper than the average market value (see official prices), this is a reason to check the price of the market.

Where to buy safely:

• 🏬 Official Mi Store: guaranteed original products with a guarantee 12-24 month.
• 🛒 Certified partners: Wildberries, Ozon, Svyaznoy, M. Video (check the availability of the certificate in the product card).
• 🌍 Official overseas stores: Mi Global Store, AliExpress Official Store (look for Official Store icon).

Red flags when buying:

• 🚩 The seller refuses to provide a photo of the package IMEI pre-purchase.
• 🚩 The goods are sold "without a box" or "after an exhibition" (frequent reception for the sale of fakes).
• 🚩 The description indicates "Global Version", but the price is much lower than the European one (for example, the price is not limited to the European version, POCO X5 Pro for $15,000. ₽ instead of 25,000 ₽).
• 🚩 The seller asks for payment on a card or e-wallet without protection (for example, Qiwi or YuMoney).

If you buy from hand (for example, on Avito), you must:

1. Ask the seller to take a photo of the box with IMEI And compare it to the phone.
2. Meet in a public place (such as a shopping mall) and check the device with this instruction.
3. Use a secure money protection deal (for example, via Sberbank Online or Tinkoff).

8. Additional methods: for experienced users

If you understand the technical nuances, these methods will help to identify even the highest quality fakes.

1. Verification through ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

adb shell getprop ro.product.brand


adb shell getprop ro.product.model




adb shell getprop ro.product.manufacturer

On the original device, the teams will return:

• ro.product.brand → Xiaomi or Redmi;
• ro.product.manufacturer → Xiaomi;
• ro.product.model → precise model (e.g, 22101316C For the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G).

On a fake, the values may be empty or contain other brands (e.g. Doogee or Ulefone).

Sensor analysis:

• 📊 Install the Sensor Box application and check the operation of all sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, proximity sensor.
• 🔍 The original Xiaomis have calibrated sensors with minimal error. On fakes, for example, the compass can show north with a deviation of more than 20.°, A gyroscope - "twitch" without movement.

Performance test:

• 📈 Run the device in benchmarks: Geekbench 6, 3DMark.
• 📊 Compare the results with the references for your model on the Geekbench Browser. 2-3 lower-scoring.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi fakes