How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Mi Band from a fake: a complete guide with photos and tests

Why it is so important to distinguish the original from the fake

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been bestsellers for their combination of affordable prices and wide-ranging functionality. But the brand’s popularity has led to a massive splash of fakes, from low-quality copies to almost indistinguishable replicas. Counterpoint Research estimates that up to 30 percent of Mi Band devices on the secondary market can be counterfeit, and counterfeits not only work worse, but pose a real threat, from allergies to cheap materials to leakage of personal data through uncertified software.

In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable ways to check that will help distinguish the original Xiaomi Mi Band (any model from Mi Band 3 to Mi Band 8) from a fake. You will learn what to look for when buying, how to check the device after unpacking and what hidden authenticity markers Xiaomi uses.

1. Packaging check: 5 parts that give out a fake

The original Xiaomi Mi Band packaging is the first and most obvious indicator of authenticity. Counterfeit bracelets often come in boxes with gross design or material errors.

• 📦 Cardboard and printing quality: the original box is made of dense matového cardboard with clear lamination. Counterfeiting often uses glossy or thin cardboard, and paint can be erased by friction.
• 🔍 Barcodes and QR-codes: the original packaging has two barcodes (one on the box, the other on the serial number sticker.
• 🏷️ Serial number sticker: the original sticker is located at the end of the box and contains a 14-digit code beginning with the MFB (for new models; or XMSH (Counterfeiting often uses random combinations.
• 📏 Cutting accuracy: the original box has perfectly flat edges without burrs. Counterfeiting is often sinned by curved slices or uneven holes to mount the bracelet.
• 🌐 Localization of text: on the original packaging, the text is duplicated 8+ Counterfeiting may contain errors in translation or be limited to 2-3 tongue-in-word.

Pay special attention to the hologram (if you have one on your model) on the original Mi Band bracelets. 6/7/8 The hologram changes color when the viewing angle changes and contains microtext. XIAOMI, Counterfeiting often uses regular foil without transfusion effect.

⚠️ Note: Some sellers repack counterfeits into original boxes from other Xiaomi devices (such as charging).Always check the serial number on the box and in the bracelet settings.

External inspection of the bracelet: materials and assembly

Even if the packaging looks perfect, the bracelet itself can give off a fake. The original Mi Band is high quality materials and builds. Here are the key points to check:

Body and button

• 🔘 Button: the original one is sunk into the body and has a clear tactile response. Fakes often feature a protruding or soft button with a fuzzy press.
• 🔲 The latch of the strap: the original it is metal (Mi Band) 6/7/8) Or high-strength plastic (old models) and fakes use fragile plastic that breaks when you first remove it.
• 🎨 Color and texture: the original body is matte, without shine. Counterfeiting often has a glossy surface or uneven coloration.

Screen and sensor

The original Mi Band (starting with version 4) has a screen. AMOLED They have deep blacks and high brightness, and they use cheap fakes. TFT-screens that:

• 🌈 Have a gray shade of "black" color when the lighting is turned off.
• ☀️ They are dimmed in the sun (the original remains readable even in bright light).
• 👆 Do not support smooth scrolling menus (twitch when swipes).

You can check the screen with a broken pixel test: hold your finger on the screen of the original bracelet, it should go out completely. Forgeries often have backlights or artifacts.

3.Verification through the official Mi Fitness app

The most reliable way to verify originality is to connect the bracelet to the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), which either doesn't connect at all or works with errors.

1. Download Mi Fitness from Google Play or App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
3. Go to Profile. → Add the device → Bracelet.
4. Select your Mi Band model and follow the connection instructions.

Original bracelet:

• ✅ Connect the first time without errors.
• ✅ Displays the correct version of the firmware in the settings.
• ✅ Synchronizes data (steps, pulse, sleep) without delay.

Fake:

• ❌ Does not find the bracelet or gives an error "The device is not supported".
• ❌ It connects but shows the wrong model (e.g. Mi Band 5 instead of Mi Band 7).
• ❌ Requires third-party applications (e.g. Mi Band Master or Notify & Fitness).

⚠️ Warning: Some fakes mimic Mi Fitness but don't sync data to Xiaomi servers. Check if your data is displayed in the web version of Mi Fitness - if not, it's a fake.

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If the bracelet doesn't connect, try resetting it to factory settings: press the button for 10 seconds until the vibration appears. After reset, try again.

4. Hardware tests: how to check the "stuffing" of the bracelet

Even if the bracelet looks like the original and connects to the app, the stuffing can give you a fake.

Sensor test

The original Mi Band is equipped with high-precision sensors that can be checked:

• 🩺 Heart rate sensor: the original shows the pulse for 5-10 second-in-second ±5 Counterfeiting can give you random values or take a long time to think".
• 🌡️ Sensor. SpO₂ (Oxygen saturation: the original Mi Band 6/7/8 measurement 30 Fakes often produce results instantly (which is physically impossible).
• 🏃 Stepmer: Come in 20 The original will show you the steps 18-22 In a step, a fake can overstate or understate the result in 2+ once.

Vibration and illumination test

The original bracelets have:

• 🔊 A quiet but clear vibration (fakes often vibrate loudly and rattlingly).
• 💡 Uniform screen illumination without "lights" on the edges (characteristic for cheap ones) AMOLED-panels).

Battery test

Charging the original Mi Band takes ~1.5-2 One hour, and the full charge is enough. 10-14 Days (depending on model) Fakes:

• ⚡ Charging for 30-40 Minutes (which means a small battery).
• 🔋 Discharge for 2-3 Even in the waiting mode.
• 🌡️ Heated when charging (the original remains cold).

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If the bracelet is discharged for 1-2 The day with minimal use is 100% Original Mi Band optimized for energy saving.

Verification of serial number and IMEI

Each original Xiaomi Mi Band has a unique serial number that can be checked through official services.

Where to find the serial number

• 📦 On the sticker on the box (14-digit code).
• 📱 In bracelet settings: Device profile → Information about the bracelet.
• 🔧 On the back of the body (under the strap).

How to verify authenticity

1. Go to the official Xiaomi checkout site.
2. Enter the serial number, IMEI (if there is, and captcha.
3. If the device is original, the system will show the model and the date of production.

You can also check the serial number through the Mi Fitness app:

1. Open Profile. → Your device. → Settings → Information about the bracelet.
2. Compare the serial number to what's on the box - they must match.

⚠️ Warning: Some fakes are copying serial numbers from the original devices, and if the system shows that the device is already linked to another account, you're looking at a fake.

6. Check firmware and updates

The original Xiaomi Mi Band receives regular firmware updates through Mi Fitness, and the fakes either don't get updated at all or use pirated firmware.

How to view the firmware version

1. Open Mi Fitness.
2. Go to Profile. → Your device. → Settings → Firmware update.
3. The original bracelet will show the current version (e.g. 1.0.1.56 for the Mi Band 7).

Signs of fake in firmware

• 🔄 There is no “Update” button or there is an error “No updates available” (even if you know that a new firmware has come out).
• 🌐 The bracelet interface is in Chinese and does not switch to Russian/English.
• 📱 There are non-existent features in the bracelet settings (for example, the Mi Band 6’s “Pressure Measurement” which is not available in the original).

You can also check the update logs:

• The original bracelets have a history of updates in Mi Fitness.
• Counterfeiting either has no history or shows bogus dates (e.g., a 2020 update for the Mi Band 8 released in 2023).

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If your bracelet doesn't update, try resetting it to factory settings and re-tiing it, and if that doesn't work, you're looking at a fake or locking device (like a stolen one).

7. Verification through third-party services (for experienced users)

If you're not sure if the bracelet is authentic, you can use third-party tools, and be careful, these techniques require technical skills and may result in a loss of warranty.

Check through ADB (Android)

Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) You can get low-level information about the bracelet:

1. Install ADB Tools.
2. Connect the bracelet to your phone and enable Bluetooth debugging in Mi Fitness (Settings) → Additionally. → Bluetooth debugging).
3. The command is: adb shell dumpsys bluetooth_manager Find the line with Device Name - the original will contain it. MI Band or Xiaomi.

Verification through application-analyzers

Some applications (such as nRF Connect or Bluetooth Scanner) can show you the MAC-The original Mi Band's address starts with the bracelet:

• C8:0F:10 (new-model),
• 88:0F:10 or D8:96:E0 (old).

If MAC-The address begins with other symbols (for example, 00:1A:7D), it's a fake.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB And third-party scanners can disrupt the bracelet.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi Band check