Xiaomi Airdots 2: How to tell the original from the fake in 5 minutes

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (aka Airdots 2) remain one of the most popular budget headphones TWS-The low price, sound quality and compactness of these products attract millions of customers — but that’s what makes them a prime target for scammers. According to AliExpress and Amazon, up to 40 percent of the products labeled “original” are actually fakes of varying degrees of quality.

The problem is that there are two types of fakes: cheap, bad-sounding "one-day" ones and semi-professional ones that are almost indistinguishable from the original, which are often sold even in trusted stores, posing as "certified goods," and this article will help you identify the fake before you buy - by packaging, appearance, sound characteristics and hidden technical parameters that fraudsters can not fake.

1. Packaging check: 5 key details

The original Xiaomi Airdots 2 box is the first and most reliable authentication indicator. Fraudsters often save on packaging, so you can find up to 7 differences here.

• 📦 Material box: original - matte cardboard of high density with light texture, fakes - glossy or too thin.
• 🔍 Fonts and logos: the original inscription Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 is made in a clear font without blurring, the Xiaomi logo has the right proportions (not stretched in width).
• 🖼️ Hologram: The original box on the top right has a rainbow-like holographic sticker that's either missing from the fakes, or it's just a shiny, regular film.
• 📌 Article and barcode: original article — BHR4257GL, The barcode must match the one on Mi.com, and fakes often have different numbers or are obscured.
• 🔖 Serial number sticker: There must be a white sticker with serial number (14 characters) at the bottom of the box), QR-For fakes, the sticker is often crooked or the seal is blurred.

Pay special attention QR-Scan it with the Mi Home app, and the original code will redirect you to a product page with specifications. QR-codes are either not scanned or lead to suspicious sites.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters have learned to fake even holograms! If the box is suspicious, but there is a hologram, check it out in the light. The original hologram in bright light shows the hidden Mi logo, and the forgery remains monotonous.

External inspection of headphones and case

Even if the packaging looks perfect, it is not a guarantee of originality.

Notice the serial numbers on the inside of the headphones (under removable silicone earpieces).

• 🔢 Coincidence with the number on the box (first 6 characters).
• 🖨️ Be laser engraving (not paint!).
• 📏 Have the same font on both headphones.

Counterfeits often have blurred or uneven numbers, and sometimes they don't. Also check the microphone holes: the original has two on each side (top and bottom), the fakes often have one or they are filled with paint.

Check the weight of the case (should be ~35.4 g)

Check the charge indicators (4 white LEDs without flickering)

Make sure the serial numbers on the headphones match the box

Check the magnets in the case (earphones should hold tight)

Evaluate the quality of plastic (no creaking, roughness)-->

3. Sound and microphone test: what gives a fake

Sound performance is the one that scammers find the hardest to fake: The original Airdots 2 have a balanced sound with an emphasis on medium and high frequencies, whereas fakes are often sinned with redundant bass or metallic sound.

Perform the following tests:

1. Frequency test: Turn on a track with a wide range of frequencies (for example, this test). The original clearly reproduces frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, fakes "cut" extreme ranges (especially high frequencies above 16 kHz).
2. Distortion test: Turn the volume 80-90 percent. The original plays without wheezing, the fakes start wheezing or rattling by 70 percent.
3. Microphone test: Call a friend and ask them to rate the quality of your voice. The original Airdots 2 transmits voice clearly, fakes add background noise or echo.

Another reliable way is to check the delay of sound. Play a video on YouTube and simultaneously tap on the table with your headphone and hand. The original has minimal latency (50-80 ms), for fakes can reach 200-300 ms (noticeably "backlog" of sound from the picture).

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For an accurate latency test, use the Sound & Audio Analyzer (Android) or AudioKit (iOS) app, which will show an accurate latency in milliseconds.

4. Verification of Bluetooth code and firmware

Each original Xiaomi Airdots 2 has a unique Bluetooth code that can be checked through special applications.

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Install the nRF Connect (Android/iOS) or Bluetooth Scanner app.
3. Find Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 and watch it. MAC-address.
4. The first 3 character pairs must match Xiaomi's official range: 88:0F:10, 78:11:DC or F4:F5:D8. If the address starts with other digits (e.g., 00:1A:7D), it is a fake.

Also check the firmware version:

• 📱 Open the Mi Home app (if the headphones are connected, it should recognize them automatically).
• 🔧 Go to the Device Profile → Settings → Firmware update.
• 📋 The original firmware has a version. V4.7.1_20210315 Fakes often give out versions like V1.2.3 or have no updates at all.

If the Mi Home app doesn't see the headphones, but they're connected over Bluetooth, it's 100% fake.The original Airdots 2 is sure to show up in the app with the ability to customize gestures and evenly charge.

5. Battery and operating time test

The original Xiaomi Airdots 2 comes with a 43 mAh battery in each headphone and 300 mAh in a case, often with cheaper batteries (such as 30 mAh and 200 mAh), which affects the operating time.

Run the test:

1. Charge your headphones and case to 100%.
2. Turn on your headphones and play the music at 70% volume (no pauses!).
3. Set time to full discharge.

Pay attention to the charge indication:

Original: When connected to charging, all 4 LEDs light up sequentially, then go out one by one as they charge.

Fake: LEDs flash chaoticly or burn all at the same time.

⚠️ Attention: Some fakes mimic long run times, but they're actually just showing false charge levels. To test this, empty the headphones completely and then charge to 100%. If the process takes less than 30 minutes, it's a fake battery.

6. Check through official Xiaomi services

The most reliable way to test originality is to use official Xiaomi tools.

• 🔍 Serial number check: Find the serial number on the box or under the headphones. Go to Mi Verify. Enter the number in the check box.

The original number will show the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 model and the date of production, and the fake number will show an error or a non-existent model.

Checking through Mi Home

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Mi Home and check if they are displayed in the list of devices.
3. Go to the headphone settings - there should be a tab Update firmware.
4. 🛒 Check with the official seller: If you buy in a store, ask the seller to scan QR-The original product will display full warranty and service center information.

If neither method worked, but the headphones look like the original — most likely a "grey" import (a product intended for another region), such devices may be original, but without an official warranty in your country.

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Even if the headphones passed all the checks, but the price is below 1500-2000. ₽ (Depending on the region, this is a reason to be wary. The original Airdots 2 can not cost less than the cost (about) $20–25).

7. Where do counterfeits most often sell?

According to eBay and AliExpress, the most fake Xiaomi Airdots 2 comes from the following sources:

• 🏪 Unofficial shops in shopping malls (especially with "All for phones" signs").
• 📦 AliExpress/Amazon down-ranked sellers 95% and Chinese reviews.
• 🤝 Announcements for Avito/OLX with the wording "brought from China", "without a box", "with a discount".
• 🌍 Sites-twins of the official Xiaomi store (for example, mi-shop.ru instead of mi.com).

FAQ: Frequent questions about fake Xiaomi Airdots 2