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

Xiaomi AirDots 2 (or Redmi AirDots 2 depending on the region) remains one of the most popular wireless headsets in the budget segment, their low price, good sound quality and compact design attract millions of customers, but it is because of high demand that the market has been flooded with fakes — from low-quality copies to almost perfect replicas that are difficult to distinguish without detailed verification.

According to Counterpoint Research, up to 30% of Xiaomi headphones in the secondary market (including Avito, OLX and marketplaces) are counterfeit, and fakes not only sound worse, they can explode when charging due to poor-quality batteries or cause allergies due to cheap body materials. In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable ways to check that will help avoid fraud when buying.

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

The original Xiaomi AirDots 2 box is the first and most obvious authentication indicator, and the manufacturer pays special attention to the quality of the packaging, so even small inconsistencies should be alerted.

• 📦 Box material: the original is made of dense matového cardboard with a clear embossed inscription Mi or Redmi. Counterfeiters often use glossy cardboard or cheap paper that crumples with a light press.
• 🔍 Barcode and serial number: The back of the box should be unique SN-code (20 characters) and barcode with country-code 69 (China) SN You can visit the official Mi Verify website.
• 🎨 Color scheme: the original box is always white with minimalist design.Fakes often add bright elements (gold stripes, colored logos) or use inaccurate logo shades.
• 📏 Box sizes: the original packaging has exact dimensions 105 × 105 × 40 mm. Deviation more than by 2–3 mm, fake sign.
• 📄 Documentation: Included in Chinese and English (for global version) with Xiaomi seal, fakes often contain typos or broken English translations.

Pay special attention to the film on the box. The original headphones are always sealed into a transparent film with the Mi logo, which breaks when opened, and the fakes either don't have the film, or they use a cheap one that can be easily unstuck without tearing.

⚠️ Note: Some sellers repack counterfeits into original boxes from other Xiaomi devices (e.g. powerbank). SN-code on the box and on the case itself!

External inspection of headphones and case: what should alert

Even if the packaging looks perfect, it's not a guarantee of originality. So let's go over the headphones and the charging case.

Notice the build quality: the original has no backlashes, all the parts are perfectly adjusted. Counterfeit products often have gaps between parts of the body, uneven seams or traces of glue. Also check the touch buttons - on the original they respond to light touch, and on fakes require strong pressing.

Another test is to check the backlights, and plug your headphones into your phone and look at the lights.

• 🔴 Red (when connected) – the norm for the original.
• 🔵 Blue or green: 99% fake.
• 💡 Blinking white in standby mode - original, constant white light - fake.

Verification by serial number and IMEI

Each original Xiaomi AirDots 2 has a unique serial number (SN) and IMEI (for Bluetooth 5.0-enabled version) that can be verified in three ways:

1. On the box and case: SN must match in both places. On the case, it is indicated on the sticker under the lid.
2. In the mobile app: Download the official Mi Home app (Android/iOS). Connect your headphones to your phone via Bluetooth. Open the Devices tab → Headphones → Info. Compare the SN in the app to what's on the box.

On the Xiaomi website

https://www.mi.com/verify/#/en/tab/imei

Enter SN or IMEI in the checkout box. The original will show the Redmi AirDots 2 (TWSEJ03LS) or Mi AirDots 2 (TWSEJ02LS) model.

If the serial number fails to pass the check or the site produces an error "Invalid SN", you are 100% fake.

• 🔢 SN It consists of less than 20 characters.
• 🔢 The first 3 characters do not match the model (e.g, TWS instead TWSEJ).
• 🔢 Sticker with SN on the case is easily peeled off or has typos.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters sometimes fake stickers with SN, If you buy headphones from your hands, ask the salesman to take a video of the check. SN via Mi Home before payment.

Find it. SN box-and-case|Compare them to a coincidence.|Check it out through Mi Home|Enter. SN Xiaomi|Make sure the model matches the TWSEJ03LS-->

4. Sound and microphone test: how to hear the difference

The original AirDots 2 features 7.2mm speakers with support for SBC and AAC codecs, which delivers a balanced sound with clear high and deep low frequencies. Counterfeits typically use cheap speakers of 6mm or less, which is immediately noticeable by ear.

Do 3 tests to assess the sound quality:

1. Bass Test: Turn on a track with deep bass (e.g., "Seven Nation Army" - The White Stripes) The original delivers the bass clearly, without wheezing even at maximum volume; fake "bubbling"; the bass sounds dirty or disappears at high volume.
2. High frequency test: Listen to a track with bright high notes (e.g. "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen) the original transmits them without distortion, a fake can "whistle" or cut ears.

Microphone test

• Record your voice message in a quiet and noisy room.
• The original suppresses noise and conveys the voice clearly.
• A fake can record noise louder than a voice or distort the sound.

Also note the latency. The original AirDots 2 has a latency of ~120-150 ms, which is almost imperceptible when watching a video. Counterfeit can delay up to 300-500 ms, which makes the sound out of sync with the picture.

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To accurately measure latency, use the Sound & Latency Tester (Android) app or record a clapping video – the difference between sound and movement will show real lag.

5. Firmware and Bluetooth connection check

The original Xiaomi AirDots 2 headphones run on proprietary firmware, which can be checked through special commands.

1. Find out the firmware version: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open Mi Home and go to Headphone Settings → The original will show you a firmware version in format. V4.7.1_20210315 The fake may show a version of the type. V1.0.0 or not displaying it at all.
2. Bluetooth codec test: In your Bluetooth phone settings, find the AirDots 2 connected. Click on the gear settings and look at the Audio codec. The original supports AAC and SBC. Counterfeiting often only works via SBC or an unknown codec.

Verification of device name

• Original version of Redmi AirDots 2_R (right) and Redmi AirDots 2_L (left-handed).
• The fakes may have names like the TWS Earphone or Wireless Headset.

Another way is to test the automatic connection:

• 🔗 The original remembers the last connected device and connects to it automatically when the case is opened.
• 🔗 Counterfeiting requires manual connection every time or does not save the device.

6. Comparison with official photos and videos

If you buy headphones online, always ask the seller to send you a photo or video with details that are difficult to fake.

• 📸 Photo of the inside of the case (the charging contacts and serial number should be visible).
• 🎥 Connection video (to see the device name in Bluetooth and the reaction of indicators).
• 🔊 Audio recording (e.g., playing a test track to assess sound quality).
• ⚖️ Weighing on scales (original case weighs 38-40 g).

Compare the received materials with the official images on the Xiaomi website or on the Xiaomi Russia channel.

• 🎨 Color and texture of the case (the original has a matte coating, fakes - glossy).
• 🔧 The shape and location of the holes (microphone and charging contacts).
• 📡 Connection indication (color and frequency of flashing) LED).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often use photos of the original headphones from the Internet, but send a fake.Always require a photo with a watermarked date (can be taken through the PhotoWatermark app) or a video with a voice comment of the seller.

7 Where to buy so as not to run into a fake

Even though you know all the ways to check, you still have the risk of buying a fake if you choose a place that's not safe, and here's a list of safe and dangerous places to buy.

If you still decide to buy headphones from your hands, follow the rules:

• 💰 Don’t transfer money in advance – only in person.
• 📱 Check the headphones on site for all items from this article.
• 📄 Demand a check or warranty card (even if it is invalid, it reduces the chances of forgery).
• 🔄 Buy only with a return option (on Wildberries or Ozon).

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The most reliable way to avoid counterfeiting is to buy from official Xiaomi stores or from authorized resellers with a guarantee.Saving 200-300 rubles on the market or Avito often turns into buying low-quality fake.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AirDots 2