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

Buying a Xiaomi tablet is a crucial decision, especially if you choose a model from the popular Pad 6, Pad 5 or Redmi Pad series. Unfortunately, the market is full of fakes that are almost indistinguishable from the originals, but in terms of build quality, performance and security are inferior to them by many times. According to Mi Community Russia, up to 15% of devices sold through unofficial channels are counterfeit.

We will look at all the stages of verification, from visual inspection of the package to hidden software tests that reveal even the highest quality replicas, and focus on the unique authenticity markers that the manufacturer has added to the latest models (starting in 2022), if you buy a tablet from hand or on the marketplace, this guide will become your “revenue stick”.

1. Packaging check: 5 signs of the original

The box is the first and most obvious indicator of authenticity. Xiaomi strictly controls the design of the package, and any deviations should alert you. The original boxes of the latest models (Pad 6 Pro, Pad 5 Pro 12.4) have:

• 📦 Matte coating with light texture (fakes are often glossy or too rough).
• 🔍 Laser engraving of the Mi logo on the top cover (in the replicas it is painted and erased).
• 📏 Exact dimensions: original Pad box 6 sized 285×190×45 mm (deviation) ±2 mm).
• 🖼️ Hologram with the effect of "transfusion" when changing the angle of view (it is static or absent on fakes).
• 📄 The serial number on the sticker coincides with the number on the tablet and in the documents.

Note the fonts and spelling: original boxes are clearly printed, without blurring. Counterfeiting often contains errors in the titles (e.g., "Xioami" instead of "Xiaomi") or incorrect specifications. If the box is already opened, check if the screen protector is damaged: on the original devices it is perfectly flat, without bubbles.

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Take a picture of the serial number from the box and compare it to the number in the Settings menu → About the phone → General information before payment. Discontents? Quit buying!

2. External inspection of the tablet: details that give out a fake

Even if the package looks perfect, the tablet itself can be a replica.

Materials and assembly:

• 🔧 Metal case: the original Xiaomi Pad 6 and Pad 5 have an aluminum back panel with matte texture.The fakes are often plastic or with rough metal processing.
• 📱 Logo: on the original it is pressed into the body (you can feel with your finger), on replicas - a sticker or paint.
• 🔊 Speakers: the original 4 speakers with Dolby Atmos technology (fakes often 2 or the sound "empty").

Screen and sensor:

• 🌈 Color rendering: original Xiaomi tablets have a screen with support DC Dimming (no flickering at low brightness) can be checked in the Settings menu → Display. → Reading mode.
• ☝️ Sensor sensitivity: The original supports a 240Hz sensor survey (checked in the Touch Screen Test app.

Critical sign of counterfeiting: lack of Google Play Protect and Widevine certificates L1 (Checked in the Device app ID). Without them, Netflix and Disney+ will not work in HD-quality.

Verification of serial number and IMEI

Each original Xiaomi tablet has unique identifiers that can be verified through official services.

1. Find IMEI: On the box (barcode sticker). In the tablet menu: Settings → Phone → General information → IMEI. On the device itself: dial *#06#, a window with IMEI will appear.

Check it out through the Xiaomi website

• Go to the checkout page.
• Enter the serial number or IMEI.
• The original device will show the model, the date of production and the status of the warranty.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters can fake verification pages! Always use the official mi.com website (address should start with https:// If a site asks for a fee for a check, it's a green lock. 100% trickery.

Programmatic verification methods

Even if the tablet looks like the original, the "stuffing" may be completely different.

Checking through MIUI:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔍 Press 5 times on "Version" MIUI" — Opening a menu for developers.
• 🛠️ Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Status MIUI.
• 📊 Check the item "Authenticity of the device": the original will have the status of "Official firmware".

Testing with ADB (for advanced users):

adb shell getprop ro.product.brand


adb shell getprop ro.product.model

On the original device, the first command will return Xiaomi, the second will return the exact model (for example, 23049PCD8G for the Pad 6).

Make sure the MIUI version matches the model

Check the status of "Official firmware" in the developer menu

Verify data via ADB (for experienced users)

Install the CPU-Z application and check the processor-->

⚠️ Note: Some fakes mimic the interface MIUI, But they have security holes. Install the Antutu Benchmark app before you buy and compare the results to the benchmarks for your model (e.g., the Pad 6 should type). ~500,000 points).

Verification of the configuration

Xiaomi’s original tablets come with a well-defined set of accessories, and the absence or replacement of any element is a reason to doubt the authenticity.

Pay attention to the charger:

• 🔌 The original power supplies have laser engraving of the Mi logo and power marking (e.g, MDY-12-ED for 33W).
• 📦 At the bottom of the block is a serial number that matches the number on the box.
• ⚡ Fakes often overheat or have non-standard connectors.

6. Check through official Xiaomi services

If you are still in doubt, use Xiaomi’s official verification tools:

1.Mi Verify service:

• 🌐 Go to the mi.com/global/verify.
• 📱 Enter the serial number or IMEI.
• ✅ The original device will show a green tick and data about the warranty.

2. Mi Authenticity Check app (Android only):

• 📲 Download it from Google Play.
• 🔍 Scan it. QR-box code or enter IMEI manually.
• 📊 The application will show the status of the device and the activation history.

⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide a serial number for verification before purchase, this is 100% a sign of fraud. Also beware of devices with "gray" firmware (for example, global versions, flashed for the Russian market.

7.Where to buy to avoid counterfeiting?

Even the most thorough checks don’t give you 100% guarantee if you buy a tablet from an unreliable location, here’s a list of proven sources (according to Mi Community Russia for 2026):

• 🏬 Official Mi Store Stores (listing for the mi.com/ru/retail).
• 🛒 Authorized resellers: M.Video, Citilink, Svyaznoy (check the availability of the certificate at the stand).
• 🌍 Official website of Xiaomi Russia (mi.com/ru) portable.
• 📦 Buyer-protected marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon (only for sellers with a 98 rating%+ 14 days warranty).

Red flags when buying from hand:

• 🚩 Price below market by 20%+ (For example, Pad 6 for 15,000. ₽ at an average price of 22,000. ₽).
• 📦 The original packaging is missing or damaged.
• 🔄 The seller asks for payment in cash without a check or through a transfer to a card.
• 🔧 The device is "already unlocked" or "stitched for Russia" (often it is a fake with custom firmware).

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Buy only from official sellers or on marketplaces with a return within 14 days, and even if the tablet turns out to be a fake, you can get your money back.

FAQ: Frequent questions about originality verification