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

According to Counterpoint Research, up to 15% of devices under the Mi, Redmi or POCO brand on the secondary market are fakes or “gray” replicas. And not only budget models are faked: in 2023, Russia revealed a batch of fake Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a price tag of 120,000 rubles. How not to become a victim of deception and verify the authenticity of Xiaomi equipment before buying – we tell in this guide.

There are three types of fakes: full copies (externally identical but with no-name brands), gray devices (original but designed for a different region) and replicas (composed of original and unoriginal parts). The latter are especially dangerous - they can explode, overheat or block access to official Xiaomi services. In this article, you will find 7 working methods of verification relevant for 2026, including hidden MIUI features and nuances of working with IMEI.

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

The original Xiaomi box isn't just cardboard: it contains up to 12 unique security features that are difficult to fake. Fraudsters often save on trifles, so carefully inspect the packaging in bright light.

First, check the hologram on the sticker, and on the original boxes, it changes color when it's tilted (rainbow effect), and when it's peeled off, it's destroyed. Counterfeits often use the usual shiny stickers without the usual stickers. 3D-And second, look at the typeface and the alignment of the text, Xiaomi has all the words that are clear, without blurring, and the Mi logo never gets printed curved. If the "i" in the logo looks like a stick with a dot, you're 100% fake.

• 📦 The serial number on the box and the device must match completely (including hyphens.
• 🔍 QR-code on the sticker - when scanning should lead to the official website of Xiaomi with information about the model.
• 🎨 Color boxes – original Redmi boxes are always orange (#FF6B00), Mi - white with silvery gradient, POCO — Black with yellow accents, shades of dirty orange or gray are a sign of fake.
• 📏 Box sizes – fakes are often thinner or already original on the box 2-3 Check the dimensions with the official on the site mi.com.
• 🔖 Documentation - the original box always contains a booklet in the language of the country of sale (Russian for Russia) If the instruction in Chinese or English is a "gray" technique.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters have learned to fake even holograms! If the package is in doubt, don't open it - first check the device on the device. IMEI (method №The box that was opened deprives you of the right of refund under the Consumer Protection Act".

IMEI check: how to detect a clone in 2 minutes

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code of the device that is impossible to forge at the software level. Even if the scammers try the phone, the original IMEI will remain in the modem chip. It takes less than 5 minutes to verify, but requires accuracy.

Ways to know IMEI:

1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# - a window with 1-2 IMEI numbers will appear (for dual-sim models).
2. Look at the sticker under the battery (for models with removable battery) or on the back (for monoblocks).
3. In settings: Settings → About the phone → General information → IMEI.

Check the IMEI on official services:

If you see a different model or a different country than Russia/Eurasia, you have a gray technology. IMEI, tied to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G (India, will not receive official updates in Russia and may have problems with the Russian Federation 4G-Networks (no support for ranges) B20 and B3).

3. firmware and MIUI analysis: hidden tags of the original

The MIUI operating system contains dozens of Easter eggs and hidden tags that cannot be forged without access to Xiaomi’s source code. Even if the scammers installed custom firmware, some settings will remain original.

How to check:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Press. 5 once MIUI" — And you'll see a hidden menu with build information. miui_version_code The official firmware must be indicated (e.g, V14.0.4.0.TMCRUXM For the Redmi Note 12). If it's a sign like custom_rom_v3 — it's a fake.
2. Type in the engineering menu: dial ##4636## and select Phone Information. The Baseband version should include a modem version from Qualcomm or Mediatek (e.g. MOLY.LR12A.R3.MP.V19). Counterfeiters often use cheap chips from Unisoc or Spreadtrum.
3. Check for Google services: in Settings → Apps → All applications must be Google Play Services, Google Services Framework and Google Play Store with version at least 34.0.0. If they are not available or versions are outdated, the device has not passed Google certification.

Make sure that the MIUI version matches the model on the official website

Check for Google Mobile Services (GMS)

Verify the firmware assembly date (not older than 6 months)

Check the fingerprint (fakes often do not work)

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Pay special attention to the firmware build date, which is listed in YYMMDD format on the original devices (e.g. 231015 – October 15, 2023), if the firmware is older than 2 years, it is either a fake or a device with unupdated software (which is also suspicious).

⚠️ Some “gray” devices from China have firmware without Google services (so-called “China”) ROM"). They can be reflashed to the global version, but this deprives the guarantee and can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account account.

4. Physical inspection of the device: what are hidden fakes

Even if the packaging and IMEI seem genuine, carefully examine the device itself.

• 🔧 Build quality – the original Xiaomi has no backlashes, no gaps between the body and screen, no creaks when pressed. Counterfeiting is often collected with cheap glue, which causes the back cover to move away when heated.
• 📱 Screen – the original models of the matrix from Samsung AMOLED or BOE IPS supportive HDR10+. Fakes are used cheaply. TFT-screens with blurred angles and low brightness (less than 400 nits) can be checked using the DisplayTests test.
• 🔋 Battery – Xiaomi’s original batteries have a sticker with QR-The capacity must match the declared capacity (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ It has a battery of 5000 mAh, not 4500 mAh, as on fakes).
• 🎵 Speakers – original smartphones use Dolby Atmos-enabled stereo sound. Counterfeiters often have one low-quality speaker (check by covering the bottom of the phone with your finger – sound should come from above as well).
• 📸 Cameras — even budget Xiaomi have sapphire-coated optics. Check it out: hold your phone to bright lights — the lens of the original should not have rainbow divorces.

Note the weight of the device. Counterfeiting is often 10-20 grams lighter than the originals because of the use of plastic instead of metal or glass. For example, the original Xiaomi 13 Lite weighs 171 g, and a copy of it weighs only 155 g. The exact weights of the models can be found on the GSMArena website.

5. Check through official Xiaomi services

Xiaomi provides several authentication tools, but most users are unaware of them.

1. Service "Authenticity Check" (Authenticity Check):

1. Go to mi.com/global/verify.
2. Enter the serial number (located on the box or in Settings → About the phone).
3. Type a captcha and press "Verify."

The system will show the status of the device: Genuine (original), Not Genuine (forgery) or Unknown (the device is not registered in the database, which is typical for “gray” models).

2. the application "Mi Verify" (Android only):

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Scan it. QR-box code or enter IMEI manually.
3. The app will show the device region and warranty status.

Important:

Verification through Mi Account:

1. Register your device with your Mi Account (if new).
2. Go to your personal account and select "My Devices".
3. If the device is original, it will appear in the list marked Official.

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If Xiaomi shows a “Device not found” error, try checking IMEI through SNDeeP Info, which uses alternative databases and sometimes finds information about “gray” devices.

6. Buying in official stores: how not to run into a fake

The most reliable way to avoid counterfeiting is to buy Xiaomi equipment from authorized stores, but there are nuances: in 2023, Rospotrebnadzor revealed 7 cases of selling fake Redmis in chain stores, including well-known chains.

• 🏪 Official partners of Xiaomi in Russia (2026): M.Video (only marked "Official Partner Xiaomi") Svyaznoy (stores with branded Mi Store racks) MegaFon (salons with the Xiaomi logo on the window) Official store mi-store.ru
• 🛒 Signs of a reliable seller on marketplaces: Rating at least 4.8 with reviews over 6 months; Photo of a device with original packaging (not stock pictures); presence of a check and warranty card in the description; Price not lower than RRC minus 10% (too low price is a sign of counterfeiting).
• 🚫 Red flags (indicators of fraud): The seller asks for payment by card or transfer (without the protection of the marketplace). The description indicates "Without a box" or "European version". There is no possibility of a refund or warranty of less than 12 months. Photos of the device are taken against the background of a carpet / sofa (typical for "garage" sellers).

If you buy from hand, you must:

1. Check it out. IMEI before the transfer of money (method) №2).
2. Ask the seller to reset to factory settings with you (Settings → Additional → Resetting).
3. Make sure your device is not blacklisted (check with IMEI24).
4. Ask for a check or warranty card (even if the warranty is over, this confirms the legality of the device).

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Buying from an official store doesn't guarantee 100% protection against counterfeiting! In 2023, M. Video discovered a batch of fake POCO X5 Pros with fake holograms. Always check IMEI, even if you buy from a major chain.

7.What to do if you have already bought a fake?

If the test showed that your device is fake, act on the algorithm:

1. Collect evidence: Photos of the package and device (especially IMEI and serial number), screenshots of inspections from Xiaomi and IMEI.info, check or receipt of payment, correspondence with the seller (if you bought online).
2. Contact the seller: If you bought in a store, demand a refund under the law "On Consumer Protection" (Article 18). If on the marketplace, open a dispute with attached evidence. If you have a hand, write a statement to the police under Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud).

Check the possibility of return:

• On Wildberries and Ozon, counterfeits are returned within 14 days, even without packaging.
• In the bank (if paid by card) you can challenge the chargeback payment.
• If the seller refuses to return the money, write a complaint to Rospotrebnadzor.

If you can't get your money back, you can try to reflash the device to custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

• It is a guarantee (even if it was).
• It can lead to blocking of IMEI (forgeries are often uncertified modems).
• It will not improve camera quality or performance (hardware restrictions will remain).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi fakes contain malware that steals bank card details and passwords. If you logged in to accounts on a fake device, immediately change your passwords and check your phone for viruses through VirusTotal.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi fakes