How to check the smartphone Xiaomi for originality

Buying a Xiaomi smartphone today is fraught with the risk of running into a low-quality replica, as the popularity of the Chinese manufacturer has led to a glut of copies. Global versions of devices often have differences in firmware and packaging from Chinese counterparts, which an inexperienced user may mistaken for a fake. That is why the question of how to check Xiaomi for originality becomes critical before making a deal, especially if you buy a device from hands or in questionable stores.

Modern technology allows counterfeit manufacturers to accurately copy the appearance of the case and even the interface of the operating system. However, software code and hardware remain a weak point for fraudsters, revealing the origin of the gadget. In this article, we will examine in detail all available methods of verification, from visual inspection to deep analysis of system files.

Visual inspection of packaging and configuration

The first thing that gets into the hands of the buyer is the box, and that is where the authentication of the smartphone begins. The original packaging is always made of dense cardboard of high quality, with a clear, non-blurring stamp of logos and text. At the bottom of the box there should be a sticker with specifications, a bar code and a serial number, which must match the data on the back of the device or on the warranty card.

Inside the original Xiaomi, you will find a minimalistic but high-quality set: the gadget itself, instructions in several languages (including Russian for global versions), a warranty card and a clip for extraction. SIM-The charger and cable must also be brand-marked and assembled in a quality manner, without the backlashes and smell of cheap plastic. Often, instead of a branded power supply, cheap analogues are placed in counterfeits without a logo or with a distorted brand name.

⚠️ Attention: The absence of a proprietary protective film on the screen or the presence of strange inscriptions on it (for example, "Protective film" with errors) often indicates a homemade assembly.

Notice the build quality of the smartphone itself. The original Redmi and Poco models lack body backlashes, the gaps between the screen and the frame are minimal and uniform throughout the perimeter, and the control buttons should have a clear, elastic stroke, rather than falling through when pressed.

Verification IMEI-code on the official website

The most reliable way to check Xiaomi for originality is to check the unique device ID against the manufacturer’s database. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number assigned to each mobile phone in production, and can be found on the box, under the battery (if it is removable), or in the menu itself by code *#06#.

To verify, go to the official Xiaomi authentication portal under the "Warranty Check" section. Enter the 15-digit code in the appropriate field. The system will give information about the model, activation date and warranty status. If the site writes "Invalid IMEI" or shows a model different from yours (for example, you bought a Redmi Note 12 and the site shows Redmi 9A), then you are clearly a fake or over-fake.

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI-The code on the box does not match the code that is displayed in the phone menu, which means that the device is assembled from different parts or is restored informally.

There are also third-party IMEI verification services that can provide more detailed information about the history of the device, including whether operators have blocked, but rely primarily on official sources, as fraudsters' databases can be updated.

Use of the MI authentication code

MIUI and the new HyperOS have a special engineering feature for rapid diagnostics, so to use it, open the Phone app and type ##6484##. This command runs the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu, which allows you to check the operation of all hardware components.

Unlike the simple display of IMEI, the CIT menu allows you to test the screen for broken pixels, check the touchscreen, microphones, speakers, vibrator and lighting sensors. Fake smartphones often do not have access to this menu or it opens, but the tests do not work correctly, because the hardware inside is different from the stated.

You can also type in ##4636##, which opens the test menu, and here in the "Information" section you can see the exact model name, software version, and network status, and if this menu displays weird abbreviations or data doesn't match your model, that's a good idea.

Analysis of the operating system and interface

The shell is what gives off the fake most often. Original smartphones run on Android bases with MIUI or HyperOS shells. Fakes often use older versions of Android with redrawn icons imitating Xiaomi's design. The interface can be "wooden," with delays when switching between screens.

Note the pre-installed apps. The original features branded services: GetApps, Mi Credit, Mi Remote, Mi Community. If you see Play Market instead as a single app or set of unknown Chinese programs, it's likely a copy. Also, the original phone's settings in the About Phone section should animate the logo when you click on MIUI/HyperOS.

An important marker is the presence of ads in system applications. Global firmware versions have ads, but they are natively integrated. In fakes, ads can pop up randomly, overlapping the interface, or be written in broken English/Chinese, even if you choose the Russian language of the system.

Comparison of technical characteristics

Often, scammers point to the box or in the flagship-level feature announcement when selling a budget-segment device. To check the real stuffing, it is best to use third-party utilities, since the system settings in fakes can be modified to display false data. Download the AIDA64, CPU-Z or AnTuTu application from a reliable source.

These programs will show the real processor, the amount of RAM and internal memory, the screen resolution. If the settings are 8 GB of RAM, and the program shows 2 GB, or instead of the Snapdragon processor you have an old MediaTek, then this is a fake. Also pay attention to the camera resolution: software interpolation in cheap copies can show 64 MP in the settings, but the real sensor will have 2-5 MP.

Below is a table that helps you compare the claimed and real parameters of a typical fake and the original:

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The surest way to find out the real characteristics is to install the AIDA64 application and compare the data with the official website of the manufacturer.

Weighing and tactile sensations

Material quality is another important criterion: Xiaomi’s original smartphones, even budget smartphones, carry a certain weight, due to the use of metal alloys, quality plastic or glass, and counterfeits are often made from the cheapest plastic that feels empty, creaky and very light.

Pick up the original phone at the electronics store to remember its weight and balance. Then compare that to the device you're planning to buy. The 20-30g difference for a modern smartphone is a lot. Also, the originals rarely come together with gaps: swipe your finger at the junction of the screen and the case, the transition should be smooth.

⚠️ If the back cover of the smartphone is made of glossy plastic, but to the touch it is warmer than the original, and quickly scratches – this is a sign of low-grade material.

Checking through the Mi Verify app

In some regions and new models, Mi Verify (or similar security check services) is installed, scans the device for changes to the system partition and verifies the digital signatures of components, and it takes a few minutes to run the check.

If the phone passes a check, you'll see a green checkmark and a message that the device is original, and if the system detects modifications, component serial number mismatches, or root rights (which a new phone shouldn't have), you'll get a warning, and this is one of the quickest ways to test Xiaomi for originality without a PC connection.

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Before buying a used smartphone, be sure to complete a full reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset). Fake firmware often "breaks" or shows the real Android after the reboot, giving yourself away.

Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)