Buying a Xiaomi smartphone in the secondary market or in unofficial stores always involves the risk of running into a fake. Even seemingly identical devices can be counterfeit with low-quality components, stripped down functionality or completely stolen. The only reliable way to verify the originality of the gadget is to check the IMEI This unique 15-digit code is stitched into the phone's hardware and contains information about the manufacturer, model and serial number.
However, not all users know how to correctly conduct such a test and interpret the results. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm for testing Xiaomi by using the same method. IMEI We will learn to decrypt the code, analyze warranty data and detect signs of fraud through the Mi Verify website, pay special attention to the typical mistakes that customers make, and the nuances of working with international versions of smartphones.
If you are going to buy the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Poco X6 Pro or any other gadget of the brand β this guide will help to avoid deception. And for those who have already been victims of fraud, we have prepared a checklist of actions to refund and block the stolen device.
What is it? IMEI Why is it being tested before buying Xiaomi?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique mobile device identifier that is assigned to each smartphone during the manufacturing phase, which consists of 15 digits and contains encrypted information about the brand, model, country of manufacture and serial number. For Xiaomi, checking this code is critical for three reasons:
1. Detection of counterfeits: Counterfeit devices often have duplicated or non-existent IMEI, Not validated on the official website.
2. Legality check: Stolen or lost phones may be blocked by the operator IMEI, What will make them useless after buying.
3. Warranty service. Only original devices with valid IMEI Can apply for repairs in authorized Xiaomi service centers.
Interesting fact: since 2023, Xiaomi began to use dual IMEI for smartphones with two support SIM-This means that one device can have two unique codes, one for each slot, both of which must be successfully verified on the official website.
Where to find out. IMEI Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways
Before proceeding to the test, it is necessary to correctly determine IMEI Xiaomi has several reliable ways to get this code, from the standard to the hidden.
Method 1. Through dialing
The fastest method is to enter the combination in the βPhoneβ application:
*#06#After the set, a window with one or two will be displayed. IMEI (This method works even on locked or non-activated smartphones.
Method 2. In the system settings
Go to Settings. β The phone. β General information. Scroll down to the block Β«IMEIΒ». Two codes can also be displayed here if the device supports two. SIM-map.
Method 3: On a box or under a battery
Xiaomiβs original smartphones always have a sticker with IMEI On older models (before 2019), the code could be duplicated under a removable lid or battery. IMEI The box and the phone settings do not match β this is 100% a sign of a fake or re-stitched device.
Method 4: Through the Engineering Menu (for Advanced)
For models on a Qualcomm processor (e.g. Poco) F5 or Redmi K70) You can use the engineering menu:
##4636##In the window that opens, select βPhone Informationβ β there will be a line with IMEI. This method is useful if standard methods do not work due to custom firmware.
Method 5. ADB (unlockable)
If the smartphone is unlocked and connected to the PC, IMEI can be obtained by:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3This method is relevant for devices with a damaged screen or a broken system.
βοΈ Preparation for verification IMEI
Step-by-step: how to check Xiaomi on IMEI on the official website
Xiaomiβs official authentication service, Mi Verify, not only allows you to confirm the originality of the device, but also to know the activation date, warranty status and region of sale.
Step 1 Go to the Mi Verify website
Open the page in the browser: https://www.mi.com/global/verify
Note that the service only works in English and Chinese. There is no Russian version, but the interface is intuitive.
Step 2. Enter IMEI captcha
In the field IMEI Number, enter a 15-digit code (no spaces or dashes). If you have a dual smartphone, check both. IMEI Then you type in the characters from the picture (capcha) and press Submit.
Step 3: Analysis of the results of the audit
The system will give one of three options for the answer:
- β Β«This device is genuine Xiaomi product β the device is original, all data coincide with the base Xiaomi.
- β οΈ Β«The IMEI number does not match our records, which may mean a forgery, a re-enhanced device or an error in input.
- β Β«This device has been reported as lost/stolenΒ» β The smartphone is listed in the database of stolen devices, the purchase of such a device is fraught with blocking by the operator.
Step 4: Verification of additional information
If the device is original, the service will show:
- π First activation date (allows you to estimate the actual age of the phone).
- π Region of sale (important for warranty β for example, Chinese versions may not be serviced in Russia).
- π Guarantee status (current if the deadline has not expired).
π‘
If, on input, IMEI The site is making an error "Invalid" IMEI", Try to delete the last character (the check digit) and repeat the check.
Transcription IMEI: What's hiding a 15-digit code?
Every number in IMEI Let's take a look at the structure using the example of code 863592041234567 (real numbers replaced for security):
| Position | Meaning | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1β2 | Country code of producer | 86 | China (86), India (01), Brazil (72), etc. |
| 3β8 | Manufacturer's identification (TAC) | 359204 | Unique Xiaomi code (check out typeallocation.com). |
| 9β14 | Serial number. | 123456 | Individual for each device. |
| 15 | Check figure (Luhn) | 7 | It is calculated by an algorithm to check the correctness of the code. |
π How to verify authenticity TAC-code?
First 8 digits IMEI (TAC) You can check out the Type Allocation Code Database, and for the original Xiaomi, the results should be:
- π Brand Name: Xiaomi Communications Co Ltd
- π± Model: The exact name of your model (e.g., the model, 22101316C For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+)
- π Allocation Date: batch release date (must coincide with the year of device production)
β οΈ Attention: If during inspection TAC The site shows a different brand (such as Samsung or Unknown) β you have 100% fake. Even if the appearance of the smartphone looks like Xiaomi, its hardware platform belongs to another manufacturer.
Common Errors in Checking and How to Avoid Them
Many users face false positives when checking IMEI. Letβs discuss the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
Mistake 1: Β«IMEI Not found in the database with the original device
Reasons:
- π§ The smartphone will be re-flashed with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), which changed the IMEI.
- π The device is intended for another region (e.g. the Chinese version of the Mi 14 for the domestic market).
- β³ Less than 24 hours have passed since activation (data not yet synced to Xiaomi database).
Solution: check it out IMEI via alternative services (e.g. IMEI.info) or contact Xiaomi support by providing a purchase check.
Mistake 2: Discordance IMEI box-and-phone
This is a critical sign of fraud.
- π¦ Box from another device (often found when buying "as new" on Avito).
- π IMEI The phone is modified by software (for example, through the MTK Engineering Mode on MediaTek Devices).
- π§ The device is assembled from spare parts (the so-called "Frankenstein").
Solution: refuse to purchase and report fraud on the site.
Error 3: Mi Verify website is not opened or issuing CAPTCHA
Problems with access to the service are often associated with:
- π Geo-blocking (if you are using it) VPN proxy).
- π‘οΈ Locking by IP (For example, with frequent requests).
- π³οΈ Technical work on the side of Xiaomi.
Solution: Try to open a website in another browser (such as Firefox), disable VPN Or use mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi.
What to do if IMEI locked up?
Alternative ways to verify Xiaomiβs originality
If the check is IMEI caused doubts or did not give an unequivocal answer, use additional diagnostic methods:
1. Checking the serial number (S/N)
The serial number can be found in the same places as the IMEI (on the box or in the settings. Check it through:
- π Xiaomi official website: warranty page.
2.Diagnostics through Mi Flash Tool
For advanced users:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Visual examination
The original Xiaomi smartphones have characteristic features:
4. Firmware check
Go to Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI. The original firmware should:
- π± Have an up-to-date version (for example, MIUI 14 for new models).
- π Complies with the region (e.g, EEA Europe, RU for Russia).
- π Not to be labeled like Global. ROM on Chinese devices.
π‘
If at least one of the alternative methods showed a discrepancy, the purchase is better to refuse.Fake Xiaomi often have problems with updates, camera and module NFC, which are already manifested after payment.
What to do if you have already bought a fake Xiaomi
If the test showed that your smartphone is counterfeit, act on the following algorithm:
Step 1. Gather evidence
Take a screenshot:
- πΈ Results of the audit IMEI on Mi Verify.
- π¬ Correspondence with the seller (if you bought online).
- π Check or receipt.
Step 2. Contact the seller
Request a refund by referring to:
- π Law on Protection of Consumer Rights (Article 18 β Right to Return Goods of Inadequate Quality).
- π Expertise (you can hold in the service center Xiaomi for 500-1000 rubles).
Step 3: Contact the site or bank
If the seller refuses to return the money:
- π Nana Avito/Yule: Write a complaint in support with evidence.
- π³ When paying by card: challenge the payment through the bank (dispute).
- π The police: if the amount is large (from 10 000) β½), submit an application under Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud).
β οΈ Xiaomi fakes often have a βtime bombβ β after 1-2 months, they begin to fall off modules (camera, Wi-Fi, GPS). It will be almost impossible to get your money back after that, so check it out. IMEI pre-transfer!