How to check Xiaomi for originality by code: step-by-step guide 2026

Buying a Xiaomi smartphone in the secondary market or in unofficial stores always carries the risk of running into a fake. According to a Counterpoint Research study, up to 12% of the brand’s devices in the Russian market in 2023 were counterfeit or “gray” (brought illegally), the main problem is that the copies are almost indistinguishable from the originals: the same logos, packaging and even MIUI firmware.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods to check Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO for originality using:

  • 🔢 IMEI and serial number (SN)
  • 📱 Hidden engineering codes (like #4636##)
  • 🌐 Official website of Mi Verification
  • 📦 Checks of equipment and bar codes
  • 🔍 Analysis of firmware and hardware data

All methods are relevant for models of 2020-2026 (including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) and take no more than 10 minutes.

1. Xiaomi IMEI and Serial Number (SN) Verification

The fastest way to detect a fake is to check the box and phone. The IMEI (15 digits) and the serial number (SN, 11-14 characters) must match in three places:

  • 📦 On the box sticker (usually under the barcode)
  • 📱 In the phone settings: Settings → The phone. → General information
  • 🔋 Under the battery (for models with a removable lid, for example, Redmi) 9A)

If one number doesn’t match, it’s 100% fake.

To verify the IMEI for authenticity:

  1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# - a window with IMEI will appear.
  2. Compare it to the number on the box. Notice the last number, which is calculated by the Moon's algorithm and should match the checksum.
  3. Check IMEI on IMEI.info – the original number will show the model of the device, the date of manufacture and the country of manufacture.

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If the phone supports two SIM-He'll have two cards. IMEI (for example, IMEI1 and IMEI2). Both must match the data on the box.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often fake box stickers but forget about them IMEI If the number on the box matches the data in *#06# but doesn't match the information on IMEI.info, it's a gray machine that's been smuggled in illegally.

2.Engineering menu and hidden codes Xiaomi

Xiaomi's original smartphones have hidden test menus that either don't emulate or implement with errors.

Code.AppointmentWhat should be displayed on the original
##4636##Phone and battery informationMenu with tabs "Phone Information", "Battery Use", "Use Statistics"
##225##Verification of sensor calibrationList of sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) with current readings
##6484##Test of hardware componentsMenu MTK Engineer Mode (for devices running MediaTek processors)
##64663##Information about the Wi-Fi moduleData on MAC-Addresses, supported frequencies and protocols

If you enter the code and you see a message that says "Communication interrupted" or an empty screen, it's a sign of a fake. On the original Xiaomi (except for some models for China), all of these teams work without root rights.

📊 What code do you use most often to check your phone?
#06# (IMEI)
Not checking.

3. Check through the official Mi Verification website

Xiaomi provides the official originality verification tool, Mi Verification, which works for all models released after 2018 (including Redmi Note 10, POCO X4, Xiaomi 12).

Instructions:

  1. Go to the Mi Verification website.
  2. Enter the IMEI or serial number (without spaces).
  3. Enter the captcha and press Verify.
  4. If the device is original, a message will appear “This device is genuine” indicating the model and the date of production.

Check the correct input. IMEI/SN|Make sure the model is supported by the service (2018+)|Try a different browser (Chrome recommended)|Contact Xiaomi Support if you are sure of authenticity-->

⚠️ Warning: The service may not recognize gray devices imported unofficially. If you see a message saying "This device cannot be verified", it does not always mean a fake - it may be the phone is intended for another region (for example, the Chinese version of the Mi 11 for the domestic market).

4. Analysis of equipment and bar codes

Fake Xiaomis are often equipped with cheap accessories that are easy to identify:

  • 🔌 Charger: The original power supply has a laser engraving of the Mi logo, weight from 40 d and certification CE/RoHS Counterfeiting is usually easier and unmarked.
  • 🎧 Headphones: The original Type-C headphones use copper in the squirt, and the connector has a microscopic serial number.
  • 📄 Documentation: The box must contain a warranty card with a hologram and a unique number (for official deliveries to Russia).

Also check the barcodes on the box and battery:

  1. Scan the code with any application (e.g. Google Lens).
  2. Compare the results with the data on the Barcode Lookup website.
  3. The original barcode should indicate the Xiaomi model and the country of origin (e.g. China or India).

What the original Xiaomi packaging looks like
The box is made of thick, matte-coated cardboard. The Mi logo is stamped (convex to the touch); the bottom of the box shows the country of manufacture (e.g., "Made in India" or "Made in China"). Counterfeit products often have glossy packaging and blurry printing.

5. Checking firmware and hardware data

Counterfeit Xiaomi often runs on fake firmware, which can be detected through the settings:

  1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
  2. Click 7 times on the "MIUI version" line to activate the developer mode.
  3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  4. Check the "Kornel Version" item - the original version corresponds to the model (for example, "4.19.113-miui-munch" for Xiaomi 11T).

Also install the AIDA64 app (available on Google Play) and check:

  • 📌 Motherboard model: Must match official data (e.g., "tissot" for Redmi Note 5).
  • 🔋 Battery capacity: Counterfeiting is often understated (e.g. 3,500 mAh instead of the claimed 5,000 mAh).
  • 📡 MAC-Addresses: The originals are unique, and copies are often repeated (e.g. 00:11:22:33:44:55).

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If AIDA64 displays a processor from an unknown manufacturer (e.g., “Spreadtrum” instead of “Qualcomm Snapdragon”), it is a complete fake.

6. Signs of "gray" Xiaomi devices

The term “gray” refers to smartphones imported into the country unofficially (without payment of fees and certification), which are similar in appearance to the original, but have critical shortcomings:

  • 🚫 No guarantee from Xiaomi Russia.
  • 🔒 Can be blocked after updates (especially Chinese versions of Mi for the domestic market).
  • 📶 There is no support for local LTE-The band bands (for example, the Band 20 for Russia).
  • 💰 It is not possible to officially unlock the bootloader.

How to recognize the "gray" device:

  1. Check regional firmware in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you specify "China" or "Global" without reference to Russia - this is a "gray" model.
  2. Run the ##54298## command – the original Russian versions will display information about local 4G bands.
  3. Try to sign up for Mi Account with a Russian number, which is often impossible without a VPN on the Chinese versions.

⚠️ Note: Greys are often devices purchased on AliExpress or Pandaao at a price 20-30% below the market. Even if the seller claims that the phone is a European version, check it through Mi Verification - many of these devices are locked after 1-2 months of use.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi vetting

Can you check Xiaomi for originality from a photo?
No, the fakes are almost indistinguishable, and the only visual feature is the printability of the Mi logo on the back (the originals have a clear, blurry look), but it's more reliable to use IMEI or engineering codes.
What if Mi Verification says “This device cannot be verified”?
This could mean: Device "gray" (e.g. Chinese version for domestic market); Model older than 2018 (service does not support outdated phones); IMEI blocked by the operator (check in *#06#).
How to distinguish the original Redmi from a fake box?
Pay attention to this: 📦 Print quality: On the original box, the text and logo of Redmi are clear, without shifting the paint. 🔖 Hologram: The sticker with the serial number has 3D-effect (when tilted changes color). 📏 Sizes: Counterfeiting is often smaller or thinner than the original boxes. Also check the barcode through the Barcode Lookup - it should point to Xiaomi as the manufacturer.
Can the original Xiaomi have two different IMEIs on the box and in the phone?
No, it's a sign of a fake or a gray device, except if you've changed your motherboard yourself (for example, after a repair), but in this case, the IMEI must be re-tied officially through a service center.
Which Xiaomi models are most often counterfeited?
According to Xiaomi Anti-Counterfeit Team, in 2023-2026, most often counterfeited: 📱 Redmi Note 12 (especially Pro versions)+) 📱 POCO X5 and POCO F5 📱 Xiaomi 13T (high-priced) 📱 Redmi A2 (Fakes of these models are seemingly indistinguishable, but have a simplified filling (for example, a Unisoc processor instead of a Snapdragon).