How to check Xiaomi phone when buying: step-by-step guide 2026

Buying a Xiaomi smartphone is a big decision, especially if it’s a used device or buying in unofficial stores. Even new devices from gray deliveries can harbor unpleasant surprises, from fake batteries to software locks. According to official Xiaomi statistics, up to 15% of devices in the secondary market have hidden defects or inconsistencies with the declared characteristics.

This article will help you avoid cheating and buy a really working and original smartphone, we will analyze the appearance of counterfeits, methods of checking the equipment, diagnostics of iron and software, and learn how to recognize “gray” devices with a limited warranty. We will pay special attention to Redmi models, POCO and flagships Xiaomi 13/14 The series that are most often counterfeited.

1. Originality Check: How to distinguish the real Xiaomi from the fake

The first and most important step is to make sure you don’t have a clone or replica of the Xiaomi brand, and scammers have learned to copy even small details, but there are a few key markers that give off a fake.

Start by inspecting the package (if you are buying a new machine):

• 📦 Box: The original Xiaomi boxes are matte, with a clear logo stamping, and forgeries often have glossy surfaces or blurry inscriptions. IMEI The phone tag should match what is on the phone.
• 🔍 Serial number: Sticker with S/N and IMEI The box and the battery (if removable) must be identical.
• 🛡️ Hologram: The new models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12) feature a protective hologram with microtext that cannot be seen with the naked eye, either without it, or the hologram peels off when trying to scrape off.

If there is no box (buying with hands), inspect the device itself:

• 📱 Logo: On the back of the original Xiaomi logo is pressed into the body, not pasted. on fakes, there are often convex or stickers that fade away over time.
• 🔧 Charging port: The original devices have a connector USB-C (Or Micro-USB on older models) symmetrical, no backlash. In clones, the port is often curved or wobbly.
• 🎨 Screen color: For fakes, screens are cheap with a noticeable bluish or yellowish tint. Turn on the phone and compare it to another device, the difference will be obvious.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often sell replicas as originals, claiming that they are “Chinese versions for the domestic market,” but they have nothing to do with real Xiaomi devices, running on pirated firmware and not getting updates.

2. Checking the complete set: what should be in the box

Even if the phone is original, the seller may forget to put a charger, cable or documentation in the box. The complete package depends on the model, but there is a basic set that should always be present:

Pay special attention to the charger:

• 🔌 The original memory from Xiaomi indicates the exact voltage and current strength (for example, 5V/3A, 9V/2A). For fakes, this data is often blurred or missing.
• 🔋 Check the weight of the power supply – the original memory weighs between 30 and 60 grams (depending on power), whereas fakes are lighter.
• 🔍 Look at the plug: the original contacts are smooth, barless, and the plastic is matte.

⚠️ Warning: Not only does the lack of an original charger deprive you of warranty, it can also lead to fire danger. Cheap fakes of RAM often cause fires due to lack of protection against overheating.

3. Screen Diagnostics: How to Identify Hidden Defects

The screen is one of the most expensive parts of a smartphone, and vendors often hide its defects. Even if the display seems perfect at first glance, a deep check can reveal problems:

Turn on your phone and perform the following tests:

• 🖥️ Broken pixel test: Run a video with a monochromatic background (black, white, red, green, blue) to full brightness. The broken pixels will be visible as color dots. You can use the Screen Test app from Google Play.
• 🌈 Color rendering check: Open a photo with gradients. On cheap screens (in fakes) you will see stripes or sharp color transitions.
• ☀️ Light test: In a dark room at maximum brightness, illuminate the flashlight at an angle to the screen. If dark spots or uneven lighting are noticeable, this is a sign of detachment of the matrix or a defect in the backlight.
• 👆 Sensitivity: Swipe your finger around the edges of the screen – delays or “missing” touches indicate a faulty digitizer. Especially relevant for models with curved screens (Xiaomi Mix 4, Black Shark).

For models with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) perform additional checks:

1. Set wallpaper with black background and white text.
2. Look at the screen from an angle - at the original AMOLED There should be no "moiré effect" (wavy distortions).
3. Check for screen burnout: display monochromatic red, green and blue. If you notice traces of static elements (such as navigation panels), the matrix is worn out.

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To check the screen for burnout, use the application AMOLED Burn-in Test: It will show the actual wear of the matrix, even if the defects are not visible to the naked eye.

4.Iron testing: processor, memory, battery

Hidden hardware defects may not show up until months of use, but there are ways to detect them before you buy them, starting with the processor and RAM:

How to check the performance:

• 📊 Benchmark: Install the AnTuTu Benchmark or Geekbench 6 app. Compare the results to the benchmarks for your model (can be found on GSMArena). If the scores are lower by 20% or more, this is a sign of trottling (performance restriction due to overheating or wear).
• 🔥 Overheating Test: Run the game (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) at maximum graphics settings and play 15-20 If the body is heated higher 45°C (can be checked by infrared thermometer or appendix) AIDA64) — This is a sign of problems with the heatpast or battery.
• 💾 Memory check: in AnTuTu or AIDA64 look at the volume RAM Make sure they match the claims, and fakes often have cheaper memory (e.g., eMMCs instead of the ones they claim). UFS).

Diagnosis of the battery:

The battery is one of the most vulnerable components, and even if the phone was new, the battery could have been in storage for years, and you can check it.

1. Open the Settings. → Battery → Battery status on the original firmware. MIUI It shows the actual capacity (e.g., "4,500 mAh out of 5000 mAh"). If the difference is greater than 10%, the battery is worn out.
2. Install the AccuBattery app. 2-3 It's going to show you the health of the battery — 90-100%. Below. 85% — bargaining-place.
3. Check the charging speed: connect the original RAM and record the time from 0 to 100%. 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Full charging should take no more than 1 hour when using the Fast Charge.

⚠️ Warning: If a vendor refuses to give a phone to install diagnostic applications, this is a reason to be wary. IMEI.

5. Software and lock checks

Even if the hardware is fine, the phone can be locked or run on pirated firmware, which can cause problems with updates, banking applications, and even criminal liability (if the device is wanted).

How to check the originality of the firmware:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. The original firmware will indicate a Stable or Developer version for your region (e.g., a version for your region, MIUI Global 14.0.5).
• 🔍 Compare the official version on the website MIUI If the version is not on the list, the firmware is customized.
• 🛡️ Check for Google Services: Open Settings → Google → Google Play Services: If the partition is missing or the services are not updated, it is a "Chinese" firmware without any GMS, which does not support Google Play.

How to identify blockages:

1. Check it out. IMEI: You can type *#06#. Compare the number you see to the one on the box and the one under the battery. If it doesn't match, the phone has been reflashed or it's wanted.
2. Make sure your phone is not tied to your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Accounts. → If there is someone else's account, ask the seller to log out, otherwise, after the reset, the phone will require the password of the previous owner.
3. Check the warranty status on Xiaomi's website. If the warranty is invalid or the device is listed as stolen, it's best to refuse the purchase.

Pay particular attention to models bought abroad, like Xiaomi for India (IN silhouette (CN The version may not support Russian frequencies 4G or have firmware restrictions.

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If the phone was purchased in China or India, check the support for Russian frequencies. 4G (Bands 3, 7, 20) via the Network Signal Guru app, without which mobile internet speeds would be extremely low.

6. Testing of camera, speakers and sensors

The camera and the audio system are often the victims of the cost savings of repairs, and vendors can install cheap ones instead of the original modules, which is a huge loss of quality.

Camera diagnostics:

• 📸 Main module: Take photos in good light and zoom 100%. on the fake modules will be visible artifacts, blurred edges or improper color reproduction.
• 🌃 Night shooting: Take a picture of a dark room with Night Mode on. Original Xiaomi cameras (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro with sensor) IMX707) They will show a detailed image, while fakes will give a soap photo.
• 🔍 Autofocus check: Point the camera at the object at a distance 10 See the original modules focusing on 1-2 For example, forgeries will “catch a focus” longer or not at all.

Test of speakers and microphones:

• 🔊 Stereo speakers: Turn on the music and alternately close the top and bottom speakers. The sound should come from both. 9A) Check it at maximum volume - there should be no wheezing.
• 🎤 Microphone: Record a voice message on WhatsApp or Recorder. Listen to the recording — if you hear interference or the voice sounds muffled, the microphone malfunctions.
• 📞 Speaker: Call another phone and check the sound quality. If the person hears you badly or their voice is distorted, the problem is the audio module.

Sensor check:

Faulty sensors can cause a lot of inconvenience, and you can check them through the diagnostic mode:

1. Type ##4636## (for new models) or #6484## (for older models).
2. Choose Testing or Sensor Test.
3. Test it in turn: 🧲 Compass (must respond to phone rotation) 📱 Accelerometer (change of screen orientation) 💡 Light sensor (automatic brightness control) 👆 Approximate sensor (the screen should go out when you raise your hand)

7. Check for hidden defects and traces of repairs

Even if the phone looks perfect, it could have been repaired or dropped.

External inspection of the hull:

• 🔦 Check the screws on the bottom cover (if it is removable) – on the original devices they have special “stars” (Torx) T3/T4), It's hard to unscrew without a tool, and if the screws are scratched, the phone is opened.
• 📏 Gaps between details: Use your nail to junctions between the screen and the body, the camera and the back. The original devices have no gaps, whereas after repairs, there are often gaps left.
• 🎨 Color: Compare the shade of the back and the frame. If they're different, it's likely that one of the parts was replaced.

Moisture check:

• 💧 Moisture indicators: Most Xiaomi models have moisture intake indicators (small white circles that turn red when in contact with water). SIM-The card is under the battery (if it is removable) Next to the connector USB-C
• 🔋 Contact oxidation: If you can remove the back cover, check the battery contacts and plumes. Greenish plaque is a sign of oxidation after moisture is injected.

Diagnosis after falls:

• 📱 Body distortion: Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen up. If it wobbles or one of the corners is raised, the body is deformed.
• 🔧 Tray SIM-Cards: Put the tray in and out several times, and if it's stiff or falls out, the phone falls down.
• 🔍 Screen microcracks: Light up the flashlight at an angle to the screen. Even if you can't see the cracks on normal inspection, microdamage can show up under the light.

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If the seller claims that the phone did not fall, ask him to show the history of repairs at the service center.

8.Where and how to buy Xiaomi safely: tips for choosing a seller

Even if you know how to check your phone, you still run the risk of being cheated, and here are the safe buying rules to help you avoid problems:

Official sources:

• 🏬 Mi Store: The original device with full warranty is guaranteed here.
• 📱 Official partners: Svyaznoy, MTS, Beeline and other networks that cooperate with Xiaomi directly. Before buying, check whether the store has the status of an official partner.

Hand-held purchase:

• 🔍 Seller check: Look at the seller's ad history on Avito or Yule. If he sells phones regularly, it's probably a dealer who hides the origin of the goods.

Purchase abroad:

• 🌐 Regional versions: Find out what market the phone is for (CN) Google Play does not have a version for India (IN) It may not support Russian frequencies. 4G.
• 💰 Customs duties: When buying on AliExpress or Gearbest, check whether duties are included in the price.
• 🔋 Warranty: Check if the international warranty is valid for the model.Most Xiaomi phones only have warranty in the country of purchase.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid shopping from sellers who offer "cheap phones from Europe" or "residue sales." IMEI orthose.

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The safest way to buy is an official store or a trusted retailer. 10-15% On the "gray" phone can turn into problems with warranty and updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions when buying Xiaomi