How to Check Xiaomi for Originality: A Complete Guide to Photos and Videos

Buy a smartphone Xiaomi today can not only in official stores, but also on marketplaces, in the metro or through ads. But as the brand’s popularity has grown, so has the number of fakes, from rough copies with the “Xiaoml” logo to near-perfect replicas that will fool even the most experienced user. 15% Xiaomi devices in the secondary market of Russia and the CIS are counterfeit, while the price of fake may differ from the original only on the market. 10-20%, This makes the risk of buying a fake especially high.

In this article, we will discuss 10 working ways to distinguish the original Xiaomi from a fake — from visual inspection of the box to checking the firmware through the engineering menu. IMEI And the serial number, and what apps can help you detect fake in minutes, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13T — They are counterfeited most often in 2026.

1. Packaging check: 5 signs of forgery

The original Xiaomi box is the first and most obvious indicator of authenticity. The manufacturer pays great attention to packaging design, and even small inconsistencies can give off fake. Start by inspecting the box material: the original is always made of dense cardboard with a matte coating that does not shine in the light. Counterfeits often use cheap glossy cardboard or even corrugated cardboard.

Notice the stamp of the logo and text, on the original packaging:

• 🔍 The logo of Mi or Xiaomi is clear, without blurred edges and color displacement.
• 📦 The text is printed smoothly, without errors (for example, "Made in China" instead of "Made in Chna").
• 🎨 Colors are bright and rich, without stains and flows of paint.
• 🔖 Serial number sticker and IMEI It has a protective layer - when you try to unplug it, a trace remains "VOID".
• 📏 The box sizes are consistent with the model (e.g., the Redmi Note 12 Pro cannot be packaged in a box from the box). POCO M5).

Pay special attention to the label with IMEI. On the original box it is always located on the end and contains:

1. Serial number (SN: M2204...).
2. IMEI (15 digits, such as 861234567890123).
3. Model of device (e.g, 2201116TI For the Redmi Note 11).
4. A hologram or protective layer that breaks down when you try to peel off.

If the sticker is missing, torn or it can be removed without traces - before you 100% fake.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often use boxes from real Xiaomi, but put fake devices inside. Always check the model's compliance on the box and on the smartphone itself (in Settings). → The phone).

2. External inspection of the smartphone: details that give fake

Even if the packaging looks perfect, it doesn’t guarantee the originality of the device.

One of the most reliable ways to test the weight of the device is to test the counterfeits, which are often lighter than the originals because of the use of cheap materials.

The difference can be felt even without the weights.

Always when I buy by hand.

Only if the price is suspiciously low

I never check.

I only trust the official shops.-->

Another key point is the connectors and speakers.

• 🔌 Connector. USB-C (Micro-USB in older models) symmetrical, without backlash.
• 🔊 Speakers give a clear sound without wheezing at maximum volume.
• 📶 Antenna lines (on metal cases) are smooth, without breaks.

Fakes are common. USB-C, It's coming in from one side only, or speakers that are hoarse at 70 percent volume.

3. IMEI and serial number check: step-by-step instruction

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit code for your smartphone, which can be verified in several ways to verify the originality of Xiaomi.

Method 1: Through dialing

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial *#06#.
3. It'll appear on screen. IMEI (One or two if the smartphone supports two SIM-map).

Method 2: In the settings

Go to Settings. → The phone. → General information. You'll see here:

• Model of device (e.g, 22101316C For the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G).
• IMEI (It should be the same as what is on the box).
• Serial number (SN).

Method 3: On the official website of Xiaomi

1. Go to the checkout page: mi.com/global/verify.
2. Enter the serial number (SN) or IMEI.
3. If the device is original, the system will show the model and the activation date.

Compare. IMEI box-and-set

Check if it's changed. IMEI Software (use the application) IMEI Analyzer)

Ask the seller for explanations

Refuse to purchase if the inspection fails-->

Critical moment: if IMEI The box and the phone do not match, or the Xiaomi site gives an error "Device not found", you are guaranteed a fake or a device with a modified device. IMEI (illegal).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters sometimes clone IMEI If the test is successful but you still have doubts, move on to the next step, firmware analysis.

4. Check firmware and software: how to detect fake software

Fakes under Xiaomi often work on custom firmware that imitate MIUI, But they have critical differences. Here's how to spot them:

Step 1: Check the MIUI version

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. The original firmware must match official releases, such as the Redmi Note 12's current June 2026 versions:

• 📱 Global: MIUI 14.0.3.0 (TKWMIXM).
• 🇨🇳 China: MIUI 14.0.4.0 (TKWCNXM).
• 🌍 EEA (Europe): MIUI 14.0.2.0 (TKWEUXM).

If the version looks like MIUI 10.5.6.7 on the new smartphone is a fake.

Step 2: Analysis of pre-installed applications

The original Xiaomi should have:

• 📱 Mi Browser (not removed).
• 🎵 Mi Music.
• 📷 Mi Gallery.
• 🛒 GetApps (branded app store).
• 🔒 Security (antivirus from Xiaomi).

If you see Google Chrome instead of them, UC Browser or unknown Chinese apps are fake.

Step 3: Checking through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial ##4636###.
3. Go to the phone information section.
4. Check the Baseband version and Kernel version strings. The original ones should mention Xiaomi or Qualcomm (for Snapdragon processors).

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If you see Chinese on the engineering menu, but the firmware is supposedly “global,” or there are no Battery and Usage statistics sections, it’s a fake.

5. Hardware inspection: Camera, screen and performance tests

Even if the smartphone looks like the original, its "stuffing" may be completely different.

Camera test

• 📸 Take a picture on the main camera in low light. The original Xiaomi uses Night Mode algorithms, which greatly improve quality.
• 🔍 Check the number of megapixels in the camera settings → Permission, if specified 48MP, But the real photo weighs less than 10MB, that's a hoax.
• 🎥 Record the video in 4K. Original smartphones (such as Xiaomi) 13 Ultra support 8K@24fps, and counterfeiting is often limited 1080p.

Screen test

• 🌈 Check out the color reproduction: original AMOLED-Xiaomi screens support DC Dimming (no flickering at low brightness) Fakes flicker even 50% brightness.
• 📏 Make sure the resolution matches the one you're asking for. 12 Pro+ must have 1080×2400, not 720×1600.
• 👆 Swipe your finger across the screen: original smartphones have a polling frequency of 120 Hz or 240 Hz (in games), fakes – 60 Hz.

Performance test

Install the AnTuTu Benchmark or Geekbench 6 app and compare the results to the benchmarks for your model.

• Xiaomi 13 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) should show 1,200,000+ points in AnTuTu.
• Redmi Note 12 Pro (Dimensity 1080) — 500 000+ score.
• POCO X5 Pro (Snapdragon 778G) — 550 000+ score.

If the results are lower 30-40%, It is a fake with a weak processor (for example, Helio). G85 Snapdragon instead).

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Counterfeiters often give themselves away when they are under prolonged load: they overheat, brake or suddenly turn off.The original Xiaomis have a cooling system and don't heat up above 45°C even in games.

6. Check through official Xiaomi services

If you have any doubts, use official tools from Xiaomi to confirm the authenticity of the device.

Service 1: Mi Verify (mi.com/global/verify)

How to use:

1. Go to mi.com/global/verify.
2. Enter the serial number (SN) or IMEI.
3. Put a captcha in.
4. Press Verify.

If the device is original, you'll see the model, the date of production, and the warranty status. If it's not, you'll see a Device not found error.

Service 2: Mi Authenticity Check

Download the official app from Google Play:

1. Open Mi Authenticity Check.
2. The scanner will automatically determine the model and IMEI.
3. Press Check.
4. The app will show you if the device is original.

Note: It only works on devices with MIUI not lower than version 12.

Service 3: Verification through Xiaomi support

If online services do not help, please contact us for support:

• 📧 Write to support@mi.com with the theme "Device Authentication".
• 📞 Call the hotline (for Russia: 8 800 700 01 05).
• 🏬 Contact the official Xiaomi service center to check the device.

⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide IMEI To check or ask for money to "unlock" the check is a fraud.

7.Hand-Buying: Red Flags and Safety Rules

If you are buying Xiaomi from hand (on Avito, Yule or Telegram), pay attention to the following signs of fraud:

• 💰 Prices are too low (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro for $30,000) ₽ at market price of 60,000. ₽).
• 📦 Lack of original packaging or accessories (charging, cable).
• 🔄 The seller is in a hurry ("today is the last day", "needs to sell quickly").
• 📱 Device "from the warehouse" or "gift, not used" (frequent sign of counterfeiting).
• 🔒 Refusal of verification IMEI firmware.
• 📍 Meeting in an uncomfortable place (for example, at the subway instead of a service center).

The rules of safe purchase:

1. Always check. IMEI pre-transfer.
2. Ask for checks or a warranty card (even if the warranty is over).
3. Buy only in proven places: official Xiaomi stores, Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries (marked "Original").
4. Use Escrow accounts (e.g. on Avito) to protect against fraudsters.
5. If the seller insists on cash settlement without verification - refuse the transaction.

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Before buying, ask the seller to make a live video with the device: turn it on, show it. IMEI In settings, launch the camera and benchmark, which will help you identify the fake before you meet.

8 What to do if you have already purchased a fake?

If after buying you find that your Xiaomi is fake, follow the following algorithm:

Step 1: Gather evidence

• 📸 Take a picture of the device, packaging, checks (if any).
• 📝 Write it down. IMEI and serial number.
• 🎥 Take a video showing the faults (if any).

Step 2: Contact the seller

Write to the seller requesting the money back, with proof of forgery, mention section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, which allows the return of goods of inadequate quality within 14 days.

Hello! When checking the Xiaomi smartphone you bought, it turned out that the device is a fake (I attach screen checks IMEI on the official Xiaomi website). According to Art. 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, I demand to return the money paid in full within 10 days, otherwise I will have to contact Rospotrebnadzor and the police for fraud.

Step 3: Contact law enforcement agencies

If the seller refuses to return the money:

• 📝 Write a statement to the police (under article 159 of the criminal code of the Russian Federation "Fraud").
• 🏛️ File a complaint to Rospotrebnadzor through the website rospotrebnadzor.gov.ru.
• 💳 If the payment was by card, challenge the transaction through the bank (you have 60 days).

Step 4: Check the device for security

Counterfeiting often contains:

• 🔍 Spyware (e.g. Triada or FakeApp).
• 📡 Non-certified radios that may violate the law (e.g., operate at prohibited frequencies).
• 🔋 Explosive batteries (without certification) UN38.3).

Do not use fake to store personal data or banking applications!

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If you bought a fake abroad (for example, on AliExpress), it will be almost impossible to return the money, in which case the only way out is to dispose of the device and buy the original.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi vetting