How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Redmi from a fake: the full guide 2026

Buying a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone at a bargain price is a dream for many, but the risk of running into a fake makes this dream a nightmare. According to the Electronics Trade Association, up to 12% of the brand’s devices on the secondary market are counterfeit or “gray” replicas with dubious origins, and scammers manage to copy not only budget models like the Redmi 12C, but also the flagship Redmi K70 Pro, replacing iron, firmware and even packaging.

The problem is that fakes are almost indistinguishable from the original: the same logos, similar fonts on the box, and sometimes imitation of the MIUI brand shell. But inside you are waiting for surprises - from a weak processor to a ballooning battery. This article will help verify the authenticity of Xiaomi Redmi before or immediately after purchase, using official tools, hidden tags and technical tricks that are not mentioned by sellers.

1.IMEI Verification: The First Step to Confidence

The unique IMEI is your smartphone's passport, which you can't forge without a trace, and the original Xiaomi Redmi has it in three places: on the box, under the battery (if removable), and in the system, and if any of them don't match, you're 100% fake.

How to check:

• 📦 On the package: IMEI It's on a barcode sticker (usually at the bottom of the box) and check it against what's on the phone.
• 📱 In Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → General information → IMEI.
• 🔢 Through the code: dial in the phone application *#06# - a window with the IMEI.
• 🌐 On Xiaomi's website, type in IMEI Official checks (not applicable to all regions).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters sometimes clone IMEI If all codes match but the phone is suspicious (e.g., not updated), use additional verification methods.

Analysis of packaging and configuration: parts that give a fake

The original Xiaomi Redmi packaging has over 10 security features that are difficult to replicate pirated.

• 📦 Box quality: the original is made of thick, matte-coated cardboard.Fakes are often shiny or have a rough surface.
• 🖨️ Barcode and serial number: sticker must be flatly glued, no bubbles, the serial number on the box and under the battery (if any) must match.
• 🔍 Logo. MI: in the original it is convex and clear, on the fake - blurred or painted.
• 📄 Documentation: the package must be a guarantee book with a hologram and instructions in the language of the country of sale (for Russia - Russian).

🔹 Set of the original Redmi (on the example of the Redmi Note 13 Pro)+):

⚠️ Note: Fakes are often equipped with cheap accessories (for example, charging on the 5W instead of the stated 67W). Check the power of the charger with the Ampere app (available on Google Play).

3. Software check: MIUI doesn't lie

The MIUI branded shell is the fingerprint of the original Xiaomi. Counterfeiting either uses pirated versions of the firmware or runs on Android Go with a strained skin from Xiaomi.

• 🔄 System Updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update system. The original will offer to download the latest version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.5 for Redmi Note 12.A fake will show an error or show outdated firmware.
• 🔐 Service codes: ##4636### - battery and network information ##6484## - hardware component test ##64663## - module check MIUI In the original, these codes work, on a fake – no or display meaningless data.
• 📱 Name of the model: C Settings → The phone. → The model must be given the full name (for example, 2310132G for Redmi 13C). Fakes are often written in abbreviated form (Redmi Note 12 instead of the Redmi Note). 22101316UG).

🔹 Signs of pirates MIUI:

• 🚫 There is no branded screensaver when included (logotype) MI orange-backed).
• 🚫 There is no option option in the settings → Developer mode.
• 🚫 Mi Store, Mi Community or Security apps are missing or not open.

⚠️ Note: Some counterfeits install modified MIUI Check your phone with VirusTotal or Malwarebytes before first use.

4. Hidden hardware tags: what hides the case

Xiaomi is adding hidden tags to its devices that can’t be faked without breaking the phone.

• 🔍 Battery serial number: on the original Redmi with removable battery (for example, Redmi) 9A) The serial number is duplicated on the sticker under the battery. It must match the number on the box.
• 📡 Label on the antenna: Under the back cover (if it can be removed) on the metal screen of the antenna must be the logo Mi or Redmi, applied with a laser.
• 🔋 Battery sticker: Original batteries have a hologram with Mi logo and production date.Fakes often use batteries without labeling.
• 📱 Fingerprint scanner: on the original Redmi scanner (if any) works quickly and without failure. Counterfeiting often saves on this module - it is either missing or works over and over again.

Critical sign of counterfeiting: If you find that internal components (such as the motherboard) are unmarked or signed by unknown brands (such as Spreadtrum instead of Qualcomm Snapdragon), you are in front of a counterfeit.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your phone voids warranty.If you're unsure of your skills, contact Xiaomi's service center for diagnostics.

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If a vendor refuses to show a phone live or allow it to be disassembled, it is a reason to doubt the originality. Ask for a video showing the operation of all sensors (gyroscope, compass, NFC) - fakes often save on them.

5. Check through official Xiaomi services

Xiaomi provides several authentication tools, but they don’t work for all regions.

• 🌐 Official website: go to the checkout page, enter IMEI The system will show the status of the device (original/non-original) and the date of activation.
• 📱 Mi Verify app: download it from Google Play (only for some models).The app scans hardware components and compares them to Xiaomi's database.
• 📞 Hotline: Call Xiaomi in support of your region (for Russia: +7 495 660-09-25) and name IMEI. The operator will confirm the originality.

🔹 What to do if the service does not recognize IMEI?

• Check if the code is correctly entered (without spaces).
• Make sure the model is supported by the service (some Redmis for China may not appear in the global database).
• If the phone is new, wait 24 to 48 hours – sometimes activation data is loaded into the system with a delay.

⚠️ Note: Some vendors claim that Xiaomi’s grays (which were brought from China unofficially) are not tested, and this is not always the case – most global Redmi models (labeled Global) must be system-defined.

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If Xiaomi doesn’t recognize your Redmi’s IMEI, it’s a sure sign of a fake or a device made from non-original components.

6 Performance test: iron doesn't lie

Fakes are often equipped with weak hardware that does not pull the declared characteristics.

• 📊 Benchmark tests: Install AnTuTu Benchmark or Geekbench 6. Compare results with references for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ shoulder ~500,000 in AnTuTu. If the numbers are 30 percent lower or higher, you're a fake.
• 🔋 Battery test: Use AccuBattery to test the actual battery capacity. If instead of the declared 5000 mAh, the application shows 3000-4000 mAh, the battery is fake.
• 📷 Camera: Take a photo on the main camera and check EXIF-data (e.g. through EXIF Viewer: The original will show the actual resolution (e.g. 108 MP for the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+). Fakes often “paint” megapixels software.

🔹 Example of benchmarks for popular models:

⚠️ Warning: Some fakes mimic high benchmark performance by overclocking the processor, but they get a lot of heat. Check the body temperature after 10 minutes of testing if the phone is heated to 50.°C and above, that's suspicious.

7 Where and how to buy Xiaomi Redmi without risk

Even though you know all the ways to check, you should buy your phone in a safe place first.

• 🏬 Official stores: Mi Store (official branded stores in the shopping center). mi.com/ru.
• 🛒 Large retailers: Svyaznoy, M. Video, Eldorado (check the availability of a certificate in the product card). Wildberries, Ozon - only sellers with a rating of 95%+ 12-month guarantee.
• 🌍 Foreign sites: AliExpress - only official Xiaomi Global Store or Mi Official Store. Amazon - look for Xiaomi Inc. seller marked Ships from and sold by Amazon.

🚫 Red flags when buying:

• Price below market by 20% or more (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ $15,000 ₽ at an average price of 28,000 ₽).
• The seller refuses to provide a photo of the package with the serial number.
• The phone is sold without a check or warranty card.
• The description says “no box” or “eurotest” (often sold stolen or recovered devices).

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi Redmi from hand, be sure to check it through the service SND Deep Info (by) IMEI). He will show if the phone is stolen or under arrest.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the authenticity of Xiaomi Redmi