Xiaomi’s crowdfunding campaigns are a chance to buy the latest gadgets at prices 20-50% below market prices, even before their official release. The company is actively using platforms like Mi Crowdfunding, Indiegogo and Kickstarter to test the demand for innovative products – from the Mi Watch 2 Pro smart watches to the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra robot vacuum cleaners. However, participation in such campaigns requires knowledge of nuances: from choosing a reliable platform to correctly ordering with delivery to Russia or CIS countries.
In this article, we’ll look at all the stages of Xiaomi crowdfunding, from finding relevant projects to receiving a package. You’ll learn what platforms the brand uses in 2026, how to distinguish an official campaign from fraud, and why it’s sometimes more profitable to wait for a release than to participate in fundraising. And then a list of 5 proven services for shipping goods from China if Xiaomi does not deliver directly to your region.
What is Xiaomi Crowdfunding and Why Does the Company Need It?
Crowdfunding is a tool for Xiaomi to test audience interest in new products before they are mass-produced. The company is launching a campaign where users can support the project financially by getting a gadget at a reduced price. For example, Xiaomi Smart Glasses in 2021 raised funds on Indiegogo for $ 150 instead of future $ 300.
Xiaomi is a great company for three reasons:
- 📊 Demand testing – if the campaign fails, the company won’t waste resources on mass release.
- 💰 Pre-financing – users’ money goes to the production of the first batch.
- 📢 Viral marketing – campaigners become brand ambassadors by sharing news on social media.
The advantages for buyers are also obvious: lower-than-market prices, access to exclusive models (e.g., the Mi Mix Fold 3 was initially only available in crowdfunding), and sometimes bonuses like an extended warranty, but there are also risks: delivery delays (up to 6-12 months), lack of local support, or cancellation of a project (rarely, but it does).
Xiaomi’s official crowdfunding platforms in 2026
Xiaomi uses several fundraising platforms, and their list changes over time, with the following services relevant in 2026:
| Platform | Region | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Crowdfunding | China, Hong Kong | Xiaomi's official platform requires a Chinese Mi Account and VPN account to access. | crowdfunding.mi.com |
| Indiegogo | Worldwide | International campaigns with delivery to Russia/CIS. Often there is an option Early Bird (maximum discount). | indiegogo.com |
| Kickstarter | Worldwide | Less commonly used, but sometimes exclusive projects (e.g. Xiaomi Mijia Laser Projector) appear. | kickstarter.com |
| Youpin | China | Xiaomi's smart home platform requires the help of intermediaries to order. | youpin.mi.com |
Mi Crowdfunding and Youpin are not officially working with Russia and most CIS countries.
- 🔄 VPN servers in China or Hong Kong (e.g. ExpressVPN or NordVPN).
- 📱 Chinese phone number for Mi Account registration (you can buy a virtual one at sms-activate.org).
- 💳 UnionPay card or intermediary payment assistance (e.g. Taobao Agent service).
💡
If you are not sure of your abilities, choose campaigns on Indiegogo - it is easier to place an order with delivery to Russia, and the risk of running into scammers is minimal.
Step-by-step: how to buy a Xiaomi gadget through crowdfunding
Consider the process with Indiegogo, the most affordable platform for international buyers, and if you want to participate through Mi Crowdfunding, the steps are similar, but with additional nuances (VPNs, intermediaries).
- Find the current campaign Go to indiegogo.com and search for Xiaomi or model name (e.g. Mi Band 9: 🟢 Live – there is a fundraising, you can participate. 🟡 Coming Soon – Start soon, you can subscribe to notifications. 🔴 Ended – Campaign is complete, but sometimes you can make a “late order” (Late Pledge).
Check the reputation of the campaign
Xiaomi’s official projects always have:
- ✅ The Verified badge next to the name.
- ✅ Link to the official website mi.com in the description.
- ✅ Responses from Xiaomi team in comments (usually in English).
- Select a reward (Pledge) The Claim Your Perk block presents options for participation, such as: - Early Bird: $99 (1 units, 40% savings) - Super Early Bird: $89 (limited amount) - Dual Pack: $179 (2 units with an additional discount) Pay attention to delivery times (Estimated Delivery) - they are often shifted.
⚠️ Note: Additional costs may be incurred when sending through intermediaries: 💸 Customs duties – up to 30% of the value of the goods (depending on the country). 📦 Packaging and insurance – some services are taken $5-10 for protection against damage. 🕒 Storage in warehouse – if you do not pick up the goods on time, you can write off $1-3 a day.
How much to wait for the gadget and what to do when delays
Xiaomi crowdfunding delivery times almost always shift. Here are the real data from past campaigns:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (2021) – promised in 3 months, in fact 8 months.
- ⌚ Mi Watch S1 Pro (2022) – promised 4 months, in fact 6 months.
- 🤖 CyberDog (2021) – 1 year delay due to certification issues.