Purchasing a new smartphone is always an exciting process, especially when it comes to the popular Xiaomi brand, offering a wide range of models from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and 13/14 Pro. However, statistics show that a significant percentage of returns and warranty cases are associated not with factory defects, but with the inattention of the buyer at the time of receiving the device. Electronics stores often create artificial lighting and load, which prevents a full diagnosis of the gadget right in the sales hall.
That is why it is extremely important to know a clear algorithm of actions that will allow you to identify hidden defects, check the package and verify the authenticity of the goods before you leave the checkout.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what parameters to pay attention to, what engineering codes to enter and how to check. IMEI-It takes no more than 15 minutes to get a good check, but it saves you from a long trial in service centers.
Visual inspection of the body and configuration
The first thing that any inspection begins with is a thorough visual inspection, so even if the box is sealed with factory seals, there may be defects in the box that have been transported or stored in the warehouse, and carefully examine the screen when the device is off, and the glass should not have microcracks, chips or deep scratches that could cause further damage to the matrix.
Pay special attention to the joints of the body and frame. Modern Xiaomi smartphones build is usually high quality, but backlash of the volume or on buttons, as well as uneven gaps between the display and the frame can indicate a fall or poor build. AMOLED-screen, make sure that the protective film in the factory is glued smoothly and has no bubbles.
⚠️ Warning: Never sign the acceptance certificate until you have removed all the protective films and inspected the case under good light. Once signed, it will be almost impossible to prove that the scratch was factory-made.
Checking the complete set is also a mandatory part of the process: the box must contain: warranty card (filled and stamped), instructions, a paper clip for extraction. SIM-Make sure the charging pins do not show any oxidation or scratches, which may indicate that the device has been used before.
For a deeper understanding of what should be in the box of a particular model, you can use the interactive element below, which will help to systematize the verification.
☑️ Checking the configuration of Xiaomi
Diagnostics of display and touch input
The screen is the most expensive and vulnerable component of any smartphone. When buying a Xiaomi phone with an AMOLED or IPS matrix, you need to check it for broken pixels and uniformity of the backlight. To do this, turn on the device and open the white image to the full screen: any colored dots or uneven spots (lights) are marriage.
Next, check the touch layer. Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in engineering menu that allows you to conduct a detailed touch screen test without installing third-party applications. To get there, open the Phone app and enter a special code that will open the CIT menu (Customer Inspection Test).
##6484##In the menu that opens, select Touchpanel or Display, and you will be asked to swipe along certain lines or paint over all the grid cells, which will help identify dead zones where the sensor does not respond to touch, which is especially true for game models of the Black Shark or Poco F series.
- 🔍 Check for broken pixels: images included (black, white, red, green, blue) and carefully examine the screen.
- 👆 Multi-touch test: Try pinching the screen with two, three or more fingers at the same time to make sure that the screen is working correctly.
- 🎨 Color rendering check: make sure the shades don't go into the strong greenish or pink spectrum, which is often on the cheap OLED-panel.
It's also worth checking the proximity and light sensor. Put your hand on the top end of your smartphone while you're talking or in the appropriate CIT menu test, the screen should go out. If the sensor is stuck or not working properly, you'll run into problems when you make calls when the phone is lying cheek-to-cheek on the screen and dropping calls.
What to do if a broken pixel is found?
IMEI verification and device authentication
One of the most critical steps is to verify the unique device identifier. IMEI-The International Mobile Equipment Identity is the serial number of your phone on the world's networks, and it must match in three places: on the box, on the system menu, and on the body itself (or tray). SIM-cards, if he's removable).
To find out IM-code, dial a universal command in the application for calls:
*#06#When you enter the number, compare it to the numbers on the box sticker. If the numbers don't match, you may have a device assembled from different parts ("Frankenstein") or a refurbished device sold as new, and you can also check the authenticity on the official Mi Global or Mi Russia website by entering the serial number in a special field.
| Place of inspection | Where to find | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| System menu | Settings → The phone. → All parameters. | High (main) |
| Packaging | Sticker on the back of the box | High (comparison) |
| SIM tray | Engraving on the retractable tray (not in all models) | Medium |
| Service site | Official Xiaomi Verification Portal | Critical (confirmation) |
The Global Version includes instructions in English and Russian, as well as a European charger plug (or adapter). The Chinese Version is often reflashed by vendors before selling, installing global firmware. This is not always bad, but can cause problems with notifications and banking applications (NFC).
⚠️ Note: If you enter the *#06# code, you will see the words "Invalid" IMEI» or the number is zero, it's a sign of a serious software reset or artisanal soldering of the fee.
Checking through the manufacturer's website will also show the date of activation of the device, and if the phone was activated a few months ago and you are sold as a new one, this may be a question, and in some cases it may be a device that was in use and returned to the store.
Testing of cameras and multimedia functions
The camera is one of the main arguments when choosing a Xiaomi smartphone, especially the flagship lines with Leica optics. In the store, it is difficult to take an art photo, but check the basic functionality you need. Open the Camera app and take several pictures in different lights: in bright light and in the shade.
Pay attention to focus. Point your camera at text or a small object and tap on the screen at different points — autofocus should be fast and clear. If the camera is "sniffing" or not focusing, this may indicate a malfunction of the module or plume. Also check the zoom: switch between lenses (width, TV, macro) and make sure that all lenses work.
Record a short video with a sound. Go to the sound source (for example, the radio on in the store or just talk) and play the recording. This will test the main and secondary microphones, as well as speakers. Wheezing, crackling or no sound in one of the channels is a sign of marriage.
- 📸 Stabilization test: turn on the video and walk around the store – the image should not twitch excessively.
- 🔊 Check stereo sound: Close one speaker with your finger, then another to make sure both channels are working.
- 🎤 Recorder: Turn on the recorder, record silence and loud sound to check for extraneous noises.
Be sure to check the flash in different modes (normal, SOS, strobe). LED should light up evenly, without blinking or changing color, unless this is provided by the mode.
Checking communication, Wi-Fi and navigation
A smartphone is primarily a means of communication. If you have a chance in a store, insert your own. SIM-Check if the device sees the network, if the icon appears 4G/LTE/5G. Try to make a trial call to a friend’s number or service.
Be sure to test the Wi-Fi module. Turn on network search and see if the phone sees access points available. If the store provides guest Wi-Fi, try connecting to it. Lack of network visibility or constant breaks can indicate a problem with the antenna module, which often happens after falls.
Navigation (GPS/GLONASS) is harder to check because the signal in the room is weak, but you can run the Maps or Compass app and see if the device determines your location, albeit with a large margin of error, if the phone can not catch satellites at all, even at the window, this is an alarm sign.
It’s also worth checking out NFC if you plan to use your phone for contactless payment or transportation.The chip can be confirmed in the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → NFC. If the switch is missing or not activated, the feature may not work.
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When checking the connection, pay attention to the signal level. If the operator receives the phone with a confident reception area, it shows 1-2 divisions or constantly switches between 3G and 4G, this may indicate a weak antenna module.
Hardware buttons and connection ports
Physical ergonomics and mechanical function are the last but important test: the volume and lock buttons must be clear, elastic; they must not fall, fall or fall; pressing must be accompanied by a characteristic but not too loud click.
The USB Type-C charging connector (or Micro-USB in older models) should be inspected with a flashlight. There should be no dust, pile, or contact oxidation inside. Insert the charger cable: it should come in tightly, with light effort, and not fall out with light swaying. If the cable dangles, the connector can be broken.
Check the vibrator, too. Turn on No Sound or Vibration and call the device. The vibration should be palpable and uniform, without rattling the body. The buzzing sound when vibrating often indicates that the motor has unstuck or is defective.
⚠️ Warning: If the charging connector wobbles or the contact disappears with the slightest movement of the cable, refuse to buy.Replacing the connector in modern Xiaomi smartphones often requires disassembling the body, which will deprive you of warranty and water protection.
Tray for SIM-The cards should be removed easily and inserted before the characteristic click. Make sure that the rubber seal (if any on the tray) is intact and not damaged, as it is responsible for moisture protection according to the standard. IP.
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Physical wear of connectors and buttons is the surest sign that the device has been used before, even if it looks new.