If you've ever wondered what to do with an old smartphone, tablet or Xiaomi smartwatch that's dusting in a drawer, Xiaomi's Recycle could be a great solution. It's a company initiative that aims to recycle electronics for the benefit of users. Unlike conventional recycling, you don't just get rid of unnecessary machinery, but you get a bonus -- a discount on buying new brand devices.
The program is not available in all countries, but in Russia, Europe and several Asian regions it has already gained popularity, the main advantage is environmental friendliness: instead of sending gadgets to landfill, Xiaomi recycles them with minimal harm to the environment, and for users it is a chance to save up to 30% on new devices by handing over old ones at a bargain price.
But how exactly does Xiaomi Recycle work? What devices are accepted, how much can you get for a handed-in, and where to find official reception points? In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances from the terms of participation to the step-by-step instructions for handing over gadgets. You will also find out which models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO The most common way to avoid fraud is to avoid recycling.
What is Xiaomi Recycle and Why You Need It?
Xiaomi’s Recycle program (or “Recycling Xiaomi”) is part of the company’s global sustainability strategy.
- 🌱 Reducing e-waste by reusing components or disposing of them properly.
- 💰 Savings for users: exchanging old devices for discounts or monetary compensation when buying new ones.
- 🔄 Circular economy: return of valuable materials (gold, copper, rare earth metals) to the production cycle.
According to Xiaomi, over 1.2 million devices were recycled through the program in 2023, which reduced emissions. CO₂ So for comparison, that's the equivalent of 750,000 trees planted, and users got discounts of over 50 million dollars.
It's important to understand that Recycle Xiaomi is not a charity, and the company is interested in returning devices to extract valuable components, such as a smartphone that contains up to 0.034 grams of gold, 0.34 grams of silver and 9 grams of copper, and in mass recycling, this brings significant profits, some of which are returned to users in the form of bonuses.
What devices Xiaomi accepts for recycling
Not all the equipment is suitable for participation in the program. Xiaomi only accepts devices of its own brands:
- 📱 Smartphones: Xiaomi (series Mi, 11/12/13), Redmi (Series Note, K, A), POCO (series F, X, M).
- 🖥️ Tablets: Xiaomi Pad (all generations), Redmi Pad.
- ⌚ Smart watches and bracelets: Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch, Redmi Watch.
- 🎧 Headphones: Xiaomi Buds, Redmi Buds, POCO Buds.
- 📺 Televisions and projectors: Mi TV, Redmi TV, Xiaomi Projector.
- 💻 Laptops: Xiaomi Book (all models).
However, there are important limitations:
⚠️ Warning: Devices must be capable (turn on, have no critical damage to the body or display).If the gadget does not turn on, it can be accepted, but the cost of evaluation will decrease by 50-70%.
| Type of device | Maximum discount | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones flagship (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) | Up to 30%. | Screen working, no damage to the body |
| Budget Smartphones (Redmi) 10A, POCO M5) | Up to 15%. | Turns on, no trace of fluid. |
| Tablets (Xiaomi Pad 6) | Up to 25%. | Integrated body, touchscreen is working |
| Smart watches (Xiaomi Watch) S3) | Up to 20%. | The battery is working, there are no cracks in the glass. |
The program also accepts accessories: chargers, cables, covers - but for them the discount is minimal (up to 5%), the main rule: the equipment must be original, without signs of forgery.
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Before handing over the device, make a full reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings. This will protect your data and increase the chances of a high rating gadget.
How Xiaomi Recycle Program Works: Step-by-step Instructions
The process of participation in the program consists of several stages, and let’s look at the example of Russia (in other countries there may be minor differences).
1. Verification of the device for conformity
First, you need to make sure that your gadget is suitable for recycling.
- Go to the official Recycle Xiaomi page.
- Select the category of the device (smartphone, tablet, etc.).
- Enter a model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
- Answer questions about the condition (whether the screen is working, whether there are scratches, etc.).
The system will automatically calculate the pre-price, for example, for Xiaomi. 12T In good condition can offer a discount of 12 000 rubles for a new smartphone.
Choice of delivery method
There are two options:
- 🏬 Offline: in Xiaomi’s branded stores or partners (for example, “Svyaznoy”, “M. Video»).
- 🚚 Online: The courier will pick up the device from your home (not available in all regions).
When you order online, you will receive a discounted certificate immediately, and when you order online, money or bonuses will be transferred to the account after checking the device (usually within 3-5 days).
3. Evaluation and receipt of the bonus
The specialist will examine the gadget for the subject:
- Workability (whether or not "bricks" are included).
- The condition of the body and screen (scratches up to 0.5 mm usually do not affect the price).
- Original components (for example, a native battery)
If the device meets the stated parameters, you will receive:
- 💳 Discount certificate (valid for 6 months).
- 💵 Cash compensation (for a bank card or Mi-wallet).
- 🎁 Bonus points for participation in promotions (for example, drawing new devices).
Delete all personal data (photos, messages, accounts)
Make a backup copy of important information
Turn off fingerprint/face protection
Remove the cover and film (if not original)
Charge the battery to at least 30%-->
How much can you get for an old device?
The amount of the discount or compensation depends on three factors:
- Model and year of release: the newer the device, the higher the cost. 11T Pro (2021) is estimated at 8-10 thousand rubles, and Redmi 9A (2020) – only 1–2 thousand rubles.
- Condition: Devices without scratches and with original packaging are valued at 20-30% more expensive.
- Component Demand: If new Xiaomi models use the same chips or cameras as your gadget, it will be appreciated higher.
Approximate prices for popular models (according to data for 2026):
| Model | "Like new" state | Condition "Satisfactory" | Faulty. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | 25 000 ₽ | 18 000 ₽ | 8 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 12 000 ₽ | 7 000 ₽ | 3 000 ₽ |
| POCO F5 | 9 500 ₽ | 5 000 ₽ | 2 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | 15 000 ₽ | 10 000 ₽ | 4 000 ₽ |
Important: Prices are only valid for official reception points, and uncertified services can be reduced by 2-3 times.
Also, consider that the discount on the certificate often does not add up with other promotions. For example, if the Xiaomi 14 is on sale with a discount of 10%, and you have a certificate of 15%, only a large discount will apply.
How to verify the authenticity of Xiaomi Recycle Certificate?
Where to hand over the device for recycling: official points
In Russia, the Recycle Xiaomi program is available in the following places:
- 🏪 Xiaomi branded stores: in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and other cities with a million people. the full list can be found here.
- 🛒 Partner networks: Svyaznoy, M. Video, Eldorado. Check the participation of a particular store by phone.
- 🚛 Courier service: available in Moscow, the region and some regional centers.
In Europe, Asia, the list of locations is wider, for example, in Germany and France, you can take equipment in MediaMarkt and Fnac stores, and in India - in Mi Service service centers.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid unofficial reception points that promise “high prices for Xiaomi:
- Understate the cost after inspection (“screen scratched – minus 50%”).
- Do not issue documents about the transfer of the device (the risk that the gadget will be sold, not disposed of).
- They require an advance payment for the “examination”.
Xiaomi’s official partners always provide:
- Contract for transfer of the device for recycling.
- Check or electronic confirmation of delivery.
- Guarantee of confidentiality (data from the gadget is erased according to the standard) NIST 800-88).
Frequent questions and problems in the delivery of equipment
Despite the transparency of the program, users often face difficulties.
1. "I was undervalued by the cost of the device."
This is the most common complaint, to avoid being cheated:
- Take a picture of the device from all sides before the delivery (especially the screen and body).
- Require a written justification for the price reduction.
- If the difference with a preliminary estimate of more than 20%, contact Xiaomi with photos and a check.
2. "Do not accept the device due to small scratches"
According to the rules of the program, it is allowed:
- Scratches on the body up to 0.3 mm deep.
- No more than 3 cracks on the glass (if they do not interfere with the work of the touch screen).
- Frame chips that do not affect the internal components.
If you are denied for these reasons, ask for a review from a senior manager.
3. "Certificate does not work when paying"
Check it out.
- Validity period (usually 6 months).
- Correctness of code entry (without spaces).
- Category compliance (some certificates are valid only on smartphones).
If the problem persists, contact Xiaomi Hotline at 8 800 700 02 03 (free call).
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Record all disputes on video, which will help prove your case in the case of appeals in support or Rospotrebnadzor.
Recycle Xiaomi: where else to pass old equipment
If for some reason Xiaomi Recycle is not suitable for you, consider other options:
- 🔄 Trade-in in other stores: “Svyaznoy”, “M. Video”, “Citilink” offer similar programs, but sometimes under more favorable conditions. For example, for Redmi Note 11 in “Svyaznoy” can give 10-15% more than Xiaomi.
- 💰 Secondary Market Sale: You can get more money on Avito, Yula or Facebook Marketplace, but you will have to spend time searching for a buyer.
- ♻️ Eco-reception points: some cities have electronic recycling centers (e.g. Ecotechnologies in Moscow), where they won't pay money, but you'll get a recycling certificate for reporting.
- 🎁 Charity: Foundations like Gift Good or Old New accept working equipment for transfer to those in need.
Compare the benefits of different methods on the example of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
| Method | Sum (₽) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycle Xiaomi | 6 000 | Quick, reliable, discount on new | Price below market |
| Trade-in in "The Connected" | 7 500 | Higher price, you can take any brand. | Limited range |
| Sale on Avito | 9 000–11 000 | Maximum benefit | Long, the risk of fraud. |
| Eco-centre delivery | 0 | Environmental benefits | No financial gain |
If you want to maximize financial gain, you should sell yourself. If speed and reliability are important, choose Recycle Xiaomi or trade-in in trusted stores.